Hello Readers! I’m excited to share with you our plans for Rocket City Mom Virtual Book Club this year. If you’ve never joined us before and want to read some great books with other moms, you can get a good idea on how we work and past titles we’ve discussed here >>> How to Join the RCM Book Club. New members are always welcome!

Rocket City Mom Virtual Book Club will continue to be one of the lowest commitment book clubs on the planet. Since 2016, we read 5 or 6 books a year and meet virtually in a private Facebook Group. There has been some conversation around moving the Book Club from the Facebook platform and this conversation will continue as we look into what platforms are available, which would serve our purpose and most importantly, which would be easiest for a book club to use.

RCM Book Club Titles in 2022

Here are our upcoming selections through the summer. We love Reader input, so we’ll gather that and add more titles for August through December.

January/February Selection

With the Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo
Virtual Live Discussion: Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 8:30 PM CT

We’re returning to a book club favorite author, Elizabeth Acevedo. Acevedo is a New York Times Bestselling author and a winner of the National Book Award with our previous selection, The Poet X. Unlike Poet X, this is not a novel-in-verse. With the Fire on High is a YA story that follows a single mother and her dream to become a chef. It is not recommended that you read this one hungry.

March/April Selection

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo
Virtual Live Discussion: Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 8:30 PM CT

This book comes highly recommended to us by our sponsor, Lady Smith at Snail on the Wall. Described as a rich, complex, family saga and coming in at a whopping 660 pages, The Most Fun We Ever Had may be the longest book we have ever read for Book Club. Lady assures me that it will be worth every page. This is also a New York Times Bestseller and was nominated for the Women’s Prize for fiction.

May/Jun Selection

My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
Virtual Live Discussion: Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 8:30 PM CT

I have been dying to read this with you ever since I first read it in December of 2019. Set in Oxford, England, My Oxford Year follows a determined young woman who is living her dream, studying at Oxford. There she meets a handsome young man with a life-altering secret. Described as “romance with heft” this story takes a surprising and emotional turn that begs the question, what would you do in this situation? Note: Julia Whelan has a new book releasing this year and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

July/August Discussion

BYOB: Bring Your Own Book
Virtual Live Discussion: Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 8:30 PM CT

We’re returning to what seems to have become a summer tradition, Bring Your Own Book. Pick your best read of the summer, get a copy from Snail on the Wall, and then join us to discuss them all.

Our September/October selection is not set yet and I welcome any suggestions in the comments below. Feel free to share any additional thoughts you have about book club. I look forward to seeing you throughout the year. And As Anne Bogel would say, “Happy Reading, Everyone!”

You Might Also Like…

• How to Join the RCM Book Club
• Huntsville Area Mom Clubs & Playgroups
• Things To Do in Huntsville with Kids

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I’ve been trying to write a post about motherhood for literally weeks. If you’ve read any of my previous articles, you might be wondering how a person who writes mostly about her experiences as a mother is having trouble writing about motherhood. I’ve had this cheeky little theme about how I started thinking of motherhood as a muscle. Cute metaphor, right? And I tried approaching it several different ways, but to no avail.

I had one story almost completely written describing the ways in which my fabulous personal trainer, Gabby, worked my butt out on a daily basis. I started another post where I compared the requirements for muscle growth – tension, damage, and rest – to motherhood. Spoiler alert: That’s gonna show up later.

And then, I had yet another one that opened with a disclaimer about Kanye West. Don’t ask me to explain that connection. Let’s just say he was on one, and so was I… But then I started to realize IT IS HARD TO EXPLAIN MOTHERHOOD.

Yes, we can absolutely share our individual experiences, tips, and tricks on raising kids, which I believe we should continue to do. But somehow I was attempting to describe the entire concept of motherhood, which only left me mentally tired and sore, you know, not unlike motherhood itself.

I now have about 18 years in the game, and I cannot believe how much both my daughter and I have grown. So, I stand by the belief that motherhood is indeed a muscle. For me, it’s not necessarily about getting better, but getting stronger.

And this is how I do it.

I have to change up my routine.

Ok, let’s face it: our children mandate that we keep it fresh. Those disciplinary tactics we honed when they were three don’t work the same at age 13. In the words of Mariah Carey, “Dem babies are smart.”

The challenges of parenting become more nuanced as our children grow and we have to adapt. It’s kind of like progressively adding heavier weights to build physical muscle. You can’t stay with those measly little 3-pound dumbbells forever.

Our children’s growth necessitates our own. And just like giving birth to them, that typically comes with some pain.

I have to tell you, though, there are days when I’m really proud of just how differently I approach certain challenges, especially when it comes to managing Gabby’s emotions (and there are a lot of them these days). And all because I was willing to try something new. That said…

Sometimes, I pull a muscle.

Listen to this definition of muscle growth I found online: “For muscle breakdown and growth to occur you must force your muscles to adapt by creating stress that is different than the previous threshold your body adapted to.” If that ain’t a description of motherhood, I don’t know what is.

Raising children is inevitably stressful, but we moms often add to that by comparing ourselves to one another, trying to meet impossible standards, or just plain mom-ming too hard.

Want to know the biggest lesson I’ve learned during my daughter’s adolescence? Sometimes I just need to back off. This is a common request from most teenagers, but it’s also a reminder that sometimes I just need to let go.

Overextending myself by trying to do everything at home and meet all of Gabby’s needs has backfired many times over the years, and so I’ve learned the importance of first, being kinder to myself when I go too far, and second recognizing the signs that I need to rest. Speaking of which…

I have to rest.

You know those signs I was just talking about? Yeah, we often don’t heed them when they first show up, we tend to judge them, and then we just ignore them… until we are dog tired.

A few weeks ago, I felt myself coming down with something, which I chalked up to allergies, despite the fact that I knew the scratchy throat I was experiencing was a symptom of the last sinus infection I had. I ignored it and kept putting off going to the doctor. And then one morning, I was so out of it, I smashed my finger in my car door. After I came to from the pain, I went to the doctor.

I needed to rest. I will admit, this is hard for me because it often means asking for help, which I’m not great at. But I’m incorporating some special exercises which are starting to help.

I started going to bed by a certain time. When my friends offer to pick the kid up, so I can do something else, I say yes. And I believe in napping, when I can.

This motherhood thing ain’t easy, but sore or not, I believe the muscle we’re building is totally worth it. So, tell me, how have you taxed, stretched, and strengthened your mommy muscle lately?

Oh, and one more thing… I’ll be replacing Kanye West with Kendrick Lamar in my bio very soon. Carry on.

You Might Also Like…

• Parents Guide to Northwest Huntsville
• The Perks of Being – and Having – an Only Child
• It’s Time to Talk to Your Kids About Race

This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated. 

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I have to admit that, even though we’ve had a membership for over 10 years, once we walk through the Christmas Lights at the Botanical Gardens in November, we don’t usually go back until it warms up enough for spring blooms and picnic lunches. Pro-tip: Those mid-week picnic lunches are a family favorite and are the perfect way to actually enjoy a mid-day lunch with littles under foot.

