You planned a beach vacation. The kids are ready to hit the sand, the swimsuits are packed, and then you check the weather forecast. Rain.
We've spent plenty of time vacationing in Gulf Shores with our kids, and while most of our favorite activities involve sunshine, we've learned that a little rain doesn't have to ruin the day.
Whether you're trying to fill an hour between showers or looking for something to do when the beach is out of the question, there are some great indoor things to do in Gulf Shores with kids. And you don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money to enjoy them.
Here are a few things our family has enjoyed, along with some other popular indoor attractions worth considering for kids of all ages, including teenagers. We've even included a couple of worthwhile day trips to Orange Beach, Foley, and Pensacola.
Quick Guide: Where to Go When It Rains in Gulf Shores
For a quick, inexpensive outing: Explore the Shark Store, Octopus Store, and Alvin’s Island, or visit the Gulf State Park Nature Center.
For arcade games and friendly competition: Try Fat Daddy’s Arcade or Jurassic Golf.
For a bigger adventure: Explore the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola or spend the day at Tropic Falls at OWA.
For a family meal: Head to GTs on the Bay in Orange Beach.
1. Explore the Shark Store, Octopus Store, and Alvin's Island
Best for: All ages, especially younger kids
Cost: Free to browse
Location: Downtown Gulf Shores
This might sound like a funny place to start a list of rainy-day activities, but our kids absolutely love it.
Whenever we're in Gulf Shores, they get excited about visiting what we call the Shark Store and the Octopus Store. Their actual names are Souvenir City and Purple Octopus, but honestly, saying "We're going to the Shark Store!" is half the fun.
Souvenir City has a giant shark mouth for an entrance, and there's even a pirate ship around the back that serves as a second entrance. Purple Octopus has an enormous purple octopus outside. Both stores have plenty of fun photo opportunities, inside and out.
We've taken some great pictures of our kids inside a hammerhead shark's mouth, and there are plenty of other fun spots to discover. At nearby Alvin's Island, our kids enjoyed getting their picture taken with an alligator on a surfboard!
Inside the stores, our kids love checking out the hermit crabs, wandering through the toy aisles, and seeing what unusual treasures they can find. There's everything from shells and beach souvenirs to toys, T-shirts, and personalized items with kids' names on them.
Sometimes we'll give our kids a dollar limit and let them each pick something out. Other times, we just wander around and explore.
You never quite know what you'll find, and that's part of the fun.
We especially like these shops because they don't require much planning or a big financial commitment. They're an easy way to turn a rainy hour into something the kids actually look forward to.
Our tip: Set a small souvenir budget before going inside. And don't forget to look for the fun photo spots. Sometimes those pictures become better souvenirs than anything you buy!
Visit Souvenir City's official website
2. Discover Gulf Coast Wildlife at the Gulf State Park Nature Center
Best for: Younger kids, animal lovers, and curious families
Cost: Free admission; campground vehicle entry fee may apply
Location: Gulf State Park Campground, Orange Beach
If your kids enjoy animals and learning about nature, the Gulf State Park Nature Center is a worthwhile stop.
We've visited with our family, and our kids really enjoyed seeing the different animals. One of our highlights was attending an Alligator Adventures program where they learned about alligators, saw a baby alligator up close, and even got to touch one!
The Nature Center is a small living museum featuring plants and animals native to Alabama's Gulf Coast. They have animal ambassadors that include turtles, snakes, owls, alligators, and other wildlife.
But what really makes this place worth visiting is the opportunity to attend one of their educational programs.
If your kids enjoy wildlife, we'd highly recommend checking the program calendar before your visit. Finding a program that interests them can make the experience even more memorable.
This isn't an enormous indoor museum where you'll spend an entire day. Some activities take place outdoors, so it's better for lighter rain or days when storms are passing through.
But for families who want something educational, inexpensive, and a little different from the typical beach attractions, it's a great option.
Our tip: Check the Gulf State Park activities calendar before visiting. We really enjoyed the animal program we attended, and we'd recommend planning around one if you can.
The Nature Center is generally open Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM, and is closed Sundays and certain holidays. Admission is free, though the park currently lists a $5 vehicle entry fee for day visitors to the campground, with some exemptions.
We've shared more about our experience in our Gulf State Park Nature Center review.
Official Nature Center information
3. Challenge the Kids at Fat Daddy's Arcade
Best for: Elementary-age kids through teenagers
Cost: Pay to play
Location: 3200 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores
When everyone needs a little excitement without getting soaked, an arcade is an easy option.
Fat Daddy's Arcade at The Track in Gulf Shores has more than 40 arcade games, including prize games, ticket games, and interactive favorites.
