Location: Spanish Fort, Alabama Years Active: 1976 – Active History buffs, brace yourselves. Blakeley State Park isn’t your standard dose of sanitized history. This place holds the real deal – Civil War battlefields, a crumbling 19th-century town… it gets gritty. Think less manicured lawns, more echoes of the past. But it’s not all war-torn. Trails…
Location: Birmingham, Alabama Years Active: 1998 – Active Forget dry museum tours – Birmingham’s McWane Science Center is a hands-on adventure! It’s where kids get messy, adults feel like kids again, and everyone leaves a little bit smarter. This place isn’t afraid to stir up a bit of curiosity…sometimes that means getting a little controversial….
Location: Gulf Shores, Alabama Years Active: 1989 – Active Think you know zoos? The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo isn’t your average animal park. It’s focused on the incredible wildlife you’ll find right here along the Gulf Coast. Get up close and personal with amazing creatures at Animal Encounters – a zoo favorite! Ever wanted to…
Location: Montgomery, Alabama Years Active: 1920 – Active Montgomery Zoo is where it’s at for a charming animal adventure. Sure, you won’t find elephants roaming, but you will get surprisingly close to a giraffe (seriously, they have feedings!). Monkeys will chatter at you, birds might steal your sunglasses, and who knows what the reptiles are…
Location: Gulf Shores, Alabama Years Active: 1939 – Active The Gulf State Park Pier’s a must-do, but let’s be real – it’s no secluded nature retreat. This place gets busy! If you’re obsessed with fishing, you’ll love it. Locals swear by live bait and the far end of the pier for the best catches. They’ve…
Location: Cullman, Alabama Years Active: 1971 – Active Sportsman Lake Park Cullman’s go-to spot for outdoor fun. It’s been around since ’71 for a reason. Lake, trails, playground – the usual stuff. But it gets crowded, especially on weekends. Go early to claim your picnic spot. Rent a paddle boat and explore the lake. Legend…
Location: Guntersville, Alabama Years Active: 1947 – Active Lake Guntersville State Park It ain’t Yellowstone, but it’s got Alabama charm. Expect crowds, some wear-and-tear, but it’s your go-to for cheap, easy outdoorsy fun. Trails, camping, fishing – all the basics are there. Hit up one of their weird festivals. May be cringe-worthy, but you might…
Location: Blountsville, Alabama Years Active: 2002 – Active Spring Valley Beach Water Park isn’t your standard water park. It’s tucked away in Blountsville, Alabama, a little slice of paradise since 2002. Think lush greenery and a laid-back vibe – a far cry from those overcrowded, impersonal places. The park’s got a thing for natural themes….
Location: Decatur, Alabama Years Active: 1986 – Active Waterville USA isn’t some fancy coastal resort. It’s a down-home Alabama waterpark, perfect for families that love a little chaos mixed with their fun. They opened way back in ’86, and yeah, some of the rides show their age. But that’s part of the charm, right? Don’t…
Location: Foley, Alabama Years Active: 2017 – Active Owa isn’t your standard Alabama theme park. It’s in Foley, a stone’s throw from those famous Gulf Coast beaches. You’ll find thrills, food, and shopping – the usual. But Owa’s vibe is different. It tries to channel an old-timey Southern feel, which some people love and others…