Family Campout

The Huntsville Botanical Garden's Family Campout offers an ideal introduction to camping for families who want all the fun of sleeping under the stars without venturing far from home. Parents and kids ages 4-14 can experience a classic camping adventure complete with tent setup, a hot dog dinner, s'mores around the fire, and a guided night hike through the Garden's trails after dark. It's particularly perfect for families testing the camping waters for the first time or those who want a low-key outdoor overnight without the hassle of remote campgrounds. The campout begins at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Huntsville Botanical Garden on Bob Wallace Avenue. Families bring their own tents, sleeping bags, pillows, flashlights, and lawn chairs, while the Garden provides dinner Friday evening and breakfast Saturday morning. The schedule keeps things simple: after tent setup and dinner, families enjoy guided night hikes and s'more roasting until lights-out at 9:00 p.m., then wake for breakfast and pack up by 8:00 a.m. Pricing varies based on membership status and family size, ranging from $30-$50 per individual to $110-$180 for a family of four, with members receiving significant discounts. Parents should note this is a supported camping experience rather than wilderness camping—restroom facilities are nearby, and staff guide evening activities. Since the campout happens in mid-September, Alabama evenings can still be warm, so pack accordingly with light sleeping bags and bug spray. This is genuinely kid-friendly camping where nervous first-timers can feel confident, knowing they're just steps away from their car if needed.