Top 10 Rainy Day Activities in Gulf Shores

Rainy days don’t have to dampen your family’s vacation spirits in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and its surrounding areas, including the Alabama communities of Fort Morgan and Orange Beach and Perdido Key, Florida. While the beautiful beaches may be momentarily off-limits (because the showers usually don’t last long), there are plenty of exciting indoor activities nearby that promise to keep the whole family entertained. From interactive museums to thrilling indoor adventures, here are our top 10 rainy-day activities and attractions for families vacationing along the Gulf Coast in Alabama and Florida. Read on for our favorite things to do in Gulf Shores when it’s raining.

Dive into Adventure at The Factory (Gulf Shores, AL):

Escape the rain and head to The Factory in Gulf Shores, an indoor trampoline park packed with thrilling activities. Jump around on 15,000 square feet of trampolines. Challenge the kids to a game of dodgeball. Master the ninja obstacle course’s spider wall, shifting ladder and other challenges along the way. At The Factory, you’ll also find a climbing tower, a flight simulator, batting cages, arcade games and ice cream machines! Make it a cool day at The Factory in Gulf Shores.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (Gulf Shores, AL):

When it’s a light sprinkle or you just need a break from the beach, head over the Intracoastal Canal Waterway Bridge to experience the wonders of wildlife at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. From playful primates to majestic big cats, the zoo offers a captivating experience for the entire family. The zoo has a gift shop, a carousel and more spread out over 25 acres with wide pathways offering views of the exhibits. Take a break and enjoy lunch or dinner at The Safari Club.

Unleash Creativity at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach (Orange Beach, AL):

Indulge in the arts at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach. This cultural hub showcases local artwork and offers interactive workshops for all ages. Let your creativity flow as you participate in pottery classes, painting sessions or glass-blowing demonstrations. Take home your unique masterpiece as a souvenir, purchase an original piece of art from the gift shop, participate in a summer art camp, or take on a scavenger hunt in the art gallery. When the rain subsides, visit Orange Beach Kids Park, located just next door.

Discover History at Fort Morgan (Fort Morgan, AL):

Step back in time and explore historic Fort Morgan. Located at the entrance of Mobile Bay, this fort played a crucial role in several wars. Wander through its well-preserved grounds, visit the museum, and learn about the fort’s fascinating history. When it’s raining, step inside the museum to explore captivating exhibits exploring the fort’s history as the protector of Mobile Bay. For more ideas on places to explore, visit this blog.

Play in Paradise at Tropic Falls at OWA (Foley, AL):

Just a short drive north of Gulf Shores in Foley, the new Tropic Falls at OWA is an indoor waterpark with 23 rides and attractions, including 75-foot-tall slides beneath a convertible glass roof. When the rain subsides, head outside to the new Big Water Bay wave pool with surf simulator, Coastal Curl. Your Tropic Falls ticket also entitles you to explore the Tropic Falls Theme Park, with attractions like Citrus Cyclone, Forbidden Falls, Serpentine Swirl and Tangerine Scream. For the little ones, Tuki’s Tower is a kid-friendly tropical play structure with five slides and a dump-bucket tower. A day at Tropic Falls at OWA is one of many fun things to do in Gulf Shores when it’s raining.

Delve into History at the Foley Railroad Museum (Foley, AL):

Take a journey through time at the Foley Railroad Museum. Open Monday through Thursday, the museum is housed in the former depot building, built in 1909. Discover the rich history of Foley’s railroads through exhibits, artifacts and vintage train cars. Learn about the significant role the railroad played in the region’s development and enjoy the educational displays that capture the spirit of the past. There’s also a delightful O-scale model train display covering 1,200 square feet of tabletop that includes a detailed model town, farming community, country fair, potato shed and outdoor drive-in movie theater. Make it a train day when you’re looking for things to do in Gulf Shores when it’s raining!

Experience Thrills at Arena: The Next Level (Orange Beach, AL):

Take gaming to the next level at Arena: The Next Level in Orange Beach. An arcade and amusement venue at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Arena: The Next Level features an arcade with more than 60 arcade and redemption games; Bazooka Ball, a high-adrenaline combat game where teams shoot foam balls at each other using CO2-powered paintball guns; and laser tag.

Enjoy Retail Therapy at Tanger Outlets (Foley, AL):

If shopping is your family’s idea of fun, head to Tanger Outlets in Foley. With a vast selection of designer brands and discounted prices, this indoor shopping destination provides the perfect escape from the rain. Browse through a variety of stores, from fashion and accessories to home goods and electronics. For a late summer or fall vacation, Tanger is a great place to shop for school clothes, Christmas gifts and comfortable resort wear items.

Unwind with a Family Movie Day:

Sometimes, a rainy day calls for a cozy movie session. Visit one of the local theaters in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach and catch the latest blockbuster or a family-friendly classic. Snuggle up with popcorn and enjoy quality time together while the rain taps on the windows.

Explore the Gulf Coast at the Exploreum Science Center and IMAX Theater (Mobile, AL):

Embark on an educational adventure at the Exploreum Science Center, about an hour’s drive from Gulf Shores in Mobile, Alabama. This interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits, live science demonstrations and a fascinating IMAX theater experience. Discover the wonders of science, technology and nature while entertaining everyone indoors for a few hours.

Even when it does rain at the beach, the showers tend to be brief. Even so, there’s no need to let rainy days put a damper on your family’s Gulf Coast vacation. Embrace opportunities for adventure and exploration by trying these top 10 rainy-day activities near Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, Foley and Perdido Key. Whether you prefer educational experiences, thrilling adventures or creative pursuits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make the most of your time indoors and create cherished memories together by enjoying these fun things to do in Gulf Shores when it’s raining.

Start planning your Gulf Coast adventure by reserving your favorite vacation rental from Current Tides. Book direct to save on your vacation.