Things to Do With Kids on the Gulf Coast

<p>Bringing kids to the Alabama Gulf Coast is one of the easiest vacation decisions you will ever make. The beach does most of the heavy lifting, obviously. But when the sunscreen needs a break or the afternoon thunderstorm rolls in, there is a surprisingly deep bench of things to do with kids in Gulf Shores, [Orange Beach](/directory/orange-beach/), and Foley.</p>

<p>Here is what belongs on your family's short list.</p>

<h2>[Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo](/directory/alabama-gulf-coast-zoo/)</h2>

<p>The zoo moved to its current 25-acre campus on Oak Road East in Gulf Shores a few years back, and the upgrade made a big difference. More than 300 animals call it home, including lions, tigers, giraffes, kangaroos, lemurs, and sloths. Kids can ride the safari cars, hop on the kiddie train, or take a spin on the carousel. The walk-through aviary is a hit with younger kids who like things that fly.</p>

<p>For the adventurous ones, the Soaring Eagle Zipline offers a 110-foot-high aerial view of the entire zoo. Interactive animal shows run during spring and summer, and the mining sluice lets kids pan for gems. General admission runs about 15 dollars for kids ages 3 to 12 and 20 dollars for adults. The zoo is open daily, and you can easily spend half a day here without running out of things to see.</p>

<h2>[Tropic Falls at OWA](/directory/tropic-falls-at-owa/)</h2>

<p>OWA Parks and Resort in Foley is home to Tropic Falls, which combines an indoor waterpark and an outdoor theme park into one destination. The indoor waterpark features 75-foot water slides under a convertible glass roof, so it works rain or shine, summer or winter. Outside, Big Water Bay has a wave pool and surf simulator, plus 23 theme park rides ranging from gentle spinners for toddlers to coasters for older kids.</p>

<p>The whole complex is just minutes from the beach via the Foley Beach Express, which makes it a great afternoon escape. Season passes are available if you are staying for a week or more. The surrounding OWA downtown district has restaurants, shops, and a movie theater, so it can easily absorb an entire day.</p>

<h2>The Wharf</h2>

<p>The Wharf in Orange Beach is not just a concert venue. The 112-foot Ferris wheel is a must-do for families, offering views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf beyond. There are shops, restaurants, an escape room, a marina, and a zipline. The carousel is free for little ones on select days, and the whole boardwalk area is stroller-friendly.</p>

<p>On concert nights, the energy picks up, but during the day The Wharf is a relaxed family hangout. Grab ice cream, let the kids burn energy, and watch the boats come and go. It is one of those places that works for every age.</p>

<h2>Dolphin Cruises</h2>

<p>A dolphin cruise is practically a requirement on the Gulf Coast. Multiple operators run out of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, including Cetacean Cruises, Cold Mil Fleet, and Southern Rose. Most trips last 90 minutes to two hours and guarantee at least one dolphin sighting. Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are year-round residents of these waters, so the odds are heavily in your favor.</p>

<p>The Cetacean is unique because it is a sailing vessel with a full cocktail bar for the adults, while the kids hang over the railing spotting fins. Cold Mil Fleet runs 50-foot boats with 360-degree viewing decks. Whichever operator you choose, book a morning trip if you can. The water tends to be calmer and the dolphins more active.</p>

<h2>Beach Day Done Right</h2>

<p>This is obvious, but it is worth doing well. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have wide, white-sand beaches with gentle surf that is perfect for younger swimmers. Rent a beach setup through one of the local chair-and-umbrella services rather than hauling your own gear. Many rental companies will have everything set up before you arrive.</p>

<p>West Beach in Gulf Shores tends to be less crowded than the public beach at the end of Highway 59. The stretch near Fort Morgan is even quieter if you are willing to drive a bit. Pack a boogie board, some sand toys, and a cooler. The beach will handle the rest.</p>

<h2>Rainy Day Backups</h2>

<p>Afternoon rain is a fact of life on the Gulf Coast, especially in summer. Have a plan. Tropic Falls is the obvious indoor option. Alvin's Island and Souvenir City are the kind of sprawling beach shops where kids can wander for an hour. Bowling at The Alley in Foley works for the whole family. And LuLu's has a ropes course and arcade that keep kids busy while the adults wait for a table.</p>

<p>The Gulf Coast is one of those rare family destinations where you will not hear "I'm bored." The beach is the star, but the supporting cast is deeper than you might expect.</p>