Check out what's going on this weekend across the state:
Bargain Mom Halloween Round-up: Pumpkin Patches, Fall Festivals, Events, Freebies & More
This post has it all -- free festivals, free events, free treats for kids in costumes, crafts, sales, deals and more -- all happening this weekend through Monday! Full story » | Guided Nature Hikes Saturdays at Lake Guntersville |
| 10/29/2011 to 12/30/2011 |
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9 a.m. Each Saturday - Trails & Starting Locations vary each week. |
| Email patti.donnellan@dcnr.alabama.gov or Call (256) 571-5445 |
| 2011 XTERRA Alabama Trail Run Series |
| 10/29/2011 to 11/13/2011 |
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The Alabama State Parks are proud to host the 2011 XTERRA Alabama Trail Run Series. Three races at three different state park beginning on September 17, 2011. |
| Email Tim@dirtyspokes.com or Call (256) 488-5115 |
| Scarecrows in the Park |
| 10/29/2011 to 11/15/2011 |
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The Trailmasters of Opp, Alabama once again present the "Scarecrows in the Park." This has become an annual event at Frank Jackson State Park and is one of the most popular attractions during the fall harvest season. The scarecrows are individually sponsored and last year approximately 100 scarecrows were available. The event begins on October 1 and will run until mid-November. General admission is $2.00 with seniors allowed for $1.00 admission. |
| Email FrankJackson.StatePark@dcnr.alabama.gov or Call (334) 493-6988 |
| Shinbone's Haunted Valley on Cheaha Mountain |
| 10/29/2011 to 10/31/2011 |
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Shinbone's Haunted Valley is a maze with scary delights around every corner. With a price of admission of only $8.00, it's time to see if you can make it to the end. |
| Email cheaha.event@dcnr.alabama.gov or Call (256) 488-5115 |
| Nature Center Video |
| 10/29/2011 |
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Location: Meet at Gulf State Park Nature Center
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Free to the public
Video: National Geographic: Cyclone (60 min.) Nature at its most terrifying! Come brave the eye of the cyclone. |
| Email gspnc@gulftel.com or Call (251) 948-7275 |
| Fall Festival at Oak Mountain State Park |
| 10/29/2011 |
|
Fall Festival at Oak Mountain State Park - Dogwood & Lakeside Pavilions - 10a.m. until 2p.m.
Come join us for the 1st Fall Festival at Oak Mountain State Park.
We will have all kinds of activities to include: hayrides, face painting, moonwalk, cake hop, corn cob toss, bobbing for apples, dunking booth, and a pumpkin carving contest. Bring your own pumpkin to carve.
Food and drinks will be available to purchase.
Park admission is charged: $3 adults, $1 children (ages 6 to 11), 5 & under are free, $1 seniors (age 62+).
Activities have a fee of $1 each. Tickets for activities can be purchased under the Dogwood Pavilion. Money will not be accepted at each activity, only tickets. |
| Email oakmountain.naturalist@dcnr.alabama.gov or Call (205) 620-2520 |
| Hay Ride in the Park - Paul Grist Park |
| 10/29/2011 to 10/30/2011 |
|
Paul M. Grist State Park is hosting its first “Hay Ride in the Park”. The hay ride will be the weekend of the Saturday October 29, and Sunday October 30. The first ride will start at 10:00 a.m., second ride at 1:00 p.m., and third ride at 4:00 p.m. for day users. There will be a later ride around 7:00 p.m. for campers that are camping at the Paul Grist State Park. We are also allowing trunk or treat for those who would like to decorate the trunks of their cars and hand out candy to the kids on the ride. |
| Email pgriststpk@mindspring.com or Call (334) 872-5846 |
| Owl-o-ween |
| 10/29/2011 |
|
10/29/11 Owl-o-ween 10a.m.-2pm featuring childrens’ activities, wildlife presentations and educational programs.
