13-Day Alabama Road Trip Adventure with Kids
Where Fiction Meets the Real Road
Planning an Alabama road trip with kids? Or even if you aren’t, we’ve created a fun way to explore Alabama like Ethan and Oliver — right from your own backyard or living room! Whether you’re dreaming of rockets in Huntsville, canyons at Little River, Civil Rights history in Montgomery, or the white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama offers an adventure for every curious child.
Inspired by our Ethan & Oliver Adventures series — where fiction meets the real road — this 13-day itinerary combines family-friendly stops, hands-on learning, and plenty of moments to slow down; or just try and savor the journey.
When you pick up your copy of The Great Alabama Road Trip, you’ll find special Stop & Explore Missions that bring the adventure home — perfect for families who aren’t on the road yet. Each mission is designed for hands-on fun with both kids and parents, blending creativity, faith, and curiosity.
Day 1: Florence – Fun and Feasting
Kick off your adventure with a stop in Florence, home of legendary music history. Explore the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, visit the home where it all came together for Helen Keller, stroll the grounds of the Renaissance Festival and paddleboard on the Tennessee River.
Read Day 1: Fathoming, Fun and Feasting
Day 2: Decatur – Civil War to Marina Pizza Night
From Civil War history at the Old State Bank to creatures at the Cook Museum of Natural Science, Day 2 is filled with history, science, and creativity. End the day with a fun marina pizza night.
Read Day 2: Critters, Curiosity and Creation
Day 3: Huntsville – Rockets, Rails & Glamping
Spend the day at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, explore model trains at the Botanical Garden, and finish with a night under the stars at Monte Sano State Park.
Read Day 3: Boosters, Butterflies and Blooms
Day 4: Huntsville – Printing Presses & Pulleys
Step back to 1819 at Alabama Constitution Hall Park, get hands-on at EarlyWorks Children’s Museum, and wind down with a mountain sunset.
Read Day 4: Printing Press, Pulleys and Peaceful Mountaintops
Day 5: Russell Cave & Little River Canyon
Discover Native American history at Russell Cave National Monument, then explore the wild (and wet) beauty of Little River Canyon, ending with the grandparents and some delicious supper!
Read Day 5: Caves, Canyons and Curiosity
Day 6: Anniston to Cheaha – Nature & Civil Rights
Visit the Anniston Museum of Natural History, reflect at the Freedom Riders National Monument, and enjoy Alabama’s highest point at Cheaha State Park. Let’s not forget a special friends visit!
Read Day 6: Mummies, Monuments and Mountain Trails
Day 7: Birmingham – Caverns & Courage
Take in underground wonders at Majestic Caverns, learn about the Civil Rights Movement at the 16th Street Baptist Church and Civil Rights Institute, then enjoy a sunset horseback ride.
Read Day 7: Hidden Wonders, History and Horseback Rides
Day 8: Tuscaloosa & Moundville – Fossils & Future Inventions
Explore ancient oceans at the Natural History Museum, climb Native American mounds, and learn about Alabama’s inventive minds like Lonnie Johnson.
Read Day 8: Fossils, Football and Flying Water
Day 9: Selma – Bravery & Bridges
Walk across the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge, reflect on courage and justice, and create your own art inspired by hope and history.
Read Day 9: Bridges, Bravery and Breaking Bread
Day 10: Montgomery – Justice & Movement
Visit powerful Civil Rights landmarks. Reflect at the water memorial and remember the ripple effect of one brave voice like Rosa Parks.
Read Day 10: Courage, Change and Conversations
Day 11: Tuskegee & Peanut Country
Discover the Red Tails of the Tuskegee Airmen, walk in Booker T. Washington’s footsteps, and explore George Washington Carver’s legacy.
Read Day 11: Red Tails & Remarkable Role Models
Day 12: Gulf Shores – Giants, Gators & the Gulf
Head to the beaches, meet alligators up close, and enjoy a quiet evening watching the sun dip into the Gulf.
Read Day 12: Gulf Shores Adventures
Day 13: Mobile – Sea Life & Saying Goodbye
Visit the Alabama Aquarium, step aboard the USS Alabama Battleship, and reflect on your family’s journey before heading home.
Read Day 13: Sea Life & Farewell
Want to Keep the Adventure Going?
- Explore the Ethan & Oliver Adventures book series, where each day is a “family mission” blending faith, history, and hands-on fun.
- Follow us on Pinterest for road trip tips, creative kids’ activities, recipes from the road, and family travel inspiration.
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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 — including Roadtrippers. We simply use and enjoy their trip-planning tool and share it as a resource for fellow travelers.
