There’s something magical about that first moment when your kids run toward the water, sand flying, screeching with joy, waves crashing. Our family recently took a road trip to Alabama’s beautiful beaches in Gulf Shores for the first time. Every day was a new adventure filled with all of the family fun you’d expect on a southern beach vacation and delightful surprises. From dolphin cruises to sandcastle building and nighttime crab hunts, we found so many things to do in Gulf Shores with kids that it quickly became one of our all-time favorite beach destinations.
We stayed right on the beach, where the sand met the surf just steps from our condo vacation rental. It made it easy to slip into vacation mode, mornings on the balcony with coffee, afternoons chasing waves, and nights filled with laughter under the stars. If you’re planning your own trip, here’s a peek at the best family-friendly things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama, all family-tested and kid-approved.
We were hosted for parts of our Gulf Shores adventure, but no one had to twist our arms to tell you the truth about eating seafood by the beach or building sandcastles with the kids!
Orange Beach Welcome Center
Before you dive into your beach adventures, stop by the Orange Beach Welcome Center. There are a ton of attraction brochures and coupons for local restaurants and activities. The staff is incredibly friendly and happy to share insider tips, like the best times to visit popular spots or lesser-known places that kids will love. We grabbed some free post cards, coloring books, and a list of ideas for rainy day fun. They also have a clean bathroom!
Things to do with Kids in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Beach Days at Gulf Shores
You can’t visit Alabama’s Beaches without spending time on its powder-soft, sugar-white sand; in fact, you’ll probably want to spend a lot of time at the beach. Most mornings, we set up towels on the sand and just played. The kids dug in the sand, searched for shells, used their bodyboards in the water, and giggled as the waves rolled over their toes. One of the best parts was that the beach never felt overcrowded; there was always space to stretch out, breathe, and enjoy being together. We opted to skip the chairs and just stretch out on our towels, but renting chairs and umbrellas was so easy right in front of our condo. They were already set up, and all you have to do is scan a QR code!
Because our rental condo was right on the water, we could easily pop back inside for snacks or naps. That made long beach days so much easier with younger kids. And as any mom knows, easy access to bathrooms and snacks is the real definition of luxury on a family trip.
Sand Castle University
One of our favorite experiences was booking a private session with Sand Castle University. It’s this super cool hands-on experience where a professional sand castle artist teaches your family how to create sand castles like the pros during a private class. An instructor came right to the beach in front of our condo and turned an ordinary morning into something extraordinary. Our instructor brought all the supplies needed and taught us techniques for building towering castles with arches, moats, brickwork, cobblestones, and more. For the Sand Castle 101 class, you can select the type of class you want and what you’d like to learn to build; a fancy cake, a sea turtle, a classic tower (that’s what we did) or even a seasonal selection like a pumpkin, Next year, we want to take the Sand Castle 201 class and build a larger collaborative sculpture.
The kids were completely focused, sculpting and decorating their creations with the tools provided and then adding the finishing touches with seashells. It was part art class, part teamwork exercise, and completely unforgettable. This is one of those hidden-gem experiences that I’d recommend to every family visiting Gulf Shores. Plus, it’s an experience you can build on year after year, every time you visit Alabama’s Beaches with kids.
Dolphin Cruise with Cetacean Cruises
If you’re wondering what else to do in Gulf Shores with kids, don’t skip a dolphin cruise. Seeing dolphins leap alongside the boat was one of those awesome vacation moments your kids will always remember. There are daytime options and a sunset cruise. Our sunset cruise was the perfect ending to a lovely day of fun in the sunshine. The kids leaned over the railings, scanning the water, and the joy on their faces was priceless as they spotted a pod of dolphins in the water.
The pontoon sailboat was spacious and allowed them to stretch their legs and move around just enough to get good views of the wildlife in the water and on shore. The seating was comfortable and welcoming, and the crew with Cetacian Cruises was friendly. Snacks and beverages are available for sale on board: soft drinks, water, and alcoholic beverages. This is one of those Gulf Shores attractions for families that you just have to do at least once.
