Weekly roundup
Hey Parents! 👋
Memorial Day weekend is finally here, and the Valley is putting on a show. From baseball and fireworks to a sky full of hot air balloons, this is the kind of weekend memories are made of. Rain is in the mix this year, so keep one eye on the radar, but don’t let a few clouds keep you home. There’s plenty of fun to be had, rain or shine.
Friday, May 22 | 6:35 PM
Trash Pandas vs Chattanooga Lookouts
Toyota Field
Baseball is the perfect way to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend!
What to expect: Baseball and great food
Perfect for: Everyone
Pro tip: Gates open at 5:30, FIREWORKS after the game!
Cost: Varies
Saturday & Sunday, May 23 & 24 | 6 AM - 8 PM
Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Festival
Point Mallard Park, Decatur
One of the largest free hot air balloon events in the southeast! You can expect to see tons of beautiful balloons and experience some amazing food and fun!
What to expect: Hot Air Balloons, Food vendors, entertainment, and fun!
Perfect for: Everyone
Pro tip: There are 4 flight time slots. Don’t miss the sunset in the park with the balloons!
Cost: Free
Saturday, May 23 | 10 & 11 AM
Butterfly Release
Huntsville Botanical Gardens
There's something magical about watching a butterfly flutter from your hand into a sun-dappled garden, and that's exactly what families will experience at the Huntsville Botanical Garden's Butterfly Releases. These hands-on programs begin with a short educational presentation about butterfly life cycles and habitats before giving each participant the chance to gently release a live butterfly into the climate-controlled Purdy Butterfly House.
What to expect: Tons of beautiful butterflies
Perfect for: Everyone!
Pro tip: Bring your phone to take photos
Cost: Non-member Adult: $27
Child (3-15) $20
Child ( 2 and under) $8
Sunday, May 24 | 1 PM
Junior Ranger Journey: Hiking at Joe Wheeler State Park
Joe Wheeler State Park
A guided hike through Joe Wheeler State Park. This program helps get everyone excited about being in the great outdoors! There are so many gorgeous areas in the state park. This is an excellent opportunity to explore!
What to expect: A nice guided hike, including a workout in the beautiful scenery
Perfect for: Ages 3 and up
Pro tip: Hydrate and wear comfortable shoes
Cost: Free
💡 My Weekend Picks
If I had to narrow it down…
Trash Pandas Game - Baseball and fireworks after the game. This one is absolutely going to bring the smiles!
Hot Air Balloon Festival - The views are going to be amazing, especially at sunset. I cannot wait for this event!
Junior Ranger Journey- Super cool to experience the great outdoors on a guided hike in Joe Wheeler State Park
That’s it for this week.
📝 Before You Head Out:
Real talk on the weather: it’s looking like a wet one. Rain and storms are in the forecast across the whole weekend, with temperatures holding in the low-to-mid 80s. Saturday currently looks like the driest of the three, so that may be your best window for the outdoor events. Pack the ponchos, keep an eye on the radar, and check event pages before you head out, especially for the balloon festival, since those balloons need calm, clear skies to get off the ground.
If you make it out to any of these events, come say hi! I’ll be the dad at Toyota Field, refreshing the radar between innings and swearing the rain will hold off, while my daughter just wants to know if the fireworks are still on.
Happy adventuring,
Ryan 🚀