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We just spent the best Fall weekend in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with our two teenagers. The weather was perfect, and we found a great blend of relaxation and fun outings to keep everyone engaged. Honestly, there are so are family activities and fun things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Today, I want to specifically share my top 17 fun things to do with teenagers in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama. But first, let’s take a quick look at what you need to know before planning your trip and some reccomendations on where to stay with you to visit Alabama’s beaches.
Planning A Trip To Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
If you have yet you visit Alabama’s white sand beaches, you are in for a treat! Not only are the beaches gorgous, but there are so many fun things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for families.
These two communities are adjacent to one another and located in the southwest corner of Alabama and offer 32 miles of wide white sand beaches with plentiful beach access for all. The entire area is very family-friendly, and you can find live music somewhere almost daily!
I love the Gulf Shores / Orange Beach area because it is a very doable family road trip destination for much of the Southeast and Midwest. Overall, accommodations are affordable. Here, you can truly have a laid-back family beach trip that doesn’t require a bunch of additional planning. Just pick a few activities, but then spend the rest of your time enjoying the beach and great restaurants!
Click here for more information about planning a trip to the Alabama beaches.
Where To Stay With Teenagers At The Alabama Beaches
As I am sure you can imagine, there are a lot of options when it comes to accommodations in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. The great news is that you shouldn’t have a hard time finding beachfront accommodations if that is what you desire.
Depending on your group’s makeup, there are numerous hotels, such as the Lodge At Gulf State Park, as well as vacation rental homes and condos in Orange Beah and Gulf Shores. You’re sure to find a perfect fit.
On our trip last weekend, our family stayed in a 3 bedroom, 2 bath unit at the Regatta Condominiums. I give a tour in this Instagram reel. Having older kids, we appreciate the extra space like in many of the Young’s Suncoast managed vacation rentals. Plus, it was a real treat having that private balcony overlooking the sand. Plus, it was walkable to The Hangout at the center of Gulf Shores and near other fun things to do in Gulf Shores!
Other popular places for families to book lodging in Gulf Shores Orange Beach include Turquoise Place by Spectrum Resorts, the numerous Phoenix properties, and more. Trust me when I say that you are surely going to be able to find the perfect accommodations for your family!
Click here for more information about family accommodations in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.
17 Fun Things To Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach With Teenagers
Now, let’s look at some of my top reccomendations for fun things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with teenagers! Our family has been able to do most of these and I can personally vouch for them. So, look through this list with your kids and see what piques their interest.
#1 Try Parasailing
There are various options for single, double, and even triple parasailing in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! Most of these will be located in the Orange Beach area because that’s where the majority of the marinas are. Have you ever been parasailing?
#2 Race Go Carts At The Track
Located in Gulf Shores, The Track offers multiple go-cart racing tracks, and my kids loved doing this last weekend. Matt road with them, and after go-carts, we spent some time in the arcade. They also have a high-flying sky coaster and other attractions if your teenagers are craving even more adrenaline.
#3 Catch A Concert
Would you believe that tonight, Post Malone is playing at The Wharf in Orange Beach? The Gulf Shores / Orange Beach area is great for catching live music. They are known for their iconic music festivals, such as the Hangout Music Festival and the Frank Brown Songwriter’s Festival, but also host numerous big-name concerts!
Check out the local events calendar before your trip!
#4 Take Sandcastle Lessons
At first thought, you may think this is best for little kids, but it’s actually quite the opposite! When you book sandcastle lessons with Sandcastle University, your family can try their hand at a castle or sculpture. I have actually done this twice myself, but Abby and Jake got to try it for the first time last weekend. They loved it. This is one of the most fun things to do in Gulf Shores!
Lessons are priced at around:
- $200 for 1-5 people
- $250 for 6-10 people
- $300 for 11-15 people
These prices are for the entire group, making this a fun activity with friends or a multigenerational beach trip. Plus, they come to you!
#5 Ride E-Bikes At Gulf State Park
Visit Gulf State Park and rent e-bikes to explore the 28 miles of trails. It’s one of the most popular things to do at Gulf Shores State Park. You can also opt for a Segway tour. The choice is yours!
You can also use the regular bikes for FREE through Gulf State Park’s bike share program. You’ll just need to download their app and can use them for up to 3 hours. We did this last weekend, and it was so convenient.
TIP: Eat at Woodside in Gulf State Park for great food and a fun outdoor atmosphere.
