Gulf Shores Kids Attractions Bring Families Together for Fun and Entertainment
Gulf Shores, Alabama, ranks among top Gulf Coast vacation destinations. Friendly people, clean beaches and annual festivals draw millions, and the area offers several family-friendly things to do. From fishing to go karts and exotic animals, the area knows how to bring everyone together for adventure. If it’s time to plan a family trip, check out these Gulf Shores kids attractions. They’ll have a blast.
Top Gulf Shores Kids Attractions for Family Fun
Gulf State Park and Fishing Pier
Gulf State Park welcomes families to explore 4 miles of beaches. Relax in the sun, play in the Gulf and look for seashells. When not on the beach, visit the championship golf course, walk backcountry trails and stop by the nature center. Other popular beach activities include jet skiing, parasailing and surfing.
Gulf State Park Pier offers some of the best fishing in Alabama. Families cast a line and wait for big catches, or simply enjoy the view. The pier also has a store that sells tackle, bait and souvenirs. Children 11 years old and younger receive free fishing fees when accompanied by a paying adult.
Waterville USA
This water/amusement park keeps kids busy all day. This 20-acre park features a lazy river, racing slides, kiddie slides, wave pool, boogie boards and splash areas. Families also have specific play areas for younger children and sections open to the entire family.
In addition to water fun, find roller coasters, kiddie rides, an arcade and trampoline. To make a day of it, buy tickets to ride Waterville 500 go karts, or play a friendly game of mini golf. Admission ranges between $26-$36, and includes access to both parks.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Home to over 500 animals, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo promises an educational and exotic experience. As one of the top Gulf Shores kids attractions, families find plenty to do and see. Let kids get up-close with animals during one of the encounters. These activities allow guests to interact with kangaroos, lemurs, reptiles, sloths and small anteaters.
Admission ranges from $8 to $11 per person, making this an affordable outing for the whole family. When planning, check for seasonal events.
Wharf Ferris Wheel
Nearby Orange Beach is home to The Wharf, a thriving center for events, shopping and entertainment. One highlight is the Wharf Ferris Wheel. After a hot day, hop aboard to enjoy cool breezes and incredible views. The wheel runs day and night, seven days a week. Each ride costs around $5 per person, and children 3 and younger ride free.
The Track Family Recreation
The Track Gulf Shores offers hours of thrills. Start with a go-kart ride on its signature track, Wild Woody. This multi-level track offers 3.5 stories of racing fun. Adolescents have a blast on the family track and super track, both suitable for the whole family. Have younger children? No problem. The Track Gulf Shores also has rookie karts and kiddie karts, so they can ride in a safe environment.
After riding go karts, explore the park’s other attractions. Top picks include the carousel, mini Ferris wheel, planes, trains, spin tops and swings. Families also enjoy water bumper rides, mini golf and playing arcade games.
With a focus on flexibility, the attraction doesn’t charge an admission fee, but charges based on ride or attraction. Each person receives a point card, with points split across four cards.
Alligator Alley
Families who have time to explore should drive 40 minutes north to Summerville. This small town welcomes visitors to Alligator Alley, a farm with over 450 gators. See every size – from hatchlings to full-grown adults – in their natural habitat. Book a guided adventure to learn, then stop by gator station. Here, visitors feed and hold baby alligators. While walking through the area, keep an eye out for turtles, ospreys, owls and bull frogs.
Alligator Alley offers self-guided and guided tours. Tickets cost $10 to $12 per person, and children 3 and younger get in free. Alligator food is available to an additional cost.
Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf
For a relaxed pirate adventure, play mini golf at Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf. The outdoor course features Queen Anne’s Revenge ship, caves, streams and waterfalls. In addition, kids enjoy entering a pirate-themed world. Rates range from $9 to $11, with children younger than 3 playing free with adult. Families can play one or two courses, and check for adventure golf deals.
Ready to visit these Gulf Shores kids attractions? Book a Gulf Shores vacation rental and get free admission to other area attractions.