COST: Free after paid admission to Oak Mountain State Park: $1 per child 6-11 & Seniors 62+; $3 Adults
205-663-7930 Ext. 4; www.awrc.org. |
| Call (205) 663-7930 |
| Sundials & Shadows |
| 10/29/2011 |
|
Astronomy Weekend at DeSoto State Park & Little River Canyon Center
Join us for fun activities Friday night, all day Saturday and Saturday night for families who want to learn about nature together. Join astronomer Dr. Laura Weinkauf for Campfire Talks on Friday and Saturday nights, register for the solar system program on Saturday. For lodging information, visit www.AlaPark.com/DeSotoResort Sundials & Shadows JSU astronomer, Dr. Laura Weinkauf, will teach children/families about the movement of the sun and how the earth relates to our big star as well as the other planets in our solar system. Where: Little River Canyon Center Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Fee: Free. |
| Email fieldschool@jsu.edu or Call (256) 782-8010 |
| Stars, Moons and Planets |
| 10/29/2011 |
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Astronomy Weekend at DeSoto State Park & Little River Canyon Center
Join us for fun activities Friday night, all day Saturday and Saturday night for families who want to learn about nature together. Join astronomer Dr. Laura Weinkauf for Campfire Talks on Friday and Saturday nights, register for the solar system program on Saturday. For lodging information, visit www.AlaPark.com/DeSotoResort Campfire Talk: Stars, Moons and Planets Learn more about the winter night sky with JSU astronomer Dr. Laura Weinkauf. Dependent upon weather conditions. Dress for the weather Date: Saturday, October 29, 2011 Where: DeSoto State Park's CCC Pavilion(in Picnic Area, across road from Country Store) Time: 6:00 pm Fee: Free |
| Email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov or Call (256) 997-5025 |
| Hallo's Night 2011 |
| 10/29/2011 |
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Come enjoy the day of events - Campsite decoration contest, Costume Contest for all Park Guest and campfire ghost stories. Trick or treat while you stay with us! It is a mountain of fun! |
| Email Cheaha.event@dcnr.alabama.gov or Call (800) 846-2654 |
| Guided Hike Lake Guntersville State Park |
| 10/29/2011 |
|
King's Chapel Trail
9:00 a.m.
A short 1.6 mile hike from the park road to an old cemetery. Meet at the trailhead parking area. |
| Email patti.donnellan@dcnr.alabama.gov or Call (256) 571-5440 |
| Original German Sausage Festival |
| 10/29/2011 |
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The Original German Sausage Festival, sponsored by Elberta Volunteer Fire Department, will be held at the Elberta Town Park from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
There will be plenty of German Sausage, other food booths, music, dancing, arts and crafts booths, and children's rides and games. |
| Fall Color Nature Hike |
| 10/29/2011 |
|
Take a hike among the beautiful fall foliage of Lake Guntersville State Park. The ridges and banks of the Guntersville Reservoir are a patchwork of color painted by Mother Nature. Our park naturalist will lead you through the myriad of colors on a guided hike with the trail location to be named later. Meet in the lobby of the Lodge at 1:00 p.m. |
| Email patti.donnellan@dcnr.alabama.gov or Call (256) 571-5445 |
EVENTS FROM THE ALABAM TRAVEL COUNCIL --
Wills Creek Pow Wow [Fort Payne] [Oct 29-30, 2011]
General admission: Adults, $8; youth (13-17), $5; seniors & students with ID, $5; military/police/fire, EMS members, free with ID. Head Staff MC: Jeff Whaley; AD: Ben Wilson; Honor Guard: Visiting Veerans; Host Drum: TBA; Head Man: Daily Pick; Head Lady: Daily Pick; Head Gourd Dancer: White Star Gourd Society; Head Veteran: TBA; Speical: Gourd dancing, stomp dancers and entertainment with various artists. Sat., 9 a.m.-8 p.m. (Grand entry 1 & 6 p.m.); Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Grand Entry, 1 p.m.)
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Haunted Hayride and Truck or Treat [Guntersville] [Oct 30, 2011]
Oct 30, Guntersville Haunted Hayride and Truck or Treat 256-571-5445. www.visitlakeguntersville.com. Free. Lake Guntersville State Park--Bring the kids out for a haunted hayride and truck or treat. Meet at the beach area located near the main campground. 5-9:30 p.m.
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Columbiana Farmers Market [Columbiana] [May 1-Oct 31, 2011]
May 1-Oct 31, Columbiana Columbiana Farmers Market 205-669-9075. www.southshelbychamber.com. Free. Shelby County Courthouse Parking Lot--Locally grown fruits, vegetables and more. Sat., 7 a.m. until.
