by: Sydney Kate Watson, DHI Communications Intern
As summer starts to heat up, it’s the perfect time to cool down! We have some fun Downtown activities that will entertain you and your family while you beat the heat!
Water Fun
The Splash Pad in Bicentennial Park is a fantastic way for the kids to cool off! The park is located directly behind the EarlyWorks Children’s Museum and is open to the public for free! While at the splash pad, there are several benches for you to relax while watching your children plus enjoy a shady pergola and several public art pieces. Or you can check out another splash pad in our Merrimack District, the Everybody Can Play Splash Pad, located in Brahan Spring Park. There is a large pavilion that you can rent for parties, but the splash pad itself is free to the public!
If your family is more interested in the full-on water experience, we have what you need! Also located in the Merrimack District is the Huntsville Aquatics Center. After its renovations were completed in 2017, the Aquatics Center is one of the largest indoor facilities of its kind in the United States. General admission to this great facility is only four dollars!
Mountain Breeze
Another escape from the heat is to head to the mountain, Monte Sano Mountain! As you drive to the top of Monte Sano, the air becomes cooler due to the higher elevation. On the mountain, there are plenty of activities! You can check out Burritt on the Mountain where you can step back in time to the 1800s and discover a different way of life. They also offer a variety of different activities, for the family or for adults only. This summer, Burritt on the Mountain is presenting Cocktails at the View sponsored by First Bank. At this event, you can enjoy the sun setting over Huntsville all while sipping a cocktail!
Other family-friendly activities include hiking opportunities! There are Burritt Nature Trails and also Land Trust of North Alabama Trails on Monte Sano Mountain. Each trail varies in difficulty and length to provide opportunities for all hiking levels. Monte Sano also has its very own State Park! This park is complete with hiking and biking trails, campsites, cabins, and even a playground for the kids or kids at heart!
If you’re not a hiking enthusiast but still want to enjoy the mountain breeze, visit The Little Green Store and Gallery! The store showcases regional and local jewelry, glass, pottery, and art. It’s a must if you’re interested in shopping locally!
Cool Treats
Any hot and humid summer day can be cooled off with a tasty summer treat! Piper and Leaf in Constitution Hall Park offers iced teas of all flavors, and as a true Southerner, there’s nothing that beats an iced tea on a hot summer day! There are also creamier options, such as grabbing some ice cream from the Cozy Cow by Big Spring Park, gelato from Sam and Gregs on the Southside Square, or a milkshake from Cookie Dough Magic on Holmes. If you’re looking for a cool treat with adult options, check out Suzy’s Pops at Lowe Mill, Greene Street Market, or our Food Truck and Trailer Rallies! Their pops feature fresh produce from local farmers, and some of their pops are made with adult beverages.
Whatever way you decide to cool off, we hope you will check out these fun options Downtown Huntsville has to offer!