From water-based activities and biking trails to thrilling rides and even helicopter tours, there’s no shortage of outdoor, family-friendly activities in Gulf Shores.
Planning a family trip to Gulf Shores?
This coastal paradise offers an extraordinary array of experiences that cater to families craving a mix of entertainment, nature exploration, and thrilling rides.
In this blog, I’ve selected some of the top outdoor experiences you and your entire family can enjoy in Gulf Shores.
| Activity | Highlights |
| Build Sandcastles | Ideal at Gulf State Park; fun for all ages; Sand Castle University offers sculpting classes. |
| Bike the Trails | Explore Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail; 15+ miles through six ecosystems; bike rentals available. |
| The Track Recreation Center | Go-karts, bumper boats, skycoaster, mini-golf; flexible pricing options; great for all ages. |
| Ferris Wheel at The Wharf | 112 ft tall; panoramic views; best at sunset; surrounded by dining and entertainment spots. |
| The Park at OWA | 21+ rides for all thrill levels; vibrant downtown with shops, food, and seasonal events. |
| Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | 500+ animals; interactive encounters; shaded paths and rest areas; educational and fun. |
| Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf | Pirate-themed 18-hole mini-golf; immersive design; suitable for kids and adults. |
| Kayak Tour | Guided tours through marshes and bayous; dolphin and bird sightings; beginner-friendly gear. |
| Helicopter Tour | Aerial views of Gulf Shores; 10–30 minute rides; commentary from experienced pilots. |
| Shipwreck Scuba Diving | Dive sites like The LuLu and USS Oriskany; artificial reefs; snorkeling and certification options available. |
At Vacation Homes Collections, we offer a variety of holiday homes in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We're experts in the area, if I can say so myself, so be sure to check out our blog for tips on making the most of your trip. Whether you're looking for a guide to a great weekend or a bucket list of activities, we've got all in there.
1. Build Sandcastles
Gulf Shores offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable sandcastle-building adventure with your family. The pristine white sandy beaches of Gulf State Park, for example, provide an ideal canvas for creative beach engineering.
Children can spend hours crafting intricate sand structures while parents relax nearby. And if you want to join the fun, you can turn sandcastle building into a friendly competition, challenging each other to create the most impressive designs.
👍 Pro tip: Choose a spot close to the water’s edge for the right moisture, use specialized tools, and create a solid foundation by packing wet sand tightly.
Want to take this delightful activity to the next level? Book a class with Sand Castle University, where professional sculptors will teach you advanced techniques and tricks.
2. Bike the Trails
Gulf Shores offers an extensive network of bike trails that provide families with an exciting way to explore the area's natural beauty.
Cyclists of all skill levels can enjoy paved, well-maintained paths that showcase the region's diverse wildlife and landscapes. Bike rentals are readily available from local shops, with options for children's bikes, tandems, and adult cycles.
👍 Pro tip: Make sure to pack water, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the memorable moments of your cycling adventure.
3. Enjoy Thrilling Rides at The Track Recreation Center
The Track Recreation Center in Gulf Shores is a paradise for families seeking excitement and adventure.
This multi-level go-kart and amusement park offers something for every age group, from kiddie tracks to high-speed racing lanes for teens and adults.
👍 Pro tip: The elevated track provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area, adding an extra layer of excitement to the racing experience.
Beyond go-karts, the center boasts an array of attractions including bumper boats, a towering skycoaster, and multiple mini-golf courses.
4. Take in the Views From The Ferris Wheel at The Wharf
Standing at an impressive 112 feet tall, this massive wheel provides breathtaking vistas of the Gulf of Mexico, marina, and surrounding areas. Ticket prices are reasonable, and the ride duration allows ample time to take photographs and appreciate the spectacular views.
👍 Pro tip: Ride the Ferris wheel during sunset, when the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors.
After a sunset ride, enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants at The Wharf, or keep the fun going at other entertainment spots located in this lively district.
5. Have Fun at The Park at OWA
Just a short ride from Gulf Shores, The Park at OWA in Foley makes for a great day trip with thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions.
The park features over 21 rides, ranging from gentle options like a beautiful carousel for young children to extreme experiences like the "Rollin' Thunder" roller coaster for adrenaline seekers.
Beyond the rides, the park also has a vibrant downtown area with numerous restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. They also host fun live performances and seasonal events that add extra excitement to your visit.
6. Get a Taste of the Wild at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo offers an incredible wildlife experience for animal-loving families.
Here, you have the chance to see over 500 animals representing 175 different species, including exotic big cats, primates, reptiles, and local wildlife. Interactive experiences like animal encounters and keeper talks are big hits among families—and they're as educational as they are fun!
If you need to take a rest, the zoo has lots of shaded walking paths, clean facilities, and multiple rest areas ensure a comfortable visit.
7. Compete With Your Kids at Pirate's Island Adventure Golf
Pirate's Island Adventure Golf offers a swashbuckling mini-golf experience that makes for a fun outing with your loved ones in Gulf Shores.
The meticulously designed course features elaborate pirate-themed obstacles, waterfalls, and intricate landscaping that transform a simple game into an immersive adventure.
Two 18-hole courses provide challenges for both children and adults, with varying difficulty levels that keep the game engaging for everyone.
8. Go on a Kayak Tour
There’s nothing like exploring Gulf Shores' diverse marine ecosystems through kayaking experiences. It’s an inclusive and relaxing way to immerse yourself in nature with the entire family.
You can opt for guided tours, where you'll navigate through peaceful waterways—including coastal marshes, bayous, and sheltered inlets—with professional guides. They also provide fascinating insights into local wildlife.
Expect to spot dolphins, various bird species, and potentially sea turtles during this delightful water adventure.
Pro tip: Pure Aloha Adventures tours accommodate different skill levels, from beginner to experienced kayakers, with stable, user-friendly kayaks designed for comfort and safety.
9. Fly Over the Beach in a Helicopter Tour
If you're looking for an epic experience you and your family will never forget, a helicopter tour is unbeatable!
Flying over the Gulf offers an unparalleled perspective of the stunning coastal landscape and the right dose of adrenaline.
Professional tour operators provide safe, exhilarating flights that typically range from 10 to 30 minutes, covering spectacular views of white sandy beaches, emerald waters, and diverse coastal ecosystems.
A nice touch to the experience is having experienced pilots provide informative commentary about local geography and points of interest.
👍 Pro tip: Lost Bay Helicopters is a top-rated operator offering different tour packages to accommodate various budgets and preferences.
10. Engage in Shipwreck Scuba Diving
Gulf Shores offers remarkable shipwreck diving experiences for adventure-seeking families with certified divers.
The area's underwater landscape includes multiple fascinating shipwrecks, particularly around artificial reef sites created from decommissioned vessels. Popular dive sites like The LuLu and USS Oriskany provide extraordinary underwater exploration opportunities.
🚨 Note: While younger children cannot dive, many operators offer snorkeling alternatives or boat tours. Certification courses are available for teenagers interested in learning diving skills.
Experience Gulf Shores with Vacation Homes collection
With years of experience in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we at Vacation Homes Collections don’t just know where to find the best family-friendly and the best local gems — we’re also experts in crafting unforgettable experiences.
Our, vacation rentals, ranging from beachfront homes to high-rise condos, provide the perfect home base for your next Alabama Gulf Coast getaway. When you stay with us, all you need to do is soak in the coastal beauty and let it whisk you away — because it surely will!