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Mt. Laurel Farmer's Market & Craft Fair [Mt. Laurel] [Jun 1-Oct 31, 2011]
Jun-Oct, Mt. Laurel Mt. Laurel Farmer's Market & Craft Fair 205-669-9075. www.mtlaurel.com or www.southshelbychamber.com. Free. Downtown--Activities, music and family fun every Saturday, all day long.
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Odyssey Shipwreck! Treasures from the S.S. Republic [Elberta] [Aug 31-Oct 31, 2011]
Through Oct 31, Elberta Odyssey Shipwreck! Treasures from the S.S. Republic 251-752-8883. baldwincountyheritagemuseum.com. Baldwin County Heritage Museum—En route from New York to New Orleans in October 1865, the SS Republic sank with a fortune in coins and an enormous cargo of goods. See videos and images of Odyssey’s discoveries, including coins and nearly 14,000 artifact, and delve into stories of courage and survival of the ship’s passengers and crew. Wed.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 2nd & 4th Sun., noon-5 p.m.
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Fall Scarecrow Trail [Huntsville] [Sep 1-Oct 31, 2011]
Sept 1-Oct 31, Huntsville Fall Scarecrow Trail 256-830-4447 ext. 290. www.hsvbg.org. Admission charged. Huntsville Botanical Garden--Don't miss the Fall Scarecrow Trail at Huntsville Botanical Garden where over 100 scarecrows await you! Come see what hay-filled delights sprang from the creativity of their makers. And for the second year, you'll be amazed by over a dozen hay bale art displays. From spooky to funny, you are sure to be impressed. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail Launch [Alexander City] [Sep 1-Oct 31, 2011]
Sep 1-Oct 31, Alexander City Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail Launch 256-234-3461. www.piedmontplateaubirdingtrail.com. Free. Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail--Watch for highway signs with the Great Horned Owl leading you to the world of nature. The new Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail covers nine counties and encompasses more than 3.6 million acres of natural wildlife habitat.
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Harvest Time at Old Alabama Town [Montgomery] [Oct 1-31, 2011]
Oct 1-31, Montgomery Harvest Time at Old Alabama Town 334-240-4500. www.oldalabamatown.com. Admission charged. Old Alabama Town--Come down to Old Alabama Town throughout October as we feature Harvest Time in the 1800's. Join us for tours of the cotton gin and grist mill, and get a first hand look at farming in the 19th century. Individual self-guided tours offered Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Guided tours available by reservation only, for groups of 10 or more. Call 1-888-240-1850 for more information or visit our website at www.oldalabamatown.com.
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Saturday Jam Sessions [Montgomery] [Oct 1-31, 2011]
Oct 1-31, Montgomery Saturday Jam Sessions 334-240-4500. www.oldalabamatown.com. Free. Old Alabama Town--Pick and grin at Old Alabama Town's Saturday Jam Sessions, held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month at the historic Rose House, circa 1840's. Musicians, bring your acoustic instruments and join the fun! Admission is free to the jam sessions; tickets to tour Old Alabama Town are available at the Reception Center. Call 1-888-240-1850 for more information or visit www.oldalabamatown.com 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
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Spooktacular! [Gadsden] [Oct 1-31, 2011]
Oct 1-31, Gadsden Spooktacular! 256-543-2787 ext. 23. www.culturalarts.org. Admission charged. Imagination Place Children's Museum--Spooky crafts, costume design and contests, learn to dance the Monster Mash. See website for specific dates and times.
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Shoals Artists Guild Exhibit [Florence] [Oct 4-31, 2011]
Oct 4-31, Florence Shoals Artists Guild Exhibit 256-760-6379. www.florenceal.org. Free. Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts--Exhibition of works in graphite, oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel and mixed media by members of the Guild. Mon.- Fri., 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
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Guest Artist Recital featuring Jason Bergman, Ben McIlwain, Ellen Elder [Tuscaloosa] [Oct 13-31, 2011]
Guest Artist recital featuring: Jason Bergman-trumpet Ben McIlwain-trombone Ellen Elder-piano 5:30 p.m.
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ZooBoo [Montgomery] [Oct 13-31, 2011]
Oct 13-16, 20-23 & 27-31, Montgomery ZooBoo 334-240-4930. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Montgomery Zoo--A safe alternative to Halloween, ZooBoo provides a fun-filled evening of games, treats, and costumed characters, Enjoy education presentations, and the traditional haunted ride. 6-9 p.m.
