Fun Family Things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Are you looking for fun family things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama?  We celebrated a 50th anniversary with an extended family get-together on the Alabama beach.  We had an amazing time hanging out with everyone while exploring the area. 

The Beach: Fun Family Things to do in Gulf Shores

The ultimate fun family thing to do in Gulf Shores is enjoying the incredible beach!  Be sure to spend plenty of time in the sugar white sand and the emerald water.  Our family had a great time boogie boarding and floating in the ocean.  Bring a flashlight and pick up a net at the local grocery store to hunt for sand crabs after dark!  We even came across a few larger crabs!

Sand Castle University

We booked a family class with the local business Sand Castle University.  A professional sand sculptor came to the beach house with all the tools required to build sturdy, professional sand castles.  We took Sand Castle 101.  When we signed up the class offered a choice of sculptures including a shark, a sea turtle and a classic castle.  The majority of the children in our group were boys, so I thought for sure that they would want to sculpt a shark.  I was wrong!  When I asked the kids, every single one of them requested that we build the classic castle.

Our professor taught us to wet the sand substantially before carving it.  Very wet sand is almost like cement and it is very sturdy.  We had a great time building and sculpting our castles.  Make sure that you are dressed in your swimsuit and that you are wearing plenty of sun screen.  As soon as we were finished building our castles, we made a bee-line for the ocean to cool down.  Our castles were so sturdy that they held up to a couple of rain storms before collapsing. 

Sand Castle University is one of the top fun family things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama – especially for groups with kids!

Beyond the Beach: Fun Family Things to do in Gulf Shores

Bon Secours National Wildlife Refuge

The Bon Secours National Wildlife Refuge protects Alabama’s remaining undisturbed coastal habitat.  It stretches from Gulf Shores across the bay to Dauphin Island.  This protected natural habitat attracts native wildlife including birds and sea life. 

Stop at the Visitor’s Center to learn about available hikes and to refill your water bottle.  The wonderful staff shared maps and recommendations with us.  We visited in July.  The staff reminded us the we needed to be mindful of the heat, bring plenty of water and bug spray before heading out on the trails.  Check out the Refuge’s Facebook Page to for information on local wildlife, guided walks and other activities.

Trails

Chan West Pine Beach Trail – this is a picturesque trail that winds through a forest to dune habitats, the saltwater lagoon, and a freshwater lake.  There is an observation tower at the 1-mile marker.  Climb it for amazing views!  Close toe shoes recommended.

Gator Lake Trail – on this trail, you will experience the transition from maritime forest to dunes.  This trail intersects with the Chan West Pine Beach Trail that will take you out to the beach.  The path is very sandy.  No boardwalks on this trail.  Close toe shoes recommended.

Jeff Friend Loop – This is a simple loop.  The trail is flat and made from compacted gravel or boardwalks.  It winds through maritime forest, along fresh water with lily pads and it follows the shore of the Little Lagoon – which is actually quite large.  This trail is wheelchair accessible and it DOES NOT require close toe shoes.

Beach

The house that we stayed in was close to the Bon Secours National Wildlife Refuge, so I walked on the beach in the Refuge almost every day.  The beach was pristine and the wildlife viewing was incredible.  It was like walking through a painting.  I saw so many crabs that I lost count.  There were beautiful birds including a majestic blue heron.  In the ocean, I saw manta rays gliding by.  I also saw three sharks.  That is the first time I have ever seen a shark outside of an aquarium!  The Wildlife Refuge is best for enjoying the flora and the fauna.  Swim in more populated areas!

Sunset Dolphin Cruise

A sunset dolphin cruise checks the box for fun family things to do in Gulf Shores! We cruised with the Fun Boats Dolphin Cruises out of Orange Beach.  They offer dolphin cruises at other times a day, but research revealed that dolphins are most active at sunset.  So, we spent a little extra money to ensure that we saw dolphins. 

The boat captain knew exactly where to find dolphins.  Simply follow their meals.  Dolphins were hanging around the local fishing boats.  Dolphins are protected by the US governments under Marine Mammal Protection. There is nothing that the fishermen can do to keep the dolphins away from their nets.  So as the fishermen pull in their nets, the dolphins are right there to scoop up any goodies that don’t make it into the boat.

