Skip to main content
  • Visitors
  • Meetings
  • Sports
Visitors
  • All Places to Stay
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • RV Parks & Camping
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    Gulf Shores Beach
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    The Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Children at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores
    How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Vacation
  • All Things to Do
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
      • Arts & Culture
      • Coastal Crafters
      • History & Museums
      • Indoor Activities
      • Popular Attractions
      • All Attractions
    • Amusements & Entertainment
      • Mini Golf
      • All Amusements & Entertainment
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Seasons
      • All Fishing
    • Outdoor Activities
      • Back Bay Blueway
      • Biking
      • Birding
      • Gulf State Park
      • Hiking
      • Motorcycle Runs
      • Nature & Parks
      • Shelling
      • Tours
      • Trails
      • All Outdoor Activities
    • Water Activities
      • Boating
      • Diving
      • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
      • Jet Skiing
      • Kayaking
      • Marinas
      • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
      • Parasailing
      • Sailing
      • Snorkeling
      • Dolphin Cruises
      • Cruises
      • All Water Activities
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Signature Experiences
    Fat Daddy's Arcade Gulf Shores
    21 Rainy Day Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Dad and kids hunting crabs on Alabama's beaches
    Take The Kids On A Catch & Release Crabbing Adventure On Alabama's Gulf Coast
  • All Events
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Concerts
    • Events Calendar
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Snowbird Events
    Red White Blue Gulf Shores Orange Beach
    Holiday Events
    Blue Angels
    Blue Angels
    Live Music
    Live Local Music
  • All Restaurants
    • Fan Favorites
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Recipes
    • Seafood
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants on Alabama’s Beaches
    Papa Rocco's Gulf Shores
    12 Restaurants Locals Love On Alabama’s Beaches
    Voyagers Restaurant Orange Beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
  • All Planning Tools
    • Order a Vacation Guide
      • Order a Printed Guide & Brochures
      • View e-Guide
      • All Guides
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Couples Newsletter
      • Destination Newsletter
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Maps
    • Getting Here
    • Weather
    • Welcome Centers
    • Couples Getaway
    • Family Vacations
    • Beach Safety
    • Photographers
    Family Vacation Gulf Shores
    10 Things to Know Before Your Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Vacation
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
  • All Blogs
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    10 Cheap & Free Things To Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Paddle boarding Orange Beach
    10 Things to do with Teens in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    The Track Bumper Boats Gulf Shores
    Thrilling Amusement Parks in Gulf Shores Orange Beach
  • Deals
    All Deals
Visitors
  • All Places to Stay
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • RV Parks & Camping
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    Gulf Shores Beach
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    The Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Children at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores
    How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Vacation
  • All Things to Do
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
      • Arts & Culture
      • Coastal Crafters
      • History & Museums
      • Indoor Activities
      • Popular Attractions
      • All Attractions
    • Amusements & Entertainment
      • Mini Golf
      • All Amusements & Entertainment
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Seasons
      • All Fishing
    • Outdoor Activities
      • Back Bay Blueway
      • Biking
      • Birding
      • Gulf State Park
      • Hiking
      • Motorcycle Runs
      • Nature & Parks
      • Shelling
      • Tours
      • Trails
      • All Outdoor Activities
    • Water Activities
      • Boating
      • Diving
      • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
      • Jet Skiing
      • Kayaking
      • Marinas
      • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
      • Parasailing
      • Sailing
      • Snorkeling
      • Dolphin Cruises
      • Cruises
      • All Water Activities
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Signature Experiences
    Fat Daddy's Arcade Gulf Shores
    21 Rainy Day Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Dad and kids hunting crabs on Alabama's beaches
    Take The Kids On A Catch & Release Crabbing Adventure On Alabama's Gulf Coast
  • All Events
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Concerts
    • Events Calendar
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Snowbird Events
    Red White Blue Gulf Shores Orange Beach
    Holiday Events
    Blue Angels
    Blue Angels
    Live Music
    Live Local Music
  • All Restaurants
    • Fan Favorites
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Recipes
    • Seafood
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants on Alabama’s Beaches
    Papa Rocco's Gulf Shores
    12 Restaurants Locals Love On Alabama’s Beaches
    Voyagers Restaurant Orange Beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
  • All Planning Tools
    • Order a Vacation Guide
      • Order a Printed Guide & Brochures
      • View e-Guide
      • All Guides
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Couples Newsletter
      • Destination Newsletter
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Maps
    • Getting Here
    • Weather
    • Welcome Centers
    • Couples Getaway
    • Family Vacations
    • Beach Safety
    • Photographers
    Family Vacation Gulf Shores
    10 Things to Know Before Your Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Vacation
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
  • All Blogs
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    10 Cheap & Free Things To Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Paddle boarding Orange Beach
    10 Things to do with Teens in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    The Track Bumper Boats Gulf Shores
    Thrilling Amusement Parks in Gulf Shores Orange Beach
  • Deals
    All Deals
Meetings
  • Home
    All Home
    • Plan Your Conference
    • How Can We Help
    • Why Our Beach
    • Services
    • FAQs
    • Getting Here
    • Restaurants
    • Things to Do
    • Calendar of Events
    All Plan Your Conference
    • All Meeting Spaces
    • Unique Meeting Spaces
    • Accommodations
    All Meeting Spaces
  • Reunions & Weddings
    All Reunions & Weddings
    • Meeting Planner Toolkit
    All Toolkit
    • Connect With Us
    • Submit RFP
    • Subscribe Today
    All Contact Us
  • Stories
    All Stories
Sports
    • All Events
    • Book>Direct
    • Perfect Game World Series
    • Gulf Shores High School
    • Beach Races
    • Orange Beach High School
    All Events & Special Rates
    • All Restaurant Sponsors
    • On-the-Go Dining
    All Restaurants
    • All Attraction Sponsors
    All Attractions
  • Business Sponsors
    All Business Sponsors
  • Facilities
    All Facilities
    • Facility Info
    • Leisure Events
    • Our Services
    • Planner Toolkit
    • Contact Us
    • Newsletter
    • Future Sports Tourism Development
    All Bring Your Event
  • Sponsors
    All Sponsors
  • Stories
    All Stories
Beach Baby Gulf Shores