Tiki Boat Ride
After our dolphin cruise, we decided we loved being out on the water so much that we booked a ride on the Hammock Time Tiki Tours boat. Captain Glen is the best host aboard the most unique watercraft in the backbays of Orange Beach. His tiki-inspired pontoon boat is perfect for motoring around and seeing the homes, visiting the islands, or even restaurant hopping (bar hopping for adult-only outings). It’s part sightseeing tour, part floating party, and totally family-friendly. The name Hammock Time Tiki Tours is because, not only is it decked out in Tiki decor, but a pair of hammocks swing gently in the front of the boat. The hammocks were a favorite “seat” among our whole family.
We brought along a charcuterie selection, a cooler full of drinks, and some sweet treats, and took a ride. By chance, we saw some dolphins during our two-hour tiki boat ride, and then we visited Bird Island, where the kids played games and guests are welcome to take a dip in the water. The Tiki Boat was one of those highlights that made us laugh, relax, and realize how many unique things there are to do on Alabama’s coast beyond the beach itself.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a very easy-to-explore zoo, even with strollers. The layout makes it navigable so that we didn’t miss seeing any of the animals. The kids loved feeding the animals and getting up close with the giraffes during the animal encounter we purchased for less than $5. The zoo’s small to medium size makes it manageable for younger children, but it still packs in a ton of experiences. There’s also a great café on-site for lunch or ice cream breaks. It’s a can’t-miss stop for families looking for something to do if they need a break from the beach. We spent a morning exploring and chatting with the monkeys. My kids had a lot of questions about alligators after learning they were prominent in Gulf Shores, so I thought a visit to see some at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo was a great idea. They were able to get pretty close to the resident gators and learn more about them.
The Track Family Fun Park
After driving by The Track Family Fun Park and seeing lots of families lined up all day long, we decided to check it out. From go-karts and bumper boats to mini golf and an arcade, it’s a total hit with kids of all ages. Our whole family couldn’t get enough of the elevated multi-level go-kart track; the cars were so fast, and it was fun to race one another. My nine-year-old was a passenger in my kart, and each other family members had a kart of their own as we raced around three stories of twists and turns. We also tried out a few other tracks, including the family track, where my youngest got to operate her own kart instead of being a passenger.
There were so many things for kids to do at The Track Family Fun Park, but we were just there for the racing. We still had a few credits left, and my two littlest ones were begging to try the bumper boats with the water guns. This was their favorite ride. There’s nothing like a bit of family fun with a side of competition while you’re on vacation.
Gulf State Park
We only had time to drive through parts of Gulf State Park during our visit, but it’s high on my list for next time. This sprawling park covers more than 6,000 acres and includes over 28 miles of paved trails that wind through dunes, marshes, and pine forests. There are paths and trails perfect for spotting turtles, birds, and maybe even an alligator or two. The park also features Lake Shelby, a peaceful freshwater spot where you can rent kayaks or paddleboards and enjoy a calm break from the waves. I think we might need an entire day, and there would still be more to see.
Next time we visit, I’m planning to check out the Fishing and Education Pier, one of the longest on the Gulf, and the Interpretive Center, where kids can learn about Alabama’s coastal ecosystems in a fun, hands-on way. There’s even a FREE bike-share program, family picnic spots, and plenty of shaded trails for exploring. Gulf State Park offers families a totally different side of Gulf Shores.
Historic Fort Morgan
At the western tip of the peninsula sits Historic Fort Morgan, a preserved 19th-century fort that once guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay. For our family, this was a fascinating mix of history lesson and exploration. My daughter has an interest in military history and has a US history assignment to write about a historical location, so this was a great stop for our family. The kids loved peeking through cannon openings and running through the tunnels that echoed with their footsteps.
We brought water bottles and sunscreen and spent about an hour here. The site also offers gorgeous views of the bay and plenty of open space to roam. For families who like a little learning with their vacation, Fort Morgan is a must-see. Plus, the drive to this peninsula is scenic and interesting.
