A free Ag Expo at Alabama A&M, toddler nature time in Gurley and a guided hike on Chapman Mountain lead the week. Library crafts and storytimes fill the gaps.
Six things for families across Huntsville and Gurley this week, from a teen craft night in Monrovia on Monday to a guided hike on Chapman Mountain next Sunday. Two are free by the organizers’ own word, the North Alabama Ag Expo at Alabama A&M and the Land Trust’s toddler session at Bethel Spring, and one of those needs a reservation.
Details below come from each organizer’s event page, checked Nov. 8. Follow the links before you set out, because outdoor events can be called off for weather.
Monday, Nov. 9: Teen Art Night in Monrovia
6 to 7 p.m., Monrovia Public Library, 254 Allen Drake Drive, Huntsville
Teens ages 13 to 18 are making sun catchers this week. The library calls it “a night of creativity and self expression” and says “we provide the supplies, you bring the inspiration.” Library phone: 256-489-3392. Event page.
Tuesday, Nov. 10: Little Sprouts Storytime in Gurley
11 a.m. to noon, Gurley Public Library, 225 Walker St., Gurley
This week’s theme is hibernation, with hand-picked stories, a craft to match and sing-along songs with instruments. The library says the session suits “lap babies and toddlers alike,” runs every Tuesday and needs no reservation. Library phone: 256-776-2102. Event page.
Thursday, Nov. 12: Little Forest Friends at Bethel Spring
10 to 11 a.m., Bethel Spring Nature Preserve, 2641 Cherry Tree Road, Gurley
The Land Trust of North Alabama runs this nature session for children ages 18 months to 3 years, with stories, songs and art. Older siblings are welcome, and an adult has to come along. The Land Trust says the aim is “to inspire young children to feel a friendly, respectful connection to nature.”
It is free, though the Land Trust says membership “is very much appreciated.” Reservations are required and space is limited. Book one spot per family, not per child. There is no waitlist; if places free up, registration reopens.
Closed-toe shoes are required, and the Land Trust suggests long pants, bug spray, sunscreen and water. There is no restroom or portable toilet at the preserve. The closest public facilities are about 10 minutes away in Owens Cross Roads. Families can stay afterward for a picnic they bring from home. This session repeats the story and craft from the Land Trust’s Blevins Gap session this month, so pick one. Event page and sign-up.
Saturday, Nov. 14: Saturday Sillies Craft downtown
10 to 10:30 a.m., Downtown Huntsville Library, 915 Monroe St. SW, Huntsville
A half-hour craft in the Youth Services storytime area. The library aims it at young children up to 5 and also lists school-age children. Library phone: 256-532-5940. Event page.
Saturday, Nov. 14: North Alabama Ag Expo at Alabama A&M
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., AAMU Agribition Center, 4925 Moores Mill Road, Huntsville
Alabama A&M University and its partners call the expo “a free, family-friendly event that will explore all aspects of urban and traditional agriculture in North Alabama.” This year’s theme is “Planting the Future: Growing Madison County Together,” with a spotlight on Madison County.
The university lists free T-shirts for the first 100 children, free lunch for the first 500 attendees, live music and line dancing, raffle prizes, a Kid Zone, information sessions and interactive exhibits and vendors. Expo page.
Sunday, Nov. 15: Guided hike on Chapman Mountain
1:30 to 3 p.m., Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve, 1263 U.S. Highway 72 East, Huntsville
A Land Trust leader takes the group around the “flat” part of the preserve, on the Driskell and Chasco trails and parts of the Terry and Moonshine trails. The Land Trust rates it moderate, about 2 miles in around an hour and a half, and says that because it avoids the hills, “this hike is appropriate for all ages and levels of hikers.” Bring binoculars if you have them: the preserve is a birding spot.
Sign-up is on the event page, and the Land Trust emails registered hikers if weather cancels it. Coming from Huntsville, the Land Trust says to cross Chapman Mountain on Highway 72, U-turn at Moores Mill Road and take the paved entrance on the right where the silver guardrail ends, then follow the gravel road down to the parking area. Event page and sign-up.
For more around town this month, see arts and exhibitions in Huntsville and the Veterans Day parade on Nov. 11.
Frequently asked questions
What free family events are on in Huntsville the week of Nov. 9?
The North Alabama Ag Expo at the AAMU Agribition Center on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is free, and so is Little Forest Friends at Bethel Spring Nature Preserve in Gurley on Thursday, Nov. 12, though that needs a reservation.
Do I need to book Little Forest Friends at Bethel Spring?
Yes. The Land Trust of North Alabama says reservations are required, space is limited and there is no waitlist. Reserve one spot per family, not per child.
Is there a restroom at Bethel Spring Nature Preserve?
No. The Land Trust says there is no restroom or portable toilet at the preserve; the closest public facilities are about 10 minutes away in Owens Cross Roads.
Is the Chapman Mountain hike on Nov. 15 suitable for children?
The Land Trust says the hike keeps to the flat part of the preserve and is appropriate for all ages and levels. It covers about 2 miles in around an hour and a half.
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