Baby's First Beach Trip

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

April 12, 2023

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the perfect family-friendly destinations. Our area has something for everyone to enjoy, even the littlest ones in the family. We've compiled everything you need to know before your baby's first beach trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast. From what to bring to where to eat and the best spots to visit, check out these tips!

Baby on Beach Gulf  Shores
What to Pack for the Beach with a Baby

Add umbrellas, towels, and chairs to your beach packing list. You can bring your own from home or purchase or rent your beach gear when you get here. Being fully equipped will make a day at the beach much more enjoyable. A pro tip is to bring a sheet to use as a playmat, so your baby can crawl around without getting in the sand. If you prefer to travel light, Baby Beach Rentals offers lots of essential beach gear, such as strollers, wagons, and pop-n-play domes for rent. 

Beach Toys Orange Beach
Where to Get Beach Toys

Several public beach access points have toy boxes where beachgoers can freely leave and take toys to enjoy on the water. You can also pick up beach toys at various local grocery stores in the area. We suggest leaving stuffed animals, battery-operated toys, and any of your baby's favorites inside so they don't risk damage from the sand or water.

Beach Float Gulf Shores
Sun Protection for You and Your Baby

Before you hit the beach, pick up some swim diapers from the store. When dressing your baby, opt for rash guard swimsuits as they provide more coverage from the sun. Sunglasses and hats are also great for keeping the sun out of babies’ eyes, and water shoes are a must during the summer months when the sand can be hot. If they're old enough to get in the water, equip them with arm floaties or grab a float they can sit in from a local store. As always, remember to apply sunscreen too!

