Summer in Montgomery brings sunshine, Southern charm… and let’s be honest, some serious heat. But don’t sweat it—there are plenty of cool ways to stay entertained and refreshed all summer long right here in the River Region.
Whether you’re a local looking for new ideas or a visitor hoping to make the most of your trip, we’ve rounded up 10 family-friendly, heat-beating adventures that deserve a spot on your summer bucket list!
1. Take a River Cruise on the Harriott II
Climb aboard Montgomery’s beloved Harriott II Riverboat for a breezy cruise down the Alabama River. With dinner cruises, live music, and kid-friendly daytime tours, it’s the perfect way to feel the wind in your hair and escape the afternoon heat.
Tip: Book early—these cruises often sell out on weekends!
2. Cool Off with a Local Ice Cream Treat
There’s no better way to survive the Southern sun than with a little something sweet. Check out:
Visit the Drive-In Park in Prattville and enjoy a movie under the stars from the comfort of your car. Pack some snacks, grab a blanket, and make it a memorable night for the whole family.
5. Explore the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
When it’s just too hot to be outside, take the fun indoors! The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts offers beautiful galleries, a kid-friendly ArtWorks space, and air conditioning that feels heavenly. Plus—admission is free!
6. Paddle the Coosa River
Kayaking or canoeing is a great way to cool off and take in some of Alabama’s natural beauty. Check out Coosa River Adventures in Wetumpka for rentals and guided trips, perfect for beginners and families alike.
7. Picnic (and Shade-Hop) at Shakespeare Park
Blount Cultural Park, home of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, has wide open spaces, shady trees, and walking trails that wind around ponds and sculptures. Bring a picnic, pack water, and find a cozy spot to lounge while the kids run free.
8. Head Indoors for Bowling or Arcade Fun
When it’s just too hot to be outside, Bowlero, 2211 Playzone, or NewtopiaFun Park offer hours of cool, air-conditioned fun for the whole family. Bowling, arcade games, laser tag, ball pits— what more could a kid ask for?
9. Try Early Morning Fishing or Evening Nature Walk
Skip the midday heat and enjoy the outdoors during cooler hours. Cast a line at Cooters Pond Park or stroll the trails at Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park in Wetumpka. Summer wildlife sightings are a bonus!
10. Don’t Miss the Summer Festivals & Fireworks
From Fourth of July celebrations to local summer concerts, the River Region comes alive at night when the sun dips low. Bring lawn chairs, snacks, and glow sticks for the kids and enjoy some good old-fashioned summer magic. Be sure to follow our social media pages to stay up-to-date on local festivals and events!
Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to throw open the windows, let in the sunshine, and tackle the dust bunnies that snuck in over winter! Whether you’re just moving in or a long-time resident, a good spring cleaning session is the perfect way to start fresh. And guess what? With the right approach, spring cleaning can actually be fun—and even something the whole family can get in on!
Here are our favorite stress-free, family-friendly spring cleaning tips to help you refresh your space and lighten your load this season:
1. Make a Room-by-Room Plan
Don’t try to tackle your whole house in one day. Make a simple checklist by room—kitchen, bathroom, kids’ rooms, etc.—and knock them out one at a time. It feels SO satisfying to check them off as you go!
Pro tip: Start with the spaces you use the most (like the living room and kitchen) for an instant sense of accomplishment.
2. Turn It Into a Game for the Kids
Let’s be honest—most kids don’t love cleaning. But if you turn chores into a game, you’ll be amazed how much more they’ll help. Try these fun ideas:
Who can clean their room the fastest?
Start a “treasure hunt” and find 5 items to donate or toss.
Give each kid a spray bottle and a rag and turn them loose on the dust (Believe it or not, most kids LOVE a good spray bottle).
Reward them with a treat after. Ice cream, anyone?
3. Declutter Like a Pro
Spring is the perfect time to let go of things you no longer use. Ask yourself:
Have I used this in the past year?
Does this spark joy? (Thanks, Marie Kondo!)
Would someone else enjoy this more?