#6 Rent Jet Skis
If your teenagers are reading this with you, I bet this got their attention! There are a variety of jet ski rental options in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, some in the Gulf of Mexico and others in the bay and along the intercoastal. I have even seen jet skis pulling a banana boat if that is more your speed!
#7 Take Sailing Lessons
Visit the Wind and Water Learning Center for their summer sailing camps or private/small group sailing lessons from March to May and September to November. This is at the top of our Orange Beach bucket list!
Click here for more information!
#8 Book An Escape Room
There are a few different Escape Rooms in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area, and this is one of my favorite family travel activities! Likewise, escape rooms are a great idea for rainy day activities at the beach. Below are some options.
#9 Get Fancy Milkshakes
One thing I know for certain as the mother of two teenagers is that they can eat! So, take your kids out for some fancy Milkshakes. The Yard Milkshake Bar in Gulf Shores is one of our go-to places, but also check out Milkshake Mama in Orange Beach, Alabama.
#10 Get Creative At The Coastal Arts Center
This should be at the top of the list, but of course, this post is in no particular order. But, the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach is a true hidden gem. Here, in additonal to browsing the art of perusing the gift shop, your family can take part in actual art classes.
I had the opportunity to try glass blowing at the Coastal Arts Center last Spring and really enjoyed it. Abby and I have this on our bucket list for our next trip. Additionally, they offer clay classes and other adult art classes, some for ages 16+.
#11 Enjoy The Pool
Most of the hotels and condominiums have great pools, many heated in the off-season. So, don’t overplan your days. Leave time for laying around by the pool, listening to music, and let them sleep in. Sure there are so many fun things to do in Gulf Shores, but sometimes they want just to relax. It’s their vacation, too!
#12 Spend The Day At Tropic Falls & OWA
If your hotel doesn’t have a pool, or you are looking for something more intense, pop up to OWA and spend the day at Tropic Falls! Enjoy numerous water slides under the glass roof and even some theme park rides outside.
#13 Give Geocaching A Try
The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area is surprisingly great for geocaching! If you aren’t familiar with this geo-based treasure hunt, read my post here. I think geocaching is a fantastic family activity, especially for teenagers who have their own phones and accounts to log their finds.
#14 Animal Encounters At The Gulf Coast Zoo
Your teenagers may think they are too old for a trip to the zoo, but once you tell them that they can feed Lemurs or get up close to a sloth, they may change their minds! These animal adventures are an add-on to your regular Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo admission ticket. Still, at $24.95 each, I find them to be very reasonable for such a unique experience.
#15 Take A Swing At Mini Golf
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, have a variety of different mini golf courses to choose from. And this is one of the quintessential fun outdoor activities for a family vacation. So, choose the one nearest you, or let your teenagers pick one out. Play 9 or 18 holes, and for a little extra fun, wager on the game. Does the loser have to pay for milkshakes later?
If your older kids like to golf, there are some great golf courses nearby as well.
#16 Go Boating
There are so many ways to get out onto the water in Orange Beach! You can book a catamaran tour or rent a pontoon boat for your family. Last weekend, we rented a really nice pontoon from Perdido Beach Service and spent four hours cruising around the bay. There is usually a pretty good chance you’ll see dolphins, too!
If you don’t want to captain your boat, consider booking with Hammock Time Tiki Tours. Their boat actually has a bathroom on it, too!
#17 Hit The Beach
You’re going to be visiting some of the United State’s most beautiful beaches, so make sure to enjoy it! Whether your teenagers want to lay around or try their hand at skimboarding or beach volleyball, there is an endless beachfront to enjoy when visiting the Alabama beaches.
Plan Your Trip To The Alabama Beaches
As you can see there are so many fun things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with teenagers! It truly is one of the best family vacation destinations for anyone wanting the perfect mix of laid-back beach vibes and fun activities.
Use the following links to help plan your trip to the Alabama beaches. Use the main menu navigation to find exactly what you are looking for. There are so many family friendly options for visitors to choose from.
More Alabama Travel Inspiration
Before your trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, make sure to read through my other Alabama Beaches blog posts, which cover everything from glass blowing at the Coastal Arts Center to reading the Beach Flag system. They are full of fun things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama!
Here are some posts that you may enjoy!
- Visiting Gulf Shores In The Fall
- Understanding The Beach Flags
- AL Beaches Weekend Itinerary
- The Lodge At Gulf State Park
- Things To Do On Red Flag Days
- Glass Blowing At The Arts Center
Happy travels, and make sure to grab your free Alabama Beaches vacation guide to help with planning your trip!
PIN: Fun Things To Do In Gulf Shores For Later
