There are several activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach that the entire family will find entertaining. From putt-putt golf and go-karts to arcades and water parks there is something for everyone. Sometimes, though, the more adventurous family members can get bored with the same activities year in and year out and want something a little different. No worries, the Gulf Coast has the bases covered there as well. Here are three activities you can find near the coast that everyone can enjoy but are more interesting for those looking for something a little out of the box.
Hit the Rails at the Gulf Shores Skate Park
Not many people know that there is a skateboard park located in Gulf Shores. Located on West 3rd Street, the park is open Monday – Saturday from 12pm to 8pm and from 1pm to 8pm on Sundays during the spring and summer season. During fall and winter, the hours change to 3:30pm – 8pm Monday – Friday and from 1pm – 8pm on Saturday and Sunday. The “street oriented” park features half pipes, quarter pipes, rails and more. The skate park is located next to the Gulf Shores Kids Park and the Bodenhamer Center which offers family friendly activities and facilities like indoor and outdoor pools, a game center, basketball courts, dry sauna, fitness center and more.
Hold an Alligator at Alligator Alley
Alligator Alley opened in 2004 and is now home to over 450 alligators. All of the residents at Alligator Alley were transferred to the farm after being found in areas with a heavy human population. Take a guided tour of the facility where you can see the feeding crew enter the alligator’s habitat to feed them, and even
get the chance to hold a baby alligator. Alligator Alley is also the home to the world famous Captain Crunch. Crunch is known for holding the world record for measured bite strength coming in at almost 3,000 pounds! Alligator Alley is open seven days a week from 10am – 5pm. Admission is $10 per person for adults, $8 per person for children age four to twelve and children three and under get in free.
Enter a Futuristic War Zone at The Gulf Bowl
The Gulf Bowl has been a favorite hangout spot for locals since 1959. Don’t let this bowling alley’s age fool you, the owners have made continuous improvements and additions to keep this place on the cutting edge of family entertainment. Their newest addition may be their most fun yet, a multi-level laser tag arena that pits teams of friends and families against others in a battle for laser tag dominance. If teamwork isn’t your thing, then cover your own back and play chaos mode where it’s every man and woman for themselves. The Gulf Bowl also features an arcade with over 30 games and a redemption counter as well as 24 bowling lanes. There is also an on-site restaurant, Captain’s Choice, that offers seafood as well southern favorites like fried pickles and corn fritters.
We hope you find these suggestions helpful. Let us know if you have found any fun and unique activities that your family enjoys during your trips to the coast. If you’re interested in learning more about activities in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area, check out our blog’s activities page for more info.
