Explore, Discover, Learn
Kids need adventure—they crave it and are inspired by the learning opportunities. Alabama's Beaches are known for vacation and recreation, but the area also offers a variety of homeschool travel adventures and field trips. From museums and historical sites to wildlife and waterways, the best kind of learning is through a journey.
Educational Trip Ideas
There are many opportunities to turn your time on Alabama's Gulf Coast into an educational experience while also having fun. Our beach towns are ideal for teaching about local ecosystems, wild and sea life, and sustainability. Additionally, our area has a unique history, including local Native American heritage, Civil War battles, pirates, and a thriving fishing industry. Whatever angle you choose to cover, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan offer several immersive and educational field trip opportunities.
Nature & Wildlife Focused Field Trips
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Since the 1980s, Bon Secour has protected undisturbed coastal habitats. It encompasses 7,000 acres of coastal barrier habitats and acts as a haven for various flora and fauna. All year, you can explore the miles of scenic nature trails. You're likely to spot songbirds, migratory birds, and turtles while exploring.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a great learning option for all age groups. With 500 animals on display, you can learn about eating habits, where the animals come from, and even have some up-close and personal animal encounters. The zoo offers regular zookeeper chats and animal interactions, including a story time and meet-and-greet specifically for pre-k kids.
The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park
The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park
The Learning Campus offers opportunities for hands-on learning and engaging experiences. Its innovative programs center on sharing the park's natural and cultural heritage with visitors. The campus features indoor and outdoor classrooms, a lab, a meeting space, overnight accommodations and dining and is an ideal spot for an educational trip.
Gulf State Park's Nature Center
Gulf State Park's Nature Center
Located in the campground, the Nature Center is filled with plants and animals native to the Gulf Coast area, such as turtles, alligators, and owls. It hosts a variety of free programs that educate people on the environment and Alabama's natural resources and encourage them to do their part to protect it. Their weekly programs include nature walks, animal interactions, and sessions that cover a variety of topics related to nature, space, and sustainability.
Eco Center
Eco Center
Developed in partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment, the Eco Center is a hub for sustainable education and environmental activities for all ages. The center is adjacent to Gulf State Park and offers programs, camps, and outdoor adventures.
Alabama Aquarium at The Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Alabama Aquarium at The Dauphin Island Sea Lab
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab offers hands-on experiences, including a touch tank, living marsh boardwalk, and informative exhibit hall. There are plenty of opportunities to discover more about the fourth-largest estuary in the United States.
Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park
With nine distinct ecosystems across 28 miles of trails, a hike in Gulf State Park is an excellent way to learn about the natural environment of the Gulf Coast. Keep your eyes peeled for different plants and wildlife, and have your kids identify native flower and tree species as you explore.
Shelling
Shelling
Turn your beach day into a field trip by searching the shoreline for shells. You'll find around 20 different types of shells on our beaches, most of which were once home to scallops, mussels, oysters, and clams. Take this opportunity to teach your kids about mollusks and crustaceans and the roles they play in our waterways.
Museums & Historical Sites on Alabama's Beaches
Historic Fort Morgan
Historic Fort Morgan
Historic Fort Morgan is a third-system masonry fort that has played a pivotal role in several battles since the 19th century and was the site of the famous "Battle of Mobile Bay" during the Civil War. Guests can explore the tunnels, batteries, and other iconic landmarks across the fort's grounds and learn all about life on the Gulf Coast during the Civil War inside the museum.
Orange Beach History Museum
Orange Beach History Museum
Originally built as an early 20th-century schoolhouse, the Orange Beach History Museum is filled with notable artifacts and memorabilia relating to the area's Native American heritage, Civil War history, and fishing and farming industry. The free museum is open weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm.
Gulf Shores Museum
Gulf Shores Museum
The Gulf Shores Museum sits inside a historical beach cottage that dates back to before World War II. The free museum hosts displays regarding local history, Gulf Coast hurricanes, and rotating special exhibits throughout the year.
Water-Based Educational Experiences
Wind & Water Learning Center
Wind & Water Learning Center
Sitting on Wolf Bay, the Wind & Water Learning Center is a unique waterfront learning campus that offers sail camps and lessons, kayak rentals and classes, and lots of educational experiences. Field trip excursions cover topics such as ecology, watersheds and water pollution, waterway stewardship and monitoring, and ecotourism and include hands-on learning opportunities.
Dolphin Cruises
Dolphin Cruises
Our area is home to several dolphin cruises that offer morning and afternoon tours. Passengers will not only see these friendly creatures but also learn all about their habits from the knowledgeable captains and crew.
Oyster Farms
Oyster Farms
Two local oyster farms sit on Mobile Bay in Fort Morgan: Admiral Shellfish Company and Navy Cove Oysters. Both offer farm tours that give an inside look into raising and collecting oysters and the environmental impact of oyster reefs in waterways.
Pirate Ship Cruise
Pirate Ship Cruise
Hop aboard the Orange Beach Pirate Ship Cruise for a swashbuckling adventure on the Gulf. Passengers will hear true stories of pirate and privateer attacks in Pirates Cove while singing along to pirate songs, getting their faces painted, and defending the ship in a water gun battle.
Field Trip Topics & Lesson Plans
The educational opportunities on Alabama's Beaches are endless, which is why our area is great for creating your own lesson plan and itinerary. When deciding what to do for your field trip or homeschool vacation on Alabama’s Beaches, consider what learning objectives you want to cover with your kids and plan your excursion accordingly.
Below is a list of potential topics to craft your trip around while experiencing the outdoor adventures, attractions, and historical sites in the area:
• Civil War History
• Animals & Biology
• Ecosystems & Habitats
• Local History & Culture
• Sustainability & Preservation
• Marine Life
• Flora & Fauna
Plan a Homeschool or Field Trip
Alabama’s Gulf Coast is an excellent destination for learning, expanding your education, and having fun. Kids and adults will enjoy the adventure and opportunities that the pristine scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich history provide. Start planning your field trip or homeschool vacation to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan!