It's the kind of place where younger kids can enjoy trying to win tickets while older kids and teenagers compete for high scores.
One advantage is that you can decide how much to spend. Rather than paying for an expensive full-day activity, you can set a game budget and enjoy a little indoor entertainment.
The Track also has outdoor attractions, including go-karts and other rides, but the arcade is the part to focus on when it's raining.
Our tip: Set the arcade budget before walking in. Those game credits can disappear surprisingly quickly!
There's also a larger Fat Daddy's Arcade location in Orange Beach if your family wants even more games.
Fat Daddy's Arcade — Gulf Shores location
4. Play Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf at Jurassic Golf
Best for: Kids, teenagers, and parents who enjoy a little competition
Cost: Paid admission
Location: Pelican Place Shopping Center, Gulf Shores
Mini golf is a classic beach vacation activity, but most courses aren't much fun in the rain.
Jurassic Golf solves that problem with an entirely indoor, glow-in-the-dark dinosaur-themed course.
The attraction features 18 holes of miniature golf in a prehistoric setting, making it a fun alternative when the weather isn't cooperating.
This is a particularly nice option if your family wants something that everyone can participate in together. Younger kids can enjoy the dinosaurs and glowing scenery, while older kids and teenagers can get competitive about their scores.
You also don't need to dedicate an entire day to it.
Our tip: This could be a great option when the forecast calls for a rainy afternoon but you don't want to commit to something much larger or more expensive.
Jurassic Golf doesn't require reservations for regular family visits. Check its current hours before heading over, especially during the off-season.
Jurassic Golf official website and admission information
5. Explore the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola
Best for: Kids of all ages, teenagers, and aviation enthusiasts
Cost: Free museum admission and parking
Location: Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida
If you're willing to drive a little farther from Gulf Shores, the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola is one of the most impressive free attractions we've visited with our kids.
And it's an excellent option for a full rainy day.
The museum has a collection of more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft, with an incredible number of full-size planes displayed indoors. Walking through the enormous museum and seeing those aircraft up close is pretty amazing, even if your kids aren't especially interested in airplanes.
Our kids especially enjoyed getting to sit in the cockpit of one of the Blue Angels aircraft displays. They also thought the Life on an Aircraft Carrier walkthrough was really cool, along with the Pacific Island exhibit that shows what life was like during World War II.
There's so much to look at, and the sheer size and variety of the aircraft make it a memorable experience for both kids and adults.
One of the best parts? Museum admission and parking are completely free.
There are also optional paid attractions, including flight simulators and a giant-screen theater, if your family wants to do even more.
Bonus: Watch the Blue Angels Practice
We also had the opportunity to watch the Blue Angels practice while we were there.
As parents, we thought it was incredible to see those jets flying so close together. Our kids weren't quite as impressed. They thought it was pretty loud and hot!
Still, it's an amazing experience, especially considering that watching the practice is free.
If you're interested, check the official Blue Angels practice schedule before your trip. Practices happen on select dates and are outdoors, so they're a bonus for good-weather days rather than a rainy-day activity.
And here's something we learned: Allow plenty of extra time if you're driving from Gulf Shores to watch a practice. Public visitors enter through one designated gate, and traffic can back up significantly. You don't want to make the drive only to miss the show while waiting to get on base.
For younger children, consider bringing hearing protection and preparing for the heat if you attend an outdoor practice.
Important: Know Before You Go
The museum is located on an active U.S. Navy base, so there are special entry requirements.
U.S. citizens ages 18 and older currently need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or valid U.S. passport to enter. Public visitors must use the West Gate off Blue Angel Parkway, with gate access generally available from 9 AM to 3 PM.
The museum itself is generally open from 9 AM to 4 PM daily, except certain holidays. Bags are restricted, and vehicles may be searched.
Our tip: Double-check the current base-access requirements before leaving Gulf Shores. And if there's a Blue Angels practice scheduled, plan extra travel time and arrive early.
National Naval Aviation Museum — official visitor information
6. Turn a Rainy Afternoon Into a Family Meal at GTs on the Bay
Best for: Families of all ages
Cost: Restaurant meal
Location: 26189 Canal Road, Orange Beach
Not every rainy-day activity needs to involve buying tickets or planning an excursion. Sometimes a good meal is exactly what the family needs.
One restaurant our family really enjoys is GTs on the Bay in Orange Beach.
First of all, the food is fantastic. Two of our favorites are the Firecracker Shrimp and Chicken Carbonara. If you're looking for a good meal with the family, we'd highly recommend giving GTs a try.
But what really makes this restaurant stand out for families is the atmosphere.