However, recently my husband suggested going to the garden on a Saturday in January since we thought a hike on a local mountain might be too windy that day and we were itching to be outside. So, we packed up the kids and headed out for a new winter adventure.

We meandered our way around the garden and even though there were some areas cautioned off for maintenance, like the Azalea Bush Trail, the kids didn’t seem to mind. In fact, as we walked around they talked about all the different areas and special exhibits they remembered enjoying in the past. As we made our way to the Children’s Garden my husband was the first to spot a gnome by the entrance, and that’s when I remembered seeing a social media post about gnomes hiding around the garden as they get ready for spring. A race was on and as the kids ran to each area there were shouts of “I found it first!” The big kids played with the little kids and they all took turns showing each other things as they found more and more gnomes hiding.

As a family we made some new memories and found 12 gnomes that day, though, I was told later there are 14 total. So, obviously, now we have to go back and see if we can find them all! Half the family finally got to see the new bird watching area and my husband discovered areas like the secret garden and sunflower maze, all located in the Children’s Garden.

A race was on and as our kids ran to each area, there were shouts of “I found it first!”

The garden employees will move the gnomes each week to a different section of the garden for their entertainment and yours. If you need something fun and easy to do outdoors with all ages this winter, head on over to the Botanical Garden and explore some different areas of the garden, you might discover something new while searching for the gnomes. I’m sure I’ll be back, at least with my youngest, to count some more gnomes and see where they are hiding before spring arrives.

About the Author

Anita Zomkowski, mother of five, currently uses her graphic design skills to photograph and document her kids living their best lives. In her free time, she volunteers in the kids’ classrooms, dabbles in all sorts of creative projects, and falls asleep when reading or watching movies. 

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Back in October Rocket City Mom had to make the difficult decision to cancel our annual in-person Huntsville Learning Expo due to Covid-19. Typically held at Earlyworks Children’s Museum, the expo is one of our favorite community events each year. It’s a fun day filled with lots of information and opportunities for area families to learn about all the education options available to them in our area.

In previous years we’ve had storytellers, face painters, superheroes, arts and culture demonstrations, as well as informative talks from experts. We’ve hosted community forums about subjects like homeschooling, student success, and financial planning for college bound students.

Most of all, it is a rare opportunity for those of us behind the screens of Rocket City Mom to meet our readers face to face. So no one was more disappointed than us when we had to once again rethink and revamp this event. Still, we are doers not complainers, and in that spirit we have come up with what we believe is a great alternative that will allow us to share all the wonderful information we normally share in a safe and socially distanced environment.

Starting Tuesday, February 1 and running through the month we will feature educational businesses, preschools, private schools, homeschooling programs, summer camps, and various other educational resources in our area on our website and in our social media streams. Just as parents begin to think about what summer and fall of this year will entail, we’ve made it easier to find all the details they’ll need by putting them in one place.

Where do I go? How do I participate?

Watch our social streams on Facebook and Instagram, sign up for our weekly newsletter, and visit our website frequently in the coming days and through February to learn more about all the great educational resources North Alabama has and then mark your calendar for late January 2023 when we plan to be going back through those big red doors!

2022 Huntsville Learning Expo Details

View Website on or after February 1
View Facebook Event

Are you a business or nonprofit that would like to participate as a virtual vendor in this year’s Huntsville Learning Expo? If you represent a preschool, private school, homeschool, tutoring service, summer camp, youth sports program, or other education related business, contact us at info@rocketcitymom.com to learn how you can participate in this year’s expo. View our vendor price sheet here. Deadline to participate is January 28, 2022.

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As the mom to 4 year old twins, I’ve been pondering Pre-K for a few years now. I knew our daycare offered it, but I’d also heard rumblings about a “lottery”, something else about “peer models”, and warnings that we should be on the lookout for the magnet applications if we were interested in those schools because those ran on a different schedule.

With our boys set to be the magic “4 years old on or before September 1st, I started hitting up websites looking for some additional information. I was searching for the basic stuff — when would applications open, when were they due — and quickly realized nothing was simple. After much digging, and a few phone calls, I finally mapped out the Pre-K options for Madison County. And, because like any good engineer, I think better with a good spreadsheet, and put together some easy printables for you with all the info you need to start investigating your options by district.

But before we get to those….first let’s do a quick overview of what is out there.

Pre-K Options in Madison County

Basically, if you live in Madison County, you have three options for Pre-K. You can go through your local school district (to the school you are zoned for), through a private daycare, or through Head Start. Sounds simple enough, right? Except this is where it gets confusing.

Each of the various physical locations can have multiple different “Pre-K” programs.

1. First Class Pre-K

The most common program is First Class (you may have heard this called OSR, because it is overseen by the Office of School Readiness). This is a program which is primarily paid for by federal and state grants and adheres to state-specific standards. It’s an acclaimed program, ranked first in the nation by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) for 13 consecutive years.

Because this is a state program, the requirements for these classrooms remain the same, regardless of which location the child is enrolled at. This means a First Class classroom at your local public school or your preferred private daycare are of the same quality, use the same curriculum, have teachers with the same qualifications, etc. Parents used to paying for full time daycare will appreciate the pricing—tuition is based on a sliding scale determined by income, between $40-$300/month for each child. Admission is done on a lottery basis, and the main application is done online. More on that in a minute.

2. Peer Modeling Pre-K Classes

In addition to their First Class programs, each school district also offers some sort of “peer modeling” classroom made up of 3 and 4 year old children with IEPs and some of their typically developing 4 year old peers. In Huntsville City Schools these are “Blended Classrooms” (formerly KidSkills), in Madison City Schools, “Early Beginnings Preschool”, and in Madison County, “Developmental Pre-K”. The applications for these programs generally follow the same timeline as First Class, although it can be a different process. Typically the programs are free for students with IEPs.

3. Other Pre-K Options

Finally, there are freestanding Pre-K classrooms, which are developed by each school or district. Madison County offers “4K Preschool”, private daycares often have a “4 year old room” or “Pre-K” class, and Head Start offers “Head Start Preschool” (which enrolls kids 3-5), and is located in classrooms at various local elementary schools. These are not held to a single curriculum standard. Application windows typically run longer than the First Class schedule and schools must be contacted directly for information.

Outside of the school setting, there is another option for families in Madison City — the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters or HIPPY program which is a home based parental involvement program for kids 3-5.

The First Class Lottery System
Okay, whew. Still with me? Good. There is one more confusing part. This whole lottery thing. What is it? When is it? How does it work? What are your odds? All good questions!

The lottery system is how students are selected for enrollment in First Class programs. Because the First Class program is still growing (124 classrooms were added for the 2019-2020 school year!), they cannot yet accommodate ALL the Pre-K aged children. To make things as fair as possible, they allow everyone to apply and they do a lottery drawing to determine who is admitted.

