I know, theres a lot! Pack a net with you on your trip to catch and release them! Its seriously one of my favorite things to do in Gulf Shores with kids, so totally worth it! While waiting for a table or food (beach favorites like burgers and seafood), the kids can head out back to the beach and play ping-pong and foosball, climb on a giant chair, dance, make a wish on the wish wall, and go crazy at the foam party (temporarily unavailable). Grab the family and hit the trails! Location: 20499 Oak Road East, Gulf Shores AL 36542. My family really enjoyed the easy access to the beach, and the fresh seafood at Pink Pony Pub. Take an hour or 2 to jump around at the trampoline park.
I mean, youre going to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for the beautiful beaches and turquoise water. This area can get loud, but if your children prefer land activities over water sports and sand in their bathing suits, this might be the perfect accommodation for you.
But before I get into the full details, lets talk about why youll love the Gulf Shores area! Hey! Biking is a popular pastime for everyone who visits our area and is an ideal activity for the whole family. But honestlyit just might be the best part of the coast. Check the hours before you go as the summer hours are extended into the evening. The Wharf offers lots of shopping, dining and activities. The Wharf has a ton of kid-friendly shops and attractions, including a movie theater, an arcade, an escape room, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Outer Limits VR game room, and more. If you love to be outdoors, you probably already know that state parks are awesome. If you hang out on the beach right off the main strip in Gulf Shores, youll likely be near the world-famous Pink Pony Pub. 
And what a great spot to build a sand castle! Its a memory your family will not forget! Part restaurant, part music venue, part family playground, The Hangout serves great foodandentertainment. The amphibious touring vehicles were first used in Normandy, France on D-Day. Enjoy gorgeous, 360-degree views at the Lodge at Gulf State Park. From good food to live music, a courtyard with free games and plenty of photo-ops, The Hangout is a fun stop in Gulf Shores! Location: 3200 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, You may also like: How to Save Money for Travel: Your Vacation Savings Plan. Get this: the Alabama Gulf Coast has 32 miles of gorgeous, white sand beaches! Gulf Shores (and its neighboring Orange Beach) hold a tiny sliver of the Gulf Coast, in comparison to how big the Gulf of Mexico is. Be warned though its sweetness overload, so sharing is encouraged! TRAVEL. Sand Castle University will provide all the equipment and expertise needed and every class includes a free time-lapse video of your groups activity. Be sure to take your phone or camera so you can snap some pictures!
When baby sea turtles hatch, they look for the moonlight to lead them to the ocean. Youll watch as the dolphins pop out of the water to say hello. Okay, back to it. Kids love exploring the back bays and surrounding trails, discovering the natural habitat of this diverse ecosystem.
Building a sandcastle is a unique bonding experience and can be done right on the public beach at Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. Visiting the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach isn't like taking any other beach vacation. Located in Foley, about 10 miles north of the beach, Tanger Outlet Mall is the perfect place to load up on children's clothing and shoes. Villaggio Grille offers fine, classic, Italian dining.
They'll especially lovePirate's Island Adventure Golf in Gulf Shores. The magic of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama lies in the chance to see dolphins roaming the waters. Theres no shortage of family activities in Gulf Shores, AL! If you do go at night, watch the Ferris wheel light up, and even become part of the SPECTRA light show! And YoHo Rum & Tacos is great for fish tacos and frozen mocktails. Copyright 2022 | She Saves She Travels | All Rights Reserved. With options like tandem bikes for older kids, individual cruisers with kid pull-behind bikes to attach, and smaller bikes with training wheels, theres plenty of options to choose from. 
Start planning your trip today! The adults *might* have had more fun!! Okay so what did you think? They search top carriers to find the best deal, at no extra cost to you. Its a unique way to see the beach and coastline from a different perspective. The locals are very accommodating and welcoming. Photo courtesy of gulfshore.com. I haven't heard of a sand castle building class before so I would definitely be up for trying that. So, ready for a Gulf Shores / Orange Beach family vacation? Alabama's Gulf Coast is like the hidden gem of white sand beaches :), These look like fun things to do and I don't even have any kids! Location: 20800 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.
My favorite was the 3-story go kart track. If youre looking for a bit more entertainment, then head straight down the beach to The Hangout. This is a perfect rainy day activity! Your children can get a bird's-eye view of the Gulf of Mexico while gently floating in a parasail built for one, two, or three people (depending on combined weight). Its fun to pick out the unique flavors of ice cream with oversized toppings.
Photo courtesy of the author. Unsubscribe at anytime. The pier is also the perfect spot for fishing.
