EarlyWorks Children's Museum

If you're vacationing with children or grandkids, the EarlyWorks Children's Museum is your go-to for hands-on learning. 

Since opening in December 1998, this family-friendly attraction has blended education and entertainment with exhibits that engage young imaginations. The museum's 50,000-square-foot facility is an immersive playground for children two to twelve, making it the largest in the Southeast. 

This one-of-a-kind facility features two museums: the EarlyWorks Children's Museum and the Constitution Hall Park Exhibits. While each offers unique exhibits and activities, both will educate and entertain young ones. We'll explore each in more detail, but in essence, EarlyWorks features STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) based exhibits, while Constitution lets children interact with historical figures and tools. 

Originally conceived as the Center for Southern Life, it was renamed EarlyWorks Children's Museum to align with its mission to inspire young learners. Here, children are encouraged to touch, climb, and interact with exhibits. Activities range from roleplaying in a general store to experimenting with a working cotton gin. 

With input from local teachers, the exhibits align with school curricula, making it a popular destination for field trips. 

Its proximity to other Huntsville attractions makes combining the ultimate sightseeing trip easy. For instance, after a day at EarlyWorks, head to Monte Sano State Park for a picnic dinner before attending a show at the Wernher Von Braun Planetarium. The Weeden House Museum & Gardens is blocks away, adding more opportunities to explore the Rocket City's landmarks. 

With this being one of the rare attractions where kids don't have to mind "don't touch," planning a visit is a no-brainer!

Earlyworks Children's Museum: Fun Facts & Cool Features

With so much to see and experience, we will only scratch the surface of all that is available at the two museums. 

EarlyWorks is jam-packed with inspirational features like the Magical Talking Tree. Not only is the faux tree with vibrant eyes and mouth captivating, but its stories will also keep little ones entertained. Stories range from Alabama's history to Native American traditions and George Washington Carver's groundbreaking work. Preschoolers will be dazzled in the Little Adventures space. Their fine motor skills are developed by playing with building blocks, a water table, and imaginative play.

For the budding scientist or inventor, the Tinker Lab is a must! This hands-on, science-inspired features daily STEM activities. EarlyWorks Tinker Techs lead interactive activities introducing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to young learners and their families. Additionally, guests can watch the 3D printers making unique objects.

At the Constitution Hall Park Exhibits, visitors can learn about Alabama's cultural history and watch a printing press and blacksmith shop operate. The Neal House lets guests interact with the past, learning how life for the Neal Family in 1819 was different yet identical to ours. 

Last but not least, visit Piper + Leaf for gifts, souvenirs, and cold beverages. When your crew gets hungry, head to any of the nearby restaurants like the Revivalist and Melt Huntsville. Good food is never too far away.

When visiting Huntsville, the EarlyWorks Children's Museum is an absolute must. Its combination of interactive exhibits, historical storytelling, and hands-on fun guarantees a memorable experience on any Huntsville vacation.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown Huntsville to EarlyWorks Children's Museum:

• Head south on Washington Street.
• Turn left onto Clinton Avenue and continue for 0.5 miles.
• Turn right onto Madison Street SE.
• Turn left onto Gates Avenue SE and proceed for 0.1 miles.
• Address: 404 Madison Street SE, Huntsville, AL 35801.

Cost

Below are the costs of visiting EarlyWorks Children's Museum:

• Toddlers (1-3): $7
• Youth (4-17): $12
• Adults (18+): $12
• Seniors (65+): $11

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.