Dolphins are not only into food.  They are up for fun too.  Our boat and its sister boat, raced alongside each other, creating a cross current.  The dolphins put on quite the show surfing and jumping in this cross currant!

On our way back to the dock, the deck hands showed off a few sea creatures to everyone.  The kids especially enjoyed meeting “Crabigail.”  Then we had a water fight with our sister boat securing this experience as a fun family thing to do in Gulf Shores.  The kids had a blast, but they were absolutely soaked.  They gave us plenty of warning of where to go if you did or did not want to participate.  If you have anyone who wants to participate in your group, be sure to bring towels! 

Gulf State Park

Another fun family thing to do in Gulf Shores is Gulf State Park.  This park features an awesome pier – which has recently been renovated.  If you don’t have access to the beach from where you are staying, then take advantage of the Beach Access at the state park!  The Beach Pavilion offers a concession stand between Memorial Day and Labor Day, picnic tables and restrooms with showers.   If you’ve had too much sun, check out the Nature Center – an excellent destination for kids!  Or for more outdoor fun, rent kayaks, canoes or paddleboards or stop at the Visitor’s Center to learn about trails to hike or bike and other opportunities at the park.

Check out the Activities Calendar or Park Events to find out what is happening at the park!

Gulf State Park offers several accommodations if you want to stay at the park:

• The Lodge at Gulf State Park
• The Cabins at Gulf State Park on Lake Shelby  
• Outpost Campsites
• RV and Primitive Campground

Fort Morgan State Historic Site

If you love history, architecture or the military, then you must consider Fort Morgan State Historic Site as a fun thing to do with your family on your Gulf Shores vacation.  We visited Fort Morgan on a July morning in an attempt to avoid the heat.  We were not successful, but the museum and gift shop are air conditioned if you need relief on a hot day. 

The History of Fort Morgan

Fort Bowyer, which was built from logs and sand, occupied Mobile Point during the War of 1812.  Fort Morgan’s construction commenced in 1819.  Skilled masons, most of whom were enslaved people, built the substantial fort from bricks.  We toured the fortifications which were used during the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II.  Following the Second World War, the US military donated Fort Morgan to the state of Alabama.

The Battle of Mobile Bay

The most interesting story that I learned at this fort is about the Battle of Mobile Bay that took place during the American Civil War.  The Confederates studded the channel to the bay with tethered sea mines.  These naval mines were called “torpedoes” at that time.  Union squadron commander David Glasgow Farragut ordered his ships to sail directly through the mine fields past defending Confederate ships.  When his crew pointed out the naval mines in their path, he declared, “Damn the torpedoes….  Full speed ahead!”  Rear Admiral Farragut won a great victory that day.  His battle cry lives on in military folklore. 

Visiting the Historic Site

On your visit to Fort Morgan State Historic Site explore the fortifications, their intricate brickwork, and historic cannons.  There is a moat that runs around the fort.  There is a lot to appreciate here as an architect.  Enjoy the sweeping views of the Gulf and Mobile Bay.  Check out the air-conditioned Military Museum to learn about the history of Mobile Point Lighthouses, construction of the fort, and daily life of the soldiers occupying the fort. 

We purchased admission tickets at the kiosk at the historic site entrance.  We spent about 2 hours exploring this site.  The Mobile Bay Ferry to Dauphin Island is near Fort Morgan State Historic Site. After we visited the fort itself and the museum, we drove around the rest of the historic site to get a closer look at the officers’ houses. 

Day Trip: Fun Family Things to do in Gulf Shores

Have you had too much sun or is the weather not what you hoped for on your beach vacation?  No problem – take a day trip to Pensacola and explore the Navy’s aviation museum!