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Kids who like to fish (or want to learn) can visit the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier, featuring 725 feet of fishing space on either side of the pier. Photo courtesy of Gulf State Park Beach. Enjoy the ease of walking from your hotel straight to the beach at these two beachfront hotels: Phoenix All Suites and Phoenix All Suites West. Each hole was different and exciting, and my kids didnt want the course to end! It's an underrated beach spot, that's for sure. Explore the calm inland waters of the area such as Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park. Here youll find thrill rides like the Skycoaster and Spinning Coaster as well as family favorite activities like mini-golf, bumper boats and an arcade. The most important thing about this activity is to get red filter stickers for your cell phone or flashlights! Location: 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561. Youre bound to hit the beach a few times during your visit and make a few sandcastles. Visit The Wharf for the ultimate beach boardwalk attraction: the Ferris wheel! Location: any of Alabamas gorgeous white sand beaches, Side note: the more I keep adding to this list, the more I want to go back! In fact, if you really have an outdoorsy child, think about camping for a few nights in the area. This Ferris wheel is one of the largest in the Southeastern USA! Though it won't take more than a few minutes, kids will get a thrill standing in two states at the same time! This post may contain affiliate links.
Well the Gulf Coast State Park Pier is no exception! The weather at Orange Beach and Gulf Shores can be temperamental, and an arcade is the perfect place to ride out an afternoon storm. I'm here to help you MAKE. The Yard is located in a variety of cities, but the Gulf Shores, Alabama location remains the original. I've never heard of Gulf Shores before but it looks fun and there's definitely a lot to do in the area! Location: 28101 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are so close together so if youre staying in Gulf Shores, its easy just to pop on over to Orange Beach to check out the Wharf. The Tracks most popular attraction is its multi-level go-kart track, where drivers race up three and a half stories and circle back down again ending with an exciting drop! HAPPEN. Its almost like its own little oasis even though its just a few miles from the Gulf!
The sustainable hotel offers easy access to hiking and biking trails, as well as birding and water activities. Perdido Beach Resort is one of the biggest resorts in Orange Beach. No matter what your family's interests are, we promise everyone will enjoy their trip to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. If you have a history buff in your family or kids that love to explore, Historic Fort Morgan is the place to bring your crew. Nestled along Alabama's Gulf Coast, this family destination is bursting with a ton of water activities, can't-miss attractions, and an unending amount of tasty treats.
Location: Hummingbird Zipline Course, 4830 Main St Suite G-114 Orange Beach, AL 36561, USA. Photo courtesy of gulfshore.com. I 10000% agree Terri! You could just go for the restaurant, but with tons of entertainment youll get so much more. Going out into the bright teal waters of the Gulf Coast is a magnificent experience, only to be topped by seeing a pod of dolphins! (We can guarantee the car ride will be pleasant when that dinky prize breaks before you even get to the parking lot.) With more than 6,000 acres,this state parkis a destination of its own! The second Gulf Shores location near historic Fort Morgan offers waterfront dining with beautiful views of Mobile Bay. The Yard is one of those Instagram-worthy spots and a unique (and delicious) experience for everyone in your family. The milkshakes are massive at The Yard Milkshake Bar. Are you brave enough to ride the Rolling Thunder at the Park at OWA? Head to the Alabama-Florida state line and, depending on how tall your child is, plant each foot in a different state. Posted on Published: October 5, 2020- Last updated: June 20, 2022. With creations like The Mermaid, Peanut Butter Brownie Bliss and The Cereal Killer, you really cant go wrong! Check the SPECTRA light show times here. Copyright 2022 Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. From youth tracks to boats and of course, the giant 3-level elevated track. Sand crabs on the other hand are tan, almost translucent crabs that come out at night. Little artists will love visiting Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, with serene views of Wolf Bay.
