With numerous parks and three lakes, Tuscaloosa is the kind of city that makes outdoor adventure feel like a second nature. You can explore the city’s 4.5-mile Riverwalk, which is currently being extended to Northport and Lake Tuscaloosa Dam. From here, you’ll have great views of the Black Warrior River. You can also visit the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, which has plenty of parking and a Riverwalk around it.
Van De Graaff Park
The city of Tuscaloosa has many beautiful parks and places to visit. For example, Van De Graaff Park is one of them. This 320-acre park is a great place to go for a family outing. Visitors can stroll along a half-mile nature trail. It’s even a dog-friendly park. In addition, you can visit the park’s museum to learn more about the people who lived here hundreds of years ago.
Another popular place to visit in Tuscaloosa is the Children’s Hands-On Museum, which has more than 25 interactive exhibits for children. These exhibits help reinforce STEM, civics, and arts concepts. The museum also features a full-size space station and a miniature hospital. It also hosts events such as Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play, and is a popular spot for school field trips and birthday parties.
For a historical experience, don’t miss the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, which was built in 1862 by local politician Robert Jemison, Jr. The Mansion is open for guided tours on Mondays and Fridays and is free for University of Alabama students. The building also offers a beautiful setting for a wedding or reception.
During the summer months, head to the farmers’ market on Saturday mornings. Local vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as homemade crafts and baked goods. The Tuscaloosa Farmers’ Market is also a great place to grab a picnic. The market is open from 7am to noon every Saturday, and features several vendors selling a variety of commodities.
Another place to visit is the Children’s Hands-On Museum. The Children’s Hands-On Museum has hands-on exhibits that teach children about the natural world. There’s also a space station CHOM exhibit where kids can learn about the solar system. You can park your car in the free city parking lot nearby.
If you’re a music fan, Tuscaloosa is home to the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, which seats up to 7,470 people. Unlike many other venues, this venue has great facilities and easy entry. It also offers premium stage views.
Children’s Hands-On Museum
The Children’s Hands-On Museum is a great place to spend your day with your children. The museum encourages creativity and play, and features three floors and 24 exhibits. Whether you’re traveling with your family or taking a class trip, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Food is also a popular attraction, with everything from French cuisine to seafood. Check out our list of food options in Tuscaloosa and make sure to include ice cream in your family’s next visit!
Located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the Children’s Hands-On Museum is an interactive museum for children. It features 25 hands-on exhibits, including a replica of a Japanese house, an 18th-century Choctaw village, a full-sized space station, an arts studio, a miniature hospital, and more. The museum has also hosted events for Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play, and is a popular choice for birthday parties and school field trips.
There is no charge to attend this museum, and no admission fee. You can bring your child or grandchildren as long as you’re over the age of three. The museum has a gift shop and also hosts events throughout the year. It’s also part of the Alabama Museum Association and the American Association of Museums. There are several restaurants and fast food restaurants near the Children’s Hands-On Museum, so you can grab a bite to eat while you’re there. If you’re looking for a great place to celebrate your child’s birthday, the museum has an event planning team who will help you plan an unforgettable party.
Located near the city center, the Children’s Hands-On Museum in downtown Tuscaloosa has plenty of activities for children. The museum has a Halloween costume area, making it a perfect place to take a family outing. The staff is super nice and welcoming, and it’s a great place to spend a few hours together.
Another place for families to visit in Tuscaloosa is the Alabama Museum of Natural History. Founded in 1831, the museum’s exhibits highlight the natural diversity of Alabama. Visiting the museum is a great way to spend the day with the kids, and the museum also features a large display of dinosaur sculptures.
Arboretum
Located on the University of Alabama campus, the Arboretum is a natural haven for nature lovers. This beautifully maintained site showcases Alabama’s diversity, with wildflowers blooming in spring and trees ranging from longleaf pine to magnolia. A leisurely stroll through the arboretum’s lush, green fields is a delightful way to spend an afternoon.
The Arboretum is a wonderful place to take the kids. There is an all-inclusive playground at Sokol Park, and the Alabama Natural History Museum is a popular place for families to visit. Whether you’re in town to attend the University of Alabama football games or just want to check out a unique piece of history, Tuscaloosa has much to offer families.
While visiting the Arboretum, don’t skip the Alabama Museum of Natural History. A visit to this museum will give you a better understanding of Alabama’s natural and human history. You’ll also have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of the Black Warrior River.
If you’re planning a wedding in Tuscaloosa, consider booking a venue that is located within walking distance. This historic home was once a university dining hall and lecture hall. The modern-day museum offers guided tours Monday through Friday. Visitors can also enjoy free wine upon arrival. It’s also a perfect setting for a wedding or reception.
Another great place for nature lovers to visit is the University Arboretum. There are half-mile trails through the woods, and visitors are allowed to bring their dogs with them. There’s also a museum here that details the history of the people who once inhabited the area. It’s part of the University of Alabama museum system.
If you’re traveling with children, take them to the Museum of Alabama. It was founded in 1831 and features exhibits showcasing the state’s natural diversity. This museum is the oldest state-funded museum in the nation and is located at 4801 Arboretum Way in Tuscaloosa. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.
There’s also the Old Tavern Museum, which was once a private residence. It was threatened to be demolished in the 1960s, but the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society raised enough funds to save it. The building is now a museum that showcases early Tuscaloosa history. The museum also contains antiques and artifacts from the area.
Lake Nicol
If you love the outdoors, Lake Nicol is the perfect place to get out of town and enjoy nature. Located just a few minutes from downtown Tuscaloosa, it is a man-made lake with scenic cliffside views. Visitors can also take a boat out onto the lake and enjoy the tranquil scenery and clear waters.
This city park is ideal for families with children. With 25 interactive exhibits, children can explore art, science, and civics. Kids will also enjoy a full-sized space station. There are special events and activities held throughout the year at the Children’s Hands-On Museum.
A popular wooded park, Lake Nicol features mature pine woods and is easily accessible. Many birds call Lake Nicol home, including Eastern Bluebirds, Pine Warblers, and Red-headed Woodpeckers. In winter, the lake attracts Golden-crowned Kinglets. Swallows and waders also frequent the area.
Aside from Lake Tuscaloosa, Lake Nicol is also a popular spot for outdoor activities. Unlike Lake Tuscaloosa, Lake Nicol is much less commercialized. The cliffside lake has calm waters and beautiful cliffs. Despite being close to civilization, Lake Nicol is a great place to spend a relaxing day.
Another fun place to visit in Tuscaloosa is the Alabama Museum of Natural History. Founded in 1831, the museum features displays and exhibits that highlight the natural diversity of Alabama. Whether you want to visit it on your own or bring the entire family, it’s an ideal place to spend time with your family. There are even dinosaur sculptures on display.
The Battle-Friedman House and Gardens is another great location to visit. This historic mansion offers free tours, and it’s also a wonderful place to visit for a wedding or reception. The mansion’s history is interesting and well worth exploring.
The city’s many museums, historic sites, and parks offer something for everyone. Visitors should check out the Bama Theater, which is a center for performing arts and community events. The Bama Theater is a great place to bond with your family, and you can also see some of the world’s greatest actors.