10 Exciting Things to do in Alabama’s Gulf Shores with Kids

1. Jet ski the bays and inner waterways of the Gulf Shores.

Tearing up the waves while (sort-of) trying not to fall off the jet ski gets the heart racing. Sure, this is an activity available at most resorts, but those tend to be on the ocean where the waves are bigger, thus making jet skis a little intimidating for new or young jet ski captains. (The legal age is many places is 14 to drive one solo). In the Gulf Shores, though, there are plenty of bays and inner waterways to explore where the waves are smaller. Caribe Marina & Watersports in Orange Beach is a great spot for jet skiing the inner coast.

Tearing up waves on a cat boat (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

2. Pilot cat boats.

Admittedly, jet skiing is geared more towards the adrenaline junkies of your brood. Cat boats, on the other hand, provide a motorized water sport activity for all ages and adventure levels. These two-person boats sit low to the water and provide just enough speed to not be boring, but not enough to scare anyone. One person drives and the other sits back and enjoys the scenery. Orange Beach Cat Boat Tours leads two-hour tours of Orange Beach and the inner coast that may just be one of your favorite vacation experiences in Gulf Shores with kids.

Dining al fresco among the shipping containers at The Gulf (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

3. Eat fresh seafood at The Gulf.

After a wild day of taking to the waters, finish it with dinner at The Gulf on the inner coast of Orange Beach. The vibe can almost be described as fast casual meets a destination restaurant meets farm-to-fork. The delicious food is self-service from ordering windows, but it comes from a menu that’s created daily based on what local fishermen and farmers have available. The coolest part, though, is that it’s built into shipping containers. Oh, they have full bar service if you need to calm your nerves from the day’s previous adventures.

A family playing in the waves at Alabama's Gulf Shores (Photo credit – Sweet Home Alabama)

4. Enjoy mellow waves at Gulf Shores beaches.

Let’s tame the excitement down a bit and mention the beach. Yes, Gulf Shores has plenty of beaches where white sand meets turquoise waters. And who doesn’t love a day of playing at the beach? As this is the Gulf, the waves are just the right size for all ages. And, given that Orange Beach is highly undeveloped compared to most beach destinations, you might find a secluded spot for your family to enjoy.

Stand up paddle boarding is a fun way to explore Gulf Shores with kids (Photo credit: Sweet Home Alabama)

5. Go stand up paddle boarding (with dolphins!).

If you haven’t tried stand up paddling boarding yet, it’s a must! It’s also a lot easier than it looks. I have severe balance issues due to a medical condition, yet I managed my SUP board without falling into the water. Besides, what’s wrong with falling into the water on a hot summer afternoon? It’s a great way to cool off. For stand up paddle boarding, I recommend heading out to Dauphin Island where there are plenty of quiet bays to explore. You might even have a close encounter with a dolphin like I did.

Plenty to do while you wait at Lulu's (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

6. Eat and play at Lulu’s in Gulf Shores with kids.

I’m not big on gimmicky restaurants, but, if they’re doing it right, then heck yeah. Lulu’s is doing it right. This restaurant/play area is owned by Jimmy Buffett’s sister for all you Parrotheads out there (of which I am a card carrying member). That’s why waits are often an hour or two long. But don’t let the wait scare you away. There is plenty to do while you wait, from the ropes course to the arcade to the toddler play area. When you are finally seated, expect a dinner that is sustainably sourced and tasty. For those with food allergies, Lulu’s offers a special food allergy menu. Not only are those dishes prepared in a special allergy-free section of the kitchen, but also they’re delivered by management to avoid cross contamination.

Interactive weather exhibit at GulfQuest (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

7. Explore interactive maritime exhibits at GulfQuest.

On rainy days, or when you need a break from the humid Gulf Shores’ heat, head indoors to GulfQuest National Maritime Museum. The interactive maritime exhibits are fun and educational for both children and adults alike. Exhibits cover everything from steering a tugboat to private treasures and maneuvering shipping container cranes. My favorite, however, was experiencing hurricane force winds! Yeah, I think I had more fun than the kids.

Getting ready to tour the USS Alabama (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

8. Board the USS Alabama Battleship.

The GulfQuest National Maritime Museum is so much more than just touring the WWII battleship. Having said that, you will want to tour the ship that won nine battle stars. And, unlike most battleships, the USS Alabama is air conditioned. Additional attractions at the park include 14 airplanes that are viewable from an observation deck, a bunch of tanks and artillery, and the USS Drum submarine, which is also open for tours.

Whose idea was it to let me drive the duck boat? (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

9. Take a Gulf Coast Duck Boat Tour by land and sea.

I’d never been on a Duck Boat until my trip to the Gulf Shores. You know these boats. They're the ones shaped like ducks that take travelers on tours of cities and towns through streets AND waterways. I always thought they were a little too “touristy” for me. Now, I plan to go on one whenever a duck boat is available. None, I fear though, will equate the experience from Gulf Coast Duck Boats. They're the only outfit in the country that boasts a triple splash. The tour covers downtown Mobile, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, and the Mobile River. You'll also get an entertaining take on Mobile’s history. Did you know the city has been occupied by six different countries?

Fort of Colonial Alabama and view of Mobile (Photo credit: sepavone, Depositphotos.com)

10. Learn through play at the Fort of Colonial Mobile.

Speaking of Mobile’s history, Fort of Colonial Mobile makes for a fun visit near Gulf Shores with kids. Unlike most forts, the Fort of Colonial Mobile is less about the history of the fort and more about the way of life for soldiers that once manned the fort. Thus, the exhibits fall towards the interactive side with a shooting range, tunnel tours, and the chance to dress up in period costumes for a photo op. There are also plenty of period characters milling about that kids will enjoy meeting.

Want to explore more of Alabama? Read more about South Alabama with kids or get a taste of Alabama Gulf Shores restaurants now.

So, what do you think? Would your husband (and you!) like to visit the Gulf Shores with kids? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from Travel Mamas: The Hungry Travel Daddy was hosted by Sweet Home Alabama. All opinions are his. Travel Mamas did not receive any monetary compensation related to this story.