The summertime is the perfect time for many outdoor activities that will both please parents and kids. However, maybe as a parent, you would like to find some fun for your youngsters that’s is not so smoldering. Come in out of the hot summer sun and enjoy some shade as your children enjoy the Valley’s children’s museums. It’s a great way for kids to have fun and learn at the same time. And it gets mommy and daddy out of the hot summer sun for a few hours.
1. Sci-Quest
Address: 102-D Wynn Drive • Huntsville, Alabama 35805-1957
Phone: 256-837-0606
Website: www.sci-quest.org
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Admission: Adult admission is $9.00 per person. Seniors get in for $8.50 a person. Child admission is $8.00 per child. Members get in free. There is a $1.00 Military Discount for active military and all family members in their household.
Sci-Quest is a Hands-on Children’s Science Center. According to Sci-Quest.org, “The mission of Sci-Quest is to motivate children to discover and explore the wonders of science, mathematics and technology, and to correlate their interest to the existing career fields throughout Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley. The Science Center’s core values are creativity, excellence, integrity and interactivity.” Sci-Quest’s interactive exhibits give children the chance to learn science first hand.
The PlayMotion® exhibit enhances imagination as visitors can catch falling planets, build trees around their shadows or play beach volleyball with the interactive projector on the Sci-Quest wall. Early Childhood House introduces basic science through highly interactive activities that encourage them to explore and learn. In the music room, children can hear the sounds of the different types of instruments and can dance across the piano keyboard in the floor. Children can learn about nutrition while having fun and using imagination in the scaled-down kitchen. Other exhibits cover elements of the human body, Earth sciences, and electricity.
Roaming Dome is an inflatable dome that features digital presentations and movies designed to educate children about the solar system and atomic matter. It is an enclosed space that will accommodate 30-40 children at a time. Each show is 30 minutes long. Roaming Dome admission is $2.00.
In addition to the hands-on exhibits, Sci-Quest has a 3-D immersive theater, which incorporates a moderator’s teachings with the 3D/high-definition show and content on touch-screen computers. The 3-D immersive theater uses active 3D Technology and single projector technology visitors have the ability to personalize their learning experience.
Virtual Vortex is a 3-D experience that shows how severe weather forms, from tornadoes to storm clouds, and explains the physics of the weather. During the show, visitors can use the touch screen monitors in front of them to gain a better understanding of the weather. Virtual Vortex admission is $3.00.
Sci-Quest has more than 150 interactive, educational programs for groups of children.The science center offers education through weekend classes, day camps, school groups, home school classes, and sleepover events. Camps are available in the fields of robotics, engineering, biotechnology, video game production, cosmetic chemistry, and veterinary sciences. Education programs are available for children ages four through ninth grade. They also offer the Career Quest program for middle and high school students. Career Quest helps students connect their interests to careers.
Sci-Quest Summer Camp generally runs from June through August. Sci-Quest also offers Morning Camp Care 7:30-9a.m. and Afternoon Camp 4-5:30p.m. For Morning and Afternoon Camp Care, the cost is $30 a week per child. For Morning Only Camp Care, the cost is $15 a week per child. For Afternoon Only Camp Care, the cost is $15 a week per child. Pay-Per-Day Morning or Afternoon Camp Care is $3 per session per child. The third Friday of each month is Parents’ Night Out and is offered for children ages 4-12. The cost is $20 per child and $15 for each additional child in the same family.
Families and individuals may also become members of Sci-Quest. Check out www.sci-quest.org for membership levels. Membership benefits include: unlimited general admission to exhibits and half-price general admission for 1 guest as well as a 10% discount on education programs (excluding Home School Science), birthday parties and in the The Science Shop.