Please note, some school systems require an additional, separate application in addition to the First Class application. That does not play into the lottery, but IS a necessary part of applying.

While the process is standardized, not all of the dates are. The basic process goes like this:

• January 15th – Online applications open. Parents may select more than one school site, but are responsible for only applying to sites within school districts if they are zoned for that school.
• March – Directors of each school do a random drawing for the seats at their school (18 per classroom) and to determine the wait list. Dates are selected by each director.
• Mid April – Parents are emailed and notified of their pending or waitlisted status
• Late April onward – as parents accept or decline, spots which have been declined are offered to the students on the waitlist.

Because the drawing is done on a school by school basis, and because parents might apply to multiple schools, and because families can only apply to schools they are zoned for… there are no overall statistics on what your odds are of getting accepted through the lottery process. Instead, your best bet is to talk to the directors at each location you are interested in, to see what the odds have historically been for their location.

Lottery Exceptions
That said, there are a few students who do not have to go through the lottery process. In accordance with the First Class program guidelines, a small number of seats may be reserved for non-lottery selection. This was originally intended to allow private daycares to guarantee spots to families they had been serving basically since birth.

It also has another upside – schools in the program are required to provide 25% of the funding for the program. However, since the fee structure is set by First Class, they may not take in 25% of the program costs via tuition. Having some non-lottery seats can allow programs to set a higher tuition rate for the guaranteed admission and thus help fund the difference. In practice, the school systems seem to use these reserved seats to allow needs-based placement, or the guaranteed admission granted by the LENA program in Huntsville City Schools.

One final note on the lottery system – a shoutout to my fellow parents of multiples – First Class has an official policy on how the lottery works for multiples:

If a program has multiple birth siblings (twins, triplets, etc.) all names should be placed in the drawing separately. If one but not all multiple birth siblings are drawn before the classroom cap at 18, the drawing should cease at this point and the 1 or 2 multiple birth siblings should be added to the classroom roster to reach full classroom enrollment. Whew!

Huntsville Magnet School Pre-K

That should about cover you! Unless you are interested in the Huntsville City Magnet Schools, Academy for Academics & Arts (AAA) and Academy for Science & Foreign Language (ASFL). Those run entirely on their own schedule. So much so that despite regular magnet enrollment starting in January, the Pre-K process takes place in the Fall, one full year before you expect your child to be enrolled.

Printable Resources for Parents

If you want to do your own research about the preschool options that best fit your family, I’ve put together printable information that will help you along the way!

Select the correct file based on what district you are zoned for:

• Pre-K in Madison County Overview
• Huntsville City Schools
• Madison City Schools
• Madison County Schools
• Private Pre-K Classes

Handy Links At-a-Glance

First Class Online Application
First Class Lottery Process Timeline from 2019
First Class Sliding Tuition Scale
First Class Lottery Dates (Madison County School System)
Huntsville City Schools Pre-K Online Application (required as part of the First Class application)
Madison County Schools Regular Pre-K Registration (for 4K preschool classrooms)

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Studies show that middle school years are when students can really lose interest in school. It is particularly a critical time of growth and development for young girls. What if you could help a 5th-grade girl you know transition from elementary school to middle school with a positive, empowered mindset? A mindset that helps them build confidence to overcome the social and academic struggles associated with starting this new chapter called middle school?

This spring, United Women of Color will offer INSPIRE, an all-new interactive mentoring program designed to help rising sixth-grade girls weather the transition to middle school through goal setting, conflict resolution, community service, teamwork, and character-building activities. These life-long skills will not only help them learn unique ways to be civically engaged but also give them tools to overcome obstacles of poverty. Inspire aspires to sow seeds for future leaders.

INSPIRE Through Influential Women

The INSPIRE program guides girls through 12-months of activities. Each month kicks off with an hour-long Zoom call to introduce the girls to an influential woman of color and a discussion about what character traits and principles she embodies. Girls will “meet” women like Corretta Scott King, Aurora Castillo, and Malala Yousafzai.

INSPIRE Through Themed Activities

During the next meeting, girls will come together for an in-person activity (on Saturdays for 2-4 hours) with community leaders to learn about character principles as they relate to the woman they learned about in the Zoom call.

Overcoming barriers, inclusivity, how to speak up, and embracing your unique traits are just some of the principles they’ll learn. The month’s theme wraps up with another workshop, a field trip (the whole family can attend), or a group project or community project led by a community leader/mentor to foster teamwork.

At the end of the year, the whole family and the community is invited to a luncheon to celebrate and recognize the girl’s successful completion of the program.

The Ideal Candidate for INSPIRE

Any student who identifies as female and who has natural leadership skills, an interest in the community, and a desire to make a difference is an ideal candidate for this program. Girls that live in households that make less than $50k/year are great candidates for this program.

Nominate a Candidate & Become a Mentor!

• The deadline to nominate a girl is January 31, 2022. Only 8 slots are available.Nominate a Current 5th Grade Girl Here. Girls will be matched with a mentor based on a personality assessment.
• Mentors must undergo a mandatory background check. Apply to be a Mentor here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Angela has mentored youth as a mother of four, youth ministry volunteer, and former foster care worker for the majority of her adult life. In addition to currently serving as volunteer executive director of United Women of Color, she is a technical writer for an aerospace company. Angela likes to travel and ride her motorcycle when she is not volunteering in our community and has lived in Huntsville for over 31 years.

You Might Also Like…

Village of promise Wants You to Love Your Neighbor
Music Therapy Helps Little Patients in Huntsville
Things to Do with Kids in Huntsville

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is Monday, January 17, and there are many opportunities for families to serve the community in his honor. It’s great to have the day off from school and work, but it’s also a chance to have a conversation with your kids about service above self and the benefits of giving back.

Martin Luther King, Jr. devoted his entire life to civil rights. His impact and sacrifice can be felt all over the USA and in every corner of the world. If we could all give back, even just a little bit, the impact would be enormous. In that vein, the Volunteer Center of Madison County and the United Way of Madison County have aggregated some wonderful volunteer opportunities for families in Madison County. Please get in touch with them and learn about all the ways to give back to your community with your kids.

You can also find some wonderful local service projects through the United We Serve website.

MLK Day Parades & Events

Athens-Limestone MLK Day Program

Time: January 17 @ 9:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Limestone County Courthouse
More Info

The Athens Limestone County MLK Program is on and outdoors for 2022!

Huntsville MLK Day Parade

Due to Covid-19 there is no Huntsville MLK Day Parade for 2021. But it’s never too late to plan for next year! You can spend the day reading great books about Martin Luther King with your kids and doing some fun MLK Crafts.

