14 Things to Do at the Beach with Teenagers
Keeping teens happy, even on vacation, may not always be the easiest thing to do as teens and tweens often want their own list of things to do while on vacation.
Beach vacations in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach provide many activities that are perfect for the whole family! Your too-cool-for-school teen will even find this list of opportunities appealing.
1.) Beach Eats and Fun. Take the family to restaurants such as The Hangout and LuLu’s, where there’s plenty of space to spread out and have some independence before and after the meal arrives. The in-between crowd will love the foosball and ping-pong tables at The Hangout, and the limbo contest is great for all ages. At LuLu’s, the sand volleyball is always fun, and there’s also an arcade.
2.) Waterville USA. Fast slides, wave pools and a FlowRider . . . what more could a teen ask for than 20 acres of exciting water and theme park fun? Waterville also offers an Escape room that’s perfect for a rainy day activity or an evening adventure.
3.) Go-karts. You never outgrow a good go-kart track! The Track Recreation Center in Gulf Shores boasts fun for the whole family, especially teens. Try out the Track’s signature attraction—multi-level Wild Woody go-kart track. You’ll race around three and a half stories circling back down to an exciting drop.
4.) Whether they bring their own gear or the entire family boards an excursion like the Snorkel and Sail Cruise on Sail Wild Hearts, snorkeling adds a memorable thrill to any teen’s vacation experience.
5.) Arcade. Lights, buttons, competition and prizes. Need we say more? (Note: The Track Recreation Center also features an arcade, as does Big Daddy’s in Orange Beach.)
6.) SPECTRA Light Show. Sure, the younger set will enjoy the free nightly SPECTRA Light Show at The Wharf, but teens love it, too! The show is set to music, and is held right on Main Street where there’s plenty of room to roam and dance (with mom and dad nearby). Also, teens love a ride on the Ferris Wheel for a thrilling, birds-eye view of Orange Beach.
7.) Skim boarding. Stop by a souvenir shop and pick up a skim board for hours of fun on the beach perfecting their techniques.
8.) No kayaks? No problem. There are several specialty rental companies that will deliver kayaks to your location for the day or for the week.
9.) The Park at OWA is in nearby Foley and offers amusement park thrill rides that teenagers thrive on! Thrills and chills are available for those who want a little adrenaline rush.
10.) Leave the beach with all the skills to build the perfect sandcastle at Sand Castle University. A castle-building pro will join your family on the beach for a personal lesson.
11.) Teens love hiking and biking so hit Gulf State Park’s Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail and explore six ecosystems over 15 trails that make up more than 27 miles within the 6,100+ acres of land inside the park.
12.) No matter the age, the zoo is always a winner! Plan a visit to The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in its brand new facility for animal encounters with sloths, kangaroos, lemurs and more. With more than 500 animals, teens will quickly find some favorites.
13.) The beach! We don’t think an explanation is needed on this one.
14.) Have fun!
