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Best Family Activities in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores, Alabama, offers a wealth of fun, family-friendly activities that cater to all ages. One day, you might rent bikes and explore the scenic trails of Gulf State Park. Another day might mean a trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, where kids can get up close with exotic animals and burn off energy in a shaded, kid-friendly setting. You can find vacation rentals in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama, with Young’s Suncoast!

Top 7 Family Activities in Gulf Shores, Alabama

1. Enjoy the Pristine Beaches

With 32 miles of white-sand beaches, Gulf Shores, Alabama, provides ample space for family activities such as building sandcastles and swimming in the clear waters. Public beach access points are available, with facilities such as parking and restrooms for convenience.​

2. Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to over 300 animals. ​Family members of all ages will enjoy greeting the lions, tigers, monkeys, and reptiles. The zoo also offers interactive experiences, family activities, and educational programs that everyone will enjoy.

3. Explore Gulf State Park

Spanning over 6,150 acres, Gulf State Park features more than 28 miles of paved trails and activities for family members of all ages in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Families can rent bikes through the park’s bike share program or bring their own to explore diverse ecosystems. ​

4. Experience Waterville USA

This 20-acre water and amusement park offers a variety of attractions, including water slides, a wave pool, go-karts, and a miniature golf course. This gem in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is overflowing with fun family activities!

5. Discover Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, this 7,157-acre refuge provides opportunities to observe migratory birds, sea turtles, and other native species. Families can hike the Pine Beach Trail to experience diverse habitats and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. ​

6. Play at The Track Family Fun Park

The Track offers a variety of family activities, ensuring fun for the whole family in Gulf Shore, Alabama. ​Enjoy go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats, an arcade, and more!

7. Visit Historic Fort Morgan

Located west of Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan is a well-preserved fortress with historical significance dating back to the Civil War. Families can explore the fort’s grounds and learn about its role in American history. ​

Gulf Shores, Alabama, presents a diverse array of family activities that promise a memorable vacation for everyone. Book your stay today with Young’s Suncoast!

Hangout Music Festival Is Now the Sand in My Boots Festival

The beloved Hangout Music Festival, a staple of the Gulf Shores, Alabama, festival scene, has been rebranded as the Sand in My Boots Festival. While the name has changed, the heart and soul of this iconic music festival remain intact. You can experience it for yourself by booking your stay with Young’s Suncoast. We have an excellent selection of vacation rentals for various group sizes and preferences in the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area. We can’t wait to welcome you to witness your favorite artists perform on the gorgeous Alabama Coast beaches!

Experience the Newly Named Sand in My Boots Festival

Next Date: May 16 – 18, 2025

Consider Splurging on VIP Perks

  • 7 Summers Sandbar: Super VIP pass holders enjoy shaded seating, private WiFi, and prime Sand In My Boots Stage views.
  • This Beach Club: VIP guests can indulge in luxury with private air-conditioned restrooms, a complimentary bar, and misting stations.
  • Dipping Pools: VIP pass holders can enjoy the Sand in My Boots Festival performances in or near the poolside.

Explore These 6 Unique Music Festival Experiences

  1. The Midway: Enjoy a mix of a Boardwalk and carnival attraction. The Spin You Around Ferris Wheel is the perfect place to snap Instagram photos. Or shoot some hoops at the basketball court.
  2. Love Somebody Lane: Whether you’ve been together for years or just found a beachside romance, take the plunge! Exchange or renew vows at the Sand in My Boots Festival!
  3. ’98 Braves Boulevard: Enjoy cornhole, beer pong, BBQ, live music, and all your favorite tailgate traditions at the ultimate pre-game party.
  4. Sunset Salon: Attend the Sand in My Boots Festival in style with services like space buns, braids, beard trims, and more.
  5. Monster Beach Club: Dance your heart out at all-day beach parties!
  6. Up Down Cap n’ Gown: If you’re opting to skip your graduation ceremony to attend the Sand In My Boots Festival, you can still celebrate your achievements in true beachside fashion at the Up Down Cap ‘n Gown Commencement Ceremony.

The 2025 Sand in My Boots Festival Lineup

Get ready to see some of your favorite artists at the 2025 Sand in My Boots Festival! There will be a diverse array of genres from some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. We have curated some of the artists set to perform in 2025 below:

Book your stay for the Sand in My Boots Festival with Young’s Suncoast!

Your Guide to the Orange Beach, Alabama Weather Each Season

Once you’ve decided where you want to go on vacation, the next important question is when are you visiting. While there’s no bad time to visit Alabama’s Gulf Coast, certain seasons may better align with your ideal activities. Before reserving your Orange Beach vacation rental from Young’s Suncoast, take a look at the average weather in this Alabama town. To help you decide what time of year is right for your getaway, we’ve made a little guide looking at the conditions for each season.

Spring (March Through May)

Spring starts off with daily highs near 66 degrees in March and increases to the low 80s by May. Daily lows also become more pleasant and sit around 70 degrees. Water temperatures also start to increase, so you can easily enjoy kayaking along the Back Bay Blueway Waterway. Other great additions to your spring break itinerary include checking out the Orange Beach Festival of Art, playing mini golf at Beachside Mini Golf, and riding the Ferris wheel at The Wharf.

Summer (June Through August)

With both average monthly air and water temperatures reaching the mid-80s, summer is known for its idyllic conditions. Because of this, it’s a popular time of year for vacationers to visit. During your summer vacation, fly high parasailing with Orange Beach Parasail or plan the ultimate fishing getaway. Spend time outdoors hiking trails found inside Gulf State Park, or search for shells along the shoreline.

