5 ways to spend summer in the Rocket City

single-meta-cal June 13, 2023

The scorching summer heat is here – but you don’t have to leave town to have some fun in the sun!  

Huntsville is home to plenty of things to do year-round, but the activities really ramp up as the weather gets warmer.  

“Summer is definitely our busy season,” said Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett. “We have people covered from A to Z, with everything from art to Zumba offered at a dozen centers across the City.” 

With kids out of school and residents hunting for summer fun, the City of Huntsville compiled a list of ideas for how to spend the season. Check them out:  

Learn something new

A display at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center shows a rock fragment behind thick glass.

Rain or super-hot temps got you down? Don’t fret – the Rocket City has plenty to do indoors! 

Huntsville is home to numerous museums for any age. These include the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, EarlyWorks Children’s Museum, Huntsville Museum of Art, U.S. Space & Rocket Center and many more. 

If museums aren’t your cup of tea, stop by the beautiful galleries at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, play indoors at a Huntsville Parks & Recreation center or see a show with Theatre Huntsville. 

Take a hike

A trail at Wade Mountain Greenway in North Huntsville.

We have more than 70 miles of existing greenways and trails within the Huntsville city limits. And there are more on the way! 

Whether you walk along trails near the Flint River or take a hike up to Monte Sano Mountain, there are endless outdoor opportunities in Huntsville. Take advantage of the City’s collaborations with the Land Trust of North Alabama and find a trail or greenway here. 

Splash around

The pool at the Huntsville Aquatics Center hosts a swim meet-up.

Take a dip in one of the City’s two public indoor swimming facilities without breaking the bank. General admission costs only $4 per person at the Huntsville Aquatics Center and Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center. 

For those 19 and older, three-month swim passes are available for $70-140. 

If you’re looking to splash around outside, take advantage of the City’s splash pads at Bicentennial Park, the Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center and Brahan Spring Park. See more details here. 

Reading is fundamental

Clear library balloon with colorful confetti inside

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) System’s Summer Reading Program is already underway! 

The 2023 theme is “All Together Now,” recognizing and celebrating kindness, unity and friendship. The program is available at all 10 of the library’s locations and runs through July 20. 

Learn more about HMCPL’s upcoming activities here. 

Turn up the stereo

A crowd takes in a performance by the Black Jacket Symphony in the North Hall parking lot at the VBC arena.

Huntsville’s growing music scene has sound running all throughout the City this summer. 

Huntsville boasts several live music venues for acts both big and small, including The Orion Amphitheater, Von Braun Center, Jeff & Blues, Stovehouse and more!  

The musical community in Huntsville also isn’t limited to specific genres. No matter where you go, you’ll find a blend of country, R&B, rock and jazz – and that’s just the start. 

Learn more about music in Huntsville here. 

As you can see, there is no shortage of things to do this summer in the Rocket City. You don’t need to leave your own backyard to have a great time. 

Visit the City of Huntsville online or on Facebook and Instagram for more summer updates. Huntsville Parks & Recreation’s 2023 Summer Program Guide is also available here.