🌟 This Weekend's Must-Do Events
👑 Princess Pancakes with Cinderella and Friends
Saturday, 9:30 AM | North Alabama
Okay, I know this isn't technically STEM, but hear me out - my daughter would absolutely lose her mind if I didn't include this! There's something to be said for the "engineering" that goes into creating those elaborate Disney costumes, right? 😉
What to expect: Royal pancake breakfast with live entertainment, music, dance, storytelling, and photo ops
Perfect for: Princess-obsessed kiddos who also love a good breakfast
Pro tip: Bring your camera - these memories are priceless!
🍂 Fall Festival at Sharon Johnston Park
Saturday 9:00 AM | Sharon Johnston Park, New Market
New Market always puts on a great community event, and this fall festival promises activities for all ages. Perfect for families who want to ease into the weekend with some low-key fun.
What to expect: Classic fall festival vibes with community activities
Perfect for: Families looking for a relaxed morning out
Bonus: Great opportunity to connect with other local families
🔬 STEM at the Preserve
Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Harvest Square Nature Preserve
NOW we're talking! This is exactly the kind of event that makes my science-loving heart happy. They're kicking things off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and then diving into a full day of hands-on STEM fun.
What to expect: Interactive STEM exhibits, arts & crafts, guided nature hikes, bird watching, and nature journaling
Perfect for: Kids who love getting their hands dirty while learning
Why I'm excited: The combination of outdoor exploration and structured STEM activities is chef's kiss perfect
🤝 The 23rd Annual Rocket City Buddy Walk
Saturday, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | UAH Campus - Charger Union
This is one of those events that just fills your heart. It's all about celebrating inclusion and supporting the Down syndrome community, plus there's a kids' train (always a win!).
What to expect: Kids' train rides, bungee trampoline, pizza, donuts, ice cream, and tons of family fun
Perfect for: Families who want to have fun while supporting a great cause
Good to know: Proceeds benefit Bringing Up Down Syndrome - such important work
🌟 VBAS Astronomy Day 2025
Saturday | Monte Sano State Park | Daytime: 1:00-5:00 PM |
Evening: 7:30-9:00 PM
As someone who's constantly trying to get my kid excited about space (with mixed success, let's be honest), this event is a goldmine!
Daytime activities: Mini-planetarium shows, telescope tours, meteor radar demonstrations
Evening events: Keynote speech and planetarium show
Perfect for: Future astronauts and space enthusiasts of all ages
Parent win: You might learn something too!
🎵 Jazz in the Park
Saturday, 5:00 PM | Huntsville
Winding down the day with some smooth jazz sounds perfect, doesn't it? Great for families who want a mellow evening activity.
What to expect: Outdoor jazz performance in a family-friendly setting
Perfect for: Music-loving families or anyone wanting to relax
Bonus: Introduces kids to different music genres
🚗 Worth the Drive: Historical Adventure
⛵ Niña & Pinta Replica Ships
Saturday, 11:00 AM | Guntersville City Harbor
Okay, this one requires a bit of a drive, but how often do you get to see actual replica ships from Columbus's fleet? The history nerd in me is absolutely fascinated, and it's the perfect blend of education and adventure.
What to expect: Tour authentic ship replicas and learn maritime history
Perfect for: History buffs and kids who love boats
Road trip bonus: Guntersville is beautiful this time of year!
💡 My Weekend Picks
If I had to choose just a few for my own family this weekend:
STEM at the Preserve - This is exactly what we're looking for: outdoor learning that doesn't feel like school
Niña & Pinta Replica Ships - Because my daughter is really into pirates right now!
Princess Pancakes - Because sometimes you just have to embrace the chaos of what your kids actually want to do! 😄
📝 Quick Reminders
Weather check: Keep an eye on those afternoon storms we've been having
Early birds: Several events start bright and early - perfect excuse for that Saturday morning coffee run!
Free fun: Some of these events are even completely free - it means we have no excuse!!
I hope you have an amazing weekend! I'd love to hear which events you end up checking out. Drop me a line and let me know how it goes!
Happy exploring, Ryan 🚀
P.S. Did I miss an amazing event happening this weekend? Send it my way for next week's newsletter!