Organized, Scheduled Volunteer Opportunities

CASA Garden Cleanup and Winterization

Date & Time: Call (256) 533-7775 for details.
Location: CASA Garden 4725 Bob Wallace Avenue HSV, AL 35801 (map)
Website: www.casamadisoncty.org or www.thevolunteercentermc.org
Contact: Lauren Carter lauren@casamadisoncty.org
The CASA garden provides fresh fruits and vegetables to elderly and homebound clients in Madison County. Volunteers are needed to mulch, harvest, weed, and provide general winter clean-up. Bring water and wear closed-toed shoes; CASA will provide gardening tools.
Age: 12+

Litter Cleanup Volunteers Needed

Date & Time: Ongoing
Organization: Operation Green team
Location: Varies
www.thevolunteercentermc.org or Operation Green Team website
Volunteers and groups needed for litter cleanup on a once or ongoing basis. Cleanup supplies can be provided for an area you identify or we can help you select an area in need. Adopt-A-Mile routes are also available for those able to make an on-going commitment. All ages and ability levels are welcome and needed to Keep Huntsville Beautiful.
Ages: Any and all! Family-friendly.

CASA Ramp Warehouse Prep & Repair

Date & Time: Call 256-533-7775 for details.
Location: CASA Warehouse 1222 Grace Street HSV, AL 35801 (map)
Website: www.casamadisoncty.org or www.thevolunteercentermc.org
Contact: Johnny Keeter servicescoordinator@casamadisoncty.org
Description: CASA warehouse is for pre-building and preparing for builds of wheelchair ramps. Volunteers can work indoors to cut, build, and paint for our ramp teams before they go out and install the customized ramp. Call 256-533-7775 for details.
Age: 19+, or older kids assisting an adult

Manna House Nightly Food Distribution

Date & Time: Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday: 4pm-7pm
Location: Manna House 2110 S. Memorial Parkway, Huntsville (map)
Contact: 256-503-4848
View Website
Come to Manna House and help distribute a daily provision of food for individuals, families, and the homeless in our community. We welcome anyone in need every time we are open. Primary foods available include canned goods, bread, breakfast items, and desserts. Read about our experiencing volunteering with kids at Manna House HERE.
Age: 18+, or kids assisting an adult

DIY Service Opportunities

If any of the above dates, times, or locations are not convenient you still have options! Want to get younger kiddos involved? Host your own donation drives. From food to basic toiletries, all are needed in our area… pick your recipient and organize your own drive.

DIY Donation Drive for Senior Citizens

Date & Time: Date & Time of your choosing
Location: Supply Drive location of your choice.
Box Delivery Location: 701 Andrew Jackson Way Huntsville, AL
Box Drop off :M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM
www.thevolunteercentermc.org
You can host a senior citizen supply drive! At work, home, neighborhood, or just over social media, you can request donated items and then turn them in. Items needed: Socks, Blankets, Canned Foods with Pop Tops, Low Sodium Canned Items, $25 Walmart or Kroger Gift Cards, Shower Chairs, Tub Transfer Benches, Cardiac Walkers, Walking Canes, No Fragrance Toiletries (Shampoo, lotion, deodorant, soap, and shaving cream).
Ages: Any and all!

DIY Food Pantry Drive

Date & Time: Date & Time of your choosing
Location: Supply drive location of your choice.
Box Delivery Dates & Times: Anytime the agency offices listed below are open.

• Inside Out: M-F 9:30AM-2PM
• Asbury UMC : M-R 8-4:30PM at church office or Friday 8:30am-12:00pm
• Good Shepherd UMC: M-R 8-4:30PM at church office or Friday 8:30am-12:00pm
• Manna House: M, W, & R: 2PM (call for good time @ 256-503-4848)

Food Pantry Locations:

• Asbury UMC: 980 Hughes Road Madison AL 35758
• Good Shepherd UMC: 1418 Old Railroad Bed Road Madison AL 35757
• Inside-Out Ministries: 104 Gin Oaks Ct. Madison, AL 35758
• Manna House: 2110 S. Memorial Pkwy HSV, AL 35801

Food Pantry Website details or deliver food collected to Manna House 
You can host a food drive for your local food pantry. At work, home, neighborhood, or just over social media, you can request donated items and then turn them in. Items needed: jelly, pancake mix, syrup, canned fruits, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo), canned chicken, canned ham, canned tuna, canned veggies, applesauce, canned fruit, hearty soups, canned pasta, deodorant, shampoo, soaps, toilet paper, laundry detergent, general cleaners.
Age: any and all!

DIY Diaper Drive for Local Babies

Date & Time: Date & Time of your choosing
Location: Supply Drive location of your choice. We like the National Diaper Bank of North AL!
Delivery Location: 2000 Vernon Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805
Diaper Drop off: M-F 8:30AM-4:30 PM
You can host a diaper drive! At work, home, neighborhood, or just over social media, you can request diapers and wipes and then turn them in to Huntsville’s National Diaper Bank location that serves local families in need.

You Might Also Like…

Our Favorite MLK Kid’s Books
Raising a Leader In Today’s World
Valentine Crafts for Busy Parents 

The post Celebrating MLK Day in Huntsville with a Day of Service appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

Whenever I hear anything about Martin Luther King I’m almost always moved to tears. It’s an understatement to mention how influential he was/is, how full of purpose and resolve, how he literally made the world a better place.

We often hear the phrase “things will never change” and “hopeless” a great deal and it’s very easy to believe it (especially in today’s political and social climate). But I can’t help but think how much damage a person can do by saying those words. They get tossed around so casually, and I wonder exactly how many times MLK must have heard them during his lifetime. Did he ever waver? Was he ever deterred? He orchestrated monumental events in Selma, in Birmingham, in Atlanta… but how many never happened because a seed of doubt was planted by the friendly neighborhood hate group, or worse – a well-meaning friend?

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Big Words Carry a Big Impact

In Dr. King I have learned that it is feasible for one person, in the span of just a few years, to change the entire world. Do you have any idea how much hope a thought like that can give? It lifts me up. It makes me. Dig. In. I’m not trying to dream a dream for a whole nation or singlehandedly instill in the world a sense of social justice and equality. But I AM trying to raise my boys that way. And be a good spouse and a good friend. And work hard in a community I love.

A little well-timed hope can come in handy…

“Everybody can be great… because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Having a conversation about Dr. King can be difficult for parents with younger children. Most of the picture books on his life are wordy biographies, but it is possible to find a few books that condense his vision into something even a preschooler can understand.

MLK Books to Read to Kids

Here are my favorite books to read to kids ages 3 – 8. I chose them because they are easy to read aloud, the illustrations are exceptional, and the story of Martin Luther King is written in a way smaller children would understand and ask questions.

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King by Jean Marzollo, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier

My Dream of Martin Luther King by Faith Ringgold

22 Children’s Books About Martin Luther King, Jr. – I love this book list for kids put together by Colours Of Us

Things to Watch & Do with Kids on MLK Day

The Story of Martin Luther King by Kid President

Honoring the Real Meaning of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on PBS Kids

Celebrating MLK Day in Huntsville

You Might Also Like…

• Events for Kids & Families in Huntsville
• Local Sumer Volunteer Programs for Teens
• Support Groups for Families in the Tennessee Valley

This post was originally published in January 2012 and updated each year. 

