Looking for fun things to do in Gulf Shores with kids? This coastal Alabama gem delivers everything families crave: soft white sand beaches, calm Gulf waters, and enough nature trails and attractions to keep everyone entertained.
Ready to experience it all firsthand? Book your family-friendly vacation rental in the heart of Gulf Shores and stay close to all the action.
From toddlers building their first sand castle to teens racing go-karts, Gulf Shores has your whole family covered. Here are the best things to do with kids on your Gulf Shores vacation.
1. Hit the Beach
The gorgeous beach is the star attraction of Gulf Shores, and it’s the easiest activity to enjoy with kids of any age.
What makes Alabama beaches special? Powdery sugar sand that’s gentle on little feet, calm Gulf waves perfect for younger kids, and lifeguards stationed at main public stretches during summer.
There are several great beaches to choose from in Gulf Shores and the surrounding area. Head to Gulf Shores Public Beach, just off West Beach Blvd., for central access with restrooms and showers. Arrive by 9 or 10 a.m. in peak season to secure a parking space, and bring a pop-up shade tent for midday relief.
For a memorable twist, book a lesson with Sand Castle University. Instructors bring all the tools you’ll need to build an incredible sandcastle, and they’ll meet you at a beach of your choice. This is perfect for creating impressive photo ops with the whole family.
2. Go Biking in Gulf State Park
Gulf Shores’ state park offers miles of paved nature trails connecting Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and the park’s scenic lakes and dunes. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system is perfect for a family bike adventure.
You’ll find countless bike rental shops throughout Gulf Shores, including Ike’s Bikes at Gulf State Park. Most outfitters offer child seats, trailers for toddlers, and kid-size bikes with training wheels for younger kids.
There’s plenty of wildlife for kids to spot as you explore the park, including:
- Alligators sunning near Lake Shelby
- Turtles, herons, and ospreys
- Occasional bald eagles
Mornings before 10 a.m. or early evenings work best in late spring and summer to beat the heat. Stay on paths and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
3. Explore Historic Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan is a 19th-century brick fort guarding the entrance to Mobile Bay, about a 30 to 40-minute drive west of central Gulf Shores along AL-180. This state park site offers incredible views and an immersive history lesson.
Kid-friendly experiences include:
- Walking through atmospheric brick tunnels
- Climbing ramparts with stunning views of the bay
- Reading interpretive signs about the Civil War and the Battle of Mobile Bay
The fort is typically open daily, with modest entrance fees and discounted admission for younger kids. Bring water, hats, and closed-toe shoes; there’s limited shade inside, especially midday on sunny days.
4. Watch Birds at Little Lagoon Pass
Lagoon Pass Park on West Beach Boulevard is a small but scenic spot where Little Lagoon meets the Gulf. The shallow water here can be gentler for younger kids on calmer days, making it ideal for a relaxing day away from the main beach crowds.
This location is part of the broader Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, where you can spot the likes of brown pelicans, terns, and shorebirds, especially during spring and fall migration.
Simple amenities include a boardwalk, a restroom, and limited parking, so arrive earlier on sunny weekends. Bring binoculars and a kid-friendly bird guide or app to turn this into a short educational outing. It’s one of those free activities that delivers big on memories.
5. Play at Waterville USA & The Track
When your crew needs a break from sand and surf, these two spots deliver the most fun for kids ages five and up.
Waterville USA combines a water park with small amusement rides. Expect water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and dedicated kids’ splash areas. This is best visited on hot days from late May through early August when all attractions operate. It’s one of the best things to do in the summer.
The Track offers multi-level go-kart tracks, mini golf courses, bumper boats, kiddie rides, and a 5,000 square foot arcade with arcade games galore.
Check websites for height restrictions, wristband options, and seasonal hours before promising activities to kids. Evening visits after sunset help avoid peak season heat.
