Epic things to do in Gulf Shores with kids including laser tag, white sand beaches, arcades, mini golf courses, movie theaters, and more attractions everyone in the family will love.
Things to do in Gulf Shores with Kids
Are you heading to the Alabama Gulf Coast for a beach vacation with the entire family? Don't worry; this list of things to do with kids will keep everyone entertained and happy.
We live in Gulf Shores and love spending time exploring this amazing area. We want to help make sure your family vacation memories are the best experience possible.
We fell in love with the area on our first vacation here and kept coming back to the point that we moved across the country to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico daily.
There is plenty of entertainment for the whole family during your Orange Beach and Gulf Shores vacation! Make sure to check out these great family friendly restaurants in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.
Some of the most popular activities include the Track Family Fun Park, White sand Alabama's Beaches, mini-golf, Waterville USA, The Gulf Shores Zoo, and our great beach town.
Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park is one of the best family-friendly activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! There is something for all ages to enjoy.
You can rent e-bikes and explore miles of trails. Look for Ospreys, alligators, and more in their natural habitat.
You can borrow a bike for up to three hours for free to explore the amazing bike trail system. It is one of our favorite free things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Visit the nature center to learn more about the local wildlife including our amazing turtles. They do fantastic educational programs throughout the year.
Lake Shelby is a great spot to look for birds and alligators. There is a great kids play area next to Lake Shelby.
Dolphin Cruise
Dolphin cruises are a great family friendly opportunity to get out on the water and see more of the area. We have seen Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins on every tour we have taken.
Here are a few of the dolphin tours we have done so you can see photos and video of what to expect.
Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise - Leaves from the Wharf making it a really easy cruise to hop on. They have a two story boat with indoor and outdoor seating. Book this dolphin cruise here
Explorer Dolphin Boat - This is a great option for families. The boat is one level with easy bench seating. Book this dolphin cruise here
Southern Rose Dolphin Tour - They guarantee you will see dolphins on your tour. Book this dolphin cruise here
Hammock Time Tiki Tours - You can talk with Captain Glenn and set up a private dolphin tour for the family.
Check out additional dolphin cruises here.
There are also private charter boats available if you want to set up a family dolphin tour on a private boat.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores is fun for the whole family! They have everything from sloth and lemur animal encounters to giraffe feeding opportunities.
Visit friendly creatures and learn more about the zoo's residents. Ride the carousel for fun photos. Young children will love the petting farm.
They have activities for all ages and are set up for families to have a great time.
Address - 20499 Oak Rd E, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Souvenir City
At Souvenir City in Gulf Shores you can take a picture in the mouth of the shark entrance or with the pirate ship back door before shopping for great Gulf Coast gifts.
Pre-warning they do sell hermit crabs in cute shells. If you don't want to bring home a new crabby friend you may want to have that discussion before going inside.
We have heard a few meltdowns over not bringing a cute crab friend home.
Address - 217 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542
Sand Castle University
Learn how to make epic sandcastles right on the beach! A fun way to enjoy our beautiful beaches and have great family fun.
Shrimpy's Grill and Golf
Fun Putt Putt golf course in the heart of Gulf Shores. Kids will love the giant shrimp statue. Parents will love that all drinks are $3!
Address - 204 E 2nd Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Trampoline Park at The Factory Gulf Shores
The Factory is filled with fun experiences perfect for a hot day or when it rains in Gulf Shores.
They have both a jumping area and a climbing area with foam pits, ninja obstacle course, adrenaline tower, dodgeball courts, climbing walls, and a rope swing.
Book tickets here
Address - 18948 Oak Rd W, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
The Hangout
The Hangout is located next to Gulf Place Beach and has foam parties, dance parties, a huge sandpit for kids to play in, live music, and more.
They also have a pirates and princess breakfast during the summer.
Address - 101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Wade Ward Nature Park
Wade Ward Nature Park is located in the heart of Gulf Shores right off of Highway 59! This great nature park has elevated boardwalks over wetlands perfect for wildlife and bird watching.
There are beautiful views of the wetlands from the elevated walkway. Kids will enjoy looking for gators and frogs in the waterway.
Address - 500 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, Al 36542
Flamingo and Rubber Ducky Pedal Boats
High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas in Gulf Shores is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beverage, great food, and epic fun.
They have mocktails for kids, yellow ducky and pink flamingo pedal boats, swing chairs, and fun games.
Address - 807 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, Al
The pull into the restaurant is before you reach it. We ended up driving past it and having to turn around. Trust your GPS when it tells you to turn right into the parking area.
