Homeschool & family fun around Huntsville

Huntsville Police and Parks & Recreation host a trick-or-treat trail, bounce houses, carnival games, entertainment and a haunted house, with food trucks (food for purchase). Meet HPD officers.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 23, 2026

• When: Fri Oct 23, 2026
• Time: 6–9 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Hayrides to the pumpkin patch, two-story play barns with 60-foot slides, corn cribs, jumping pads, the Corn Train, barnyard animals and pedal karts, through Halloween.

• When: Through Sat Oct 31, 2026
• Time: See the farm's calendar
• Price: $20 ages 2+ ($30 on Oct 31)
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

One of the city's free neighborhood Halloween parties, with games, activities and candy. Costumes encouraged.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 24, 2026, 10 a.m.–noon
• Time: 2026, 10 a.m.–noon
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

The Rocket Center's annual Halloween party: hands-on activities, music and indoor trick-or-treating at space-themed decorated doors, rain or shine.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 24, 2026
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ Ticket prices are on the Rocket Center Foundation page.

One of the city's free neighborhood Halloween parties, with games, activities and candy. Costumes encouraged.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Oct 27, 2026

• When: Tue Oct 27, 2026, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
• Time: 2026, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Decorate a mini pumpkin with glow-in-the-dark markers and stickers.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Oct 28, 2026

• When: Wed Oct 28, 2026
• Time: 1 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Ages 6–12
• Booking: Not listed on source

One of the city's free neighborhood Halloween parties, with games, activities and candy. Costumes encouraged.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Oct 28, 2026

• When: Wed Oct 28, 2026, 5–8 p.m.
• Time: 2026, 5–8 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

One of the city's free neighborhood Halloween parties, with games, activities and candy. Costumes encouraged.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Oct 29, 2026

• When: Thu Oct 29, 2026, 4:30–7:30 p.m.
• Time: 2026, 4:30–7:30 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

One of the city's free neighborhood Halloween parties, with games, activities and candy. Costumes encouraged.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Oct 29, 2026

• When: Thu Oct 29, 2026, 5–8 p.m.
• Time: 2026, 5–8 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

One of the city's free neighborhood Halloween parties, with games, activities and candy. Costumes encouraged.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 30, 2026

• When: Fri Oct 30, 2026, 5–7:30 p.m.
• Time: 2026, 5–7:30 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

One of the city's free neighborhood Halloween parties, with games, activities and candy. Costumes encouraged.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 30, 2026

• When: Fri Oct 30, 2026, 5–7:30 p.m.
• Time: 2026, 5–7:30 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

One of the city's free neighborhood Halloween parties, with games, activities and candy. Costumes encouraged.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 30, 2026

• When: Fri Oct 30, 2026, 5:30–8 p.m.
• Time: 2026, 5:30–8 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

A first-ever, 1980s-style Halloween-morning carnival: cakewalks, ring toss, lollipop pulls, ghost pulls, a bounce house and food trucks, run by local civic groups.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 31, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 31, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

One of the city's free neighborhood Halloween parties, with games, activities and candy. Costumes encouraged.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 31, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 31, 2026, 6–8 p.m.
• Time: 2026, 6–8 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

For teens (13+). Design and build a layered paper snow-globe ornament with simple LED circuits after a demo of 2D CAD and cutting machines. The October lab (Lunar Tool Challenge) runs Oct 23, 24, 30 and 31.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Fri, Oct 30, 2026; Sat, Oct 31, 2026; Fri, Nov 6, 2026; Sat, Nov 7, 2026; Fri, Nov 13, 2026; Sat, Nov 14, 2026; Fri, Nov 20, 2026; Sat, Nov 21, 2026; Fri, Nov 27, 2026; Sat, Nov 28, 2026

• When: October: Fri–Sat Oct 23–24 and 30–31; November: Fridays Nov 6–27 and Saturdays Nov 7–28, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.–noon or 1–2 p.m. (October: 1–2 p.m.)
• Price: Free (museum admission sold separately)
• Ages: For teens (13+)
• Booking: Reservations required; seating is limited.

⚠️ The Rocket Center lists the lab for ages 12 and up.

A homeschool art class that studies a new artist and does a new activity at every meeting.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Nov 2, 2026; Mon, Nov 9, 2026; Mon, Nov 16, 2026; Mon, Nov 23, 2026; Mon, Nov 30, 2026

• When: Mondays, Nov 2–30, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Ages 6 and up
• Booking: Registration required.

