February 2024 - New Park

Exploring Montgomery: Top Family-Friendly Attractions and Activities

Month: February 2024

Exploring Montgomery: Top Family-Friendly Attractions and Activities

collage of family friendly activities

collage of family friendly activities

Welcome to Montgomery, Alabama, where family-friendly living meets Southern charm! If you’re considering a move to Montgomery or eyeing the welcoming community of New Park, you’re in the right place.

This comprehensive guide is your ticket to exploring the top kid-friendly attractions and activities that make Montgomery an ideal place for families to live. From picturesque parks and educational cultural experiences to outdoor adventures and indoor fun, discover the abundance of family-friendly experiences waiting for you in Montgomery.

Parks and Recreation:

Montgomery is home to over 60 parks, each offering a special blend of nature and fun for families. One standout is Blount Cultural Park, a sprawling 175-acre haven in East Montgomery that houses the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and the Hannah Daye Ridling Bark Park– perfect for furry friends. Stroll along scenic trails, have a picnic in the lush green spaces, or enjoy a quiet moment of reflection at one of the serene ponds.

For more outdoor excitement, Gateway Park and Lagoon Park are the places to be. Whether you’re interested in walking trails, playing on playgrounds, fishing, or golfing, there’s truly something for everyone in your family.

Cultural and Educational Experiences:

Montgomery has a great selection of kid-friendly cultural and educational attractions for families to explore. Dive into history at the immersive Rosa Parks Museum and step back in time as you witness Parks’ historic arrest while learning about the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Civil Rights Movement. Don’t forget to visit the Alabama Department of Archives and History’s Museum of Alabama, where you can explore artifacts, play dress-up in the Hands-On Gallery, and more.

For an out-of-this-world experience, head to the newly reopened W.A. Gayle Planetarium to embark on a cosmic journey and witness stunning celestial displays projected on a 50-ft. domed ceiling. Art lovers will delight in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, home to over 4,000 works of art by American artists from the 18th to the 21st centuries. The ArtWorks Interactive Gallery is a family-friendly space within the museum where kids of all ages can engage with art through interactive elements and hands-on activities.

Outdoor Entertainment:

Montgomery’s outdoor attractions are ideal for families seeking fun-filled outings and adventures. Over 500 animals from five continents await you in natural, barrier-free habitats at the Montgomery Zoo. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds, hop on the miniature train for a leisurely tour, or take a quick trip on the Zoofari Skylift to see it all from a bird’s eye view. Don’t miss the Mann Museum, the Waters of the World exhibit, the Giraffe Encounter Post, and Parakeet Cove! Plus, catch the African lions’ training session and learn about the zoo’s resident African elephants during daily Q&A sessions.

Riverwalk Stadium, home of the Montgomery Biscuits, offers the excitement of minor league baseball with family-friendly amenities like a kids’ playground. Located steps from downtown Montgomery, it’s easily accessible and perfect for outdoor fun. While you’re in the downtown area, don’t miss the chance to enjoy more outdoor fun on a relaxing cruise down the Alabama River on the Harriott II! This restored 19th Century riverboat offers dinner, dancing, and live entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Nearby Montgomery Whitewater provides rafting adventures suitable for families with children as young as eight. 

Indoor Fun:

Montgomery’s indoor attractions offer hours of excitement and entertainment for the whole family– rain or shine! Step into the imaginative world of Newtopia Fun Park, a 13,200 square foot indoor playground designed to keep children entertained for hours. With a three-level play structure featuring activities like a giant four-person wave slide, battle balls, pyramid obstacles, web net bridges, and more, Newtopia promises endless fun and adventure for kids of all ages. Plus, there’s a special area just for toddlers with soft play equipment tailored to their needs. While the kids play, parents can relax in the cafe area, sipping on beverages and snacks while enjoying free WiFi.

For those seeking a different kind of thrill, Sky Zone Trampoline Park offers wall-to-wall trampoline courts where families can let go of gravity and grab some air. From slam dunking to Ultimate Dodgeball, Sky Zone provides a safe and exhilarating experience for jumpers of all ages. The Toddler Zone ensures that even the youngest family members can join in on the fun in a dedicated area designed just for them. When the weather doesn’t cooperate or you’re craving some indoor excitement, Montgomery has you covered.

As you and your family plan your next move, keep in mind that Montgomery is filled with endless opportunities for family-friendly living! Whether you’re seeking the tranquility of scenic parks, the enrichment of cultural attractions, the adventure of outdoor activities, or the thrill of indoor fun, Montgomery has it all. Discover the joys of family life in Montgomery, and consider making New Park your new home today!

P.S. Looking for more things to do in Montgomery? Check out our guide: 7 Essential Things to Do in Montgomery, Alabama

PLUS: 35 Fun International Day of Happiness Activities

March 20 is International Day of Happiness! Happiness is more than just a feeling– it’s all about finding contentment and forging connections with others. Take some time to appreciate the little things and celebrate International Day of Happiness

First F-35A fighter jet arrives in Montgomery

A group of people standing around a plane

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – This morning, a special ceremony was held at Dannelly Field to welcome the arrival of the new F-35A fighter jets.

Dannelly Field is the home of the 187th Fighter Wing, which is considered one of the United States Air Force’s most reliable combat units. This is why the unit has been tasked with flying the world’s most advanced stealth fighter jet and training the next generation of fighter pilots.

“It’s a clear reminder that our state is at the forefront of defending freedom, not just for ourselves, but for future generations,” stated Alabama Governor Kay Ivey.

The F-35A replaces the F-16′s that left Dannelly Field last year. It’s said that the new F-35A costs less and will have a much longer lifespan.

“So many partners played a role in getting the F-35′s here to Dannelly field. So, this day is not just for the 187th. But it’s an entire team of teams, our state and local partners, our federal delegation, our supportive community, and many others who have been dedicated to ensuring our Alabama airmen remain at the very forefront of military capability. This is an incredible achievement,” said Alabama National Guard Adjutant General Brigadier General David Pritchett.

The new aircraft is also expected to bring more people to the Montgomery workforce. Officials say that about 2,000 jobs are directly or indirectly tied to the F-35A, with an economic impact totaling 2 billion dollars.

Over the next five years, the 187th Fighter Winger will receive a total of 20 of the new jets.

 

 

This article was written for wsfa.com by WSFA 12 News Staff. To view the original article, please visit:

https://www.wsfa.com/2024/02/09/first-f-35a-fighter-jet-arrives-montgomery/

 

Grey Wolf Helicopter Training Unit Now Active at Maxwell Air Force Base

A group of people standing in front of a military vehicle

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – A new Grey Wolf helicopter training unit was activated at Maxwell Air Force Base on Wednesday.

The new unit is known as the 58th Operations Group Detachment 3.

It is responsible for formally training all aviators who will fly the MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter, the Air Force’s newest helicopter.

The 908th Airlift Wing used to fly cargo planes. To get ready for the helicopters, it needed a major overhaul and underwent a multi-million dollar construction project. When it’s all said and done, the facility will house six training stations, including two operational flight trainers, a weapons simulator, and an integrated aircrew systems trainer.

This has been a years-long process. It was first announced that the MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter was coming in 2020.

 

This article was written for wsfa.com by Bethany Davis and Brady Talbert. To view the original article, please visit:

https://www.wsfa.com/2024/01/31/908th-airlift-wing-activates-dept-defenses-only-grey-wolf-helicopter-training-unit/

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