Pirate's Island Adventure Golf
This mini golf course/putt putt is truly amazing!
Address - 3201 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
White Sand Beaches
Gulf Place is the main public beach in Gulf Shores. There is paid parking lots next to the beach making it really accessible.
Make sure to check the beach flags for any warnings before heading into the water.
If you don't want to stress about packing beach supplies you can rent beach gear including a baby beach package with delivery to you. Check out options here.
Early in the morning and at low tide you can find great shells many days on the beach. It really depends on weather and tide times how many shells are available.
If you are in Orange Beach check out the Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access for great beach fun.
Gulf State Park Fishing Pier
The Gulf State Park fishing pier is a ton of fun even if you are not fishing. You can get a walking pass to walk the pier to look for sharks, dolphins, and other marine wildlife.
Lulu’s Gulf Shores
LuLu's is one part great restaurant and one part kid's paradise with a climbing structure, huge sand area, face painting and an arcade.
This is one of our favorite places to bring people when they come to visit because everyone finds something they love.
Address - 200 E 25th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Jurassic Golf - Gulf Shores
Enjoy a glow-in-the-dark dinosaur mini golf adventure with 18-holes of prehistoric fun! This indoor mini golf course is fun for the entire family! Plus there is air conditioning which is great on a hot sunny Gulf Coast day.
Address - 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy #142, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Wade Ward Nature Park
This small wetlands park is one of our favorite free things to do in Gulf Shores! You can wander the elevated boardwalk looking for otters, gators, and tons of birds.
Things to do in Orange Beach with Kids
Orange Beach is filled with fun things to do with kids that the entire family will enjoy!
The Wharf Ferris Wheel
Take a ride on The Wharf Ferris Wheel and see epic views of the area. Make sure to check out the Spectra laser light show nightly for a fun dance party.
During the summer they have themed nights at the Wharf so every night offers different family fun.
Orange Beach Waterfront Park
The 400-foot long Waterfront Pier in Orange Beach is fantastic! A great place to fish, look for dolphins, or enjoy time on the water.
There is a fantastic playground that was completely renovated a few years ago. The play structures are fantastic and there are shade structures and picnic tables available.
Address - 26425 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Located next to Orange Beach Coastal Art Center, ¼ mile east of Highway 161
Adventure Island
Adventure Island features indoor and outdoor fun with adventure golf, go-karts, indoor black light mini golf, bumper boats, kiddie rides, and indoor arcade and more.
Address - 24559 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach
Jet Ski Rentals and Tours
Depending on the age of your kids you can head out on a Jet Ski adventure in Wolf Bay.
You can rent Jet Ski's by the hour or take a guided Jet Ski Dolphin Tour. Check out the Jet Ski Rentals and tour options here
There are also Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals available here
Things to do near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with Kids
These family friendly things to do near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are a short drive away and so much fun!
Tropic Falls (Foley)
Tropic Falls at OWA Parks + Resort includes an indoor water park and an outdoor theme park. This award-winning theme park is fun for all ages and family-friendly.
There are 23 rides and attractions at Tropic Falls at OWA. They are divided between the indoor water park and the outdoor theme park. Including an epic wave pool, roller coaster, and thrills.
You can buy Tropic Falls tickets that include both areas of the park or only the outdoor theme park.
We think you will really enjoy this 520-acre family friendly attraction theme park. There is unique dining in the theme park or you can enjoy one of the great OWA Restaurants in downtown OWA.
Tropic Falls Tickets can be purchased for Tropic Falls including the indoor water park and outdoor amusement park, OR just for the theme park-only tickets.
They have special family 4 pack pricing available along with 2 day admission, Twilight (after 4 pm), senior, military, and 3 and under are free.
If you plan to visit multiple times we suggest checking out the season passes. Enjoy unlimited visits to Tropic Falls Theme Park and Indoor Water Park.
Address - 1501 S OWA Blvd, Foley, Alabama 36535
The park is located right off of the Foley Beach Express making it really easy to get to reach from the Alabama Beaches, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and surrounding area.
Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit
The Foley Railroad Museum and Model Trail Exhibit are a great family-friendly attraction in Foley, Alabama.
Address - 125 E. Laurel Ave, Foley, Al 36535
Located in Southeastern Alabama just north of Gulf Shores.
Things to do in Foley, AL - The very best things to do while visiting Foley, Alabama
Historic Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan Historic Site near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama offers great tours, the ability to wander through a Civil War Era star fortification, and learn more about history along the Gulf of Mexico.
