What do Aretha Franklin, the Wilson Dam, and a live lion mascot have in common? You can experience all three on one family trip to The Shoals. If you're looking for things to do in Muscle Shoals, Alabama for families, let me help you plan the perfect getaway.
The Shoals moves at a pace that works for kids and parents alike. There's history around every corner, plenty of outdoor adventure, and enough variety that nobody in the car has to compromise on "what we're doing today."
What cities make up The Shoals?
If you're not from the area, you're probably wondering what I mean when I say "The Shoals." Four northwestern Alabama cities located along the banks of the Tennessee River, spanning two counties, are commonly referred to collectively as The Shoals: Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia.
The Shoals is about a two-hour drive from Birmingham, which makes it a very doable weekend trip.
The Shoals is a short drive from several larger cities:
- Birmingham, Alabama: 98 miles
- Nashville, Tennessee: 110 miles
- Memphis, Tennessee: 138 miles
- Atlanta, Georgia: 199 miles
Where should families stay in The Shoals?
There are lots of affordable, family-friendly options for overnight stays in The Shoals.
Cherith Glover Fluker
Stricklin Hotel
Located downtown Florence, The Stricklin Hotel is a boutique hotel within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and attractions. Keep in mind every room comes with a single king bed, which makes it a better fit for couples or families with adult kids who can book a couple of rooms rather than families needing space for little ones to spread out.
Other places to stay in the area:
- Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa — a great location in Muscle Shoals with an on-site pool, which is always a plus for families. It's also home to the one-of-a-kind 360 Grille, worth booking if you want one nicer dinner out during the trip.
- GunRunner Boutique Hotel — located downtown Florence, a short walk from the University of North Alabama. Uniquely decorated rooms and a rooftop bar make this a nice option if you're traveling with older kids or teens.
There are several other hotels and inns throughout The Shoals area, so you're sure to find a comfortable home base for your family's stay.
What are the top things to do in Muscle Shoals with kids?
A trip to The Shoals gives families the chance to explore history. We were surprised by how much there was to see and do, and how much of it worked for all ages.
Here are some of the best family activities in the Quad Cities:
- Alabama Music Hall of Fame
Located in Tuscumbia, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame is a fun, high-energy stop for families. Jukeboxes blaring memorable hits, statues, gold records, costumes, cars, tour buses, and other memorabilia make this more of an interactive experience than a quiet museum walk-through.
- Ivy Green — Birthplace of Helen Keller
Cherith Glover Fluker
Helen Keller birthplace
Helen Keller is a name most Alabama kids will recognize from their history books, and there's something powerful about visiting the actual place where her story began. Ivy Green, the Virginia-cottage home in the heart of Tuscumbia where Helen Keller and her family lived, is now a National Register of Historic Sites landmark. Kids can tour the main house alongside a separate cottage where Anne Sullivan spent countless hours teaching Helen to communicate
- George H. Carroll Lion Habitat
This one is a guaranteed family favorite. The George H. Carroll Lion Habitat, home to the University of North Alabama's mascot, is a climate-controlled facility said to house the only live lion mascot in the United States. It's free, it's quick, and it's the kind of stop that gets kids talking for the rest of the trip.
- FAME Recording Studios
Cherith Glover Fluker
FAME Recording Studios
Known as the "heartbeat of Muscle Shoals," FAME Studios dates back to 1961 and has hosted artists like Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and, more recently, Alicia Keys and Tim McGraw. Older kids and music-loving teens especially enjoy standing in the same room where these hits were recorded. The Backstage Tour option takes you further "behind the velvet rope" for close-up looks at FAME's Publishing Office and awards.
- Muscle Shoals Sound Studio
In Sheffield, this small but historically packed studio has hosted The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, and Willie Nelson, among many others. Chris Stapleton's "Cold" was recorded here, too. Our tour guide, Terrell Benton, made the visit come alive with stories that had even the less music-obsessed members of our group hooked.
- Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House
Designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Rosenbaum House in Florence is unlike any home your kids have likely stepped inside. It's a great, low-key stop for families interested in architecture and design, and the layout — which seems to unfold room after room — tends to spark good conversation with curious kids.
- W. C. Handy Birthplace and Museum
Located in Florence, this museum is filled with memorabilia honoring the "Father of the Blues." Families can explore the actual birthplace and home of W.C. Handy and see original furnishings — another accessible way to introduce kids to Alabama's deep musical roots.
- Tom's Wall
Cherith Glover Fluker
Toms Wall
Snaking around Tom Hendrix's property near the Natchez Trace Parkway, this unique un-mortared rock wall was built over decades in honor of Hendrix's great-great-grandmother's journey during the Trail of Tears. It's a bit off the beaten path, but the story behind it makes for a meaningful family stop and a good conversation starter about Alabama and Native American history.
Other family-friendly attractions in The Shoals
- McFarland Park — great for letting kids stretch their legs, with river views and open green space
- Wilson Dam and Wilson Dam Waterfall
- Oak Railroad Bridge
- Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at The Shoals
- TVA Muscle Shoals Trails Complex — a good option for an active afternoon outdoors
- Belle Mont Mansion
There's enough variety in The Shoals to keep every member of the family engaged. We're already planning our next trip back to catch everything we missed.