Homeschool Vacation Ideas

Did you know the sand on Alabama’s Beaches is made of quartz grains that were washed down from the Appalachian Mountains? Our 32 miles of beautiful beaches are great for hands-on learning and full of fun surprises. Your children can search for shells along the shores or hunt for ghost crabs under the moon. For an exciting adventure on the water, book a dolphin cruise. You’ll watch these friendly creatures pop in and out of the water as your captain shares all about their behaviors and habitats. 

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is the perfect spot for a wild adventure. This attraction is the first ZAA-accredited zoo to be built from the ground up in over 20 years and is home to more than 100 species, including 22 endangered species. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the furry, scaly, and feathery creatures in the zoo and even interact with them. With an animal encounter, you can get up close with lemurs, sloths, tortoises, or giraffes and hear about their habits from a zookeeper. For an even more exclusive tour, guests can opt for a premium animal experience and go behind the scenes with zookeepers to learn all about certain residents at the zoo.

Uncover the Alabama Gulf Coast's significant role during the American Civil War at Historic Fort Morgan. Here, you and your kids will walk through the archways and barracks of this third-system masonry fort that protected the area during the infamous Battle of Mobile Bay. Stepping inside Fort Morgan will lead you to artillery, tunnels, and batteries that still stand today. Next door, the fort’s museum is home to many artifacts from soldiers and locals living in the area in the 1860s. This historic spot is an excellent place to give your kids an inside look at life during the Civil War.

There’s more to learning than reading a textbook. If you’ve got outdoor explorers in your crew, the Alabama Gulf Coast is ideal for your next homeschool trip. Our area boasts plenty of outdoor activities and adventures that immerse visitors in its natural beauty. Bike or hike through the 28 miles of trails in Gulf State Park and discover the unique flora and fauna, or go on a guided Segway tour and hear firsthand about the biodiversity of the park. Be sure to download Alabama State Park's free Junior Park Ranger Adventure Guide to help your kids learn all about state parks while exploring!

The Alabama Gulf Coast has a rich past that is filled with some incredible stories that are perfect for a homeschool history lesson. At the Gulf Shores Museum and Orange Beach History Museum, you’ll learn all about the culture and history of Alabama’s Beaches. The Gulf Shores Museum tells the story of the town and its people and even includes a special exhibit called “Hurricane Hunters.” In Orange Beach, you’ll discover local artifacts and memorabilia highlighting the area’s Native American origins and fishing culture. Both of these museums are free and are well worth the visit. 

The Gulf Coast Eco-Center is the hub for all things environmental. On-site, you'll find a farm and garden complex, an art center, bicycle hubs, and wetland labs. The kiddos will love the curated programs, camps, and workshops that are focused on engaging people with the environment. After engaging in hands-on learning, test yourself on the challenge course and take in the area from above.