Not far from Birmingham and Decatur, in northeastern Alabama, is the small city of Gadsden. Gadsden is home to historic sites such as the Mort Glosser Amphitheater. The city is near the Coosa River and Weiss Lake. The area's natural beauty, combined with its wealth of cultural attractions, has provided Gadsden locals and visitors with a wide array of options for recreation. Gadsden is a very family-oriented place and there are several affordable options for family fun.
Any member of the family can find something to enjoy at Noccalula Falls Park. The park includes train rides, botanical gardens, an animal habitat and campgrounds. Special events have included a children's hoe-down and a barbecue festival. Visit and learn the legend of the the beautiful Noccalula waterfall while you're there. As of 2010, admission to the park is free for children under 3, $3 for children 4 to 12 and $6 for adults.
Noccalula Falls Park
1500 Noccalula Road
Gadsden, AL 35902
259-549-4663
noccfalls.homestead.com
As part of the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, the Imagination Place Children’s Museum offers a variety of activities and games where young kids can learn and have fun, including a play grocery store and the “Light, Sound and Illusion” program. Imagination Place also offers several revolving outreach and field trip programs, such as the event entitled “Leonardo’s Workshop,” where kids make art while also learning about Leonardo Da Vinci. As of 2010, admission is free for children 2 and under, $5 for children 3 to 12, and $6 for adults. The museum is free on the first Tuesday of every month.
Imagination Place Children’s Museum
501 Broad St.
Gadsden, AL 35901
256-543-2787
culturalarts.org
For just $10 dollars per vehicle (as of 2010), pack the whole family in the car and head just north of Gadsden to the Sand Mountain Twin Drive-In, an old-fashioned outdoor movie theater. Bring your own snacks and drinks or enjoy treats from the theater’s concession stand. The theater is open Thursday through Sunday and has two screens showing double-features each night.
Sand Mountain Twin Drive-In Theater
10480 U.S. Hwy 431
Boaz, AL 35956
256-593-5599
sandmountaindrivein.com