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Vanynberg Vignettes Halloween Production [Opelika] [Oct 20-31, 2011]
THE VANYNBERG VIGNETTES. Being A Dramatic Interpretation Of The History Of The Infamous Vanynberg Family Curse In The Southern Gothic Style GENERAL TICKETS : $ 28 HALLOWEEN NIGHT : $ 35 ABOUT THE PRODUCTION :: Simply put, The Vanynberg Vignettes is our creative answer to the typical, everyday, run-of-the-mill haunted house. We're putting together a creative team to develop a highly stylized, well-scripted, dynamic theatrical production that will leave our audiences speechless. Don't expect worms, or witches with brooms. The Vanynberg Vignettes is a bone-chilling story about a Southern family which will need no frills. Pure. Gut wrenching. NOTES : 1. This production includes food & refreshments available in the waiting tent before your scheduled session. 2. It is highly recommended that attendees arrive 30 mins before their schedule session. 3. There are 5 - 45 min sessions (shows) each night with 10 available attendee slots each session. This format was developed to provide for better production value and audience experience. VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS : www.thelaymangroup.org
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11th Annual Downtown Trick or Treat [Auburn] [Oct 31, 2011]
Oct 31, Auburn 11th Annual Downtown Trick or Treat 334-501-2940. www.auburnalabama.org. Free. Downtown Auburn--Downtown Trick-or-Treat is an excellent alternative to door-to-door Trick-or-Treating, so bring your monsters, clowns, warriors and princesses to the best party in town! All Trick-or-Treat activities are for children 12 and younger, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. 6-8 p.m.
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LIST AND LINKS OF HOW TO FIND MORE TO DO ACROSS THE STATE:
GO
F BIRMINGHAM EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.
GO
F HUNTSVILLE DECATUR MADISON EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.
GO H
ERY EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.
GO
LL LIST OF MOBILE EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.
GO
LIST OF TUSCALOOSA EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.
GO
PARK EVENTS.
MY LIST OF HOT SPOTS IF YOU WANT TO HIT THE ROAD:
in Anniston -
Aldridge Gardens -
- Hooks in the Garden -- fishing all week long.
Turk
/turkey-creek
Alabama Veterans Memorial off I-459
.htm
Birmingham Civil Rights Museum
is free on Sundays only from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
: http://www.bcri.org/index.html
Arlington Antebellum Home
is open Tuesday through Saturday.
$5 for adults and $3 for kids 18 and under.
http://
htm
Also --
- $3 or less for park entrance.
County Rd 314
Natural Bridge, AL 35577
(205) 486-5330
Montgomery -
This could be a great time to take the kids to see the capitol, archives, Little White House of Confederacy, Old Alabama Town and more.
Go here to see a complete list of attractions and options for educational entertainment.
You might surprise yourself by learning something.
Most of the government attractions are free.
Old Alabama Town is not.
Here's their info:
Hours and Admission
Hours: Old Alabama Town is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our last ticket is sold at 3 p.m. We're closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Admission: Adults, $10; Children ages 6-18, $5. Free to ages 5 and younger. A 10 percent discount is offered to AAA, military and seniors.
Cathedral Caverns State Park Headquarters637 Cave RoadWoodville, AL. 35776256-728-8193The Park is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m
Here's a brief description:
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The first thing you notice about Cathedral Caverns is the massive entrance. The huge opening measures 126 feet wide and 25 feet high. And it gets even better. Inside the cavern, you will find Big Rock Canyon, Mystery River and some of the most beautiful formations Mother Nature has ever created. Among them, you will see Stalagmite Mountain, The Frozen Waterfall and Goliath, a huge stalagmite column that reaches the ceiling of the cave some 45 feet above! Cathedral Caverns is the perfect field trip for your school, church or other group. You can visit anytime, as the cave maintains a comfortable 60-degree temperature year round. Call and make plans today and you will see why we are excited about Alabama's newest state park!
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Monday- Saturday
8:30- 5:00
Sunday
Closed
Caverns Admission
Adults $15.95
Child (4-12) $8.95
Under 4 Free
Group Rates $10.95/$5.95
(15 or More)
GO HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND DIRECTIONS.
