12 More Awesome Family Fun in Alabama
Planning a weekend getaway or summer vacation with the kids? Scouring the internet for someplace fun to take your family? Alabama is home to some of the most fun things to do with family members of all ages.
Keep exploring awesome family attractions in Alabama with another dozen ideas from your friends at Heart of Dixie!
Part 3 of our Family Fun in Alabama series includes mountains of beach sand, thrilling amusement rides, caves, waterfalls, wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures, and so much more.
Don’t forget to check out Part 1 and Part 2 if you’re looking for even more family fun ideas in Alabama.
12 MORE Fun Things to Do in Alabama With Family
1. Gulf State Park – Gulf Shores, Alabama
With over 6,000 acres of outdoor activities and adventures, Gulf State Park is a favorite weekend destination for families from all over Alabama and beyond. Sugar-white beaches, sprawling lakes, hiking trails, and fishing piers are just a few favorites that people of all ages can enjoy for days on end.
Gulf State Park is also home to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system which features over 28 miles of paved walking trails for cyclists, walkers, and wildlife viewing. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for turtles, alligators, bald eagles, and more.
Family Friendly Highlights
* Gulf Beaches
* Nature Center
* Fishing Pier
* Kayaking
* Bicycle Rentals
* Hiking Trails
* Camping
2. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo – Gulf Shores, Alabama
The Little Zoo That Could has become one of Alabama’s favorite zoos for families. Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo to meet giraffes, kangaroos, lemurs, sloths, reptiles, and dozens of other incredible animals up-close and personal.
Kids love seeing all the animals, but what they really enjoy are the educational animal encounters where they can learn about conservation while safely getting up-close with some of earth’s most amazing creatures.
Family Friendly Highlights
* Animal Encounters
* Giraffes
* Reptiles
* Birds
* Educational Exhibits
3. OWA Parks & Resort – Foley, Alabama
Home to exciting amusement rides, family-friendly attractions, shopping, dining, and live entertainment, OWA Parks and Resort is one of Alabama’s favorite places to enjoy an action-packed family vacation.
From coasters and kiddie rides to splash areas and slow-paced walking through Downtown OWA, every member of your family is sure to find something they love here.
In addition to having a ton of fun year-round, OWA regularly hosts concerts, festivals, holiday celebrations, and other special events the whole family can enjoy.
Family Friendly Highlights
* Roller coasters
* Kiddie rides
* Splash pad
* Restaurants
* Shopping
* Live entertainment
4. Alligator Alley – Summerdale, Alabama
Take a walk on the wild side at Alligator Alley. Families stroll along elevated boardwalks overlooking natural wetlands while gazing upon hundreds of rescued alligators who now call Alligator Alley home.
Wildlife experts host interactive demonstrations to teach guests about Alabama’s native wildlife and the importance of preserving these magnificent creatures for generations to come.
Family Friendly Highlights
* Elevated boardwalks
* Alligator feeding
* Wildlife education
* Nature photography
5. Cathedral Caverns State Park – Woodville, Alabama
Venture beneath your feet and explore one of Alabama’s many spectacular caves at Cathedral Caverns State Park.
Just some of the incredible underground sights include one of the largest cave entrances in the world, gigantic stalagmites, amazing rock formations, and impressive underground chambers that have been carved out by flowing water over thousands of years.
Don’t worry – you won’t need to hike or climb anywhere. Guided tours make this a fun and educational family adventure.
Family Friendly Highlights
* Guided cave tours
* Giant cave entrance
* Underground formations
* Nature trails
6. DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park – Childersburg, Alabama
Mini golf, gemstone mining, laser tag, playgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a fascinating tour through one of Alabama’s most beautiful caves. DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park is a fantastic choice for a fun-filled day with the family.
Family Friendly Highlights
* Cave tours
* Gem mining
* Mini golf
* Playground
* Laser maze
7. Rickwood Caverns State Park – Warrior, Alabama
Rickwood Caverns is known for its beautiful, crystal clear underground caverns and geological history. In addition to the amazing sights inside the cave, families can enjoy a seasonal swimming area, picnic areas, and hiking trails above ground as well.
Family Friendly Highlights
* Cave tours
* Swimming
* Hiking
* Picnic areas
8. Noccalula Falls Park – Gadsden, Alabama
Noccalula Falls is one of Alabama’s most recognizable waterfalls. Towering over 90 feet as it crashes into a picturesque gorge, this waterfall is beautiful year-round.
Noccalula Falls Park is also home to a miniature train ride, botanical gardens, petting zoo, camping, playgrounds, and scenic walking trails.
Family Friendly Highlights
* Waterfall
* Miniature train
* Botanical gardens
* Petting zoo
* Scenic trails
9. Ave Maria Grotto – Cullman, Alabama
Known as “Jerusalem in Miniature” Ave Maria Grotto is a must-see attraction for family-friendly adventure seekers. This unique attraction features over 125 miniature versions of famous landmarks from around the world.
Instead of browsing boring exhibits, families spend their time wandering the beautifully landscaped gardens and checking out these fun tiny landmarks.
Family Friendly Highlights
* Miniature landmarks
* Walking gardens
* Educational exhibits
* Family photography
10. Jesse Owens Memorial Park & Museum – Oakville, Alabama
Celebrate the incredible life of Olympic Champion Jesse Owens at his birthplace just outside of Oakville, Alabama.
Explore interactive exhibits that tell the remarkable story of one of America’s greatest athletes while inspiring your children to dream big and never give up.
Family Friendly Highlights
* Olympic history
* Museum
* Walking paths
* Educational exhibits
11. Lake Guntersville State Park
Do your kids love spending time outdoors? If so, then Lake Guntersville State Park is a great option to consider for your next family vacation.
Fishing, hiking, bald eagle watching, camping, scenic overlooks, and lakeside recreation are just a few favorite activities that Lake Guntersville offers throughout the year.
Family Friendly Highlights
* Fishing
* Hiking
* Eagle watching
* Lodge
* Scenic overlooks
12. Butter and Egg Adventures – Troy, Alabama
We couldn’t write a list about family fun in Alabama and not include Butter and Egg Adventures!
Located on 48 wooded acres in beautiful downtown Troy, Butter and Egg Adventures gives families the chance to enjoy exciting outdoor adventures together.
Butter and Egg Adventures is different than most attractions because they don’t just offer one activity. Instead, they provide a variety of fun-filled activities that your family can enjoy all in one location. Spend the day here and you’ll never want to leave.
Family members of all ages can zip line through the trees (twenty of them! ), tackle thrilling aerial adventure courses, canoe down the river, compete in outdoor laser tag, solve the Escape Room, climb the unique adventure elements, or just hang out as a family in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Birthday parties, family reunions, youth groups, church retreats, and weekend getaways are very popular at Butter and Egg Adventures as well.
Family Friendly Highlights
* 20 Zip Lines
* Aerial Adventure Courses
* Outdoor Laser Tag
* Escape Room
* Canoeing
* Team Challenges
* Birthday Parties
* Family Adventures
Ready to Plan Your Next Alabama Family Adventure?
From hiking adventures and hidden caves to relaxing beaches and interactive museums, Alabama is full of fun things to do with family members of all ages. Not only will you and your family have a blast exploring everything our beautiful state has to offer, you’ll also make lasting memories that will last a lifetime.
So what are you waiting for? Continue checking out our Alabama travel guides to find more fun ideas for your next Alabama family vacation.