Known for its powder-soft sand and warm, gentle waters, Gulf Shores is a coastal paradise people return to year after year. Thanks to its calm environment, it’s a destination that often sees families with smaller children, as parents don’t have to worry about a crazy party atmosphere interfering with their peaceful beachside getaway. And while there’s tons of fun to be had playing on the beach all day, if you’re traveling with little ones, your Gulf Shores vacation also presents a unique opportunity to incorporate some educational fun into your trip! Gulf Shores offers a range of unique educational activities that are sure to excite your children’s curiosity and love for adventure. What better place to learn and discover new things than in this beautiful coastal setting? From unique ecosystems and wildlife to historical sites, museums, and more, we’re covering all the fun and educational activities for kids in Gulf Shores so you can have a family vacation they’ll remember forever.
Nature Walks and Talks
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is home to roughly 7,000 acres of coastal lands and holds some of Alabama’s last remaining undisturbed coastal habitats. Coming from the French words for “safe harbor,” the grounds serve as a sanctuary for native plants and animals and are a great place to take kids so they can learn and explore on your Gulf Shores vacation.
One of the most popular educational activities at Bon Secour is the Nature Walks and Talks. Led by knowledgeable guides, these experiences provide a unique opportunity for children to learn about the native species that call this region home. With subjects that range from dune and beach ecology or sea turtle ecology to “I Spy” at the observation tower or sandy strolls along Gator Lake Trail, it’s the perfect way to enhance your Gulf Shores vacation with a dose of educational fun and adventure. As most talks require a reservation, it’s important to review the schedule and select a time for your family’s visit. No matter which excursion you take, you’re guaranteed to have a day full of discovery and fun.
Habitat Exploration at the Alabama Aquarium
Just a short drive from your Fort Morgan Property Management vacation rental, you’ll find the Alabama Aquarium, an exciting venue that provides hands-on educational experiences aimed at teaching you and your children all about the four key habitats of coastal Alabama. Whether you’re exploring the 10,000-square-foot exhibit hall, peering into the 7,000-gallon stingray touch pool, or walking along the Living Marsh Boardwalk, with over 100 species on display, this is one of the most fun and educational activities for kids in Gulf Shores!
Looking for a more customized visit to the aquarium? Consider booking one of their excursions! Families who book in advance can enjoy several unique activities, such as:
- Salt Marsh Excursion – Become a marine scientist for the day as you learn to collect samples and specimens as you explore the fish, shrimp, and crabs that call the salt marsh home.
- Beach, Dune, and Maritime Forest Excursion – Wander through the unique coastal Alabama landscapes as you dig for crabs and investigate animal habitats. You’ll learn all about the region’s plants and the benefits of a healthy dune system.
- R/V Alabama Discovery Excursion – Enjoy a 2-hour boat trip through the waters surrounding Dauphin Island, where you’ll learn all about the animals around Mobile Bay.
- DISL Research Lab Guided Tour – Recommended for children ages 12 and up, this guided tour provides a behind-the-scenes look into the research labs at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and gives you a first-hand look at the important work scientists do as they study the marine life of the Gulf Coast.
Whether you spend a day at the aquarium or you participate in one of their exciting excursions, the Alabama Aquarium will have everyone in your family learning and having fun on your Gulf Shores vacation.
Lively Animal Interactions at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
If you have a budding Veterinarian or a child who just loves animals, planning a visit to the new Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo should be at the top of your list for a fun and educational activity in Gulf Shores. Beyond exploring the grounds and making your way through the different habitats, they offer Animal Adventures designed to provide you with one-on-one interactive experiences your child will love! Choose from the Kangaroo, Lemur, Giraffe Feeding, or Sloth adventure and enjoy the magic of interacting with some of nature’s most gentle and unique creatures. Each adventure is appropriate for children of all ages and is supervised by a zookeeper to ensure the safety of both you and the animals. With more than 300 animals and 22 endangered species, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will provide hours of educational fun for your kids during your Gulf Shores getaway.
Historical Sites and Museums Near Gulf Shores
Whether your child is obsessed with history or not, they’ll love exploring the historical landmarks near Gulf Shores. At Fort Morgan, you can step into the past and walk the same grounds where soldiers once stood guard during pivotal moments in American history. Built in 1834, it has seen conflicts from the Civil War to World War II and now stands as a window into our military’s past. From the concrete artillery batteries to the museum displaying the military history of Mobile Point, your kids can roam the grounds as they learn all about life inside the fort’s walls.
A short drive away, The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park invites you and your family to tour the ship’s deck, living quarters, mess hall, and mammoth guns, which played a crucial role in historical WW2 battles. For those who’ve never been close to a military battleship, the sheer size is something you never forget. After you tour the ship, take some time to visit the memorials throughout the grounds, or even pack a picnic to enjoy near the water. With so much history so close to your vacation rental, taking the time to see these landmarks is a must as you look for fun and educational activities for kids in Gulf Shores.
Book a Vacation Your Kids Will Love
When it comes to finding the perfect home base for your family’s Gulf Shores vacation, Fort Morgan Property Management offers exceptional homes that position you near all the great activities we mentioned in this blog. Check out Sea Turtle West, especially if you’re traveling with extended family! This four-bedroom, four-bathroom unit is steps from the beach and features a large deck and two community pools, so whether you want fun in the sun or a relaxing day at your rental, you’re all set! For this unit and all our other properties, remember to book direct with Fort Morgan Property Management to lock in the best rate on your rental. Our staff is available to assist you from check-in to check-out and every step along the way as you plan your itinerary of fun and educational activities for kids in Gulf Shores. Ask us for any additional recommendations when you book your rental. We can’t wait to welcome you to Gulf Shores on your next adventure!