National Naval Aviation Museum Naval Air Station Pensacola

Is rain in the forecast?  For some family fun, take a day trip to the FREE National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.  If you are an aviation enthusiast, you could easily spend the entire day here.  My family did!  Start out exploring the beginning of Aviation in the World War I and World War II sections.  Be sure to check out the trainers in which Naval Aviators learned to fly.  Continue on to the early Cold War aircraft.  Don’t forget to explore the additional building called Hangar Bay One, which houses the museum’s most modern aircraft. 

Plan to have lunch at the Cubi Bar Café.  Put your name in early as the wait can be long.  The café recalls the famous bar at the NAS Cubi Point Officers Club in the Republic of the Philippines.  Squadrons commissioned plaques to commemorate their WestPac deployment.  The tradition began during the Vietnam War.  Over the years the plaques grew larger and flashier.  Most of the plaques that adorn the café are likely from the 1980s.  When the bar closed in 1992, its contents were shipped to this museum in Pensacola.      

Visiting the National Aviation Museum

Keep in mind that Pensacola is on eastern time, so plan you day accordingly!  The museum is located on the naval base, so civilians must enter through the West Gate. Everyone over age 18 must present their ID.  The museum provides special instructions for non-US citizens.  Check out the Plan Your Visit page to learn about requirements to enter the base plus the clear bag policy – small purses or fanny packs are ok.  To enhance your visit, the museum offers several scavenger hunts at varying decrees of difficulty.  Plan to watch the famous Blue Angels Practice their airshow at 10:30am on designated days. 

Eat: Fun Family Things to do in Gulf Shores

The Hangout, Gulf Shores

The Hangout is so much more than a restaurant.  It is a family-friendly destination.  The amazing location is right on the beach.  Plus, it has activities for kids, so parents can enjoy their meal.  I saw kids happily playing in the sand box or in the bubbles or suds.  And so many more activities!  We sat inside the pavilion.  When we first arrived, the DJ played music and paused to encourage people to get up and dance.  Midway through our meal, live music began on the outdoor stage.  The Zach Dunlap Band primarily played cover songs.  They were a lot of fun.  There were more bars and things to do outside near the stage – including a gelato shop!

The Hangout secures it spot on the list of fun family things to do in Gulf Shores by hosting a Pirate and Princess Breakfast during the summer.  I am sure that this event is a lot of fun for families with young kids.  This is also the location of Gulf Shores’ famous Hangout Music Festival.  If you drive to the Hangout, park in Gulf Shores Public Beach Parking.  I’m sure it will be less expensive than parking in the Hangout’s parking lot.  Gulf Shores uses the ParkMobile app – download it in advance to make parking faster.

Sunliner Diner, Gulf Shores

This 1950s style diner serves breakfast all day plus traditional lunch and dinner items.  The Sunliner Diner sells specialty floats, milk shakes, and ice cream sundaes.  The 1950s automobile near the front door is actually a booth!  A family was enjoying their meal there when we arrived.  Plus, they have white paper hats for kids.  The menus arrived in the form of a newspaper.  I ordered the Creole Benedict and I thought that it was delicious.  This was a really fun restaurant. I highly recommend it!

The Gulf, Orange Beach

This restaurant is a scenic waterfront oasis.  It is built from shipping containers.  There are plenty of outdoor picnic tables with views of the beach and the Gulf of Mexico.  I cannot think of a better place than the Gulf to have a meal on a beautiful day.  There is plenty of space for children to roam around if they have trouble sitting in one place.  The Grouper sandwich and Parmesan truffle fries are go-to menu items.  And the cocktails are great. 

Foosakly’s Fried Chicken, Foley

We have friends from Mobile and they are obsessed with Foosakly’s Fried Chicken, so we took the opportunity to try it.  They have a location in Foley and one in Auburn if you are driving through on your way to Gulf Shores.  We ordered chicken finger boxes and a chicken finger salad.  We all enjoyed trying all the different sauces.  If you are nearby, it is worth seeing how this fried chicken stacks up to your favorite local chain!

Fun Family Things to do in Gulf Shores

This beach is an amazing destination.  It was the perfect spot for our extended family vacation.  The best part was that it was an easy drive from Atlanta. Are you heading to Gulf Shores, Alabama or have you spent time there?  Let me know what your plans include or what you recommend in the comments!

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