ONE YEAR Adult Cave Tour for just $5 more $23.99
ONE YEAR Child Cave Tour for just $5 more $21.99
Civil War soldiers, a Talking Tree and whimmy diddles - see them all at the EarlyWorks Museums- Alabama Constitution Village, the Historic Huntsville Depot and EarlyWorks Children's History Museum.
| Individual Admission | Adult | Senior | Youth | Toddler |
| Earlyworks Children's Museum | 12.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | 5.00 |
| Constitution Village | 12.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | 5.00 |
| Huntsville Depot | 12.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | 5.00 |
| 2 Museums | 20.00 | 15.00 | 15.00 | 5.00 |
| THE WORKS - all 3 | 25.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 | 5.00 |
Admission: $12 for adults, $5 for kids age 6-12 and free for kids age 5 and younger.
Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week with the exception of major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and Easter). Extended summer hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week
GO HERE.
--
Palisades Park in Blount County -- Go here. They've got a great new kids area that just opened in May.
-- Go
-- miniature Jerusalem. Go
-- great for kids. Go
Little River Canyon i
n Fort Payne is a nature lovers' paradise. Hike down to the bottom of the gorge, check out the falls up close and enjoy some majestic birds.
You'll spot hawks, eagles, vultures and falcons from overlooks. Take a picnic.
There are also a ton of kid friendly parks in downtown Fort Payne. Go
www.nps.gov/liri
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center in East Lake
-- They've got new nature center and trails galore.
Adult/$6
Senior Citizen (age 60+)/$5.50
Child(4–17)/$5 & ages 3 & under/free
This is a fun museum to explore.
G
or more info.
Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5 p.m. Sunday 1–5 p.m.
Rickwood Caverns State Park in Hayden
It's $1 to get in and enjoy just the park, trails and playground.
Cave tours are only available on weekends.
Saturday and Sunday schedule:
10:15 a.m.
12:15 p.m.
2:15 & 4:15
Cave Tour Admission Fee:
Age 12 to adult: $10
Age 6 to 11: $5
Under age 6: FREE with parent or guardian
Group discount: $2 off each person for groups of 25 or more.
and more.
Oak Mountain State Park
C
heck out the Alabama Wildlife Refuge Center.
The Wildlife Center: Located in Oak Mountain State Park, it is the largest wildlife rehabilitation center in Alabama and cares for over 2,000 injured and orphaned wild creatures each year. Visitors may view the rehabilitation process through one-way glass and learn about native species.
$3 for adults
Mt. Cheaha --
The tallest point in Alabama is a beautiful drive through the mountains. Take Bald Rock trail out to a gorgeous overlook.
Bring a picnic for sure. There are some great hiking trails.
on, hours and directions.
Southern Museum of Flight by the Birmingham Airport
Colorful Kite Tales Exhibit & Programs
Colorful Kite Tales Exhibition chronicles the colorful history and science of kites. These sixteen panels and an array of kites detail kite basics and historical kiting events Developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services and on loan by the Drachen Foundation of Seattle, Washington.
Free with Museum Admission
Members Free
Group Tours with Hand-on Kite-Making Available - $7 per person
Active military and their families are admitted free.
Adults are $6, Seniors & students are $5 - children 3 and under are free.
Open Tuesday through Saturday 9:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Vulcan Park is also another option.
Go here to learn more about their coming events.
Daily Admission Rates (plus tax) 10 am - 6 pm:
(Includes park grounds, Vulcan Center Museum and Observation Balcony)
$6 Adults
$5 Seniors (65+)
$4 Children ages 5-12
Children 4 years and under are admitted free.
and more.
They also have some great kids games and information for you to share with your kids before you get there.
Address:
300 North Commons Street, West
Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674
(256) 383-4066
Hours:
Monday through Saturday 8:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Last tour starts at 3:45 p.m. daily
Home Tour Admission:
Adults..........................................$6.00
Students ages 5 -18..................$2.00
Seniors & "AAA" members......$5.00
Military (Active and Retired).....$5.00
Group of 20 or more..................Adults $5 & Children $1.50 (Group reservations requested)
American Village in Montevallo -
Go
sion.
Mondays - Fridays from 10-4 PM