At the top of everyone’s planning-for-vacation list comes the question—how can I entertain everyone in the family, from toddlers to teens? Alabama’s Beaches are the perfect spot for a family vacay because there is something for every age and stage. From water activities and nature adventures to competitive attractions and animal encounters, your family will have a blast in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Whether you want to take it easy on the water, get lost in nature, or discover thrilling attractions, you’ll find the perfect activities to keep your crew entertained in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Take a Course in Sandcastle Building
Take a Course in Sandcastle Building
You’re bound to hit the beach a few times during your visit. While playing in the sand, take a lesson from the pros at Sand Castle University and learn how to craft the perfect sculptures. All ages and skill levels are welcome to this unique experience that helps everyone become an expert in this beach pastime. Sand Castle University will provide all the equipment and expertise needed. Hop out of your beach chair and dig your hands and feet into the sand!
Get a Bird’s-Eye View of the Area
Get a Bird’s-Eye View of the Area
It’s hard to visit Orange Beach without stopping by The Wharf to get a little shopping, dining, and playing in during your vacation. While you’re here, take a ride on The Wharf’s Ferris Wheel. Both kids and adults will enjoy the view from one of the largest Ferris wheels in the Southeast. It’s even more impressive at night as it lights up and flashes various colors.
Bike the Trails
Bike the Trails
Biking is a popular pastime for everyone visiting our area and is an ideal activity for the whole family. Gulf State Park features more than 28 miles of award-winning paved trails that run throughout both beach towns, offering fantastic views. From the beach to the woods, you’ll explore areas off the beaten path when you ride your bike there. You can rent bikes for free with the park's bike share program or bring your own. Grab the family and hit the trails!
Meet Some Wild Friends
Meet Some Wild Friends
Load up the whole gang and head to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with more than 118 species of animals. Stroll through 25-plus acres of exhibits and learn what the animals eat, where they live, and how they interact. You can even hold and play with a few of the zoo’s residents by opting for an animal encounter. If you’ve ever wanted to pet a sloth or hang out with a lemur, this is the place for you and your family!
Explore Historic Fort Morgan
Explore Historic Fort Morgan
Historic Fort Morgan is the place to bring your crew if you have a history buff in your family or kids who love to explore. 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. Your family will love checking out the barracks, tunnels, bowyer, and more of the fort’s features. Get ready to travel back in time when you discover this historic spot.
Paddle Around the Waters
Paddle Around the Waters
Our gorgeous Gulf waters and beautiful back bays are part of what makes our destination so special. Paddleboarding and kayaking are great ways to experience the waters of the coast. Explore the calm inland waters of the area, such as Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park. Kids will love paddling through the area searching for local wildlife.
Get Your Game On
Get Your Game On
Whether your family is competitive or just loves to play, they’ll have a blast at Fat Daddy’s. This giant arcade has over 80 games, including traditional arcade favorites, claw machines, shooting and racing games, dueling basketball hoops, interactive action games, and lots more. It’s a fantastic spot to cool off during the warmer months or escape the rain.
Fly Over the Beach
Fly Over the Beach
Soar above the shore for an aerial view of the destination with a helicopter tour. This unique experience offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to view the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area from above. Your experienced pilot will point out noteworthy spots in the area during your trip. Choose from Lost Bay Helicopters or Magni Gryoflight and get ready for a memorable ride.
Take a Dolphin Cruise
Take a Dolphin Cruise
Create family memories that will live forever by taking a dolphin cruise. The guide of your excursion will take you and your family to spots where these friendly creatures hang out. They’ll also tell you all about the behaviors and habits of the dolphins that live on the Gulf Coast. You’ll watch as the dolphins pop out of the water to say hello. Be sure to take your phone or camera so you can snap some pictures!
Hit the Mini-Golf Course
Hit the Mini-Golf Course
Putt-putt is a perfect family activity, and there’s no shortage of mini-golf spots on Alabama’s Beaches! Each of these courses offers a variety of experiences and features like arcades, ice cream shops, and laser tag. Bring the family and play a round or two.
Slip & Slide
Slip & Slide
Get wet and wild at Waterville USA. This family-friendly attraction has been a destination staple for almost 40 years. Waterville boasts a vast waterpark, a mini golf course, go-karts, escape rooms, and an impressive arcade with a Top Golf simulator and bowling lanes. Inside the waterpark, you’ll find thrilling slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, water playgrounds, and a surf simulator, the perfect ways to keep cool during the summer.
Go Sailing
Go Sailing
You don’t have to own a boat to cruise the Gulf. With a sailing adventure, you can glide across our gorgeous waterways and take in the sights from offshores. These spacious sailboats offer plenty of room to sunbathe and relax in the coastal breeze. While out, you’ll have the opportunity to see marine life like dolphins. Most sailing tours allow you to bring snacks and drinks onboard so you can enjoy a picnic on the water.
Visit the Eco Center
Visit the Eco Center
For a fun and educational family outing, visit the Gulf Coast Eco Center located next to Gulf State Park. This impressive campus is home to a garden and farm complex, art center, bicycle hub, and wetland lab and offers an array of hands-on programs and workshops. Are you up for a daring adventure? Check out the center’s challenge course and make your way through the obstacles among treetops.
Find Speed & Thrills
Find Speed & Thrills
The Track Family Fun Park is a staple for many visitors who come to Alabama’s Beaches because there is fun for all ages! Here you’ll find thrill rides like the Skycoaster and Spinning Coaster as well as family-favorite activities like mini-golf, bumper boats, and an arcade. The Track’s 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! Whether you’re looking for hair-raising excitement or classic family fun, you’ll find it at The Track.
