If you’re coming to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach with your kids and looking for family friendly activities besides the beach,  we’ve got you covered with our top ten recommendations for kid friendly activities along the Alabama Gulf Coast!

1. Pirate Ship Cruise

Set sail with your kiddos on the Orange Beach Pirate Ship Cruise for a truly unique on-the-water experience in Orange Beach. Once on board, the pirate crew will keep your kids entertained by singing pirate songs, telling true stories of pirate and privateer attacks in legendary Pirate’s Cove, shooting the “cannon,” water gun fights, hunts for treasure, and battling to defend the ship.

2. Mini Golf

There’s no shortage of “goofy golf” spots in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. You and your family will surely have a good time mastering the illusive hole-in-one while creating memories to last a lifetime. One of our favorite spots is Beachside Mini Golf.

3. Arcade

Summer storms are frequent in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and an arcade is the perfect place to ride out the storm. Arcades are also the perfect activity to pass the time with your kids once the sun goes down!  There are many arcades to choose from in the area but some of our favorites are Fat Daddy’s, Adventure Island, and the Groovy Goat at OWA.

4. The Gulf

Looking for casual dining on the water where your kids can run and play in the sand while you and your significant other enjoy a craft cocktail and fresh seafood? Then The Gulf is your go-to spot. Bring the sand toys and let them play! The kids will also enjoy watching the boats go through the pass.

5. Dolphin Cruise

One of the most popular family friendly activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a dolphin cruise. A sunset cruise is our favorite since the weather is cooler and you will be able to enjoy all vibrant colors of the sky while getting up close and personal with the dolphins. There are many boats to choose from, but one that sticks out above the rest is the big yellow boat named the Sunny Lady.

6. Visit the Coastal Art Center of Orange Beach

The Coastal Art Center in Orange Beach overlooks scenic Wolf Bay and features a large art gallery filled with many unique creations from local artists. For the older kids, there is also a hot glass blowing studio and clay studio where artists can sign up for classes and create a masterpiece to take home.

7. The Park at OWA

Located along the Foley Beach Expressway, this amusement park features roller coasters and thrill rides. But do not fear! There’s fun for the whole family and amusement rides suited for babies and toddlers. An exciting addition is coming to The Park in Summer 2022 with the addition of Tropic Falls, the region’s largest indoor water park.

8. The Yard Milkshake Bar

If you’re looking for a truly unique and “Instagram worthy” desert experience, the Yard is your place. Featured on Shark Tank in 2019, this is a stop you need to make on your Gulf Coast Vacation.

9. Ferris Wheel at the Wharf

The Ferris Wheel at the Wharf is arguably the most popular landmark for every Gulf Coast beach vacation. At 112 feet tall, this is one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the Southeast. At the top of the Ferris Wheel, you’ll be able to capture a bird’s eye view of our piece of paradise. The cost is $8 per person and kids 3 and under ride free.

10. Cool Shots Selfie Museum at the Wharf

Did you know that the average person takes over 450 selfies a year? If you have teens, it’s probably more! With over 50 different “selfie scenes,” you and the family can create lasting and unique content for your social media and family photos. Check this place out for a different twist on “beach photos.”

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