Things to Do with Kids in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Entertaining little ones in Gulf Shores is a no-brainer. Kids can play for hours at a time on the beach or at the pool, but in addition to swimming and sand castles, there are many other family activities in the area that are entertaining and educational that your kids will enjoy.

Animals & Nature

If your children like animals and learning about nature, one of the great things to do with kids in Gulf Shores is to take them on a dolphin cruise where your family will enjoy a scenic coastal tour of dolphins jumping and swimming in their natural habitat. Other ecological options include the estuarium and aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Children get admission to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab for $6 where they can view replicas of the variety of habitats in the area. Some animals they will get to see there include alligators, turtles, fish, an octopus, jelly fish, and other sea creatures. The aquarium is open seven days a week during the summer. At the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, another one of our favorite family activities, kids can see lemurs, kangaroos, and other exotic animals. Children aged 3-12 get in for $7, adult admission is $10 and younger children get in for free. Check the website for animal encounters where kids get to pet and interact with animals such as kangaroos, tigers, or reptiles for an additional $5 admission charge. Animal encounters vary by season. Cruises and the zoo are just short trips from our Gulf Shores condos and Orange Beach rentals.

Fighter Planes & Battleships

If your child is fascinated with battleships and airplanes, you've come to the right place. Visit the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola where kids can see over 150 restored aircraft, experience flight simulators, and visit the IMAX theater. This is the largest naval aviation museum in the world and among the best local educational family activities. Another option is to visit Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile where you can tour a 680 feet long battleship, a submarine from WWII and see fighter planes. You'll also find tanks, a Vietnam river patrol boat, and Korean War and Vietnam War memorials.

Amusement Parks

Besides museums and tours, kids can enjoy playing mini golf at Pirate Island Golf, go fishing on a charter boat, or play at Waterville USA, a waterpark and amusement park. Still not convinced Gulf Shores family activities are the best? Take the kids to the Track Family Recreation Center where kids of all ages can find entertainment. Drive go-karts around a track, crash bumper boats, ride trains or other rides, play mini golf, go to the arcade, or for a real thrill, experience freefalling on the Skycoaster.

Gulf Shores makes for a great family vacation with its many attractions to keep the kids entertained. Spend some time learning and exploring or just sit back and relax while the kids play. Browse these exciting attractions and start planning your family's itinerary. Book one of our Orange Beach condos or Gulf Shores rentals today!