A monthly homeschool STEAM session. November: Adaptation & Biodiversity. December: The Rock Cycle (with Starburst candies). Sessions resume in 2027.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 4, 2026; Wed, Dec 9, 2026

• When: Wed Nov 4 and Wed Dec 9, 2026
• Time: Nov 4: 2–3 p.m.; Dec 9: 1–2 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Not listed on source
• Booking: Registration required (link on the library event page).

A two-hour guided program: rocket history, a family rocket build, a tour of Rocket Park and an outdoor launch with Space Camp staff. Six families per class.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Nov 7, 2026; Sat, Dec 5, 2026

• When: Sat Nov 7 and Sat Dec 5, 2026
• Time: 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Price: $40 per family of 4 ($20 members); museum admission separate
• Ages: Recommended ages 9+
• Booking: Not listed on source

Burritt's November homeschool class teaches students to read topographic maps and use a compass. Most November sections are already waitlisted; a combined-ages section runs Mon Nov 16. December's theme is Holiday Ornaments, made with old-fashioned materials and methods.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Nov 16, 2026; Tue, Nov 17, 2026; Wed, Nov 18, 2026; Thu, Nov 19, 2026

• When: Mon–Thu Nov 16–19, 2026 (Nov 17–19 sections waitlisted)
• Time: K–4th grade 9:30–11 a.m.; upper elementary & middle 12–1:30 p.m.; combined ages Nov 16, 1–2:30 p.m.
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: K–8th grade
• Booking: Register on Burritt's homeschool page; parents who stay must also buy a ticket.

⚠️ Groups of 12 or more can ask for their own class.

Two-hour hands-on STEM classes in the Garden, open to homeschoolers, with a new nature-science topic each month. Students are split into ages 6–8 and 9–12 for parts of each class; 20 spots per session.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Nov 17, 2026; Wed, Nov 18, 2026

• When: Tue Nov 17 and Wed Nov 18, 2026 (two sessions of the same monthly class)
• Time: 10 a.m.–noon
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: Ages 6–12
• Booking: Registration required on the Garden's calendar; first come, first served.

A Land Trust homeschool day all about fall, with hikes, story times and self-directed activities on the preserve.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 18, 2026

• When: Wed Nov 18, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Registration required.

A homeschool book club at the Gurley branch. The Dec 2 meeting is currently full; ask the branch about the waitlist and the younger Bookworms club.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Dec 2, 2026

• When: Wed Dec 2, 2026
• Time: 1:45–2:30 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Not listed on source
• Booking: Not listed on source

A dedicated homeschool P.E. program with structured activity, skill-building and social time, open to members and non-members, August through May. New homeschool art and STEM classes start at the Hogan Y in Madison in January.

• When: August–May
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: Ages 5–12
• Booking: Register through the Southeast or Hogan Y program pages.

Monthly hands-on homeschool classes in fall and spring, split into grades K–2, 3–6 and 7–12, with a new topic each month. Sold as a four-class semester; online sales for the current semester are closed, so ask Guest Services about remaining seats or spring 2027.

• When: Once a month, fall and spring semesters
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: $56 + tax per student per 4-class semester
• Ages: Grades K–12
• Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ Exhibit admission is not included.

Drop-in open lab time with rotating themes in engineering, maker tools, simple electronics and computer-aided design. Good for a homeschool weekday.

• When: Wednesdays and Thursdays
• Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Price: Free (museum admission sold separately)
• Ages: Upper elementary, middle and high school
• Booking: Not listed on source

An evening ranger program of Appalachian folklore, just in time for Halloween season.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 23, 2026

• When: Fri Oct 23, 2026
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ State park entrance fees may apply.

A free hands-on art activity for families in the museum's ART LAB, no reservation needed. Oct 24: Pinch Pot Pumpkins. Nov 21: Mixed Media Gobblers.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Sat, Nov 21, 2026; Sat, Dec 5, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 24, Sat Nov 21 and Sat Dec 5, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Price: Free for parents/guardians and children
• Ages: Ages 3 and up (under 12 with an adult)
• Booking: Not listed on source

A ranger-led evening hike listening for owls on Monte Sano.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 6, 2026

• When: Fri Nov 6, 2026
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ State park entrance fees may apply; check the event page for registration.

A free commemorative program for the museum's 25th year, then an open house with veteran-service and history groups. Next door, the museum hosts a Living History Day with reenactors and firing demonstrations (museum admission separate).

