Waterville USA is a waterpark and amusement park combined with rides suitable for all ages. The Fun Depot is for smaller children and contains a carousel, a mini-train and a bungee trampoline. They can also enjoy the House of Bounce, an inflatable indoor playground with an obstacle course and slides. The Waterville 500 go-kart track has karts to ride alone or with a passenger. Water rides include a lazy river and a wave pool for tubing. The Black Widow is a thrill-seeking water tube and the Flowrider is for surfing the waves. Families can play together on the 36-hole mini golf course. Older children can enjoy the Cannonball Run wooden rollercoaster.
Waterville USA
906 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-948-2106
www.watervilleusa.com
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is located near the beach and began life in 1989 as the Zooland Animal Park. Today the zoo houses more than 300 animals and operates as a nonprofit organization. The collection includes monkeys, tigers, wolves, bears and lions. There is also a reptile house and an aviary featuring macaws. The petting zoo attracts children and there are animal shows every day during summer.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
1204 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-5732
www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org
The Track is designed for a family outing and is divided into different activities. Go-karting is on two different tracks and there is a choice of single- or double-seated karts. The minimum age to drive is four 4 years. For water fun, the blaster boats take the idea of bumper boats and add water cannons. The adventure mini golf course uses an imaginative layout incorporating waterfalls and tunnels in a riverboat theme. Video games are family friendly in the games arcade. The younger ones have their own area with rides that include a carousel, a ferris wheel and a train. Adrenaline-fueled teens will appreciate the Skycoaster, a ride that simulates skydiving with a fall of 110 feet at 70 m.p.h.
The Track Family Recreation Center
3200 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-8111
www.gulfshorestrack.com
Gulf State Park is an extensive playground for children with two miles of beaches, trails and playing areas. Families can easily spend a whole day enjoying the amenities. There's a beach pavilion for picnics, a beach and pier for fishing and Lake Shelby for freshwater fishing, swimming and water-skiing. The park also has tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course.
Gulf State Park
20115 State Highway 135
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-948-7275
www.alapark.com
