Family-Friendly Spring Break Activities

The Track Family Fun Park is a one-stop shop for amusement, offering thrilling adventures for all ages. Older kids and adults can race to their heart's content on the Wild Woody and Super Track or soar through the air on the Sky Coaster. For the little ones, The Track offers several kid-friendly tracks, blaster boats, and amusement rides. The whole gang will enjoy zipping around The Family Track, playing a round of mini golf, or challenging each other to games inside the arcade.

Gulf State Park is an outdoor gem along Alabama’s Beaches. This incredible park connects Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and features 28 miles of paved trails, nine distinct ecosystems, a freshwater lake, and 6,150 acres to discover. Hop on a bike rental or take advantage of the park’s free bike-sharing program to explore the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail on two wheels. During your exploration, stop by the Nature Center, a living museum with free daily programs and animal ambassadors. With so many unique spots to enjoy, visiting Gulf State Park will add a host of fantastic thing to do during spring break.

When it’s time for off-the-beach adventures, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge provides a natural haven for nature lovers and dozens of local and migratory species. The refuge encompasses a kayak and paddleboard launch, as well as four scenic hiking trails of varying lengths and terrain. The Jeff Friend Trail is an easy 1-mile loop ideal for families, with stroller-friendly boardwalks. The waterfront benches along this gravel trail are perfect for a relaxing picnic. 

Located at the very western end of the island is Historic Fort Morgan, a third-system masonry fort that sits along the Gulf and Mobile Bay. The fort boasts tunnels, barracks, batteries, and canons waiting to be explored. Climbing the stairs to the top of the fort provides guests with incredible panoramic views of the water. Most guests typically dedicate several hours to experiencing the grounds, museum, and gift shop at Historic Fort Morgan.

There’s no better place to build a sandcastle than along the 32 miles of shoreline of Alabama’s Beaches. Those wanting to craft the perfect sand sculpture need a lesson from Sand Castle University. These professional artists teach the structural science of building sturdy sandcastles in a fun and memorable way. It’s a hands-on team-building activity that leaves families with impressive skills and fabulous vacation photos.

You don’t need a peg leg or a hook for a hand to enjoy a swashbuckling experience on the water. The Orange Beach Pirate Ship Cruise is a 90-minute interactive experience that is filled with fun. While aboard, passengers will learn just what it takes to be a pirate. Trip activities include reading a treasure map, catching cannonballs, singing pirate songs, and hearing true stories about pirates.

Voted the best art festival in the nation by USA Today, the Orange Beach Festival of Art at Waterfront Park is a juried show that highlights the works of dozens of talented local and regional artists. From paintings and photography to woodworking and pottery, this two-day fest has a variety of fine arts. The younger ones can even participate in hands-on creative projects at the Kids Arts Alley. The Orange Beach Festival of Art is free and includes food trucks, local vendors, demonstrations, and live music. 

Alabama’s Beaches prioritizes a safe, family-friendly environment during spring break. From March 1 to April 28, alcohol is banned from all public beaches to help maintain this and provide guests with children with a more enjoyable beach experience. If you’re ready for a fun spring break beach trip, plan now by booking a vacation rental! Great options for families include kid-friendly places to stay, lodging with lazy rivers and waterslides, and accommodations with indoor and heated pools.