The post Children’s Books to Commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

Another Huntsville Weekend is here and there’s lots of opportunities to enjoy some family fun together! Grab a coat and explore a few of the Rocket City’s natural treasures, or check out some of the indoor fun we’ve found. If you don’t find something below, you can always view our full Event Calendar for even more fun stuff!

Ringing in the New Year

Likely this last year has brought you many changes and challenges to look back on. As you prepare to welcome in the New Year, we invite you to join us in looking back, looking forward, and starting the year out right.

• New Year’s Resolutions, Parenting, & Ferris Bueller
• Make Some New Year Family Goals with Our Free Printable
• New Year’s Resolutions that have Nothing to do with Diet, Finances, or Fitness
• Bullet Journaling in the New Year
• How to Make a Family Budget You Can Stick to All Year
• 5 New Year’s Resolutions Moms Can Keep Past January
• A New Year for Special Needs Parents
• Hit the Road from Huntsville
• Ways to Organize Your Life Now

Huntsville Weekend Fun For Families

Click here to see the weather this weekend

Free & Cheap Activities

• FREE – Hike into 2022 at the First Day Guided Hike at Monte Sano. Details
• FREE – Go on the Big Spring Park Scavenger Hunt. Details
• FREE – Explore a mobile cave during CaveSim at Chapman Mountain. Details
• FREE – Check out these ways to play at the different Library Branches. Details
• FREE – Explore a new trail on one of these Beginner Hikes. Details
• FREE – Take the bikes for a spin at one of these Mountain Biking Trails. Details
• FREE – Join Operation Green Team in Huntsville and in Madison to clear away that Christmas clutter.

Worth the Money this Huntsville Weekend

• Learn some turtley cool facts at Cook Museum’s Science on the Spot. Details
• Learn insect orders and anatomy at the Insect Pinning Workshop at Cook Museum. Details
• Enjoy a Parents’ Night Out while the kids play at Matrix Gym. Details
• Celebrate 2022 at Skating in the Park’s New Year’s Ball Drop. Details
• Have a Huntsville staycation for less $$$ with the new Rocket City Kids Pass. Details

DISCLAIMER: We do our best at Rocket City Mom to provide accurate, useful information about events and activities. This information (such as times and locations) is gathered from user submissions, press releases, local newspapers, signs around town and word of mouth. While we always try to confirm details before they are posted in the Huntsville Weekend Roundup, sometimes details change or we are given inaccurate information. Whenever possible we link our write-ups to the source in which our information came from and strongly urge you to confirm details before you go, especially when it comes to outdoor events and weather.

The post Huntsville Weekend Roundup January 7 – 9 appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

The end of each year provides us with the perfect time for reflection and as we do each year (although not 2020 because…2020) the editors of Rocket City Mom use this as an opportunity to share our favorite posts of the year ICYMI. The following articles are a showcase of sorts for what we do and why we do it. Making Parenting in Huntsville Easier is the mission and these articles have us feeling pretty accomplished.

The post The Best of Rocket City Mom: 2021 Edition appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

1. Onesies are designed that way for a reason.

When my kids were still in onesies I found out that they are made with the shoulders that way so you can pull the onesie down when they have a blowout so you aren’t pulling poopy clothes up over their heads. – Erica Danielle Campbell

2. Pizza cutters aren’t just for pizza.

Cutting up pancakes/waffles with a pizza cutter. My mom had 4 kids and would even take her pizza cutter out to restaurants when she knew we’d be having pancakes. – Miranda Marrero Cohoon 

3. Layers are your friend.

Waterproof mattress liner -> fitted sheet -> liner -> sheet again… This way, no matter what happens in the middle of the night just take off the sheet and liner! Nothing like wrestling a crib or toddler mattress at 2am! –
Lyndsay Broad Abel

4. Simple is best.

Buy only one color/kind of socks, or don’t care if your kids’ socks match. Life is too short to match socks. – Kristy Williams

5. To Go can be the perfect solution.

Ask for “to go” silverware at restaurants for the kids. Its usually way smaller than the real stuff. – Alyse Taylor

6. Naked means never missing a spot.

Apply sunscreen before the bathing suit. That way all places are covered even if the strap slips or shorts sag. – LeeAnna Colonnello

7. Buy All the Wipes!

Keep baby wipes all over the house. Buy them in bulk. They clean everything, from faces to booties to floors. – Michelle Brightwell

8. Pee Pads are not just for dogs.

I use doggie pee pads in the carseat when potty training. Much easier than cleaning a carseat! – Bradley Lindsey

9. Post Its are handy for all kinds of reasons.

Cover the sensor on automatic flush toilets with a Post It or a few squares of toilet paper. No more flushing on the kids (thus scaring the bajeezus) out of them. – Sarah Morgan

10. Put frozen treats to work for you.

Buy applesauce pouches and yogurt tubes in bulk & freeze them – they make great lunch box chillers and defrost just in time for lunch at school or for a picnic in the park! Stephenie Walker

The post 10 Easy and Genius Parenting Hacks appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

The post Huntsville, AL Birthday Party Entertainers and Performers appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

The first Huntsville Weekend of 2022 is here and there’s several kid-friendly ways to celebrate! Catch an early ball drop with the little ones, skate into the New Year with your kids, or see the last of the holiday decorations before they are gone until next year. If you don’t find something below, you can always check out our full Event Calendar for even more fun stuff!

Ringing in the New Year

Likely this last year has brought you many changes and challenges to look back on. As you prepare to welcome in the New Year, we invite you to join us in looking back, looking forward, and starting the year out right.

• New Year’s Resolutions, Parenting, & Ferris Bueller
• Make Some New Year Family Goals with Our Free Printable
• New Year’s Resolutions that have Nothing to do with Diet, Finances, or Fitness
• Bullet Journaling in the New Year
• How to Make a Family Budget You Can Stick to All Year
• 5 New Year’s Resolutions Moms Can Keep Past January
• A New Year for Special Needs Parents
• Hit the Road from Huntsville
• Ways to Organize Your Life Now

Huntsville Weekend Fun For Families

Click here to see the weather this weekend

Free & Cheap Activities

• FREE – Take the first hike of the year at the First Day Guided Hike in Monte Sano. Details
• FREE – Throw a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve party at home. Details
• FREE – Go on one last Christmas Light Hunt before they’re gone until next year. Details
• FREE – Stroll through Tinsel Trail one last time. Details
• FREE – Drive down Church Street & see the life-sized displays of Christmas Card Lane. Details
• …and find the Rocket City Mom tree at Christmas on Main in Madison. Details
• FREE – Enjoy the holiday magic of Decatur’s Enchanted Forest. Details
• FREE – Get in the holiday spirit at Arab’s Christmas in the Park. Details
• FREE – Go on the Big Spring Park Scavenger Hunt. Details
• SAVE THE DATE – Operation Green Team is hosting two Christmas Clean Up recycling events on Jan. 8th in Huntsville and in Madison.

