10 Of The Best Museums in Alabama

Aug 13,2022read

Children love museums, and Alabama is home to some of the best! From history to science, art and everything in between, there’s a museum in Alabama that will excite and engage your children.

However, with so many great museums to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. To help you get started on planning the best family trip possible, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best museums for kids in Alabama:

Huntsville Museum of Art

The Huntsville Museum of Art is the best place to begin your family museum tour of Alabama. This family-friendly art museum will introduce your children to the visual arts and inspire creativity through special exhibits, family programs and on-site art studios. The museum’s collection includes works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, Salvador Dali and Norman Rockwell. Key Info // Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00am-5:00pm Admission: Admission is free. Special exhibitions are $10-18. Children under 6 are free. Hands-on Activities: The art studio and curator’s corner Best time to visit: Year-round. The museum is open all year round and has various special exhibitions throughout the year. Closest City // Huntsville

Auburn University Museum of Anthropology

The Auburn University Museum of Anthropology is an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of Alabama’s indigenous peoples. This interactive museum features exhibits on the Alabama Indians, the Southeast and the Alabama Gulf Coast. The museum’s exhibits include dioramas, videos and hands-on activities such as a shell midden, loom and arrowheads. Key Info // Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:00am-4:30pm Admission: Admission is free. Hands-on Activities: Looms and shell middens Best time to visit: Year-round. Closest City // Auburn

McWane Science Center

close up of a ball of electric energy

Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash

The McWane Science Center is an interactive and education focused museum. This museum has a variety of hands-on exhibits, including a tornado simulation, an earthquake simulator, a life-size human heart and more. The museum also has a planetarium, IMAX theater, outdoor discovery park and live science demonstrations. This museum is great for all ages, though younger children should be accompanied by an adult due to the intensity of some of the exhibits. Key Info // Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00am-5:00pm Admission: Admission is free. Hands-on Activities: The tornado simulation, earthquake simulator and human heart Best time to visit: Year-round. Closest City // Birmingham

Birmingham Museum of Art

a neon display saying ART

Photo by Zach Key on Unsplash

The Birmingham Museum of Art is a world-class art museum featuring art from around the world. The museum features works from many noted artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, Claude Monet, Henri Rousseau and Andy Warhol. Younger children will enjoy exploring the museum’s interactive KidSpace where they can become a museum curator, make art, explore nature and more. Key Info // Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00am-5:00pm Admission: Admission is free. Hands-on Activities: KidSpace Best time to visit: Year-round. Closest City // Birmingham

US Space and Rocket Center

Exterior US Space and Rocket Center

Photo by Kae Anderson on Unsplash

If your family is interested in science and technology, the US Space and Rocket Center is an excellent choice. This museum features exhibits on space exploration and rocketry. You can explore the world’s largest collection of rockets, see a moon rock, visit the full-scale Shuttle simulator and experience the G-force simulator. If hands-on activities are more your speed, the Exploration Center has a variety of things to try out, including robotics, 3D printing and model rocketry. Key Info // Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00am-5:00pm Admission: Admission is free. Hands-on Activities: Sports in Space Indoor rock climbing, robotics and 3D printing. Best time to visit: Year-round. Closest City // Huntsville

Children’s Hands-on Museum

If your family is looking for an interactive and educational museum that is designed especially for children, the Children’s Hands-on Museum is a great choice. This museum has more than 35 exhibits that are designed to inspire creativity and curiosity in children of all ages. You can explore art, nature, science, music and more at this hands-on museum. If your children are too young to explore on their own, the museum has special programs for the littlest visitors. Key Info // Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00am-5:00pm Admission: Admission is free. Hands-on Activities: Art, nature, science, music and more Best time to visit: Year-round. Closest City // Montgomery

Think! Children’s, Learning and Culture Centre

The Think! Children’s, Learning and Culture Centre is an excellent place to learn and explore. This museum has five different areas designed to inspire creativity and promote critical thinking. You can learn about art, science, the human body, the environment and the past. This museum also hosts special exhibitions, events and programs. Key Info // Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00am-5:00pm Admission: Admission is free. Hands-on Activities: The human body, art, science and more Best time to visit: Year-round. Closest City // Montgomery

MUSE - Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is a great museum for art lovers. This museum has rotating exhibits for all ages, including children and families. Additionally, the museum offers hands-on art workshops and family programs that are a great way to engage children with art. The museum also has a gift shop and cafe, making it a great place to spend an afternoon. Key Info // Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00am-5:00pm Admission: Admission is free. Hands-on Activities: Workshops and family programs Best time to visit: Year-round. Closest City // Montgomery

Conclusion

a beautiful exterior of Birmingham, Alabama

Photo by Zach Farmer on Unsplash

There is a museum in Alabama that will appeal to every child. The best museums for kids in Alabama are designed to engage, inspire, and educate children of all ages. These museums also have special programs and exhibits designed specifically for younger visitors. These museums are great places to visit with your family. They are sure to spark curiosity and creativity in your children while teaching them about history, science and more.

Main Photo by Alex Robinson on Unsplash