Raptor Show

The Auburn University Raptor Center brings its celebrated live bird program to Huntsville Botanical Garden's Amphitheater, where families can watch hawks, owls, and falcons demonstrate their natural hunting abilities up close. Expert handlers introduce each bird while explaining how their specialized features—from keen eyesight to powerful talons—make them such effective predators. Between flight demonstrations, you'll learn about these raptors' roles in Alabama's ecosystems and ongoing conservation efforts to protect them. It's an engaging way for children ages 3 and up to connect with wildlife they might otherwise only glimpse from a distance. Two show times are offered at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on October 7, 2026, at the Garden's outdoor amphitheater (4747 Bob Wallace Ave). Garden members pay $8 per ticket, while non-members pay $20, which includes admission to the entire Garden. Children 2 and under attend free. Pre-purchasing tickets online is recommended to secure your preferred time slot, though tickets will also be available at the door. If weather doesn't cooperate, the show moves indoors to the Isenberg Grand Hall, so it proceeds rain or shine. This event works well for families with curious elementary-aged kids who can sit through a 30-45 minute presentation, though younger siblings often find the swooping flight demonstrations captivating enough to hold their attention. Since you'll have access to the full Garden with your admission, plan extra time to explore the grounds before or after the show. The event is part of the Garden's FestiFall celebration, so you'll find seasonal displays throughout the property worth seeing while you're there.