Worth the Money this Huntsville Weekend

• Ring in the New Year with your family at EarlyWork’s Ball Drop Celebration. Details
• Catch a family-friendly show with Comic Science Improv at Shenanigans. Details
• Blast off into the New Year at Noon with the Space & Rocket Center. Details
• Drive through a Galaxy of Lights and enjoy some holiday tunes. Details
• Skate into the New Year with the kids at the Lil’ Ball Drop. Details
• …or stick around later with the teens for the Ball Drop at Skating in the Park. Details
• Have a Huntsville staycation for less $$$ with the new Rocket City Kids Pass. Details

DISCLAIMER: We do our best at Rocket City Mom to provide accurate, useful information about events and activities. This information (such as times and locations) is gathered from user submissions, press releases, local newspapers, signs around town and word of mouth. While we always try to confirm details before they are posted in the Huntsville Weekend Roundup, sometimes details change or we are given inaccurate information. Whenever possible we link our write-ups to the source in which our information came from and strongly urge you to confirm details before you go, especially when it comes to outdoor events and weather.

The post Huntsville Weekend Roundup December 31 – January 2 appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

It’s finally here! The big day has arrived, and we’ve rounded up all the fun you can handle for your Huntsville Christmas weekend. Whether you’re fighting off cabin fever or entertaining holiday guests, we’ve got inspiration for you. If you don’t find something below, you can always check out our full Event Calendar for even more fun stuff!

Make Your Christmas Weekend Merry & Bright

Is it even the holidays if you don’t load up the car and go on a Christmas light hunt? Grab that thermos of hot cocoa and check out our Christmas Lights Map to find some of the best and brightest houses on the block.

Huntsville Weekend Fun For Families

Click here to see the weather this weekend

Free & Cheap Activities

• FREE – Race to see Santa at the Parkway Place Mall. Details
• FREE – Or get in an early visit with Santa at Bridge Street. Details
• FREE – Plan a last minute visit to Santa at Cabela’s. Details
• FREE – Take a self-driving tour of neighborhood Christmas lights. Details
• FREE – Stroll through Tinsel Trail and find the Rocket City Mom tree. Details
• FREE – Visit the Grant Funk Railroad and see the Christmas village & model trains. Details
• FREE – Drive down Church Street & see the life-sized displays of Christmas Card Lane. Details
• …and find the Rocket City Mom tree at Christmas on Main in Madison. Details
• FREE – Pick a favorite tree at the North Poll Stroll in Athens. Details
• FREE – Enjoy the holiday magic of Decatur’s Enchanted Forrest. Details
• FREE – Get in the holiday spirit at Arab’s Christmas in the Park. Details
• FREE – Go on the Big Spring Park Scavenger Hunt. Details
• FREE – Host a Holiday Cookie Swap with friends & family. Details
• FREE – Let your little one make their own Felt Christmas Tree. Details
• SAVE THE DATE – Operation Green Team is hosting two Christmas Clean Up recycling events on Jan. 8th in Huntsville and in Madison.

Worth the Money this Huntsville Weekend

• Drive through a Galaxy of Lights and enjoy some holiday tunes. Details
• Sip some hot cocoa and enjoy time on the ice at Skating in the Park. Details
• Show the kids that Giving Back is better than receiving. Details
• Have your very own Huntsville Jolabokaflod this year. Details
• Have a Huntsville staycation for less $$$ with the new Rocket City Kids Pass. Details

DISCLAIMER: We do our best at Rocket City Mom to provide accurate, useful information about events and activities. This information (such as times and locations) is gathered from user submissions, press releases, local newspapers, signs around town and word of mouth. While we always try to confirm details before they are posted in the Huntsville Weekend Roundup, sometimes details change or we are given inaccurate information. Whenever possible we link our write-ups to the source in which our information came from and strongly urge you to confirm details before you go, especially when it comes to outdoor events and weather.

The post Huntsville Christmas Weekend Roundup December 24 -26 appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

The tough thing about resolutions is 1) They tend to relate to anxiety-inducing topics like health and finance and 2) They tend to be really specific and therefore VERY EASY TO FAIL. I thought I’d make a list of vague resolutions that have absolutely nothing to do with your money or your fitness but have EVERYTHING to do with betterment of mind and spirit.

LET US DO THIS THING.

Or let us do these TEN very vague things, sometime in the new year.

GOALS!

1) Take a class.

Maybe an art class? Maybe a fitness class? Maybe a lecture from a local historian? Look at your local library – sometimes these things are offered for free. I suggest subscribing to your library newsletter. Let everyone know that you’re looking for classes to take! Most free stuff is not well publicized. Let your friends know what you’re trying too and maybe they’ll join in. And if you have a budget, sometimes you’ll find the best classes if you can pay a little. We have local ink-blotting classes and pottery classes, and painting classes – the world is your oyster if you can budget it!

2) Take yourself on a solo date.

Maybe to dinner with your favorite book or your sketch pad? Maybe to a movie? (Going to a movie by myself is my FAVORITE.) Or maybe just grab some takeout and do a solo picnic at a local park. Do something special by yourself you would normally do as a “date.”

3) Explore a local outdoor area you’ve never been to.

Maybe a hike? Maybe just a picnic? Maybe just a drive through a wildlife area? Enjoy something natural nearby that you’ve never visited before.

4) Go to a show.

Maybe a high school musical? (Lots of our local high schools produce musicals of a higher caliber than some traveling broadway productions!) Maybe community theatre? Maybe a free outdoor concert? Or check out what’s coming in the new Mars Music Hall at the VBC. Again – you’ll have to be in the “know” – find local newsletters to subscribe to in order to stay up to date.

5) Buy art from a local artist.

This is really easy to do around here. We have art markets in the summer time downtown once a month, we have a local art collective, and we have several art festivals throughout the year. Find some local art centers and see if they have calendars you can follow. You’ll feel really good about buying local art and you’ll also learn a lot about your local art community by just going to the different events where they feature their stuff.

6) Make something you’ve never made before.

If you like to quilt, maybe try a painting. If you like to knit, maybe make a piece of jewelry. If you like to sew, maybe try painting rocks or cooking. Do something creative outside your norm.

7) Volunteer.

This is hard for me because I kinda hate being around new people or in new situations. But I’ve learned there are a lot of ways to volunteer that don’t require a lot of socializing. You can dog walk at your local shelter. Or if you have a local track club you can stuff packets for races (my personal favorite). Maybe come up with your own way to help out and maybe set up a recycling bin in your office! Just find a way to do something helpful for free and without expecting anything in return.

8) Attend an event at your local library.

You may cover this in one of the earlier categories, but try not to let the same event count for two things on this list! My library has so many events it’s easy to find plenty to attend. There are historians and authors and concerts and workshops. Find some way to participate at your local library because using your library really helps your community.

9) Go to dinner with a friend.

