Gulf Shores, Alabama is a beloved destination for families looking to enjoy sunshine, sand, and memory-making adventures. With its sugar-white beaches, calm Gulf waters, family-friendly attractions, and endless outdoor activities, Gulf Shores is the perfect place for a fun and relaxing spring break with the kids. Whether your family prefers nature outings, exciting entertainment, or simply beach days from sunrise to sunset, Gulf Shores offers something for everyone.
Here’s your guide to the best kid-approved activities for spring break in Gulf Shores.
Enjoy a Perfect Beach Day
The beaches in Gulf Shores are the main attraction, and it’s easy to see why. Powdery white sand, gentle waves, and miles of shoreline make it ideal for families. Young kids can splash safely at the shoreline, while older kids enjoy boogie boarding, sandcastle building, and kite flying. Bring a cooler, beach toys, and plenty of sunscreen, and you have everything you need for a full day of fun.
Popular family beaches include Gulf Shores Public Beach, Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion, and West Beach. Spring temperatures are warm enough for swimming, but still mild, which makes beach days comfortable for everyone.
Visit Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park is one of the most spectacular natural attractions along the Gulf Coast and offers a full list of family-friendly activities. With over 6,000 acres to explore, the park includes beaches, nature centers, walking trails, fishing, and more.
Families can rent bikes and explore the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, an easy, well-maintained path where you might spot turtles, birds, deer, or even an alligator. The Nature Center offers kid-friendly exhibits about Alabama’s coastal ecosystem, and the Gulf State Park Pier is perfect for fishing or watching wildlife in the water below.
It’s an easy way to mix fun, learning, and fresh air all in one place.
Spend the Day at The Wharf
Located in nearby Orange Beach, The Wharf is a family favorite during spring break. This entertainment district offers shopping, dining, arcades, mini-golf, a movie theater, and plenty of activities for kids.
A few can’t-miss attractions include:
- The Wharf Ferris Wheel, one of the tallest in the Southeast, with incredible views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
- The SPECTRA Laser Light Experience, a nighttime show choreographed with music and dazzling lights.
- The Wharf Express Train, which kids love riding through the shopping district.
It’s the perfect evening outing after a day at the beach.
Explore the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Known as “The Little Zoo That Could,” the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a wonderful stop for families. Located at 20499 Oak Rd E, Gulf Shores, the zoo is home to more than 300 animals, including kangaroos, lemurs, reptiles, lions, tigers, birds, and more.
Kids love the interactive exhibits, including opportunities for close-up encounters with sloths, reptiles, and kangaroos. The zoo’s paved walkways, shaded areas, and on-site café make it a comfortable outing for all ages. It’s the perfect mix of education and entertainment, especially during the mild spring weather.
Have a Blast at Waterville USA
For families looking for thrills, Waterville USA is one of the best places to spend spring break. This 20-acre waterpark and amusement park includes high-speed slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, go-karts, mini-golf, and an escape room.
The waterpark typically opens seasonally around spring break, weather permitting, which makes it a refreshing option for warm spring days. From racing down the slides to floating in the lazy river, Waterville offers hours of fun for kids and parents alike.
Try a Dolphin Cruise
Dolphin cruises are one of the most memorable family experiences in Gulf Shores. Departures from both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer guided tours across calm waters where dolphins frequently swim, jump, and play near the boats.
Many cruises also include educational commentary about marine wildlife, teamwork activities for kids, and beautiful views of the coastline. These tours are typically one to two hours long, making them easy to fit into your spring break schedule.
Visit Fort Morgan
History meets adventure at Fort Morgan, located at the end of Fort Morgan Road (AL-180). This 19th-century fort overlooks Mobile Bay and played a major role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War.
Families can walk through tunnels, explore the fort’s interior, climb the grassy embankments, and take in fantastic views of the Gulf. Kids love the sense of exploration, and parents appreciate the educational aspect. For spring break, it’s a great mix of culture and fun without crowds.
Enjoy Fresh Seafood and Family Dining
Spring break is the perfect time to enjoy Gulf Shores’ delicious coastal cuisine. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, live music, and kid-friendly menus.
Family favorites include:
- The Hangout, home of fun beach vibes, games, and regular entertainment.
- LuLu’s Gulf Shores, known for its play area, allergy-friendly menu, and waterfront setting.
- DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen, a cozy local staple serving fresh Gulf seafood.
Dinner with a view always feels like a treat after a full day of adventure.
Final Thoughts
Spring break in Gulf Shores is all about family fun. From beach days and parks to dolphin cruises, zoos, and waterparks, you’ll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do that create lasting memories. The warm weather, beautiful scenery, and easygoing atmosphere make Gulf Shores the perfect place for families to relax, explore, and reconnect. Book your Gulf Shores Vacation Rental on ECBYO.COM today!
