Between school expenses, groceries, extracurriculars, and everything else that comes with raising a family, finding ways to have fun without spending a fortune can feel like a challenge. Luckily, families in the River Region have plenty of options for getting out of the house without emptying their wallets! From exploring local parks and museums to discovering hidden outdoor gems, here are some of our favorite free and budget-friendly things to do in Montgomery, Prattville, and Wetumpka.
Montgomery
Visit the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a family outing without spending a dime. General admission and parking are free, and the museum features an ArtWorks Interactive Gallery designed to give younger visitors a hands-on way to engage with art. After exploring the galleries, families can head outside to enjoy the surrounding Blount Cultural Park.
Explore Blount Cultural Park
Blount Cultural Park is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon without spending anything. The 77-acre park features ponds, walking trails, open green spaces, and outdoor sculptures, making it perfect for a family stroll, picnic, or little nature adventure.
Visit the Museum of Alabama
Museum of Alabama, located inside the Alabama Department of Archives & History across from the State Capitol, offers free admission and is a great rainy-day activity for families interested in learning about Alabama’s history. Younger visitors can explore the museum’s children’s area while older kids and adults can take in exhibits covering Alabama’s history and culture.
Check Out the MOOseum
For something a little different, take the kids to The MOOseum! This quirky, family-friendly museum explores Alabama’s cattle industry and the journey from pasture to plate, with interactive and educational exhibits. Admission is free, making it an especially easy addition to a downtown Montgomery day trip.
Spend an Afternoon at Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park is a great option when your family simply needs to get outside. Take a walk along the riverfront, enjoy the scenery, let the kids play, and check out the splash pad when it’s operating. It’s an easy way to turn an ordinary afternoon into a mini adventure without paying for an attraction.
Take a Walk Through Lagoon Park
For families who would rather trade admission tickets for fresh air, Lagoon Park Trail offers a chance to explore wooded trails, wetlands, meadows, and scenic areas around the lagoon. Bring water, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a simple scavenger hunt for the kids—“How many birds can we spot?” can turn an ordinary walk into an adventure.
Take a Free Tour of the Alabama State Capitol
Capitol Historic Building Tour (Visitor’s Entrance) offers visitors a chance to explore one of Montgomery’s most important historic landmarks. The Capitol is a National Historic Landmark, and admission for the public tour is free. For families with older children, it can be an easy way to combine sightseeing with a little Alabama history.
Prattville
Have a Picnic at Pratt Park
Pratt Park is an excellent budget-friendly family destination with plenty of room to spread out, walk, play, and enjoy a picnic. Pack sandwiches and drinks from home, bring a ball or frisbee, and you’ve got yourself an inexpensive afternoon outing without needing to plan much at all.
Explore Wilderness Park & the Bamboo Forest
Wilderness Park/Bamboo Forest is one of Prattville’s more unusual—and completely free—outdoor attractions. Families can wander through the bamboo forest and enjoy a short nature walk that feels surprisingly different from your typical neighborhood park. It’s a particularly fun option when the kids are looking for somewhere new to explore.
Visit Cooter’s Pond Park
Cooters Pond Park offers families another inexpensive way to enjoy the outdoors along the Alabama River. Pack a picnic, spend some time at the playground, explore the grounds, or simply enjoy the scenery. It’s also a good reminder that sometimes the best family outing costs nothing more than whatever snacks you already have in the pantry.
Let the Kids Explore the Library
Autauga-Prattville Public Library is more than a place to check out books. The library offers a rotating schedule of children’s activities, including storytimes, play programs, STEAM activities, crafts, and teen programs. Since programming changes throughout the year, check the library calendar for upcoming activities before you go.
Wetumpka
Explore Wetumpka’s Parks & Outdoor Spaces
Wetumpka’s parks and recreation system offers families plenty of opportunities to get outside without paying admission. The city’s recreation facilities include sports fields, outdoor spaces, and parks that can be used for everything from casual walks to family playtime.
Take a Downtown Wetumpka Walking Adventure
Turn a trip downtown into a free family scavenger hunt! Walk around downtown Wetumpka, look for interesting architecture, murals, public art, and local landmarks, and let the kids take pictures of their favorite discoveries. You don’t need to spend money shopping to enjoy the atmosphere—although you may want to budget a few dollars for an ice cream or treat afterward.
Visit the Wetumpka Public Library
The Wetumpka Public Library is another excellent resource for inexpensive family entertainment. Its calendar includes children’s and teen programming, including seasonal reading programs and special performances. Check the current calendar for upcoming activities and events before planning your visit.
Raising a family can get expensive quickly, but having fun together doesn’t have to. The River Region is full of parks, museums, libraries, trails, historic sites, and community spaces where families can spend an afternoon together without spending much—or anything—at all.
So the next time the kids announce they’re bored, resist the urge to reach for your wallet. Grab a picnic, lace up your walking shoes, and go explore somewhere you’ve never been. You might just discover a new family favorite right in your own backyard.