rizzo0904

My boys picked Alabama for our trip in late February. We are coming from the northeast, so we will be plenty happy with the weather, 40s, 50s, 60s, whatever.

The boys are 4 and 5 so the plan is to visit the Space Center, Catherdral Caverns, and maybe SciQuest. We'd also love any nice hikes or nature trails. My boys are active and like to have hands on stuff to do. Is there anything else we shouldn't miss?

Next question....are we better off adding Atlanta or Nashville to our trip? We will fly in/out of one of them. Or I guess we could do both but we only have 6-7 days.

Thanks.

jent103

I'd think with kids that young, it would probably be Atlanta. For me the biggest down sides of Atlanta are the size and traffic; however, depending on where in the northeast you're from, that may be no big deal to you, and it probably has more of interest to the kids (the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, probably more I'm not thinking of). Nashville has the Adventure Science Center, but in terms of tourist attractions for 4- and 5-year-olds, I'm drawing a blank after that. They might like seeing the Opryland Hotel.

However, Mammoth Caves in Kentucky are about an hour to an hour and a half north of Nashville, so if that's of interest, Nashville could be a good place to fly out of.

On the off chance we get snow (or, heaven forbid, ice) while you're here, be forewarned that we do not handle it like you're used to! We get true winter weather so rarely that a) it's still a novelty and b) most cities don't invest in as much equipment to handle it. It's unlikely (February is just as often in the 40s/50s as it is in the 20s), but possible.

rizzo0904

Thanks. I've lived in the south too, so I know the snow/ice situation is almost disabling!

I'm sure Atlanta has a good science or kid's museum too. Maybe the CNN Center? No zoos since it'll be too cold and many animals won't be "on display". Aquarium for sure. Wonder if Stone Mt is worth it in the winter?

Gretchen

I'd say Atlanta also, although traffic and size is so off putting to me. I imagine the zoo will still be very open. Nashville is a little "out there" I think, for that age.

Gretchen

I'd say Atlanta also, although traffic and size is so off putting to me. I imagine the zoo will still be very open. Nashville is a little "out there" I think, for that age.

sanibella

During one weekend in February Southerland Station has their yearly open house. It's a Toy Store but specializes in trains and specialty toys. Fun if you are here that same weekend.

And if your boys like trains, you might check out the North Alabama Train Museum.

Also you might check Fantasy Playhouse and see if anything good is showing that weekend.

Definitely SciQuest and Cathedral Caverns. Space Center too.

Earlyworks maybe. Constitution Village is okay (they are too young to really get it) and the Train Depot will be closed in February.

Monte Sano State Park has a great playground, lovely outdoor picnic area, and awesome hiking trails (great viewing spots too). Easy hikes for your boys.

You might also take them to the river to hike around if the weather is nice. Ditto Landing has nice picnic areas and a few woodsy trails.

Definitely Atlanta over Nashville. And you might consider instead: Chattanooga, which is closer to Huntsville, and has less traffic, a great aquarium, very fun children's museum, more train stuff, and all within walking distance of hotels.

rizzo0904

sanibella - thanks for the great info! i think we'll go in to ATL and then out of either ATL or CHA. we will be non-revving so it'll depend on loads.

sanibella

CHA has a low-budget airline (can't remember the name off the top of my head) that only flies to certain cities. Not sure where you are flying from, but I'd look into it. If you are lucky enough that it flies into yours, you might catch a great deal.

nicolec

I don't disagree with the other comments re: Nashville versus Atlanta, but Nashville is a much more pleasant airport experience than Atlanta all around.

But for kids -- I'd choose Chattanooga over Nashville if that's an option.

In Huntsville, Earlyworks was a huge hit with my niece and nephew when they were younger.

Monte Sano, Rainbow Mountain and Wade Mountain all have family-level hikes although Rainbow Mountain is more in the "moderate" category than easy.