Are you looking for a great vacation spot that is affordable, within a day's drive, family-friendly, and fun? Our family recently visited Gulf Shores, AL and had a great week of entertainment and relaxation. This is our list of 15 things to do with your family in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
1. The Beach - build castles, bury each other partially, hunt for sand crabs at night
2. Gulf State Park - hiking trail, beaches, bicycling. Gulf State Park Nature Center has educational interactive programs.
3. Horseback Riding at Oak Hollow Farm - Only 30 minutes from the beach, your kids will thank you for this adventure. Enjoy the gorgeous backdrop of over 300 acres and hundred-year-old oak trees as your family rides the trails on horseback. If skeet shooting is more your type of fun, they have that too! Read more about our ride HERE
4. Rainy day: Visit the Gulf Shores Museum where admission is free. Indoor Arcade facilities offer games the entire family can enjoy.
5. Amusement Parks - OWA and Waterville USA are the closest to Gulf Shores. Your family will love the day at Downtown OWA and the Park at OWA. The Park at OWA has 22 attractions including Rolling Thunder, Southern Express and Crazy Mouse. Our kids used their competitive spirits at the midway games. Downtown OWA is always free. Read more about our visit here.
6. Shopping - Souvenir shops. Find nostalgia type souvenirs, introduce kids to airbrushing at souvenir shops. Drive to Foley, AL and visit the outlet mall.
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7. Watersports like Parasailing, SUP, Banana Boat Rides, Jet Skiing
8. Restaurants - The Hangout looks over the beach and offers tons of family fun with their foam parties for kids, live music, and delicious meals like fish tacos. The Yard Milkshake Bar serves old-fashioned milkshakes, create-your-own, and specialty milkshakes. The Shrimp Basket in Gulf Shores was very affordable and has something for everyone with oysters, grilled or fried fish and shrimp, and po-boys.
9. Mini Golf - My son said it wasn't a vacation unless we played a game of mini golf.
10. Dolphin Cruises - educational and fun to see dolphins and other sea life
11. History - Learn through play at USS Alabama Battleship. Not only are you able to tour the battleship, there are airplanes outside and in the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion, tour the USS Drum submarine, up-close views of iconic tanks, and explore the park memorials. Read more about our tour here.
12. Fishing - Gulf State Park Pier and fishing charters
13. Relax - Walk the beach and search for shells. Relax in a beach chair as the kids play in the ocean. Bring your camera for photo opportunities. The best time to take family photos is at dusk because the lighting is perfect.
14. Animal Education - Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a smaller zoo with unique animal encounters. Alligator Alley offers up close and personal look at baby and adult gators.
15. Do Nothing. You have my full permission to absolutely take your towels, chairs, and a good book and just relax by the beach or pool. After all, it is Vacation! One of my favorite times of day while visiting Gulf Shores was early in the morning on the balcony before family awoke, drinking my coffee while listening to the sounds of the waves.
Pack a couple swimsuits, a camera, and your beach towels and have fun in Gulf Shores, Alabama!
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My family and I were guests of some of the attractions reviewed and admission was provided. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.
