Top Five Beach Activities for Families with Little Ones
Taking a beach vacation to the Alabama Gulf Coast usually means fun in the sun, sand and surf.
However, with little ones in tow, sometimes you want to add additional activities geared to the area's youngest guests. The cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have you covered.
1- The Track Family Recreation Center
The go-karts and bumper boats are great for the bigger kids, but did you know this family entertainment mecca even caters to children 8 and younger? In the center’s Kids Country, you’ll find several carnival-style rides (think swings, spin tops and airplanes), as well as miniature kiddie karts, rookie karts, the carousel and even a Ferris wheel. Of course, you can’t leave without a journey on The Rio Grande Train. And, don’t forget miniature golf, too!
2- Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s
Well-known for its fresh seafood, Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s in Gulf Shores is more than just a place to grab a bite to eat. More of a family destination, Lulu’s welcomes kids to come, stay and play a while. The restaurant’s youngest diners will love building sand castles in the enormous sand playground adjacent to the dining room. Need water for your moat or just want to cool off? Head over to the Fountain of Youth for a refresher. Got older siblings? Let them tackle the Mountain of Youth, a massive ropes course rising high above Lulu’s.
3- Waterville USA
If the family visits Waterville USA in Gulf Shores, take your little swimmers to WaWa World, where the maximum height is 42 inches. This miniature waterpark within a waterpark contains a selection of waterslides, including the Frog, Pelican and Duck slides. There are also numerous water features to splash in as well as The Captain of the Pirate Ship. Mom and dad can splash along or take a break in one of the many chairs while supervising their children.
4- Edward H. Carroll Sr. Kids Park in Orange Beach
Open free year-round, the Edward H. Carroll Sr. Kids Park welcomes families to come and play for a while. The park’s centerpiece is a lighted, castle-themed playground featuring slides, swings and climbing areas. Thanks to the park’s location on Wolf Bay, families also can go for a swim, try their luck at fishing along the 400-foot fishing pier, or enjoy a meal in one of the picnic shelters.
5- Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Touted as the “Little Zoo That Could,” the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores is ideal for little visitors. Travel along the zoo’s pathway to see more than 500 animals, including lions, tigers, bears, monkeys and more. There’s also a reptile house and an aviary. For an “up close and personal” experience, take part in one of the zoo’s animal encounters, where you can hold a baby kangaroo or play with a lemur. Check the zoo’s daily events, too, and you could take in an animal show or zookeeper talk.
A popular family travel destination, the Alabama Gulf Coast makes sure every guest, regardless of age, finds something fun and entertaining to do while visiting. These are just a few of the many attractions and activities available for little ones. For more ideas and suggestions, stop by the Gulf Shores Welcome Center or the Orange Beach Welcome Center .