Sci-Quest birthday packages start at $100. The Basic Package is $100. It includes: admission to Sci-Quest permanent exhibits for a up to 10 children and up to 10 adults, use of a private party room for 1½ hours, ice cream cups may be purchased by the dozen for $5, invitations and thank you notes. The Classic Package is $150. It includes: admission to Sci-Quest permanent exhibits for a up to 10 children and up to 10 adults, use of a private party room for 1½ hours, a party hostess/host to assist with your party, ice cream cups may be purchased by the dozen for $5, invitations, thank you notes, plates, napkins, forks, spoons, cups, drinks, and candles, a special gift for the birthday child, and a Sci-Quest cup for each child to take home. The Premiere Package is $200. It includes: admission to Sci-Quest permanent exhibits for a up to 10 children and up to 10 adults, use of a private party room for 1½ hours, a party hostess/host to assist with your party, a Sci-Guide to amaze and engage your guests in an exciting science activity with a theme of your choosing, ice cream cups, invitations, thank you notes, plates, napkins, forks, spoons, cups, drinks, and candles, a special gift for the birthday child, and a Sci-Quest cup for each child to take home. The Supreme Package is $225. It includes: admission to Sci-Quest permanent exhibits for a up to 10 children and up to 10 adults, use of a private party room for 1½ hours, a party hostess/host to assist with your party, a Sci-Guide to amaze and engage your guests in an exciting science activity with a theme of your choosing, a birthday cake that feeds 38-45 people , ice cream cups, invitations, thank you notes, plates, napkins, forks, spoons, cups, drinks, and candles, a special gift for the birthday child, and a Sci-Quest cup for each child to take home. Supreme and Premiere Party Themes are Slime Science, Rock-in Rocks, Beyond Bugs, Transform-a-Bots, Spa Science, and Volcano. Check out the website for details on these exciting party themes.
According to the Decatur Daily, “Sci-Quest is the premier hands-on science center in North Alabama and encourages exploration of the sciences through a range of educational exhibits and programs.” I have experienced this museum first hand. This is a great chance for your child to learn while having lots of fun!
2. Early Works Children’s History Museum
Address: 404 Madison Street Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Phone: 256-564-8100
Website: www.earlyworks.com
Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Admission: Adult admission is $10.00. Senior admission is $8.00. Youth admission is $8.00. Toddler admission is $4.00. There are packages including tickets for Early Works, Huntsville Depot, and Constitution Village. Go to www.earlyworks.com for ticket packages for admission into all three museums. Also go to the website for group rates.
Early Works Children’s History Museum holds claim as the south’s largest hands-on history museum. Early Works was designed for children to be able to touch, climb, pull, and explore. Children can hear stories from the Talking Tree, play a tune on the giant-sized instruments at the Alabama bandstand and try their hands at building in the Kidstruction Zone. Children can explore a 46-foot Keelboat, trade wares at the General Store, and try on 1800’s clothing in the federal house. Biscuit’s Backyard is a touch-and-learn area designed especially for pre-schoolers. It includes a garden, grocery store, water table, and karaoke!
Anytime between July 31 and August 1, bring the kids to play at the Rocket City Beach Bash. The Fountain Circle (behind Early Works) will be turned into a fabulous beach! The whole family will be able to enjoy beach activities, concessions, entertainment. Wading pools, an interactive fountain, inflatables, beach umbrellas, and sand toys will add to the fun!
Early Works provides a fun environment for birthday parties. Party guests will build, play, and create as they enjoy party time in the Lunch Pail or Early Works picnic space. Party Includes: invitations, museum admission, party favors, party space, and time in Biscuit’s Backyard for children 6 years old and under. Check www.earlyworks.com for birthday party rates.
To become a member of Early Works, visit the website for membership levels and details. Get discounts and other great benefits to Early Works, Constitution Village, and The Huntsville Depot.
3. Alabama Constitution Village
Address: 109 Gates Ave., Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Phone: 256-564-8100
Website: www.earlyworks.com/the-museums/constitution-village
Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (March-October)
November and December hours are adjusted for Santa’s Village. Constitution Village is closed January and February.
Admission: Adult admission is $10.00. Senior admission is $8.00. youth admission is $8.00. Toddler admission is free.
At Alabama Constitution Village, step inside the picket fence and be transported back to 1819. At Constitution Village, visitors can hear the whir of the spinning wheel, smell the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread being prepared over an open fire, turn the great wheel lathe in the cabinetmaker’s shop, and visit with villagers busy with their daily tasks. The atmosphere literally takes visitors back to a time before cell phones, TVs, computers, and video games. Kids get a chance to experience and be a part of a time before our time and a life they only have read about in books.
Children will learn about history in a new light. They will get to visit the vacant cabinet shop where forty-four delegates of the constitutional convention gathered here on July 5, 1819, to organize Alabama as the 22nd state. They can visit John Boardman’s print shop, Clement Comer Clay’s law office, the Federal Land Surveyor’s office, a post office, and sheriff Stephen Neal’s residence.