It turns out this is not something a lot of us do. I don’t know if I would do it that often if I didn’t have friends who pushed me to meet them for meals. Don’t bring the kids if you have them, just go and have some fellowship with someone outside your family.

10) Find a (new) favorite locally-owned restaurant.

We all have our favorite restaurants but try, and maybe you already have a favorite locally owned eatery. But if you don’t, or even if you do, try some new locally owned places. Not only does it make you feel good about your money spent and your calories imbibed, but it’s a great conversation starter or contribution for out-of-towners. Being able to talk about local/unique restaurants is a handy skill!

This article appeared originally on misszoot.com.

You Might Also Like…

• • Huntsville Area Fitness Gyms That Offer Childcare
  • Mom’s Night Out is No Trivial Pursuit
  • Local Book Clubs for Busy Parents

The post New Year Resolutions That Have Nothing To Do With Your Diet, Fitness, or Finances appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

When it comes to money, we all know someone that has big opinions about merging everything together with your spouse or keeping bank accounts separate. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), 72% of adults report feeling stressed about money, and financial issues are consistently one of the top causes of marital problems. So there’s no question this can be a contentious topic up for debate –  I actually have friends that swear by one or the other as being The Best Way.

Whenever we have questions like this, we always like to consult with experts at Progress Bank to answer our frequently asked questions that help parents (like us!) become financially literate.

Joint Bank Accounts Pros & Cons

Alex Hightower at Progress Bank says it’s important to know the differences between those two account options.

With an Individual account you’re the only person that has access to those funds. Period. If there’s an emergency, or if you were to pass away, those funds are locked up. A way to alleviate that is to set up a “Transfer On Death” account and designate your spouse or partner as the primary beneficiary.

With a Joint Account, both people have equal access to the funds at all times.

Alex strongly recommends consulting your bank partners when you’re setting up accounts to ask about other options that are available to you. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing – a combo of both joint accounts and separate accounts can provide both the financial transparency needed in a relationship and personal autonomy.

You Might Also Like…

• How to Budget for Christmas Without Breaking the Bank
• 5 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
• Budgeting for Baby: We Ask an Expert

The post Should Spouses Have Joint Bank Accounts? appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

Editor’s Note: From time to time we like to invite local experts from the community to answer questions about parenting and raising kids in Huntsville and North Alabama on a budget. Today we asked Beth Richardson, Madison Market President with Progress Bank, to address questions about the creating a family budget you can stick to all year long.

Q.) How can I create a realistic plan to help me budget through the year?

Having a realistic budget for the coming year starts with letting go of all budgeting myths such as, not having time to budget, budgeting is difficult math or my personal favorite, that your budget is in your head. A budget in your head isn’t a budget. It’s just a kinda sorta or vague idea of what you’re spending. Everyone needs a written plan for when and how they will spend their money; a budget. It’s a great way to hold yourself accountable and to track your progress.

Now that we’ve freed our minds of budgeting myths. The next step is sitting down with your spouse or accountability partner and be intentional about where you will spend your money and how you will earn income for the coming year. Since everyone is still in the holiday spirit, decide now how much money to spend on gifts next year. Divide that number by 12 and start setting aside that amount each month. This number becomes part of your budget for next year.

The planning for a realistic budget in 2022 starts now.

What do you want to accomplish with your money in the last year? Setting the right goals will keep you motivated and excited about the future. It also reminds you how your money goals are just as important as the goals you have for your career, relationships, and health/fitness. Think about short term and long term goals you desire to accomplish. Aside from your monthly expenses, are there vacations you will take? When will you take them? What will they cost? Do you want new appliances by Memorial Day? Do the children need new sport equipment? Are you putting enough in a retirement plan or a college savings account? Wouldn’t it feel great to have four to six months of expenses in a savings? The planning is critical in creating a realistic budget.

Once the budget is created, you and your spouse or accountability partner will need to have a budget meeting every month to make any necessary adjustments and celebrate successes.

With the right plan, you can take control of your money, beat debt, and change your future in 2021.

Q.) I need some better systems in place. Are there any tools or apps you can recommend to help me manage my budget?

Mint – Once you’ve entered basic information such as banking, credit and investment accounts, Mint automatically begins to track your money. It updates and categorizes transactions, creating a picture of spending in real time. You can add your own categories, pay bills, and set budgets.

YNAB (You need a Budget) – offers free workshops on mastering the art of budgeting and provides tools and resources that are helpful in the budgeting process.

EveryDollar – creates unlimited budgets, track transactions against your budget, connect to your bank accounts, and has free email support.

Spreadsheet – This is free if you already have Microsoft Excel installed on your computer. Microsoft provides several simple budget templates, and if you’re familiar with Excel, they’re easy to use. Maintaining a spreadsheet budget does require more time than some of the other options, but many experts believe the extra effort helps you have a better understanding of your money, which makes it easier to develop better habits.

Dave Ramsey’s Envelope System – Once you’ve created your budget categories and targeted amounts, you label your envelopes and fill them with the appropriate amount of cash. The benefit is that you aren’t using credit cards, but cash which makes it difficult to go over budget.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Beth B. Richardson is the Madison Market President with Progress Bank with over 17 years of experience in retail and commercial banking. She has earned the designation of David Ramsey Financial Coach, where she enjoys helping families experience financial freedom through budgeting, becoming debt free, building wealth and leaving a legacy. Born and raised in Tuskegee, Beth graduated from Tuskegee Institute High School and attended Tuskegee University. She is happily married to Rodney, Principal of Horizon Elementary School and has one daughter, Jaylin who attends James Clemens HS. She enjoys reading, running, and spending quality time with family. Beth is active member of First Missionary Baptist Church, where she teaches Adult Sunday School class. Drawing from her years of experience, she can provide professional guidance for your family’s needs for budgeting, savings, investments, retirement, and much more.

You Might Also Like…

• 5 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
• How to Budget for Christmas Without Breaking the Bank
• Budgeting for Baby
• Ask the Expert: Refinancing Your Home

The post How to Make a Family Budget You Can Stick To All Year appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

We are so happy to be a part of Huntsville’s kid-friendly New Year’s Eve Countdown event, and YOU are invited too! This year, Skating in the Park will host TWO simulated Ball Drops on ice in Downtown Huntsville on New Year’s Eve – one for the kiddos and one for the older skaters.

New Year’s Eve Lil’ Ball Drop at 8:30 PM

Skaters will enjoy non-alcoholic sparkling cider in a Limited Edition Glow in the Dark Cup provided by our friends at Progress Bank. They’ll also countdown with DJ Boskii for a simulated New Year’s Eve Ball Drop at 8:30 pm that will be projected onto the back of the Huntsville Museum of Art, courtesy of LED-Orange Productions.

The best part? Kids can party a little early and be home and off the roads well before midnight. Hooray!

Here We Glow Again at Midnight!

Shortly following, the lights hanging over the rink will go out and glow sticks will take over! DJ Boskii will change the playlist to a more contemporary track and another simulated Ball Drop will be projected onto the back of the Huntsville Museum of Art at midnight during the GLOW UP New Year’s Eve Party.