There's a spacious indoor dining room as well as a huge covered outdoor patio overlooking Wolf Bay. When the weather is nice, there's a sandy playground area where the kids can play while you're waiting for a table or food.
Our kids have done really well waiting here because they have something fun to do instead of just sitting around.
There's also a pier you can walk out on for beautiful views of the bay when it's not raining. And if you happen to catch live music while eating under the covered patio, that's another highlight. We've really enjoyed the musicians we've heard there.
Of course, if it's pouring rain, the playground and pier won't be much help. But the indoor dining area makes GTs a nice option for escaping the weather and enjoying a relaxing lunch or dinner together.
Our tip: If rain is in the forecast, plan on indoor seating. If the weather clears, let the kids enjoy the playground or take a walk out on the pier after your meal.
GTs on the Bay official website and menu
And if you're looking for another family-friendly restaurant with indoor seating, we've also enjoyed Villaggio Grille at The Wharf, especially their wood-fired pizzas.
7. Make a Full Day of It at Tropic Falls at OWA
Best for: Families wanting a bigger outing, including older kids and teenagers
Cost: Higher-priced attraction
Location: Foley, Alabama
If the weather forecast is calling for a full day of rain and you're willing to spend more for a bigger activity, Tropic Falls at OWA is worth considering.
OWA is a large entertainment destination in Foley with shops, restaurants, a theme park, and an indoor waterpark.
Our family has visited OWA, and we were impressed by how nice the overall facility is. We haven't personally tried the indoor waterpark, but it looks like a fun option for a rainy day.
Tropic Falls includes indoor waterslides and other water attractions beneath a convertible glass roof. For families with kids and teenagers who still want to spend the day swimming despite the weather, that's a pretty appealing alternative to the beach.
There are a couple of important things to consider.
First, this is one of the more expensive choices on our list, especially for a larger family.
Second, while the waterpark is indoors, the outdoor theme park rides may close because of weather conditions.
Finally, Tropic Falls operates on a changing schedule, so don't assume it'll be open just because it's raining.
Our tip: Check the operating calendar and ticket prices before driving to Foley. This is an activity worth planning ahead for rather than deciding on at the last minute.
Explore Tropic Falls at OWA
Check current tickets and hours
Sometimes the Best Rainy-Day Plan Is Staying at Your Beach House
Here's one more option that doesn't require getting everyone back into the car.
Stay in!
One of the things we've learned from vacationing with our family is that not every moment needs to be scheduled.
Sometimes a rainy afternoon is a good excuse to slow down. Play a board game, make a fun lunch, watch a movie together, or let everyone enjoy a little downtime.
It's also one of the reasons we appreciate staying in a vacation home rather than a small hotel room. Having room to spread out, a kitchen, and places to gather can make a big difference when the weather keeps everyone inside.
At The White Palm, our family-friendly Gulf Shores vacation home, we've created our own little mini arcade with two arcade machines. One includes at least 10 classic arcade games to choose from.
When our kids are at The White Palm, it's easy for them to spend plenty of time right there, competing, trying different games, and having fun without ever leaving the house.
And sometimes that's exactly what you need on a rainy afternoon.
After all, slowing down and spending time together is part of vacation, too.
A Few Final Tips for Rainy Days in Gulf Shores
Before giving up on your beach plans completely, keep a few things in mind:
- Check the hourly forecast. A rainy forecast doesn't always mean rain all day. You may still have plenty of time for the beach between showers.
- Keep a short list of backup activities. Pick one inexpensive option and one bigger outing before your trip, so you aren't researching attractions with disappointed kids in the car.
- Check operating hours before leaving. Some indoor attractions have seasonal hours, limited schedules, or special event closures.
- Plan for different ages. Younger kids may love exploring souvenir shops, while older kids and teenagers might prefer arcades, mini golf, or water slides.
- Don't underestimate a quiet afternoon. It's okay if your rainy-day plan ends up being a movie, a snack, and some quality family time.
And if thunderstorms are nearby, skip the beach, pool, and exposed outdoor activities until conditions are safe.
Rain Doesn't Have to Ruin Your Gulf Shores Vacation
Gulf Shores is best known for its beautiful beaches, but there's more to a family vacation than sunshine.
Some of our family's favorite simple outings have involved wandering through the Shark Store, discovering souvenirs, learning about animals, exploring incredible aircraft, or sitting down for a good meal together.
Whether you choose one of those smaller activities or make a bigger day of it at an indoor attraction, there are plenty of ways to make memories with your kids when the weather changes.
Hopefully the sun comes back out soon. But if it doesn't, you've still got some great options!