Alabama Road Trip with Kids: Fossils, Football & Flying Water (Day 8)
Welcome to Day 8: Tuscaloosa Region
If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Tuscaloosa, Day 8 of our Alabama road trip is packed with giants, Native American heritage, and legendary football culture—plus a backyard battle your kids will talk about for years. From dinosaur bones and ancient mound builders to a quick stop at Bryant-Denny Stadium, this day blends learning and laughter in equal measure.
If your kids are reading Ethan & Oliver Adventures: The Great Alabama Road Trip, Day 8 captures it all—mammoths, mounds, and a surprise water war under the Alabama sun. It’s the kind of day that sparks big questions and ends in soaked socks and belly laughs.
Day 8 Itinerary Overview: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Total Drive Time: Minimal (local driving)
Activity Time: 5–6 hours
Stop 1: Alabama Museum of Natural History
Website: Alabama Museum of Natural History
What to Expect
Located in Smith Hall on the University of Alabama campus, this museum’s star attraction is the Basilosaurus cetoides — Alabama’s state fossil and an ancient whale-like creature that once swam over what is now the state. Exhibits feature fossils, prehistoric sea life, ancient plants, and interactive displays that bring Alabama’s geological past to life.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In:
- Alabama State Fossil: Basilosaurus cetoides
- Biblical perspectives on earth’s history
- Ancient marine life in Alabama
- Geology and paleontology basics
- Teacher’s Corner is a great planning resource and free printables for pre-trip prep.
STEM Tie-In:
Explore fossil formation, extinction, ecosystems, and time-based theories through a Biblical lens if desired.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: Draw the Basilosaurus and write one sentence explaining why it’s Alabama’s state fossil. Discuss: How can Christians explore science while holding a biblical worldview?
Faith Connection: Genesis 1:21 — “So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems…” A reminder that whether it’s ancient sea life or modern-day oceans, all creation points to the Creator.
Stop 2: Paul “Bear” Bryant Stadium
What to Expect
Tour the stadium’s exterior, read plaques honoring legendary players and coaches, and soak in the atmosphere of one of the South’s most celebrated football arenas. For our family, the visit carried special meaning—My commissioning gift from the Chief’s Mess was a flag flown here on Veterans Day 2015.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In:
- Southern college football culture
- The Iron Bowl rivalry
- Veteran recognition and flag ceremonies
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: Write about a tradition or event your family celebrates every year. How does it bring people together?
Faith Connection: Philippians 1:3 — “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Standing in a place where your name was honored can be a powerful reminder of gratitude.
Military Moment: What’s a Navy Chief and LDO?
While walking past the plaques and flags outside Bryant-Denny Stadium, we talked to the boys about another kind of leadership—one they don’t see on the field.
A Navy Chief is more than just a rank—it’s a role rooted in mentorship, integrity, and keeping traditions alive. Chiefs are often the glue that holds a ship (or a team) together. They lead by example and make sure the next generation is ready.
A Limited Duty Officer (LDO) is someone who worked their way up through the enlisted ranks and was selected to become an officer, often because of technical expertise and strong leadership. It’s a unique path—less about the academy, more about experience and grit.
We explained to the boys that some people lead with whistles and clipboards. Others lead with anchors and sea stories. But in both the military and sports, tradition matters. Teams wear old jerseys. Sailors carry on customs. And when someone raises a flag—whether it’s at a stadium or on a ship’s mast—it means something.
Memory Maker:
Ethan spotted a plaque dedicated to military veterans. It reminded him of Mom’s commissioning gift—an American flag flown over this very stadium on Veterans Day.
Stop 3: Moundville Archaeological Park
Website: Moundville Archaeological Park
What to Expect:
- One of the largest Mississippian-period Native American sites in the U.S.
- Grass-covered ceremonial mounds and riverside views
- Museum with artifacts, dioramas, and educational videos
- Scenic walking trails and hands-on learning stations
- Military discounts available
Educational Tie-In:
Native American history, archaeology, anthropology, and cultural respect.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: Imagine you’re living in a Mississippian village. Write 3–5 sentences describing a day in your life.
Faith Connection: Proverbs 22:28 — “Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors.” Respecting and learning from past cultures honors their legacy.
Evening Reset: BackyEvening at the Airbnb: Surprise Water Fight
What to Expect
The day ended with a spontaneous backyard water battle — Super Soakers courtesy of Dad. Between laughter and splashes, we learned about Lonnie Johnson, the Alabama engineer and Air Force veteran who invented the Super Soaker while working on a space project.
Educational Tie-In:
- Lonnie Johnson’s biography
- Basics of patents and invention
- Alabama’s contributions to science and engineering
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: If you could invent something, what would it be and how would it work?
Faith Connection: Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” Creativity is a gift that can honor God.
What We Learned
- The Basilosaurus once swam over what is now Alabama
- College football in the South is both sport and cultural tradition
- Mississippian mounds served as centers for ceremonies, governance, and community life
- Lonnie Johnson, from Alabama, invented the Super Soaker
State Symbols Spotted Today:
- State Fossil: Basilosaurus cetoides
Plan It Yourself
You can map this exact route — and customize it for your own family’s adventure — using Roadtrippers Plus. It’s our favorite tool for finding kid-friendly stops, tracking drive times, and keeping everything in one place.
View our full trip on Roadtrippers: Ethan & Oliver Adventures: Great Alabama Road Trip Map
Up Next: Day 9 – Bridges, Bravery & Breaking Bread
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As an Amazon Associate and Roadtrippers affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Unless otherwise noted, all destinations, attractions, and resources mentioned here are places we’ve personally chosen to visit and recommend. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by these locations beyond the affiliate programs we participate in. We simply use and enjoy their tools and share them as a resource for fellow travelers.