4. Huntsville Historic Depot
Address: 320 Church Street, Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Phone: 256-564-8100
Website: www.earlyworks.com/the-museums/train-depot
Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (March-December)
Admission: Adult admission is $10.00. Senior admission is $8.00. youth admission is $8.00. Toddler admission is free.
At The Huntsville Historic Depot, visitors can hear the rattle of the tracks and the engineer’s whistle as they experience life on the rails in 1860. Visitors can discover Civil War graffiti and listen as Andy, the robotic ticket agent, tells of Alabama’s railway history. According to www.earlyworks.com/the-musuems/train-depot, The Huntsville Historic Depot is “listed on the National Register of Historic Places because the Depot served as the local passenger house and the corporate offices for the eastern division of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad.” The depot was an active passenger station until 1968. The original depot building stills stands as it symbolizes Huntsville’s transportation history and city growth.
Visitors can also explore the Little Toot’s Imagination Station, which is an area just for children aged 6 and under. It allows children the chance to play and pretend! At the Little Toot’s Imagination Station, kids can cook and serve or sit and eat at the Depot Diner; fill the truck up with gas or check under the hood at Dan’s Garage; sell or buy a ticket for the Train and then climb aboard for places limited only by the imagination!
Check with the Huntsville Depot for birthday parties. The Happy Birthday Caboose is a real caboose and always ready for children to climb aboard for the little birthday engineer’s party. Party Includes: invitations, museum admission, party favors, party time in a real caboose, and a track trolley ride (as available).
5. Burritt on the Mountain
Address: 3101 Burritt Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256-536-2882
Website: www.burrittonthemountain.com
Hours of Operation:
Summer Hours (April – October):
Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Winter Hours (November – March):
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Admission: Adult admission is $7.00 per person. Senior admission is $6.00 per person. Military admission is $6.00 per person. Student (13-17 years old) admission is $5.00 per student. Child (3-12 years old) admission is $4.00 per child. Children 2 and under and members of the Burritt Museum get in free.
Burritt on the Mountain offers beautiful scenery as well as exhibits, plays, and historic sites. According to www.burrittonthemountain.com, “Burritt on the Mountain has been referred to as a ‘Jewel on the Mountain.'” On the grounds, visitors can visit Dr. William Henry Burritt’s eclectic mansion, historic 19th century houses, concerts, plays, and exhibits.
“Burritt on the Mountain enhances lives and builds community through educational, artistic, and recreational experiences while preserving our heritage, land, and historic structures. Your involvement and participation is essential to our realization of our mission!” -www.burrittonthemountain.com
Children can see life as it would be on a 19th Century Farm. Blacksmithing, spinning, and cooking over an open hearth are just some of the skills employed in the historic park. In the Burritt Barnyard, children can get up close and personal with an animal that would have been used for work, wool, or even food for the farmers and their families. Kids have lots of fun at Burritt on the Mountain as they pet and interact with the sheep and other barnyard animals. Feeding and interaction with the Barnyard Buddies is a big thrill for many of the young visitors to Burritt on the Mountain.
Burritt Kids’ Camp offers summer day camp programs for children in kindergarten through 12th grade. Kids get to participate in hands-on learning activities specially designed to explore environmental, historical, scientific and cultural issues while providing hours of fun. Burritt provides snacks each day, but the children will need to bring a lunch.
See about making a donation to Burritt on the Mountain. Donations go towards educational programs, feeding and care for the Barnyard Buddies, and upkeep of the Historic Structures and Trails. Individuals or families may make any donation they would like to make, but for membership, individuals or families may make specific donations. For membership levels and benefits, go to www.burrittonthemountain.com.
I have actually been to all of these local children’s attractions. The museums are great fun for children and adults alike. It is a great way for kids to learn and for parents to be involved in their children’s learning process. So if you and your family need something to do this summer, visit some of these great places right here in the Valley!
List of Sources:
www.sci-quest.org/home/
Sci-Quest Hands-On Science Museum
http://events.decaturdaily.com/huntsville-al/venues/show/318369-sciquest
Decatur Daily.com
www.earlyworks.com/
Early Works Museums
www.earlyworks.com/the-museums/childrens-museum
Early Works Museums
Early Works Children’s History Museum
www.earlyworks.com/the-museums/constitution-village
Early Works Museums
Constitution Village
www.earlyworks.com/the-museums/train-depot
Early Works Museums
Huntsville Historic Depot
www.burrittonthemountain.com/
Burritt on the Mountain
