Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Old Depot Museum
★4.4(53 reviews)$Museum
🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours👶 Best for ages 6-14. Elementary and middle school students will appreciate the hands-on exhibits and historical artifacts, while younger children may enjoy the novelty of exploring an old train depot. Particularly engaging for kids studying Alabama history or the Civil Rights Movement.🧡 Saved by 24 families
About
Step back in time at the Old Depot Museum, housed in a beautifully restored 1891 train depot in historic Selma. This welcoming local history museum offers interactive exhibits that bring the region's rich past to life, making it an educational yet entertaining stop for families exploring Alabama's civil rights heritage and railroad history.
Highlights
- ✓Interactive exhibits that let kids touch and experience local history firsthand
- ✓Authentic train depot architecture and railroad artifacts
- ✓Displays covering Selma's significant role in the Civil Rights Movement
- ✓Child-friendly staff who engage young visitors with stories and information
- ✓Affordable admission that won't break the family budget
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on a weekday morning when the museum is quietest, giving kids more space to explore the interactive exhibits at their own pace.
- 2.Combine your visit with a walk across the nearby Edmund Pettus Bridge, just a few blocks away, for a meaningful history lesson.
- 3.The museum staff are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to share stories tailored to children's interests and age levels.
- 4.Allow time for kids to examine the depot building itself, with its original architecture and railroad features that fascinate young train enthusiasts.
- 5.Admission is very affordable, making this an excellent budget-friendly educational activity.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning for the most relaxed experience with smaller crowds. The cooler months (October through March) are ideal since you'll likely want to explore the surrounding historic district on foot.
What to Know
Admission is budget-friendly at just a few dollars per person. The museum is closed weekends, so plan accordingly. Street parking is available nearby, and the compact size makes it manageable even with strollers.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round Monday through Friday. Closed on weekends and major holidays. The museum occasionally hosts special events and educational programs during Black History Month (February) and around the anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches (March).
Nearby Eats
Try the family-friendly Lannie's Bar-B-Q Spot for Southern comfort food just a short drive away, or grab sandwiches and snacks at Main Street Market Cafe in downtown Selma.
More Activities Near Selma
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Mabry-Jones House
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The Mabry-Jones House offers families a fascinating glimpse into Selma's past through guided tours of this beautifully preserved historic home. Kids can explore authentic period furnishings and learn about local heritage in an intimate setting that brings history to life in ways textbooks simply cannot.
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Sturdivant Hall Museum
★4.7$❤️155
Step back in time at this stunning 1850s mansion where kids can explore beautifully preserved rooms filled with period furniture, elegant chandeliers, and fascinating artifacts from the antebellum era. The guided tours bring Southern history to life through engaging stories and architectural details that help children visualize what life was like over 150 years ago, making it an educational yet captivating experience for the whole family.
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National Voting Rights Museum and Institute
★4.6$❤️53
The National Voting Rights Museum offers families a powerful opportunity to explore American civil rights history through interactive exhibits that bring the Selma to Montgomery marches to life. Located at the foot of the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge, this museum engages children with hands-on displays and age-appropriate programs that make history memorable and meaningful.
Park
Lawrence Street
Free
Lawrence Street Park in Selma offers families a welcoming community space perfect for active outdoor play and relaxation. With playground equipment that keeps kids entertained, spacious green areas ideal for running around, and athletic facilities for family games, this free park provides an excellent setting for everything from casual afternoon visits to full-day family picnics.