If youre looking for entertainment for kids and adults, then the Wharfs Ferris wheel has got to be on your list of things to do in Gulf Shores with kids. Okay when you first arrive in a gorgeous beachy spot like this, youll want to hit the beach right away. They are easy to find on the beach (away from the water). I love that it all has free parking, too! Seriously. One of the largest resorts in Orange Beach, Alabama, Perdido Beach Resort features 344 guest rooms, each one with a private balcony. This third system masonry fort was built in 1834 and played an important role in several wars, including the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War. The course was super interactive and we especially loved all the water features and the story of Blackbeard the pirate. Walking to the end of a pier along a beautiful beach can provide breathtaking views. If youve ever wanted to feed a giraffe or hold a lemur, this is the place for you and your family! Privacy Policy & DisclosuresAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Racing others around the course, was fun, and speeding down the track at full speed was a rush. While I dont want this list to end, this post is getting long so heres just 3 more things to do in Gulf Shores with kids. Fog machines enhance the light effects and the surround-sound music captivates everyone in the area to watch. These one-bedroom suites include fun bunk beds for kids and gorgeous balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Jumping at a trampoline park is perfect for all ages and the giggles that come out of everyone will make you glad you went! I know what youre thinking: what in the world is so great about the welcome center that youd spend precious vacation time there? In Orange Beach, theres a family-friendly bike shop, Beach Bike Rentals, to rent bikes to explore the trails. As always, all opinions are my own. Save it for later or share it on social media. Location: 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542(There are several public beach access points, however this one has parking nearby.). And then there were the kids giggles, too! Gulf Shores, Alabama has one of the most beautiful beaches in all of the USA. Whether its for long stay or mini girls weekend trip theres always something to see and do. Thank you to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism for hosting me! Find this article helpful? Fourteen miles of multi-purpose trails lead to various attractions, including a butterfly garden, Boulder Park (perfect for kids who climb), geocaching, and of course, Mother Nature herself. Just a bit of important info for you as a parent: it can be known as a bit of a party spot, but its actually family-friendly too. You can find more helpful information and ideas available at the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism office and website. Its 8 ziplines and covers 6,000+ feet of flying through the air! Ultimate Summer Bucket List Ideas: 100 (Mostly) Free Outdoor Games and Activities for Kids, The Best Trader Joe's Food for Families: 50 Favorite Products and Reader's Tips, 50 Easy Summer Desserts & Snack Recipes Kids Will Love, 27 Water Games for Kids To Play All Summer Long, The Ultimate Road Trip Guide for Families, 21 Kid-Friendly Ghost Stories and Spooky Stories for Kids, Best Family Resorts with Water Parks: All-Inclusive Family Resorts and More, 17 Tricks For How Kids Can Conserve Water: Make Water Conservation Fun, 21 Classic and Funny Campfire Songs for Any Camping Trip, Mommy Poppins Launches in Miami and the San Francisco Bay Area, 25 Beat-the-Heat Crafts for Hot Summer Days, 40 Classic Outdoor Games for Kids: Backyard Games, Playground Games, and More, 35 Great Summer Kids Movies for Family Movie Night, 12 Family-Friendly Tree House Rentals to Delight Their Imaginations, 99 Sensory Activities for Toddlers, Infants, and Kids of All Ages, How to Make Wildflower Seed Bombs: An Earth-Friendly Craft for Kids, 40 Jokes for Kids That Will Keep the Whole Family in Giggles, The Best Childrens Museum in the US: Museums Worth Planning a Vacation Around, London With Kids: 60+ Best Things To Do in London on a UK Family Vacation, Create a Pollinator Garden in Your Home or Apartment: Planting a Butterfly Garden or Bee Garden with Kids, Sleepaway Camp Guide: The Best Overnight Camps in the US, 100 Top Easy Recipes for Kids: Kid-Friendly Recipes for Every Meal, Taco Tuesday: The Only 5 Taco Recipes Youll Ever Need, 100 Hardest 'Would You Rather' Questions for Clever Kids, Why Ocean Club Resort Turks and Caicos Is Tops on Our Family Vacation List, Best Childrens Theaters in the US: Why Bringing Young Kids to the Theater Is So Important, Celebrate Earth Day! What a fun and unique experience!
Secondly, youll want this for later on in the list, but you need to get filters for your phone and flashlights at night for evening beach activities. And the Orange Beach location has multiple outside decks, with a chance to see dolphins as well as on-site water sports rentals. Just a quick note: these tours run only from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Putt-putt is a perfect family activity, and theres no shortage of mini-golf spots on Alabamas beaches! Well theres a class for that! My kids loved this experience and would go back in a heartbeat! Besides standard resort amenities, Perdido offers marshland education and activities for children, paddleboard yoga, volleyball, splash pool movie nights, and evening outdoor music. Oh the beaches there are the best in the USA! Besides the lovely art gallery, the arts center features a hot-glass blowing studio and clay studio where budding artists can sign up to create something beautiful. Its a perfect destination for any beach-loving traveler, but an especially fun spot for families!
It's important to note that lots of visitors rent condos and beach homes for the convenience and comfort of a longer stay, especially when it comes to a large family or group. Bring the family and play a round or two of mini-golf. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It almost reminds me of the beaches near Sarasota which are probably FAR busier! There are more than 40 retailers, as well as a carousel, a food court, and small rides. To recap, heres the mega list of family activities in Gulf Shores AL: On my next visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, there are so many things on this list Id do again! I hate spam. Well hit up the welcome center real quick as you stroll into town to pick up some coupons and ask literally anything about your trip.
