8 Must-See Fun Experiences for Your Gulf Shores Family Vacation
We went to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama last spring break. We loved it so much that we are going back for a second time this year! If you’re planning a Gulf Shores family vacation, there are a ton of family friendly activities you will love.
Beginning in May 2025, Allegiant Air will begin having direct flights to Gulf Shores from multiple cities around the USA, including Kansas City. This means that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will be easier to get to at affordable rates. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the perfect spring break family trip or summer trip!
If you’re looking for all of the details on where to stay, the best restaurants, vacation rentals, and what to do, check out this complete itinerary for your trip. Here are our top 8 family activities from our Gulf Shores family vacation. I hope these suggestions help you plan an unforgettable trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama like we did.
Gulf Shores Family Vacation Must-Sees
1. Go on a Dolphin Cruise
One of our favorite activities was going on a dolphin cruise with Crustacean Cruises. They did a great job sharing fascinating information about the local marine life and ecosystem, making this not only an entertaining family experience but an educational one as well. They had snacks and drinks for purchase, which my kids definitely enjoyed.
They took us into the calm waters of the bay, where pods of dolphins love to show off. We got to see pelicans and other birds as well. My kids thought it was so cool to see dolphins in real life, this is definitely something we can’t do at home!
I didn’t know it was possible to enjoy anything more than the dolphins, but the captain let each of my kids take a turn driving the boat, honking the horn, and wearing the captain’s hat. That ended up being their favorite part. The outdoor activities at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are unmatched.
2. Explore The Wharf
The Wharf is a local shopping, dining, and entertainment center. It’s open-air with a large Ferris Wheel my kids loved. There were great views of the surrounding area and it was a fun break from the beach sun.
There was also a little train that drove up and down the main drag of The Wharf. My kids and I took a ride and my kids were so happy. There were tons of shops and we stopped at Dippin Dots for ice cream, which is basically what my kids look forward to the most on trips. My husband and I got some delicious fish tacos that were so fresh!
The Wharf also has an amphitheater. We didn’t see a show while we were there, but if you’re in the area you should check the schedule and see if there are any events going on. At night, the ferris wheel lights up which is beautiful as well. The Wharf also has an impressive light show at night, which illuminates the area with a spectacular synchronized display set to music.
3. Spend the Day at the Beach
Of course, no Gulf Shores family vacation is complete without plenty of beach time! Our family loved playing in the waves and digging in the sand. One thing I love about Alabama beaches is their commitment to keeping the beaches clean, the sea life protected, and the vibes family friendly.
The beaches in Gulf Shores are incredibly clean and well-maintained, making them an excellent place for kids to safely play and explore. They make sure no trash is left behind each night, so the beaches remain litter free.
Alabama beaches are a sea turtle nesting spot. They do their best to minimize light pollution to help the sea turtles and have volunteers help mark where nests are so that they do not get disturbed. They also ban alcohol around spring break so families can have a positive experience.
Our family loved the miles of soft sand and gentle waves. I walked up and down the beach looking for shells and my kids built sandcastles and splashed in the water. I recommend bringing a frisbee or boogie board, and some shovels and buckets for the kids. If your family enjoys water sports, consider renting paddleboards, jet skis, or even trying parasailing for a thrilling adventure over the ocean. I live that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach prioritize being a great family beach.
4. Visit Gulf State Park
For outdoor adventure, Gulf State Park is a must. This sprawling park offers hiking and biking trails, a fishing pier, and even a nature center. One of the days we were there it rained. We went to the nature center as an indoor activity. My kids loved learning about the local wildlife and seeing the animals (including tiny alligators) in the nature center.
The first time I went to Gulf Shores, I rented a bike and explored the scenic trails. There are boardwalks, paved, and crushed gravel trails. Next time I hope to rent a kayak and see some of the wildlife up close in the water. We saw pelicans and turtles and heard there are alligators as well.