Set up three bins: Keep, Donate, Toss. Involve the whole family and talk about donating items to local organizations in Montgomery or Prattville—it’s a great way to teach kids about giving back.
4. Freshen Up with Natural Scent
After all that cleaning, bring in some fresh spring vibes with natural scents! Try:
Lemon and vinegar DIY cleaner for a zesty, clean smell.
Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus in a diffuser.
Fresh-cut flowers from a local farmers’ market!
5. Don’t Forget the “Forgotten” Spots
Give a little love to the areas we often skip, like:
Baseboards and ceiling fans
Behind appliances
Window tracks and blinds
Air filters (a big one during allergy season!)
Add these to your checklist—you’ll be glad you did!
6. Bring the Outside In
Give your space a true spring makeover by adding a few houseplants or a vase of wildflowers. Local nurseries in Wetumpka and Montgomery have plenty of low-maintenance options perfect for plant newbies.
Bonus: Plants help purify the air and make your home feel more peaceful.
7. Treat Yourself When It’s Done!
After all that hard work, plan something fun as a reward! Whether it’s a family picnic at Riverfront Park, a float down the Coosa River, or just relaxing on the porch with a sweet tea—celebrate your fresh, clean home and the start of a beautiful new season.
With a little creativity (and teamwork), spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be a way to reconnect as a family, refresh your space, and step into the season feeling lighter and brighter.
Looking for a fun way to mix learning and adventure with your family in Montgomery? Whether you’ve got little history buffs, aspiring scientists, or young artists in tow, the River Region is packed with hands-on experiences that make education exciting for kids (and parents too!). From interactive museums to starry planetarium shows, here are the best places in Montgomery for hands-on history and science fun!
Perfect for: Curious kids who love to touch, explore, and experiment!
Big news, Montgomery families—a brand-new children’s museum is on the way! This highly anticipated museum will be a STEAM-powered playground (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), filled with interactive exhibits, creative play spaces, and hands-on fun for little learners.
Perfect for: Young changemakers and history lovers!
Step into the story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott at this powerful and interactive museum! The Children’s Wing takes kids on a time-travel adventure, letting them experience what life was like in Montgomery during the Civil Rights Movement. Engaging exhibits, historical reenactments, and multimedia displays bring one of history’s most important moments to life in a way kids can truly connect with.
Perfect for: Little explorers who love dinosaurs, old maps, and ancient artifacts!
The Museum of Alabama is like stepping into a time machine! Explore the “Land of Alabama” exhibit to discover dinosaurs, early settlers, and Native American history, and get hands-on with interactive displays.
Exciting news! The Children’s Gallery is reopening in 2025, bringing back even more fun, hands-on learning experiences for kids!
Get ready to blast off into space! The W.A. Gayle Planetarium is a must-visit for starry-eyed kids (and their space-loving parents). Watch full-dome movies about the solar system, explore constellations, and experience laser light shows that make science feel magical!
Shows every Saturday—group reservations available on weekdays!
Perfect for: Creative kids who love painting, sculpting, and getting messy!
Not your typical museum—this place is all about interactive art! The ARTWORKS Gallery is designed just for kids, with hands-on art activities, craft stations, and sensory exhibits that make creativity come to life. Best part? It’s FREE!
Perfect for: Rainy day explorers and homeschool families!
Can’t get out for an adventure? Bring the learning home! Alabama Public Television offers free virtual field trips that take kids on wild adventures across the state—from deep caves to outer space! It’s the perfect way to keep learning fun at home.
Want to build robots, design video games, or create entire cities out of LEGO® bricks? Snapology offers hands-on STEM programs for kids, where they learn about engineering, robotics, and coding—all through play! From after-school classes to birthday parties, this place is a dream come true for mini inventors.
Ready for a Family Learning Adventure?
Montgomery is bursting with amazing places where history, science, and creativity come alive! Whether you’re exploring the past, diving into space, or getting messy with art, these interactive experiences make learning so much fun that your kids won’t even realize they’re learning!
