Things to Do with Toddlers

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

May 2, 2023

Traveling with a toddler in tow is a different experience than vacationing with older children. Thankfully, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer something for everyone in the family, including the little ones. From one-of-a-kind attractions to animal adventures and outdoor fun, our destination has plenty of great ways to entertain your toddlers during your vacation.

1. Jump Around

If your little ones have lots of energy to burn, The Factory is the place for them. Located across from the Gulf Shores Sportsplex, The Factory boasts 12,000 square feet of connected trampolines, a foam pit, a ninja obstacle course, a rope swing, a climbing wall, and an arcade. There's even a toddler area in the middle of the trampoline courts just for the youngest ones to play.

2. See Dinosaurs at Barber Marina

Dinosaurs at the beach? It's true! In nearby Elberta, prehistoric giants roam the Earth once again. Four life-size dinosaurs live in the woods at Barber Marina, and visitors are free to visit them. On the property, you'll find other unique structures, such as the Lady in the Water, a giant spider, knights, and Bamahenge, a replica of the iconic Stonehenge. The whole family will have a blast checking out the sculptures and snapping photos.

3. Go Wild at the Zoo

With little ones in your crew, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a can't-miss attraction. This zoo has more than 100 species, including lions, tigers, monkeys, and giraffes. Wide sidewalks sprawl throughout the zoo, so you can easily push a stroller along as you check out the zoo’s residents. If your toddler really likes animals, let them enjoy an animal encounter, where they'll get an up-close interaction with a few of the furry creatures on-site. They will also love taking a ride on the carousel and riding the train.

4. Bike the Nature Trails

Gulf State Park is a must-see on the Alabama Gulf Coast. You'll discover numerous fun spots in the park, such as the Butterfly Garden, Bouldering Park, Al's Parkour Challenge, and two playgrounds. Your little ones will have a blast exploring the park and stopping to play at each of these exciting spots. One of the best ways to traverse the park is by bike. You can bring your own or rent one, and most rental companies offer kids’ bikes and attachable toddler seats.

5. Play at Orange Beach Waterfront Park & Playground

The Orange Beach Waterfront Park is a fantastic spot for young children to play in the water. Sitting on the banks of Wolf Bay, the park offers calm and shallow waters and a beautiful 400-foot pier. Grassy areas, picnic tables, and benches are also located on-site. And don't forget to visit the Edward H. Carroll Sr. Kid Park, which has slides, swings, climbing areas, and shaded areas for parents to watch as their kids play.

6. Visit Alligator Alley

Just 25 minutes north of Gulf Shores, stop in at Alligator Alley and see more than 450 alligators sunbathing and relaxing in their natural environment. You'll even meet Captain Crunch, a 13-foot-2-inch long gator who holds the world record for the greatest bite strength at 2,982 pounds. Bring a stroller along for a nature walk on the elevated boardwalk and see other species, including turtles, ospreys, owls, and bullfrogs. You and your toddler can even hold a baby alligator after you've finished your self-guided tour.

7. Cool Your Taste Buds

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! There's nothing like savoring a sweet, cold treat, especially at the beach. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to several ice cream shops, so you can take your pick of places to order this tasty treat. A big scoop of ice cream with sprinkles is the perfect post-nap treat.

8. Go on a Dolphin Cruise

Grab your little ones and go searching for dolphins. Our area is home to dozens of dolphin cruises that take passengers into the waters where these friendly creatures hang out. During your excursion, your captain will share about the habitat and behaviors of the dolphins who live in the area. The whole family will have fun bounding over the waves looking for dolphins and other native wildlife.

9. Check out the Model Train Exhibit

Take a quick drive north to Foley to visit the City of Foley Museum Archives and Model Train Exhibit. The museum sits where the Louisville and Nashville railroad depot was constructed in Foley in 1909, and a replica of the L&N Hummingbird train sits outside the building. Inside, your toddler can watch model trains run around on more than 1,200 square feet of tabletop featuring a model town, county fair, farming community, and wooden trestle bridges and tunnels.

10. Find Fun at Tropic Falls

While in Foley, head to Tropic Falls at OWA, a theme park and indoor waterpark. There's something for the whole family here with thrilling waterslides, kiddie rides, a water playground, and exciting carnival rides. Your little ones will love experiencing the theme park's attractions, such as LeapFrog and Flying Tigers. At the waterpark, they can splash around Tuki's Tower and take a dip in the Big Water Bay wave pool. After a day of nonstop fun at Tropic Falls, your toddlers are sure to sleep well.

11. Hit the Beach

You came to the beach for a reason, so enjoy it! With 32 miles of shores, our area has plenty of public beach access points for guests to visit our beautiful Gulf waters. Let your kiddos build sandcastles, search for shells, or float on the waves with a boogie board. Don't forget to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and shade for a fun day on Alabama's sugar-white sand beaches.