6. Explore the Waterways
Coastal Alabama offers plenty of ways to get on the water. It’s wise to reserve tours a day or two in advance during spring break, June, and July. Consider earlier departures for younger kids who might be too tired for late sunsets.
Dolphin Cruises
A dolphin cruise is one of those experiences your kids will always remember. Typical tours run 1.5 to 2 hours, departing from marinas in nearby Orange Beach, with mid-afternoon or sunset options during spring and summer.
Kids can expect pods of bottlenose dolphins surfacing near the boat, occasional jumps in the wake, and educational commentary about local marine life.
Paddling
Several outfitters in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer sit-on-top kayaks, tandem boats, and beginner-friendly stand-up paddleboards. Launch from waterfront parks or private docks, depending on your tour.
You can also book guided family kayak tours on the Bon Secour River, Little Lagoon, or Wolf Bay. These work best in the morning when winds and boat traffic are lighter.
Duck Boat Tours
For something different, try duck boat-style tours from nearby Orange Beach. These amphibious vehicles roll down the road, then splash into the water. Young kids find it thrilling. Commentary covers local history and nature in a light, kid-friendly way.
7. See Exotic Animals at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo reopened at a new 25-acre inland location in 2020 with expanded habitats. This little zoo packs big appeal for families, and the layout is completely stroller-friendly with wide paths, so you won’t miss a thing.
You can expect to see baboons, giraffes, lemurs, kangaroos, sloths, lions, bearded dragons, snakes, and more. Optional extra paid encounters like giraffe feedings and meet-and-greets book up fast, so reserve these online before your visit.
Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours here exploring. You can take a snack break at the outdoor café. Cooler mornings in spring and fall make for the most comfortable visits.
8. Spot Sand Crabs & Sea Turtles on Nighttime Beach Walks
After dark, Gulf Shores beaches transform into an adventure zone. Older kids love hunting for tiny ghost crabs scuttling in and out of their burrows along the shoreline. Bring a flashlight and watch them scatter.
During sea turtle nesting and hatching season (roughly May through October), special rules apply:
- Do not point flashlights or take flash photography of turtles (bright lights can disorient them)
- Never approach or touch turtles or nests
- Stay below the dune line
Pick up phone flashlight stickers from the Gulf Shores Welcome Center or local shops before your first night walk. Wear water shoes, and use this as a chance to teach kids about respecting wildlife and leaving no trace. It’s top-notch family bonding under the stars.
9. Burn Off Steam at The Factory Trampoline Park
Rainy days happen, and The Factory Gulf Shores has you covered. This large indoor trampoline park features open-jump areas, foam pits, ninja-style courses, and dodgeball courts. It’s perfect for burning off energy when beach weather doesn’t cooperate.
The Factory also has a climbing wall and an arcade, making it easy to spend a few hours here. This spot works great when the heat index climbs too high for midday beach play. Let the kids bounce while you enjoy the air conditioning, then head back to those beautiful beaches once things cool down.
10. Enjoy Friendly Competition at Mini Golf
Mini golf is a Gulf Shores classic, and Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf delivers the most fun with its pirate-themed holes, waterfalls, and plenty of shaded spots. Evening rounds work best when temperatures drop, and the course lights up.
You’ll find the course on Gulf Shores Parkway, which is home to many of the city’s top attractions and family-friendly restaurants. Visit in the late afternoon to work up an appetite before finding somewhere for dinner nearby.
You’ll find plenty of good food spots serving fish tacos and other tasty fresh seafood dishes. LuLu’s is a highlight for families. It has an arcade, a ropes course, and beach volleyball courts to keep the kids occupied while they wait for dinner to arrive.
Plan the Perfect Family Trip to Gulf Shores
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend or a full week, Gulf Shores makes it easy to create memorable beach vacation moments. From direct beach access with white sands and calm waves, to endless fun activities for kids, this destination truly delivers for families.
Book your family-friendly vacation rental in Gulf Shores now and look forward to exploring Alabama’s stunning shores.