A Vacation Your Kids Will Love: Family Fun in Gulf Shores
From go-karts to parasailing to alligator encounters, the ultimate family vacation destination awaits in Gulf Shores, Alabama! It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, where there’s a good chance of spotting a dolphin jumping out of the water and a better chance of having family fun. With unforgettable coastal activities, Gulf Shores is the perfect place for parents who want to relax and kids who want to have a ball—a beach ball, that is. We hope you’re ready for adventure and for your kids to beg to come back year after year!
Beach and Water Activities
Whether you’re looking to build sandcastles, cast and catch the big one, or take a dip in our crystal-clear waters, your family is bound to make a splash at Gulf Shores. Of course, the biggest draw is the sugar-white sand across the miles and miles of public beaches. Collect seashells, swim, and snorkel among the crashing waves, or simply relax on the shore and get some family bonding time. If your kids are looking for a bit more excitement, have a go at some Gulf Shores watersports! Whether it be kayaking, jet skiing, or parasailing, there are plenty of places for thrill-seeking families to rent equipment and get out on the water. Waterville USA is another popular attraction with exciting waterslides, lazy rivers, and wave pools great for all ages—including you adults! While there’s no wrong way to do it, these activities are sure to keep you and your family cool in the Alabama sun.
Animal Encounters
Gulf Shores is a great place to get in touch with your family’s wild side! The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to over 300 animals from all around the world—from cute critters to playful primates, you’ll have a roaring good time. Maybe your kids would rather get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s most intelligent creatures on a Gulf Coast Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise or, for those brave enough, feed some of the largest alligators in the world at Alligator Alley! For a more leisurely adventure, take advantage of the Gulf State Park bike share program and pedal your way along its 28 miles of trails keeping a keen eye out for eagles, hawks, and turtles! Just be sure to stop by the Gulf State Park Nature Center to say hello to the living museum’s native wildlife, like snakes and owls, with park naturalists hosting a variety of educational programs daily. Now, who’s ready for a Gulf Shores family adventure?!
Amusing Activities
There’s no lack of action in Gulf Shores, even when you take a step away from the beach! Like Woodside Restaurant, a laid-back, family friendly restaurant smack dab in the middle of Gulf State Park. Woodside’s backyard games, firepits, and creative Southern cuisine and cocktails has something for everyone to enjoy. If you have curious kids, just steps away from Woodside is The Learning Campus! Rooted in making learning fun through interactive programs and multi-day camps, this sustainably designed property combines adventure with education. If you’re looking to rev things up, speed into some family fun at The Track! Great for kids who love to race, spin, and zoom—try your hand at go-karts, bumper boats, mini-golf and more. So, grab some sunscreen, put on your game face, and get ready to say, “WOW!”
In Gulf Shores, the fun never stops, especially for kids! From water parks to animal attractions, there’s surely no shortage of adventure. If you’re after a vacation destination that will keep your little ones entertained and you relaxed, look no further than our wonderful space here at Gulf Shores. It’s the perfect place to create unforgettable family memories that will last a lifetime. What are you waiting for? We already hear your kids saying, “Take us to Gulf Shores!”