While there are a few miniature golf courses to choose from, my kids really loved the theme at Pirates Island Adventure Golf.
. Make a splash at Gulf State Park Beach. Location: just choose one of Alabamas gorgeous white sand beaches and enjoy! Location: 200 East 25th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. 25+ Tips for Living More Sustainably Every Day, 6 Little League Baseball Drills You Can Do at Home, 25 Best Mom Jokes and Funny #momlife Memes, How to Plan a Kids' Birthday Party At Home, 20 All-Inclusive Resorts We Can't Wait to Visit Again, Earth Kids: Green Activities for the Planet, 64 Easy Science Experiments for Kids to Do at Home, New Earth Kids Guide and Newsletter to Share Activities for a Greener Planet, Tons of Totally Terrific Tongue Twisters for Kids, Tweens, and Teens, Free Activities, Events, Classes, and Camps for Kids, 25 Preschool Science Experiments: Simple Science for Toddlers through Kindergarten Kids, 12 Healthy Snacks for Kids That Are Works of Art, At-Home Guide for Families: 100s of Activities for Kids, 22 Free Kids' Music Playlists for Breakfast through Bedtime, Easy Toddler Games: 20 Ways to Entertain Toddlers When Youre Too Sick to Play, Online Camps and Virtual Classes You Can Still Book for Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers, Kids, and Tweens, 65 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day, 10 Online Language Classes and Clubs for Kids, 30+ Children's Books to Celebrate Black History Month, Birthday Freebies for Kids: 60 Places To Get Free Stuff on Your Birthday, The Very Best of 2021 for Kids and Families: The Books, Movies, Shows, and More Our Kids Adored, 30 Exercise Games and Indoor Activities to Get Kids Moving, Coding Programs for Kids: Free and Cheap Websites That Teach Kids Programming, 20 Car Games, Podcasts, and More to Keep Kids Busy on Road Trips, City Family Guides: Play, Eat and Stay in Great Towns, Talking Travel, Mental Health, and More with Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles, 20 Vegetarian Recipes Your Picky Kids Will Love, How To Set Limits on a Kids New Cell Phone, 10 Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Weeknight Dinners, Guide to Science Experiments for Kids and Fun STEM Activities, 50 Fun Activities for Grandparents To Do with Kids: For Grandparents' Day and Every Day, 30+ Free Ways to Celebrate Your Kid's Birthday at Home, Homeschool & Online Learning Resources for Families, 100 School Lunch Ideas for Kids: Back-to-School Lunches Kids Will Actually Eat, 75 Fun Facts For Kids That Will Blow Their Minds, The Best Zoos in the US: Take Your Kids on a Family Animal Adventure, 100 Kids' Books Every Child Should Read Before They Grow Up, Visiting the Poconos with Kids: 70+ Top Things To Do as a Family, 50 Things To Do in Portland, Maine, with Kids, Our Favorite New England Hotels for Families, Baha Bay at Baha Mar: A Luxury Water Park Opens in the Bahamas, Finally a Fast and Easy Way to Complete the Most Avoided Parental Chore, 35 Awesome Things To Do in Seattle with Kids, Best Easy TikTok Dances for Kids and Families to Try, Turn a Highchair into a Baby Activity Center with These Ideas, 70 Fun Things To Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, 75 Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Other than Theme Parks, The Most Irresistible Dessert Board Recipes for Kids, 50+ Genius Upcycled Cardboard Box Crafts and Activities for Kids, The Coolest (Affordable) California Vacation Rentals for Families, 30 Easy Paper Crafts for Kids for an Arty Day at Home, 25 STEM Activities Easy Enough for Preschoolers, Adirondacks, Catskills & Hudson Valley Guide, 100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up, 25 Things To Do in the Berkshires with Kids, 100 Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids Before They Grow Up, 100 Things To Do with LA Kids Before They Grow Up, 100 Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up, The white sand is perfect for sandcastles at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Related content to read next:12 Gulf Shores Restaurants Any Foodie Will LoveGulf State Park: 14 Things to Do Plus Best Beaches, Camping & More33 Incredibly Fun Things to Do in Orange Beach Alabama You Cant MissExactly What to Pack for a Beach Vacation15 Things to Pack on a Road Trip with Kids26 Best Beaches on the Gulf Coast You Need to SeeKeep Your Sanity: Tips for Flying with KidsMiami to Key West Road Trip: 22 Awesome Stops to Make Along the Way. , Location: 3459 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. 