Every parent knows that dining out with little ones can sometimes be challenging and that’s true even on vacation. Here are our favorite restaurants to go for a bite when the children are in tow!

1. GT’s on the Bay. This bayfront restaurant has killer sunset views overlooking Wolf Bay and a sandy play area. This area is perfect for children with a pirate playground, climbing structure and of course, some comfortable Adirondack chairs for the parents to kick back with an adult beverage while they supervise play time. Their dock is now reopened so you can arrive by boat as well or take your children for a walk down the pier.
2. The Gulf. This counter-service spot features al fresco dining with a view of the Gulf of Mexico. There is plenty of sandy and grassy area for children to play and run around as well as a few structures to play on such as a (yellow) submarine.
3. Lulus. This place has it all! From an arcade to a ropes course, to a caricature artist, to hair wraps and henna! There are also multiple sand areas for the kids to burn off any steam they didn’t get rid of at the beach all day.
4. Yoho Rum & Tacos. This crowd pleaser has several child friendly items on the menu and there are plenty of games outside to keep your little ones entertained. Take your pick from stacking blocks, corn hole, and even a jumbo sized connect four game. If that doesn’t keep your tiny people occupied, a walk down the boardwalk looking at the yachts and sportfishing boats will do the trick.
5. The Hangout. This iconic Gulf-view restaurant checks all the family-friendly boxes. There are plenty of areas for your kids to play, explore, and climb on. There’s a huge sandbox, a foam pit, and a 15’ wishing wall too! You can even make a reservation for their Pirates & Princesses Breakfast that takes place all summer long.
6. The Crab Trap. This gulf-front restaurant is a little bit down from Orange Beach in neighboring Perdido Key, Florida. There’s a gulf-front playground and sandy area that’s perfect for the kiddos.
7. Tacky Jack’s Gulf Shores. This canal-front restaurant has a great view and plenty of kid-friendly menu options. There’s a playground and plenty of space for children to run and play.
8. SanBar Courtyard. Are you looking for a fun place that entertains the parents AND the kids? SanBar at San Roc Cay has you covered! This spot features live music nightly in an open air courtyard, a full service bar, playground, and there’s plenty of shopping for mom too. Be sure to stop at any of the delicious restaurants on-site for a bite while you’re there. Our favorite kid-friendly restaurant there is Fresh Off the Boat!

If you try one of our recommendations, we’d love to see and hear about your experiences. Email us at girlsonthegulf@gmail.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & Pinterest. Make sure to tell them the Girls on the Gulf sent you!

Xoxo,

Ginger & Crawford

Your go-to girls for food, fun, & sun on the Alabama Gulf Coast

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