Gulf Shores Museum
Another opportunity for learning is the Gulf Shores Museum. My kids noticed right away, as we drove into the beach community, that many of the buildings were on stilts, so they had a lot of questions. They also heard a lot about hurricanes and flooding, so the Gulf Shores Museum was a wonderful stop. It’s small, free to visit, and offers a fascinating look at the area’s history, from its early fishing village days to how hurricanes have shaped life along Alabama’s coast. My kids were especially curious about the hurricane exhibits, where they could see photos, artifacts, and storm-tracking displays that help explain how powerful weather systems form and what it’s like to live through them. The museum does a great job of turning serious topics into age-appropriate lessons, showing the strength and resilience of the local community. It’s a quick, meaningful visit that helps kids connect what they see: the dunes, the architecture, the stilted homes, to the stories that shape Gulf Shores.
Shrimp Festival and Other Coastal Festivals
If you visit during one of Gulf Shores’ annual festivals, like the National Shrimp Festival, you’re in for a treat. We stumbled into beachside Shrimp Fest by happy accident, and shrimp is my favorite seafood! There was live music, delicious seafood, and a festive local vibe that made the day unforgettable. The kids danced to the bands, tried a Cajun Pistol (a deep-fried bread roll stuffed with a creamy, savory mix of crawfish, shrimp, and crab, along with a secret blend of cheeses and Cajun spices), and ran off their energy on the beach. Events like this pop up year-round in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and they’re the perfect way to experience local culture while keeping the fun going for the whole family.
Play and Eat at Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Even though this guide focuses on activities, it’s worth mentioning that Gulf Shores is full of restaurants designed for families. LuLu’s, owned by Jimmy Buffett’s sister, is a waterfront spot with an outdoor play area, ropes course, and live music. GTs on the Bay in nearby Orange Beach also has a playground and a relaxed vibe that makes dining with kids easy.
After long days of swimming and exploring, it was nice to unwind at places where the kids could play while we enjoyed fresh seafood and waterfront views.
Things to Do with Kids in Gulf Shores at Night
Once the sun went down, the real adventure began. We grabbed flashlights and headed back to the beach for crab hunting, one of the most fun and free things to do in Gulf Shores with kids. The squeals of excitement every time someone spotted a tiny sand crab scurrying across the sand still make me smile.
There’s no need for special equipment, just flashlights on your phone, and if you want to grab a sand bucket or a net while you’re out, they’re available at every souvenir stop. It’s the perfect way to end the day after dinner, and the kids will remember it long after the trip is over.
One evening, we took the kids to The Warf in Orange Beach and purchased a ride on the giant Ferris Wheel to get the best view of Gulf Shores at night. At 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30 p.m., there’s a laser light show on Main Street, featuring music from popular artists like Taylor Swift and Imagine Dragons. The Warf is also a great place to get ice cream and go shopping. We had pizza at Vinny’s Pizzeria and finished up with some gelato at The Southern Grind Coffee House.
The local arcades, mini golf locations, and go-kart tracks all get very popular at night. So, if you’re looking for somewhere to gather with other people at night, that’s where to go!
Poolside Evenings and Simple Joys
Between all the big attractions and beach days, some of our favorite memories were the simplest ones, like swimming in the condo pool long after the sun went down, floating lazily in the water while the sky turned pink, or listening to the waves from our balcony while playing games. Those little pauses between adventures are what make Gulf Shores such a perfect family destination. It’s the kind of place where you can do everything or nothing at all and still feel like you’ve made the most of every moment.
Why Families Love Gulf Shores
There are countless things to do in Gulf Shores with kids, but what really sets this destination apart is how easy it feels. Everything is close together, locals are welcoming, and nearly every attraction caters to families. Whether your kids love the ocean, animals, history, or hands-on fun, there’s something here for everyone.
Our week was full of laughter, exploration, and that special kind of togetherness that happens when you step away from schedules and screens. Gulf Shores gave us space to play, learn, and reconnect.
We stayed right on the beach. Check out the information about our rental at Phoenix Gulf Shores 2, booked through Prickett Properties, to see where we stayed and how easy it was to plan our trip.
If you’re looking for some delicious family-friendly restaurant recommendations for your trip to Alabama’s Beaches, here are some kid-friendly Gulf Shores restaurants.