There are lots of programs and annual events at the park, so be sure to check their event calendar to see if there is an interactive way to learn about the wildlife. We also had fun finding multiple geocaches. We saw one on a bridge, but it was only accessible by kayak. When we go back, we will try to get that one.
Gulf State Park also features a beautiful freshwater lake where you can go fishing, canoeing, or even try paddleboarding. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system provides over 28 miles of scenic paths that weave through marshes, sand dunes, and pine forests—ideal for nature lovers and bird watchers. It has consistently been ranked as one of the best trails in the country.
For visitors interested in camping, the park has an excellent campground with great amenities. We drove through the campground multiple times, and both said we’d love to stay there another trip. It was close to the nature center and trails.
5. Race Go-Karts at The Track
Our family loves Mario Kart, so my kids were over the moon when we got to try go karting in real life. There were multiple tracks, including a kiddie version my 6-year-olds could do by themselves. My three kids took turns with me and my husband to do some of the bigger tracks too. One of the tracks is elevated in some places and has loops- it definitely feels like a real Mario Kart racecourse (minus the turtle shells being thrown at you).
We also had fun doing the blaster boats, which are like bumper cars on water. You spray water at each other (a little more than a sprinkle) and my face hurt from smiling so much! There is also mini golf and, if you’re looking for indoor activities, a large arcade. My kids were excited to play the games, and I loved ski ball. We got enough tickets to earn some candy for my kiddos and they were overjoyed. Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, there’s something here to entertain the whole family. This would also be a great rainy day option if you’re looking for something with indoor options.
6. Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Animal lovers will have a blast at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. This zoo is home to over 300 animals, including lemurs, sloths, kangaroos, and more. Interactive experiences like sloth encounters and giraffe feedings make it extra special. We didn’t make it here on our last trip, but I am hoping to next time.
It’s a great way to mix fun with education and get up close with some animals. The zoo also offers an excellent petting zoo. I know my kids would love petting friendly goats, rabbits, and other small animals. I also hope we can book a behind-the-scenes tour next time, where you can learn more about animal care and even help feed some of the residents.
7. Discover Stonehenge and Dinosaurs
If you’re a fan of quirky hidden gems on your Gulf Shores family vacation, then you need to check out Bamahenge and Dinosaurs in the Woods. These fun life size sculptures are a short drive from Gulf Shores, and they are free to visit, making it a budget-friendly outing for families. For those of you who like geocaching, there were some fun finds here.
Bamahenge is a full-scale replica of Stonehenge tucked away in the woods. It was pretty incredible walking through this recreation, especially since I have been to the real Stonehenge in England, and you’re no longer allowed to walk near the stones.
Nearby, you’ll also find life-size dinosaur sculptures, making it a fun and unexpected adventure for kids and history buffs alike. It’s a quick stop but totally worth the detour for some cool family photos! The massive dinosaurs are scattered throughout the forest, which my. My kids loved running from one giant creature to the next, and it made for an entertaining and unique break from beach activities.
8. Take a Class at Sandcastle University
When I heard about Sandcastle University, I knew this was something I wanted to try. The professional instructors bring all the necessary tools and work with you step-by-step to craft a masterpiece. I was impressed with the tools they used–most of them were just simple utensils you could find in the kitchen or at a craft store.
My son was three when we did this, so he mostly just dug in the sand, but my 6-year-old daughters had a lot of fun. We all learned a lot. My husband is not a fan of crafts, but he had a good time and felt good about his sandcastle.
Sandcastle University professional instructors make incredible sculptures for hire if you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate a big milestone. Our sandcastles were humble but much better than anything I could have done without professional instruction. This is such a fun and unique experience to add to your Gulf Shores family vacation.
Plan Your Gulf Shores Family Vacation Today!
From dolphin tours to building the perfect sandcastle, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism are packed with unforgettable experiences for families. Our family had the best time. We can’t wait to go back! I hope you start planning your Gulf Shores and Orange Beach family vacations today! I hope you have as good of a trip or better (if that’s possible) than we did!