Upcoming dates: Sat, Nov 7, 2026

• When: Sat Nov 7, 2026
• Time: Doors 9:30 a.m.; program 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; museum Living History Day 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Price: Free (museum admission separate)
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

One of the oldest Veterans Day parades in the South. Before the 11 a.m. parade there is a free veterans' breakfast and a pre-parade show by the 60-piece Huntsville Concert Band in front of Veterans Memorial Park.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 11, 2026

• When: Wed Nov 11, 2026
• Time: Parade at 11 a.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

A Junior Ranger program on keeping a nature journal.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 13, 2026

• When: Fri Nov 13, 2026
• Time: 2 p.m.
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: Kids
• Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ State park entrance fees may apply.

A free outdoor nature program for preschoolers and a grown-up. Nov 16 at Chapman Mountain; Nov 19 at Monte Sano Nature Preserve's Bankhead Trailhead. Closed-toe shoes required.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Nov 16, 2026; Thu, Nov 19, 2026

• When: Mon Nov 16 and Thu Nov 19, 2026
• Time: 10–11:30 a.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Ages 3–5 with an adult
• Booking: Reservation required.

A guided Thanksgiving-morning hike from the Bankhead Trailhead to Three Caves: a moderate 2 miles each way.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 26, 2026

• When: Thu Nov 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving)
• Time: 9–11:30 a.m.
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: Older kids able to hike 4 miles round trip
• Booking: Not listed on source

Children 12 and under always get in free. Families on SNAP pay $5 each for up to four people through Museums for All.

• When: Tue–Sun (closed Mondays)
• Time: Tue–Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Thu to 8 p.m.); Sun noon–5 p.m.
• Price: Free for ages 12 and under; adults $20
• Ages: Ages 12 and under
• Booking: Not listed on source

The Garden's 31st holiday light show, with a 1.75-mile walking path, hot cocoa and two new areas. Walking Nights Nov 13–25, Nov 27–29, Dec 2–5, Dec 16–24 and Dec 26–27; Driving Nights Dec 6–15 and Dec 28–31. Sensory Hours at 4:30 p.m. on select nights. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

• When: Nov 13–Dec 31, 2026 (walking and driving nights vary)
• Time: Last walking entry 8:45 p.m.
• Price: Walking from $17 adult / $10 child (ages 3–15) non-member in advance, by date; driving $40 per car; Museums for All $3
• Ages: All ages (2 and under free)
• Booking: Not listed on source

An outdoor holiday ice rink in Big Spring Park behind the art museum. After-school rates Mon–Wed 4–5:30 p.m. on school days.

• When: Nov 20, 2026–Jan 3, 2027
• Time: Mon–Thu 4–9 p.m.; Fri 4–10 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun noon–8 p.m.
• Price: $15 ages 10+, $5 ages 9 and under; skate or scooter rental $5
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

The Rocket City Tree lights at 6 p.m., opening Tinsel Trail: 450+ live trees decorated by local groups, up through Dec 31. Black Friday Market 3–9 p.m., youth ballet performances, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus 6–8 p.m.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 27, 2026

• When: Fri Nov 27, 2026 (Tinsel Trail through Dec 31)
• Time: Tree lighting 6 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

More than 80 floats, animals and marching bands, starting on Monroe Street at Holmes Avenue and heading south through downtown to near A.M. Booth's Lumberyard. Route changed this year for construction.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Dec 1, 2026

• When: Tue Dec 1, 2026
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Price: Free to watch
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

A candlelit Christmas Past: roast chestnuts, string popcorn and cranberry garland, taste figgy pudding, hear stories from costumed interpreters, make an ornament and meet Kris Kringle.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026; Sat, Dec 5, 2026

• When: Fri Dec 4 and Sat Dec 5, 2026
• Time: 5–9 p.m.
• Price: $55–$70 per carload
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Paint, glitter, ribbon and bells: make a gloriously over-the-top ugly-sweater ornament.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 5, 2026

• When: Sat Dec 5, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Not listed on source
• Booking: Preregister at the New Hope circulation desk.

A pajama-themed holiday storytime with hand-picked stories, a craft and sing-along songs with instruments. No reservation needed.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Dec 8, 2026

• When: Tue Dec 8, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.–noon
• Price: Free
• Ages: Babies, toddlers and preschoolers
• Booking: Not listed on source

Share wish lists with Santa, nightly snowfalls, gingerbread-cookie decorating, ornaments and letters to Santa. Timed-entry tickets sell out.

• When: Dec 11–23, 2026
• Time: From 5 p.m. weeknights, 3 p.m. weekends
• Price: $15 ($13 members); under 1 free
• Ages: Young children and families
• Booking: Not listed on source