Weekly roundup
Hey Rocket City Parents! 👋
Can you feel it? That perfect October crispness is finally here, and honestly, it couldn’t have come at a better time. The leaves are starting to turn, the pumpkin patches are in full swing, and Huntsville is absolutely packed with fun things to do this weekend!
I know how overwhelming it can be trying to figure out what to do with the kids, so I’ve rounded up all the best family-friendly happenings so you can actually enjoy your weekend instead of frantically Googling “things to do near me” at 9 am on Saturday. (We’ve all been there, right?)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, October 10, 11 & 12 | 10:00 AM
🎃 The Pumpkin Patch at MidCity
MidCity District, Huntsville
This is running every weekend through October, so if you can’t make it this weekend, don’t stress! Bring the kids to pick out their perfect pumpkin and soak up all those cozy fall vibes. It’s one of those low-key activities that somehow always ends up being the highlight of the weekend.
What to expect: Rows of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, photo-worthy fall displays, and that classic pumpkin patch atmosphere
Perfect for: Families looking for a relaxed fall outing and that perfect Instagram-worthy pumpkin
Pro tip: Grab a wagon if they have them available, it makes hauling pumpkins (and tired toddlers) so much easier
Cost: FREE!
Friday @ 5 PM & Saturday @ 10-4:30 PM, October 10
👹 MidCity Monster Mash
The Camp, MidCity District, Huntsville
If your little ones are already begging to wear their Halloween costumes, this is your chance to let them shine. Perfect way to kick off the weekend!
What to expect: Friendly monsters for photos, live music to dance along to, a fall market with local vendors, and plenty of Halloween spirit
Perfect for: Families with kids who can’t wait for Halloween and love showing off their costumes
Pro tip: Bring your phone fully charged, you’re going to want all the photo ops with those monster characters
Cost: FREE!
Saturday, October 11 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
🛍 Hazel Green Vendor Market
Sharon Johnston Park, New Market
Despite the name, this one is actually in New Market, and it’s basically a fall festival dream.
What to expect: Local vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to fall decor, food trucks with something for everyone, pumpkin painting stations, face painting, and classic games like cornhole and ring toss
Perfect for: Families who want a full day of activities without breaking the bank
Pro tip: Get there early (like 9-10 AM) for the best food truck options and shorter lines at the pumpkin painting station
Cost: FREE
Saturday, October 11 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
👻 Little Monsters Mash
Huntsville Botanical Garden
This is such a sweet event. It’s like Halloween practice, but way more fun. Fair warning, though, this one does have an admission fee, but if you’re already a member of the Botanical Garden, you’re in for free!
What to expect: A costume contest with prizes, live music and dancing, hands-on crafts, trick-or-treating throughout the gorgeous garden paths, and a safe space for little ones to celebrate Halloween.
Perfect for: Younger kids (toddlers through elementary) who are excited about Halloween but might find traditional trick-or-treating overwhelming
Pro tip: The costume context fills up fast, so register as soon as you arrive
Cost: $17/adult, $12/child (ages 3-15), FREE for members
Saturday, October 11 | 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM
🚂 Punkin’ Pickin’ Extravaganza Train Ride
North Alabama Railroad Museum
Ok, this one is absolutely magical and honestly one of my favorite fall traditions in Huntsville. You board a real train at the Mercury & Chase Depot, ride through the woods to Normal, AL, and when you arrive, surprise! There’s a whole pumpkin patch waiting for you. Each kid gets to pick out their very own pumpkin to take home, and it’s all included in your ticket. It’s like a mini adventure that combines two things kids love: trains and pumpkins.
What to expect: A scenic train ride through fall foliage, arrival at a pumpkin patch in Normal, time to explore and pick pumpkins, and one pumpkin per child included in your ticket price
Perfect for: Train-loving kids, families who want a unique pumpkin patch experience, and anyone looking to make core fall memories
Pro tip: This ride sells out every single year, so book your tickets NOW if you haven’t already. Seriously, don’t wait.
Cost: $20-$25 per person (adults and children)
💡 My Weekend Picks
If I had to narrow it down…
Punkin’ Pickin’ Extravaganza Train Ride - This is THE experience this weekend. There’s something about combining a train ride with pumpkin picking that just hits different. My kid talks about it for weeks afterward, and honestly, the adults love it just as much. Worth every penny!
Hazel Green Vendor Market - I’m biased because it’s right here in our backyard, but this market is the perfect low-key Saturday morning. Food trucks, pumpkin painting, and you can actually browse vendors without feeling rushed. Plus, supporting local is always a win.
Little Monsters Mash at the Botanical Garden - If your kiddo is still deciding on a Halloween costume or just wants to test-drive it, this is such a fun spot. The garden is gorgeous this time of year anyway, and the trick-or-treating through the paths is way less chaotic than the real thing.
That’s it for this week.
📝 Before You Head Out:
The weather’s been a little unpredictable, so throw some layers in the car (jackets in the morning, t-shirts by afternoon, you know the drill)
If you’re planning to hit up any of the popular spots, earlier is better for parking and snagging your favorite food truck
Don’t sleep on the train ride; it sells out every year, and it’s truly one of the most special fall experiences in Huntsville
If you end up at any of these, I’d love to hear how it goes! And if you know of any hidden gems I should include in next week’s roundup, send them my way.
Happy adventuring,
Ryan 🚀