Tuscaloosa has some awesome and totally adorable ways to have a mini adventure with the kids!
The Gateway is located at 2614 University Blvd E, Tuscaloosa 35404. With free access to laptops and tablets, the center provides you and your kiddos with an opportunity to experience technology at no cost. There is a 16 foot by 5 foot interactive discovery wall. (It's super cool.) There's also a coffee shop located inside (with drinks and goodies for purchase).
The Gateway is open Monday - Saturday, 8am - 8pm, and Sunday 2pm - 6pm.
With walking trails through a native woodland section, a wildflower garden, a collection of ornamental plants, an experimental garden, and a children’s garden, the Arboretum gives you and you child a break from the city life. But it's located near the center of Tuscaloosa at 4801 Arboretum Way, Tuscaloosa, 35404.
The Arboretum is open daily from 8 am, until sunset. Admission is free. Please note, there is no smoking, drinking or weapons allowed on property. Additionally, bikes are not permitted, and patrons are asked to stay on trails and not climb trees.
The Farmer's Market is totally free to enter. The vegetables and goodies are for purchase, but who doesn't need a few veggies to take home for dinner?
The River Walk is a 4.5 mile path, from Capitol Park to the gazebo near Manderson Landing. The walk takes you along the southern bank of the Black Warrior River near downtown Tuscaloosa. The path can be used by walkers and bicycles.
FurBabies? Bring them along! There are several areas that are all dog friendly along the trail. Along the way, you'll pass benches, gazebos & hammock-friendly trees for quick breaks and picnics. AND, there is a playground near the Public Library and a splash pad at the Bama Bell dock for the kids.
Days getting shorter? The trail is well lit with street lamps lining the trail.
Playgrounds
There are loads of great playgrounds in the greater Tuscaloosa area. Here are a few of our favorites. They are all free - but note that some may have nearby pavilions that can be rented and reserved for special events.
- Northport Community Center
- Kentuck Park
- Snow Hinton (Kompani Space Net)
- Annette N. Shelby Park
- Monnish Park
- Bowers
- Munny Sokol,
- Sokol North (near Miracle League)
- Palmore
- Robert Cardinal Park
There are more playgrounds – but these are just some of our favorites! If you have a favorite park to add to this list, email Kelly and KellyJohns@MacaroniKid.com
With three locations in Tuscaloosa, the Tuscaloosa Public Library is accessible, affordable and fun. Classes and Activities are scheduled for the smallest of library fans to adults. Check out the Tuscaloosa Public Library calendar to upcoming events and current library hours.
Three Locations:
Tuscaloosa Public Library (main)
1801 Jack Warner Parkway
Monday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Brown Branch
300 Bobby Miller Parkway
Monday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturday CLOSED
Sunday CLOSED
Weaver Bolden Branch
2522 Lanier Ave.
Monday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Alabama Museum of Natural History
Located on the University of Alabama Campus in Smith Hall (427 Sixth Ave, Tuscaloosa 35487), the museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10am - 4:30 pm (except University Holidays).
Check out their Directions page for step-by-step directions and parking and public transit info.
So this isn't technically free, but it is an affordable way to learn and have an adventure with your family.
Admission:
Adults — $2
Students (K-12)/Senior Adults (55+) — $1
Children under 5 — Free
UA Students, Faculty & Staff — Free
Moundville Archaeological Park
The park is located in Moundville, AL, just 13 miles south of Tuscaloosa. With 326 acres, it's the former home of Mississippian people who constructed large, flat mounds. They provide beautiful views. And while you're there, visit the museum that displays treasures that were unearthed onsite (include the famous Rattlesnake Disk).
Click HERE to see photos and get more information about the park and museum.
The park grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk, with admission hours being between 8:30 and 4pm, and the museum is open 9am - 5pm. Note: They are closed for most major holidays.
Admission ranges from $8 (adults) to free (children under 5).
Macaroni Kid Tuscaloosa Calendar Events
Several of the events listed on our calendar are FREE. Just look for the cost, and you'll see several are listed as FREE!
