It’s summertime! Time to make the most of every last minute of sunshine, warm weather, no school, no worries. The Mobile Bay area has endless ways to get outside and enjoy our beautiful natural world, challenge yourself with sports and activities or eat, drink and be merry. There is no reason we should ever utter that awful phrase, “I’m bored!”
We’ve compiled the ultimate list of big and small fun for all ages and interests, taking place in every corner of Mobile and Baldwin counties. From ice cream to Civil War history, lemonade stands to Ferris wheels, there’s no excuse for a dull summer break. Now get out there and have some fun!
1. Float the Tiki Boat
Hop on this floating Tiki bar for a one-of-a-kind cruise through the backwaters of Orange Beach while Jimmy Buffett plays on the stereo and you pour rum drinks for your crew.
2. Cannonball!!!
Who says summer is just for kids? Round up the grown-ups in your crew and make the kids judge your adult cannonball contest off the end of the wharf or in the deep end of the pool. Slow motion iPhone videos are highly encouraged.
3. Set Up a Lemonade Stand
No childhood is complete without a summertime lemonade stand. Teach your kids the value of a hard day’s work while supplying the neighbors with some fresh-squeezed citrus goodness.
4. Movie Night in the Sand
What better place to watch a film with the fam than the sunset capital of Alabama? Every Thursday, grab your beach chairs and head to East End Beach on Dauphin Island for films like “Frozen” or “Night at the Museum.”
5. Hang with a Sloth
Experience an “Encounter” at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, where guests can mingle with big cats, capybara, lemurs, reptiles, sloths and tamanduas under the close supervision of a zookeeper.
6. Tube Styx River
Styx River Tube and Canoe Rental in Robertsdale offers round-trip services on the windy, sandy Styx River. Sandbars line the route, offering ideal spots for swimming, fishing and picnicking.
7. Sip a Bushwacker on Dog River
Visit the River Shack and indulge in a grown-up milkshake, but don’t forget to ask for a rum topper!
8. Boil a Pot O’ Local Shrimp or Crabs
Living so close to this many seafood restaurants, it’s easy to forget the pleasure and fresh taste of simply doing it yourself. It’s time to reclaim the good old days of DIY seafood boils. Eating them with friends a must.
9. Build a Tree House
If you’ve got the spare time and a hammer, what’s more American than building a backyard escape with the kids?
10. Shell Out for Peanuts in Bienville Square
We all love A&M Peanut Shop, but how often do we stop to get some goobers and hang out in the park to munch? Just make sure to protect your stash from overzealous squirrels!
11. Fire the Cannon
Every afternoon, Point Clear’s Grand Hotel honors its military history with a cannon firing and historic presentation. After meeting in the Grand Lobby, members and guests parade across the hotel grounds behind a troupe of Civil War-era drummers to the cannon, which is fired at 3:45 p.m. followed by a “Daily Lagniappe” — or little bite to eat. Locals can buy a $20 ticket ahead of time to participate!
12. Fort Conde
Tour a replica of the fort that protected Mobile’s citizens for almost 100 years during Colonial times and beyond.
13. Get in the Dome
Grab a seat in the Exploreum’s Dome Theater to view a breathtaking film on science and nature. This June’s lineup features “Backyard Wilderness” and “Oceans: Our Blue Planet” on the extra wide screen. After you take in these breathtaking scenes of nature, stay for their current exhibition, “Illusions: The Science of Perception.”
14. Spend a Day at Pirate’s Cove
Take the whole family — including your four-legged companions — for a day in the sand at Pirate’s Cove. Enjoy a burger, salty live music and family fun, all in your bathing suit and flip flops with bushwacker in hand!
15. Watch a Blue Angels’ Practice
Avoid the crowds at the annual beachfront show on the first weekend in July by catching a weekday practice in Pensacola instead. Watch in awe as these nimble planes dance in the sky, and then learn more about the squadron of blue and gold at the National Naval Aviation Museum next door.
16. See Some Gators
When they’re blocking traffic on the Causeway, you’ll want to keep your distance. But when you’re at Alligator Alley in Summerdale, it’s all about getting up close and personal. Watch your fingers around Captain Crunch!
17. Ride the Ferris Wheel at The Wharf
Start or end your day with a sweet Gulf breeze and a bird’s-eye view of the Alabama coast. For just $8 per person, take a ride on one of the Southeast’s tallest Ferris wheels at The Wharf.
18. Paddleboard the Lagoon
Gain a new perspective of Little Lagoon — from atop a stand up paddle-board. View local wildlife while testing your balance and exercising your core with a one-hour guided tour from Pure Aloha Adventures in Gulf Shores. Extra points if you can strike a yoga pose.
19. Eastern Shore Lanes
Obviously known for their bowling with more than 15 lanes of fun, Eastern Shore Lanes offers so much more. Laser tag, an arcade and even a challenging indoor ropes course will keep your team entertained all day long.
20. Cruise from Blakeley
Step aboard the Delta Explorer for a cruise of our local waters with a guide and a myriad of interesting topics: Civil War history, local wildlife, the Clotilda or the SS United States. Check out the WWII Ghost Fleet or the inner-workings of the Port of Mobile from the water!
21. Camp Out on Dauphin Island
Spend a night outdoors at the Dauphin Island Campground with access to a secluded beach, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and public boat launches.
22. Witness a Weigh-In
Did you know that the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is the largest fishing tournament in the world? Pretty nifty! Stop by Dauphin Island from July 18 – 20 to watch more than 3,000 anglers compare their catches.
23. Glow in the Park
The Fairhope summer film series returns with family-friendly movie showings at Fairhopers Community Park. “Finding Nemo” will be screened on June 12. Bring a chair and enjoy the stars.
24. Get Wet and Wild
Slip slide your way into summer fun at OWA’s Tropic Falls indoor water park, where the splashing thrills never cease. Then stay past sunset for their new glow-in-the-dark paddling experiences on the lake in downtown OWA, with illuminated kayaks, pedal boats and paddleboards.
25. Build a Backyard Movie Theater
See fireflies and stars while you watch your favorite flick. A big white sheet, a few feet of rope and a laptop projector are all you need to turn your little patch of grass into the theater of your dreams. Popcorn and pillows are a must.
26. Hit the Battleship
Explore all 680 feet of history aboard the USS Alabama, and don’t miss the USS Drum and the aircraft pavilion. A living history drill will be performed June 7!
27. Shop a Farmers’ Market
From Halls Mill to Foley, Cathedral Square to downtown Fairhope, there is a summer farmers’ market near you! Support local ag entrepreneurs and go home with a tasty bag of summer produce.
