Things to do with kids in Mobile: free splash pads and playgrounds, library storytimes, the Exploreum, the battleship and free museum days for rainy days.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Facts come from Mobile Parks and Recreation’s park finder, aquatics page and Fall/Winter 2026 activity guide, the Mobile Public Library and each museum’s own page, linked below. Prices change; check before you go.

Mobile has free splash pads and dozens of city playgrounds for good weather, and a cluster of downtown museums within a few blocks of each other for the rest. Most museums close on Mondays, so plan rainy Mondays around the History Museum or the battleship.

Who to call

  • Mobile Parks and Recreation: 251-208-1600; programs at mprd.recdesk.com
  • Exploreum box office: 251-208-6893
  • Report broken playground equipment: Mobile 311, 311 or 251-208-5311

Playgrounds and splash pads

The city’s park finder lists about 40 parks and community centers with playgrounds. Some of the bigger ones, with extras:

Park Address Also there
Medal of Honor Park 1711 Hillcrest Road Splash pad, walking trail, dog park, disc golf
Public Safety Memorial Park 2301 Airport Blvd. Splash pad, walking trail, skate park, dog park
Frederick D. Richardson Jr. Tricentennial Park 2121 Bragg Ave. Splash pad, walking trail, fishing, kayak launch, fitness zone
Joseph N. Langan Park 4901 Zeigler Blvd. Lake, walking trail, disc golf, kayak launch
James Seals Park and Community Center 540 Texas St. Splash pad, walking trail
McCants-Chavers Park 7251 13th St. Splash pad
Westside Park 1001 Hitt Road Playground

Splash pads are free and wheelchair accessible; swimwear is required and toddlers must wear swim diapers. In 2026 they opened May 22 and closed Oct. 2. Full list and pool details are on our summer camps and pools page.

Storytime and free programs

  • Mobile Public Library storytimes: the library’s events calendar lists storytimes for ages 0 to 5 at the Ben May Main Library youth programming room, a storytime for ages 3 to 7 at the Parkway Branch (groups register by calling 251-494-4454) and a preschool storytime at Grand Bay.
  • Preschool Story Time and Craft, Lavretta Arts and Culture Center: free, Thursdays 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Oct. 29, 2026, for preschoolers with a parent (MPRD fall guide).
  • World Explorers, Lavretta: free, 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 2 and Nov. 16, 2026, with hands-on crafts from cultures around the globe (MPRD fall guide).
  • Breakthrough Teens: the city’s teen program runs events such as the Haunted Hangout at the Exploreum; see Mobile Parks and Recreation.

Rainy-day picks

Place Hours Admission
Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government St. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday Call 251-208-6893; dome films extra. Children under 16 must be with an adult
History Museum of Mobile, 111 S. Royal St. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday Ages 6-12 $8, 13-18 $10.50, 5 and under free; free first Sunday of each month
Phoenix Fire Museum 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, closed 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Always free; horse-drawn steam engines and antique ladder trucks
Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday Under 6 free; Mobile County residents free on Thursdays
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Ages 6-11 $6, 5 and under free; $5 parking

The Exploreum does not allow outside food or drinks, and the History Museum ticket also covers Colonial Fort Condé next door.

Seasonal

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do with kids in Mobile on a rainy day?

The Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government St., is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. The History Museum of Mobile is open daily and free on the first Sunday of each month, and the Phoenix Fire Museum is always free.

Where are the splash pads in Mobile?

The city lists free splash pads at Medal of Honor, McCants-Chavers, Tricentennial, Baumhauer-Randle, Public Safety Memorial and Laun parks and at the Seals and Thomas Sullivan community centers. In 2026 they were open from May 22 to Oct. 2.

Does the Mobile Public Library have storytime?

Yes. The library lists storytimes for young children at branches including the Ben May Main Library, Parkway and Grand Bay. Dates and times are on its events calendar.

Is the Mobile Museum of Art free for kids?

Children under 6 get in free, and Mobile County residents get free admission every Thursday. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.