If you’re looking for a family getaway that mixes action, history, and a bit of awe-inspiring adventure, set your sights on the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama! This isn’t your average museum…it’s a hands-on, climb-aboard, walk-through-history experience that turns a day out into a lifetime memory for parents and kids alike. The moment you see the towering silhouette of the USS Alabama (BB-60) rising from the bay, you’ll understand why this WWII battleship earned the nickname “Mighty A.” Walking across her deck feels like stepping into the past. You can explore nearly every inch, from the engine rooms to the massive 16-inch gun turrets!

Right next door, you should squeeze nto the USS Drum, the oldest American submarine on public display. It’s tight, creaky, and absolutely fascinating as it will give you a new appreciation for life under the sea.

Just when we thought it couldn’t get cooler, we stepped into the Aircraft Pavilion. Inside: over 30 aircraft, from WWII warbirds to a B-52 Stratofortress and even an A-12 Blackbird spy plane. Outside, the grounds are filled with tanks, artillery, and military vehicles. It’s essentially a playground of history, minus the slides but packed with stories.

While the park is full of fun and exploration, it also honors those who served. Along quiet walkways, we paused at memorials for WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam which is a powerful opportunity to teach anyone why these stories matter and why we remember. The park sits right on Mobile Bay, so after exploring, grab a lunch at Stevie’s Kitchen (don’t miss the potato salad) and relax in the shaded picnic areas. You can also stroll along walking paths or cast a line off the fishing pier. It’s the perfect mix of history and downtime.