You can visit the Fort Morgan Pier right next to the entrance to Historic Fort Morgan. The pier is a great spot to look for marine life, birdwatching ,and fishing.
There are great Fort Morgan Restaurants including family friendly restaurants.
Address - 51 State Highway 180 West, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542
Located at the end of scenic Fort Morgan peninsula near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Fort Morgan is at the western end of Hwy 180, 22 miles west of Hwy 59 in Gulf Shores.
Mobile Bay Ferry to Dauphin Island
Catch the ferry in Fort Morgan and head over to Dauphin Island for the day! The ferry ride is a ton of fun and a great place to watch for dolphins.
Once you are on Dauphin Island make sure to visit the Alabama Aquarium. The touch tank is unbelievable!
Historic Fort Gaines is a great stop to learn more about the history of the Alabama Gulf Coast and explore a really cool fort.
Stop into the Lighthouse Bakery for a sweet treat. Grab a BBQ Plate at Reel Deal BBQ before heading back to the ferry.
Best Things to do on Dauphin Island - All of the fun you can enjoy on the island.
Alligator Alley
Alligator Alley is a swamp sanctuary that has an elevated viewing platform so you can see some of the over 600 alligators in residence.
The nature walk is also a great area to see Osprey, Owls, Turtles, and other native wildlife.
Feeling adventurous? You can hold a gator and make a new friend in the air-conditioned gator station.
This is a great opportunity to learn about alligators in their natural habitat.
Address - 19950 Hwy. 71 Summerdale, Alabama 36580
Bamahenge
Take a fun day trip to Elberta, Alabama to see the replica Bamahenge. It is a short walk from the parking area and really fun to explore.
Address - On Barber Parkway Near Barber Marina in Elberta, Alabama
Drive US Hwy 98 either eight miles east of Foley, AL, or 21 miles west of downtown Pensacola, FL. Turn south onto County Road 95. Drive five miles. Turn right onto Fish Trap Rd. Drive a half-mile.
Turn left at the Barber Marina sign. Drive one mile down the Marina Entrance Road. You'll see Bamahenge on the right, set back among the trees. Park in the gravel parking lot, the path goes 200 yards into the woods.
Dinosaurs in the Woods
T-rex, brontosaurus, stegosaurus, and triceratops can be found in the woods near Barber Marina. Keep an eye out for dinos at the edge of the woods as you drive the main road. The fiberglass dinosaurs are large fiberglass pieces!
Lady in the Lake Alabama
Floating in the marina is an amazing Lady in the Lake sculpture. This 50-foot fiberglass woman is not what you expect to see floating in the water. Also called country girl skinny dipping don't worry you can only see a woman's head and knees out of the water.
Address - Alabama's Lady in the Marina or Barber Marina should take you directly to her.
Barber Parkway will turn towards Neptune Boulevard and you follow the road to the round-about. Take the 2nd exit to the parking area.
Located 8 miles east of Foley, Alabama and 21 miles west of downtown Pensacola, Florida.
National Naval Aviation Museum - Pensacola
The National Naval Aviation Museum is open to the general public for free! You can visit the Blue Angels atrium, hanger bay one, the USS Nimitz flight deck replica, and see historic planes.
The Naval Aviation Museum is located at Naval Air Station Pensacola. You will need to bring photo ID with you to get onto the military base. Make sure to enter through the west gate.
This is a fantastic rainy day activity!
Blue Angels Practice - Pensacola
The Blue Angels spend March through October practicing in Pensacola at Naval Air Station Pensacola.
You can view practices most weeks for free right near the flight line!
They also have fun autograph sessions where you can meet the pilots.
You can take a boat tour to view the Blue Angels practice from the water. There are both private and group trips available.
Cost - Varies depending on the tour
Private Blue Angels and Sightseeing cruises are available from Orange Beach, Alabama
Frisky Mermaid offers a Blue Angels Practice and Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise out of Pensacola Beach.
Lil' Toot Boat Tours offers a Blue Angels Cruise out of Pensacola Beach, Florida
Address - 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL
GPS Address for the West Gate is 1878 S Blue Angel Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32507
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Donut Shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - Start your morning with a sweet treat!
Best free things to do in Gulf Shores - Check out the local playground, public beach access points, and so much more.
Things to do on Perdido Key - What not to miss while exploring Perdido Key!
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Check out our January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December Event Guides to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Alabama and so many more!
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
Check out our Facebook Page and Instagram and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.
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