Beach Baby Orange Beach
Stay Hydrated & Avoid Overheating

It's important to stay hydrated since coastal temperatures can really heat up in the summer. It's always good to have water on hand while in the sun, so bring a cooler packed with cold drinks and snacks. One of the best ways to keep your baby cool is to pack frozen fruit or ice pops in your cooler. We also suggest adding an insulated tumbler with milk to your cooler, along with water and juice. Another great item to bring to avoid overheating is a battery-powered fan.

Gulf Place Beach Gulf Shores
Public Beaches to Visit 

When it comes to choosing which public beach access point to visit, many parents prefer locations with short walks. Gulf Place, Cotton Bayou, and the Beach Pavilion are great options for bringing your little ones. These access points have shaded areas, bathrooms, and parking. These spots also have lifeguards on duty from March through October. Additionally, most waterfront accommodations have boardwalks leading to the beach, so you'll have only a quick walk to the water. 

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Gulf Shores
Other Baby-Friendly Things to Do

Our area is also home to lots of fun activities off the beach. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is the perfect place for a family outing. Paved sidewalks line the exhibits, so you can easily push a stroller around as you check out all the exciting animals. Speaking of extraordinary creatures, the Nature Center hosts several local animals and plant species and offers visitors insight into flora and fauna of the Gulf Coast. Your little one will love getting an up-close look at some of the native wildlife. 

Gulf State Park Pier

If you're searching for great views, the Gulf State Park Pier is the perfect place for sightseeing, bird-watching, or fishing. The pier is wheelchair and stroller-accessible, offering ample space to walk or wheel around. Take your baby on an adventure and explore the trails in Gulf State Park. The park offers 28 miles of paved trails perfect for walking and biking. Several local outfitters offer bikes for rent with baby seats fitted on the back, so kids can ride along the trails with you. 

Surf Style Splash Pad

Another fun spot for babies and young children is the splash pad in front of TJ Maxx at the Tanger Outlets in Foley. This free splash pad is open to anyone and includes benches and shaded areas. If you prefer to stay on the island, Surf Style #202 in Orange Beach has a complimentary splash play area outside its store. Additionally, both  Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have public playgrounds with picnic areas, tables, and paved sidewalks.

GTs on the Bay Orange Beach
Family-Friendly Restaurants

A day of fun calls for an equally exciting dining experience on Alabama's beaches. Our area is home to lots of fabulous family-friendly restaurants. Two of our favorites to bring little ones are GTs on the Bay and LuLu's. GTs serves delicious seafood and has a pirate-ship playground and children's obstacle course, perfect for keeping your baby occupied while you wait for your food. LuLu's features fun for all ages, including a ropes course, arcade, and even hair wraps. They also have a large outdoor area with seating where you and your baby can watch the water or play in the sand.

Discover more fun things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and book your stay in the sand today!

Share This

Icon of a hotel
Find Your Perfect Place to Stay
Places to Stay Search Lodging Options
icon of a guide
Where Your Journey Begins
Order a Free Vacation Guide Order a Free Vacation Guide
Email icon
News from the Coast
Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter Subscribe to Our Enewsletter

You May Also Like

Sail Wild Hearts Orange Beach

Things to Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach in August

Jet Ski Orange Beach

Things to Do on a Guys’ Beach Trip to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

The Wharf Spectra Light Show

Things to do in July in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

The Track Bumper Boats Gulf Shores

Thrilling Amusement Parks in Gulf Shores Orange Beach

Dinosaurs in the Woods Barber Marina

Things to Do with a Toddler in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

The Wharf Ferris wheel

Save Money with an Alabama All-In-One Attraction Ticket

Order a Vacation Guide Subscribe to our Enewsletter
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Logo
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Tik-Tok
  • Trip Ideas
  • Press
  • Partners
  • Responsible Tourism
  • 1-800-745-SAND
  • [email protected]
  • Privacy Policy
  • Employment Opportunities
Copyright 2023 Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. All rights reserved.
  • Subscribe to Enews
  • Vacation Guide
  • Chat With Us