April Boone

Family-friendly Attractions on the Alabama Gulf Coast

Traveling with the family can be a challenge under normal circumstances. When the family consists of multiple generations, the challenge is that much more. Take time before the trip to do some planning and you can avoid a lot of the headaches.

Whether it is a quick weekend excursion or a week (or two!) away from home, there always is something fun to do at the Alabama Gulf Coast.

No matter how many children – or, even better, generations -- come along, age-appropriate attractions are mere minutes from most any coastal accommodations.

A treasure trove of resources is available at the local tourism website. For those who prefer to leave as much planning as possible to the professionals, there are many packages available. Click on the “Packages & Deals” tab to see rental properties that include access or admission to local attractions.

One such deal is a “Dolphin Cruise Kit.” The package includes a blue dolphin cruise for four; a dinner gift certificate, two disposable cameras and photo albums. Not only can you make family memories, you also can capture them for a lifetime and have them to share.

Other packages include golfing, free video rentals, deep-sea fishing and water-park admission.

If you already have a favorite place to play, skip over to the “Things To Do” tab. Check out the “Calendar” link to find out what will be happening in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach during your stay. From late June through the end of the year, for example, the LA Fleet Feet Run Club Gulf Shores meets Tuesday evenings at the end of Highway 59 next to The Hangout. Bring the family along for runs or walks on several courses, including a 5K or 10K along West Beach or a 5-mile jog through Gulf State Park. Participants may enjoy the beach or meet old and new friends before and after the fitness fun.

In Orange Beach, check out the Nature of the Beach Guided Beach Tours. Offered from late July through November, Capt. Skip will take participants on a 90-minute beach walk and will explain where sand, water and salt come from.

The description provided on the website continues: “The first half of the trip, we'll do some experiments to prove buoyancy and salinity. The second half, we'll identify dune plants, birds, shells and whatever else we can find on the beach.” There is a lot more, but to find out what's included, you'll have to visit the website – or hook up with Capt. Skip.

For something a bit less physical, check out the Beach Art Center in Orange Beach. Classes in all sorts of arts and crafts are offered, and classes are available for many ages.

To keep youngsters, teens, tweens and even the young-at-heart members of the family entertained, there are a number of miniature golf facilities, plus the Track Recreation Center in Gulf Shores, where bumper cars, go-karts and an arcade can provide hours of laughs and miles of smiles. The truly fearless can take a ride on the Skycoaster, while those who prefer something a bit tamer can kick back in the refreshment center.

Orange Beach offers Adventure Island, which has many of the same attractions. It also offers bumper boats, laser tag, 100 arcade games and a volcano that erupts nightly.

Whether you are seeking a quiet retreat or an action-packed getaway, the Alabama Gulf Coast has something for everyone in the family.

For complete vacation planning information, visit www.thebeachiscalling.org.

Article Tags: Alabama Gulf Coast, Alabama Gulf, Gulf Coast

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