When planning a family friendly vacation, Montgomery, Alabama may not be the first city to come to mind but if you’re on a budget it should be. Montgomery is a city in the middle of a revitalization. In the past year publications from around the nation have visited, publishing itineraries and to do lists. This writer has been twice and says don’t miss all the free family fun in Montgomery, Alabama.
10 FREE Things to Do in Montgomery, Alabama
1. The Mooseum – Alabama Cattlemen’s Association
2. Alabama Department of Archives and History
3. Judicial Building
4. Alabama State Capitol
5. Alabama State University Center for the Study for Civil Rights and African- American Culture
6. Hank Williams Memorial & Grave
7. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama
8. Court Square Fountain
9. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
10. Shakespeare Gardens & Amphitheater
Montgomery Alabama, the state’s capital, is filled with museums and free things to do. Plan a family vacation here and you can save your money for eating out at some of the delicious restaurants. Downtown is walkable and hotel choices are plentiful and affordable. Check out our top picks for free things to do in Montgomery.
1. The Mooseum – Alabama Cattlemen’s Association
Where’s the beef? It’s all here in this cattle-themed museum. With displays showing what cattle by-products are used in (crayons!?!), a walk through the history of cattle ranching, and a kid-friendly room complete with dress-up clothes this spot has something for everyone. My daughter and I had a blast dressing up and playing in the fake kitchen. Be sure to check out the wallpaper in the kitchen!
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Admission is free but bring a little cash for the gift shop. There are some fun items including many under $5.
2. Alabama Department of Archives and History
It may sound like a dry destination to visit with kids but it was one of our favorite things to do in Montgomery. The Alabama Department of Archives and History is the oldest state-funded Archives in the nation. The marble building is stunning to look at and housed inside is the Museum of Alabama.
For kids, the “Grandma’s Attic” hands-on gallery is a roomful of experiential learning. There are boxes upon boxes of activities from brushing out cotton to space-themed boxes that kids can take down and explore.
Be sure to stop at the front desk on your way in. They will give your child instructions on a booklet to complete. Make a good effort and pick a prize from the “treasure chest”! Not traveling with kids? The Museum of Alabama covers Alabama History from the 1700s to the 21st century. The information comes alive encouraging interaction.
3. Judicial Building
Home of the Alabama Supreme Court, Courts of Criminal and Civil Appeals, the State Law Library, and the Administrative Office of Courts. Take a tour and learn about the history of the legal profession and judicial branch of government in Alabama.
4. Alabama State Capitol
The Alabama State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark. It is where Jefferson Davis took the oath of office as president of the Confederate States of America and where the Civil Rights March ended with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivering a stirring speech from the top of its steps. After a major renovation in 1992, restored areas open to the public include the House of Representatives, Senate Chamber, Old Supreme Court Chamber & Library, and Rotunda.
Tours are free at designated times throughout the day. You must join a tour to see the Capitol.
5. Alabama State University Center for the Study for Civil Rights and African- American Culture
On the grounds of Alabama State University the Center hosts a collection of Civil Rights documents, artifacts, and memorabilia. The Center studies Montgomery’s role in American Civil Rights. The Center is closed on Mondays. This is a great stop to explore more if you’ve visited the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum for an in-depth look at some items of the Civil Rights era.
6. Hank Williams Memorial & Grave
If you’re a country music fan head over to Oakwood Cemetery and follow the road until you see Hank Williams signs. There are marble benches to sit and think about your favorite lyrics. If you’re stilling feeling a yearning after the visit head to the Hank Williams Museum downtown to learn more.
7. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama
The 2 million square foot manufacturing plant sits on 1,744 acres of land and includes a stamping facility, paint shop, vehicle assembly shop, a two-mile test track, and an engine shop, where the Hyundai 3.3-liter VG engine is produced.
Tours are available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:30 a.m., 12:00 and 2:30 p.m. and on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. (April-October only). All tours are free and require reservations which can be made up to six months in advance.
NOTE: Children must be at least 6 years old and be with a parent or guardian to attend. Please allow 75-90 minutes for the tour.
8. Court Square
The Court Square fountain makes a gorgeous picture (particularly in the evening when it’s lit up). Although it’s a pretty picture, it’s history is more somber. It was the original auction site for slaves back before the Civil War. Plaques placed around the square explain the historical significance of the fountain area and all the street corners surrounding it. Plan some time to wander and read.
9. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
In college, my interest in the arts led me to pursue an Arts Administration minor. Having spent countless hours studying movements, artists and works I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and curation of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Their collection is impressive and spans genres and regions.
The Museum also includes an interactive area for children. ArtWorks allow children to interact with art in a hands-on atmosphere. My daughter had a blast dancing in front of a video screen that mimicked her movements. We spent some quiet time up in the loft reading books that had art as a theme.
Even in the “grown-up” galleries, kids can interact with the art by utilizing the mobile phone art walk system to hear more information about a piece of art. Visiting Montgomery before Spring 2020? Check out the expanded Sculpture Garden for some inspirational art in nature.
The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sundays 12pm-5pm. Admission is free.
10. Shakespeare Gardens & Amphitheater
Located within Montgomery’s Blount Cultural Park, the Shakespeare Gardens feature plants and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. The garden is one of only seven Shakespearean gardens in the United States.
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Some of these aren’t free
You can also go visit Hank Williams Sr.’s grave as well if you are a country music fan!