Guests are encouraged to dress up in their most glowing/light-up outfits and prizes will be awarded to those who shine the brightest! Glow in the Dark accessories will also be provided for those who don’t bring their own.

RINK in the new year with your family as you dance and skate your way into 2022. Both New Year’s Eve events are included with the cost of admission to the rink and all are welcome.

Get weather updates: To stay updated on all Skating in the Park events and any weather related closings or delays, be sure to follow the Facebook page @SkatingInThePark.

New Year’s Eve at Skating In the Park

When: Friday, December 31st, 2021 | 8:30 PM for Lil’ Ball Drop | 9:00 PM – 12:30 AM for Glow Up!
Where: Huntsville Museum of Art (map)
Cost: $10 ages 9 and under; $15 ages 10 and up | $13 for groups of 10 or more; and $5 scooter rental. There is a $5 discount for those who bring their own skates.
View Facebook Event

You Might Also Like…

• How to Throw a Kid-Friendly NYE Party
• Bullet Journaling the New Year
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The post Skate Into the New Year at This Kid-Friendly Huntsville Countdown! appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

Is midnight laughable in your house? If everyone is down for the count by 10PM (or earlier!) why not consider celebrating a little early? Or maybe your older child is super PUMPED about spending New Year’s Eve with friends… AWAY from parents. We’ve put together a great list of Huntsville events that are kid-friendly for New Year’s Eve.

Of course, you could always stay home and plan your own NYE Party with your kids… here are some great ideas for that too! But if you’re lucky enough to have a sitter for the last night of 2021, check out fun grownups-only things to do here and here.

That Netflix Countdown Though…

Netflix returns with their annual New Year’s Eve countdown for kids. If you are one of the 74% of parents letting their kids stay up a little later this one special night of the year, let the ball drop whenever you want with new characters from animated series like Pinky Malinky, Super Monsters, Boss Baby and Motown Magic.

Local New Year’s Eve Events for Kids & Families

New Year’s Eve Open Gym Time for Kids

Tuesday from 12:15-1:15 PM and 1:30-3:00 PM
Cost: $3-10
The Matrix Gym | More Info
Open to kids 5 years old and under, this Whiz Kids gym session will make sure they’re tired later on tonight! Ages 6-12 has an Open Gym session at 1:30 PM.

Skating in the Park Lil’ Ball Drop

Friday from 8:30 – 9:00 PM and 9:30 PM – Midnight
Cost: $10-15 per person
Big Spring Park Rink | More Info
DJ Boskii and LED-Orange will be at the Huntsville Museum of Art’s outdoor ice rink taking requests, putting on an awesome light show, and counting down to ring in the New Year! There will be TWO simulated Ball Drops: an early one for kids & families at 8:30 PM and another Glow Up ball drop for older skaters at midnight. Sparkling cider will be served at both!

Throw Your Own Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve Party

Your House | Get Our NYE Ideas
Lots of families will be ringing in a new year at home, and we have put together some awesome ideas you can use for your party that the kids will love!

Great Celebrations for Groups… 

TopGolf NYE
Cost: Package prices vary
More Info 
While they  won’t be hosting a full-on ticketed NYE event or fireworks this year, TopGolf will be open if your group wants to book a bay. Get more FAQs.

Stars & Strikes
Cost: Starts at $20.22 per person
More Info 
Includes 3 hours of unlimited Video Game Play, Laser Tag, Bumper Cars, and Virtual Reality.

What Attractions Are Closed New Year’s Day?

• Alabama Constitution Village
• Burritt on the Mountain
• EarlyWorks Children’s Museum
• Huntsville Botanical Garden
• Historic Huntsville Depot
• Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center
• Huntsville Museum of Art
• Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
• U.S. Space & Rocket Center
• U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum

You Might Also Like…

• Parent Reviews of Huntsville Restaurants
• 5 Resolutions Moms Can Keep Past January

DISCLAIMER: We do our best at Rocket City Mom to provide accurate, useful information about events and activities. This information (such as times and locations) is gathered from user submissions, press releases, local newspapers, signs around town and word of mouth. While we always try to confirm details before they are posted in the Huntsville Weekend Roundup, sometimes details change or we are given inaccurate information. Whenever possible we link our write-ups to the source in which our information came from and strongly urge you to confirm details before you go, especially when it comes to outdoor events and weather.

The post New Year’s Eve for Families in Huntsville appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

New Year’s before becoming a parent is starkly different than celebrating the new year after having kids. For one, us moms and dads tend to fade a bit faster – I’ve found myself nodding off way before the NYC ball drops on television many a year. But celebrating New Year’s Eve with kids can be tons of fun, and we’ve included some of our favorite party tips below in case you’re planning a shindig of your own!

Be sure to check out our NYE Pinterest board – we’ve pinned each idea there too, along with some delicious recipes for New Year’s Day.

Kid’s New Year’s Eve Party Ideas

Decorations & Activities

Party Invitations
I’m always a fan of Evites, and they have some super cute NYE templates to choose from.

Confetti Balloons
These easy-to-make confetti balloons can either be put together before the party or as a party craft activity for older children. Just be sure to keep them close and pass out pins or toothpicks when the clock strikes midnight!

Countdown Balloons
Do a little pre-planning and coordinate these fun countdown balloons throughout the party. Pop the balloon at the designated time and then complete the activity found inside it – it can be making cupcakes, crafting confetti poppers, or taking selfies at a photo station.

NYE Photo Booth
Teens would love this DIY photo booth you can whip up pretty easily. You can also make these adorable props or pick some up at the local party store.

Make a Resolution Together
These resolution sheets are ready to print out – pass them out along with colored markers or glitter pens and stickers to decorate them!

Play a Game
Got a group that prefers some structure? These Minute-to-Win-It games don’t require a lot of supplies and can take some time to complete, allowing you a brief respite from playing hostess.

Tick-Tock Countdown Clock
A few paper plates, some glittery pipe cleaners, and glue can all come together to make an epic Countdown Clock craft.

New Year’s Eve Refreshments

No good party is without yummy nibbles & drinks. These are some of my favorites for kids! Feel free to share yours in the comments below.

• Delicious cookies with milk in champagne flutes
• … or make these inspiring fortune cookies
• Festive cups of sparkling grape or apple juice
• Cookie Countdown Clock
• NYE Pizza Dippers
• Cupcake Sparklers
• Pepperoni Rollups
• More NYE Appetizers

New Year’s Eve Music & Movies

Festive Flicks
A good movie can be a great party activity! This list of NYE-themed movies can be a nice break from the games.

Party Tunes
Want to class up your NYE party? This playlist features greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Bing Crosby, plus some contemporary classics from ABBA and U2.

Do you want to participate and share your personal party experience with other Huntsville parents? Just fill out our secure submission form here.

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The post Throw A Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve Party appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..