Discover why Alabama’s Beaches makes the best retreat for spring break with your family!
Orange Beach Waterfront Park
range Beach Waterfront Park is one of our absolute favorite spots to bring the family or take a stroll. This hidden gem features:
A beautiful pier for fishing or sightseeing
Shady picnic areas with grills
A fabulous playground for the kids
Stunning sunset views over Wolf Bay
Bonus: It’s a fenced in playground 👏👏
See MoreAlabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has been a family staple for years. Tucked right in Gulf Shores, this family-friendly zoo is walkable, interactive, and packed with personality—from feeding giraffes at eye level to watching lemurs leap overhead in Destination Madagascar. It’s clean, easy to navigate, and perfectly sized so you can see a lot without feeling overwhelmed (major win with kids).
Arrive early when the animals are most active. You also beat the heat of the day.
The zoo isn’t huge and can be seen in 2-4 hours.
Don’t miss the keeper chats and the animal walkabouts.
There is a playground, carousel ($) and safari cars($)
Animal Encounters can be purchased day of at the zoo.
See MoreFlora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar
Did you even come if you didn’t get a Bushwacker?
See MoreThe Gulf
One of our favorite spots with spectacular views is the Gulf! Grab a spot in the sun, order a bushwacker and soak up the tropical vibes! Locals love it and they have amazing seafood along with a great kids menu.
See MoreGTs On The Bay
Nothing says family-friendly like a giant pirate ship and sandpit for kids to play in. It won me over instantly. Parents can sit and have a relaxing meal on the deck, sip a nice cocktail and watch their little ones turn into Captain Jack Sparrow. The food is spectacular and they have a great kids menu.
See MoreBrick & Spoon - Orange Beach
See MoreThe Southern Grind Coffee House at the WHARF
See MoreThe Track - Gulf Shores
One unique family-fun attraction that has become a staple is the Bumper Boats at The Track. Each boat is equipped with a water sprayer to bump and spray competitors. After attempting to drench the rest of the family, we dry off with a few laps around the go-kart track.
See MorePirate's Island Adventure Golf
See MoreGulf State Park
Gulf State Park is a paradise for nature lovers, with miles of trails, a beautiful beach, and family-friendly amenities. Some budget-friendly highlights include:
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail (FREE) – Perfect for biking or hiking through scenic marshes and forests. You can rent bikes for FREE for up to three hours by downloading the Bloom Bike Share app. You can find bike stations throughout the park, including at the Interpretive Center and at the entrances to popular trailheads such as Eagles Loop and Gulf Oak Ridge.
Fishing at the Gulf State Park Pier – Small fee for fishing; free for sightseeing.
Nature Center (FREE) – Fun, interactive exhibits about local wildlife.
See MoreTurquoise Place
See More
BookThe Hangout
One of the ultimate kid-friendly places to eat in Gulf Shores is the Hangout! Located on the beach the Hangout is the perfect spot to swing in for a meal. With activities happening around the clock the Hangout is a place that you don’t want to miss out on with the kids in tow. It is easy to see how families can spend hours here.
Food was just mid, come for drinks/appetizers and let the kids play while you relax.
See MoreHammock Time Tiki Tours
See MoreDaisy’s Donuts (Boba & Kolaches)
See MoreCity Donut
A vacation isn’t complete until donuts are involved. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has tons of great places to grab an amazing donut! We recommend trying City Donut but get there early. The donuts are made fresh daily and once they sell out they close up!
See MoreThe Yard Milkshake Bar
This is a must on every Gulf Shores itinerary whether you have kids or not. Skip the ice cream and go get a milkshake! The milkshakes here are a sight to behold. Quite honestly, a milkshake work of art. I would recommend sharing, as they are huge. No photo was taken as they were inhaled before I could get my camera out. However, a quick google search will show you just how marvelous this place is.
See MoreThe Wharf
Entertainment takes center stage at The Wharf, where family fun is available at every corner. Trendy boutiques, great restaurants, bars, and exciting activities line Main Street, making The Wharf a top attraction in Orange Beach.
Grab breakfast at the Southern Grind, but beware: This coffeehouse is full of marvelous home decor that will inspire a home remodel. Afterward, take a scenic spin on The Wharf’s popular Ferris Wheel. It is an iconic feature of Orange Beach, offering tree-top views paired with the Gulf breeze.
In the evening, The Wharf becomes a mecca for families with the free nightly SPECTRA Sound and Light Show. Kids will want to hop aboard The Wharf Express Train to experience the sights and sounds of The Wharf at night.
Tip: For those over 21, pay a visit to the hidden speakeasy 8 Reale for craft cocktails and cozy vibes
See MoreFort Morgan State Historic Site
One of the top things to do in Gulf Shores is to take a day trip out to the Fort Morgan Historic Site. The majestic old fort has stood guard over Mobile Bay for over a century. Although it is no longer in commission, the fort and its grounds are worth exploring, offering picnicking, nature areas, and swimming.
Explore the grounds around Fort Morgan
Explore the grounds around Fort Morgan
The fort played a vital role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864 and remained in military use until the end of World War II. During World War II, German U-boats were operating in the Gulf, with constant sightings and debris washing ashore.
The garrison was active in patrols and debris removal. In 1944, the garrison was withdrawn, and the fort was transferred to the state of Alabama and designated a historic site. A self-guided tour takes guests through the fort’s history and throughout the grounds. Text panels are located throughout the park that are full of info!
See MoreTrip Highlight
See More