Spring is the perfect time for families to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, blooming flowers, and vibrant green spaces in Montgomery, Alabama. Whether you’re a local looking for new weekend plans or a visitor exploring the River Region, Montgomery offers plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities. Here are some of the best ways to embrace springtime fun in the city!
Explore the Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum
Springtime means active animals and beautiful weather, making it the perfect season to visit the Montgomery Zoo. With over 750 animals, interactive exhibits, and a skylift ride, kids and adults alike will have a blast. Don’t forget to stop by the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum for an educational experience featuring preserved wildlife in lifelike settings.
Enjoy a Picnic & Playtime at Blount Cultural Park
Blount Cultural Park is a must-visit in spring, with its wide-open green spaces, picturesque bridges, and walking trails. Pack a picnic and let the kids explore the playground or feed the ducks at the pond. This park is also home to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, so you may even catch an outdoor performance during your visit.
Take a Riverwalk at Riverfront Park
Nothing says spring like a refreshing walk along the Alabama River. Riverfront Park offers walking trails, green spaces for frisbee or kite flying, and even riverboat cruises on select dates. This is a great spot for families to relax and soak in the natural beauty of Montgomery.
Discover Native Plants at Montgomery Botanical Gardens
For a peaceful escape, head to the Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park. Spring is when the gardens come to life with blooming flowers and vibrant plants. It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn about local flora while enjoying a scenic walk through the gardens.
Go Hiking & Biking at Lagoon Park
Lagoon Park offers family-friendly hiking and biking trails perfect for a spring adventure. The nature trails are easy to navigate and provide opportunities to spot birds, turtles, and other wildlife. Bring bikes for an added layer of excitement!
Visit The Hampstead Community Farm
For a unique outdoor experience, visit the Hampstead Community Farm. This urban farm offers family-friendly events, gardening workshops, and fresh local produce. It’s a great way to teach kids about sustainable farming while enjoying the beauty of spring.
Cool Off with a Sweet Treat at Nancy’s Italian Ice
After a day of outdoor fun, treat the family to something sweet! Nancy’s Italian Ice is a local favorite, offering refreshing and delicious frozen treats perfect for a warm spring day.
Final Thoughts
Spring is one of the best times to explore Montgomery’s outdoor attractions. Whether you’re visiting the zoo, hiking through nature trails, or enjoying a picnic at a local park, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities to make the most of the season. So grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and get ready to enjoy all the outdoor fun Montgomery has to offer!
Montgomery Restaurant Week is Back! The Culinary Celebration Starts September 27
Montgomery’s 10th Annual Restaurant Week returns this year with 10 days of deals and contests. Organized by Experience Montgomery, a division of the Montgomery Chamber. Montgomery Restaurant Week runs from September 27 – October 6.
“Montgomery Restaurant Week is a celebration of our city’s vibrant culinary scene, some of our most talented chefs and beloved local eateries showcase flavors that make Montgomery a true Southern gem,” said Experience Montgomery Chief Officer Ron Simmons. “By supporting our local restaurant scene, we ensure that visitors and locals can experience the city’s unique flavors, helping our hospitality industry continue to thrive”
During this 10-day celebration, diners are challenged to a “Dine to Win Contest” where you can win prizes for ordering Restaurant Week specials. Diners can visit participating restaurants to enjoy special menu items and receive a scratch card with every visit. Instantly reveal if you’ve won a prize, or collect the letters “E”, “A”, and “T” for a chance to enter the grand prize drawing that includes a two-night stay at Renaissance Hotel and Spa with breakfast for two each day courtesy of Renaissance as well as $100 in gift cards to Ravello Ristorante courtesy of the restaurant. Additional instant prizes range from gift cards to local attractions and restaurants. Throughout the week EATMGM’s social accounts and website will be filled with mouthwatering photos of restaurant specials. Special deals and “Dine To Win” contest rules can be found on the Experience Montgomery website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
For more information on Montgomery Restaurant Week, visit Montgomery Restaurant Week (experiencemontgomeryal.org), or follow EatMGM on Facebook and Instagram.