Fall (September Through November)

Fall is an exceptional time to visit Orange Beach. While daily highs start to decrease, they rarely fall below the high 50s. Lows are still pleasant, with the thermometer reading around 55 degrees by the end of the season. Fall is a great time to visit if you or anyone in your group is a foodie! This time of year is known for its plethora of food festivals, including the Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Beer Festival in nearby Gulf Shores. Other fun area fall festivals include Orange Beach Freedom Fest and the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival.

Winter (December Through February)

Unlike some parts of the country, winter in Orange Beach doesn’t mean freezing conditions and endless snowfall. Rather, it means daily highs around the low 60s and daily lows around the upper 40s. If you are planning a winter vacation, there’s no shortage of things to do, including checking out holiday events, warming up inside the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, and exploring the Gumbo Trail. Check the weather in Orange Beach, Alabama, and start planning your stay with Young’s Suncoast!

Indulge Yourself in the Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival

Indulge Yourself in the Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival

Visiting the Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival is an experience that tantalizes all your senses with delicious seafood and the vibrant coastal culture of Alabama. Held against the stunning Gulf Shores beaches as a backdrop, this annual event celebrates seafood, art, music, and community, drawing locals and tourists alike to revel in the coastal charm and delectable flavors. Book your stay in time for the festival from October 12th – 15th, 2023 with Young’s Suncoast.

Young’s Suncoast is renowned for offering an exceptional selection of Alabama Coast accommodations that cater to every traveler’s preferences. Our Gulf Shores vacation rentals provide a gateway to the ultimate beachfront escape, characterized by comfort, luxury, and a deep connection to the coastal charm. Our portfolio includes everything from beach condos with intimate balconies overlooking the Gulf Coast to sprawling multi-bedroom homes with private pools and beachfront access.

Experience the 2023 National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores

When: October 12th – 15th, 2023

For over half a century, the annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores has been a beloved tradition in the lovely coastal paradise of Alabama. This food-focused Festival features over 50 vendors serving conch fritters, lobster, crab cakes, Cajun pistols, and other yummy treats. Here are just some of the fun in store for you at the 2023 National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores:

  • A variety of local and national talent will fill the air of the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores. Admission is free for all of the concerts with genres ranging from rock, country, blues, jazz, and R&B. 
  • Guests ages five and up can join in on the Sand Sculpture Contest. This is a family-oriented event that has cash prizes!
  • There is plenty of fun at the Children’s Activity Village if you have young kids. The supervised activities include kid’s games and arts and crafts.  
  • Enjoy shopping through retail and art vendors from all over the world.
  • As the name suggests, shrimp is the star of the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores. You will also be able to find other treats like gourmet burgers, shaved ice, and hand-squeezed lemonade.
  • Try your hand at the Annual National Shrimp Festival Golf Challenge for Education for prize giveaways, contests, and interactive experiences while you’re in between holes.
  • Challenge yourself on the 5K/10K Race.

Don’t miss out by booking your stay today with Young’s Suncoast!

Best Christmas Lights on the Alabama Gulf Coast

The holidays are a spectacular time of year to book a family vacation to the spellbinding Gulf Coast. The Gulf Shores area has some of the best must-see Christmas lights in the Alabama Gulf Coast to check out during your stay. You can find the Gulf Shores, Alabama, vacation rentals of your dreams with Young’s Suncoast. If you’d rather stay in the equally alluring Fort Morgan or Orange Beach area on the Alabama Gulf Coast, Young’s Suncoast has a premium selection of vacation rentals in those locations as well.

Young’s Suncoast has vacation rentals with any amenities you could desire, such as a pool, pet-friendly options, a fitness center, and more! Keep reading to learn more about the must-see Christmas lights during your enchanting stay on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Make this holiday season one your family will treasure forever!

3 Must-See Christmas Lights in the Gulf Shores, Alabama Area

  1. Bellingrath Gardens Christmas Lights: This stunning annual Christmas lights show has delighted travelers and locals alike in the Alabama Gulf Coast for nearly two decades. The Bellingrath Gardens staff use this holiday tradition to showcase the dazzling beauty of the gardens. They use the same talents and creativity for the garden’s dreamy floral displays to design the holiday lights display. Stroll through the 65-acre Bellingrath Gardens estate decked in its holiday finest.
  2. Holiday Lights Drive-Thru and Christmas Festival: This is among the best drive-through Christmas lights in the Alabama Gulf Coast, but you can also choose to walk through it. This holiday attraction has free admission, but you’ll want to bring cash to purchase some of the yummy treats. Make sure to stay up to date on when the Christmas Festival will be held for the year you are staying in the area. In 2022, there was caroling, a carnival, a petting zoo, face painting, train/hayrides throughout the park, and more. Beloved characters like the Grinch and Santa made an appearance at the 2022 Christmas Festival as well. Did we mention that the Christmas Festival is a FREE event?
  3. The Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade: Celebrate the holiday season on the Alabama Gulf Coast with a stunning boat parade decked in dazzling Christmas lights. LuLu’s Lighted Boat Parade is an enchanting tradition on the Waterway Village in Gulf Shores, AL. The next anticipated lighted boat parade date is December 9, 2023, starting at 4:30 p.m. Arrive early to snag a table and stick around after the parade to join in on holiday festivities.

Give your family the holiday season of their dreams by booking your stay at Young’s Suncoast!