kids eat for free

The Ultimate Family Beach Packing List for Your Gulf Shores Vacation

What do you look forward to the most when you’re planning a vacation to a beach destination? From picturesque white sand to thrilling watersports to family-friendly activities, Gulf Shores has it all! Before you can hit the sand, you’ll need to gear up and pack the perfect beach bag. As locals, we have the best travel tips so you can be sure you’ll have the best day at the beach ever. Check out our family beach packing list below! 

Aside from planning the best beach trip packing list, you’ll also want to plan some special activities! Let our team do the searching for you, so you can focus on what matters most: making unforgettable memories with your loved ones. You can experience sunset cruises, sailing charters, parasailing, and more! 

Family Beach Packing List: Find the Best One for You 

What do you need to pack for the beach? Depending on your family dynamics, your needs will differ. Read on to find the perfect family beach vacation packing list for your group! 

Must-Haves for Any Family Beach Packing List 

No matter how young or old your children are, there are some items we call can agree on that are necessary for any beach day. 

beach

  • Bathing suits 
  • Beach towels 
  • Flip-flops
  • First-aid kit 
  • Water bottles 
  • Beach chairs 
  • Sun hat 
  • Cooler  
  • Umbrella  
  • Snacks  
  • Sunglasses 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Books/magazines  
  • Cash 
  • Waterproof bag to keep your phone dry and sand-free 
  • Cover-ups  
  • Insect repellant 
  • Essential medications 
  • Lip balm with SPF 

Families With Babies 

Is this your first beach getaway with your new baby? That’s so exciting! Don’t forget these items below, and your day is sure to be fantastic. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 

baby

  • Swim diapers 
  • Change of clothes 
  • Bottles/formula 
  • Wipes 
  • Pacifier  
  • Blanket 
  • Beach toys 
  • Beach wagon 
  • Beach tent 
  • White noise machine 
  • Ziplock bags 
  • Fan  

Families With Kids 

Are you vacationing with kids that are old enough to swim, run, and play? This will be a magical time that you’ll never forget. Bring these items along with you to ensure that they have a safe and fun-filled day. 

kids at beach

  • Water shoes 
  • Boogie board 
  • Floaties 
  • Swim goggles 
  • Sandcastle toys 
  • Inflatables  

Families With Teenagers 

If you’re hitting the beach with teens, they might want to be in charge of their own beach bags. However, here are some recommendations in case you want to be extra prepared! 

beach

  • Headphones 
  • Waterproof Bluetooth speaker 
  • Hairbrush/comb 
  • Hair detangler 
  • Feminine products 
  • Makeup wipes 
  • Portable phone charger 
  • Deck of cards 
  • Beach games 

Find Your Family’s Dream Vacation Home 

Fort Morgan rental villas

For over three decades, Harris Vacation Rentals has been helping families make unforgettable memories on amazing beach vacations. We offer top-notch vacation rentals throughout Gulf ShoresOrange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Each of our properties ranges in size and shape, so finding the ideal home for your group is easy. Whether you’re looking for a property with a private pool, covered deck, hot tub, game room, or picturesque beach views, we’ve got you covered. Plus, you’ll always be close to the best things to do in the area, such as waterparksnature trailskid-friendly restaurants, and more. 

An Amazing Guide to the Gulf Shores Restaurants Where Kids Eat for Free

When you’re visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, it’s easy to find kid-friendly restaurants. After all, the Alabama Gulf Coast caters to families, so it’s no surprise that so many of these Gulf Shores restaurants let kids eat for free. If you’re planning a budget-friendly vacation, a free meal is certainly a nice perk!

Don’t forget to book your Gulf Shores vacation home with Harris Vacation Rentals. We’ve got the best properties around!

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Gulf Shores Restaurants Where Kids Eat for Free

Los Tacos

Head to Los Tacos and enjoy a fantastic Mexican meal. Each Thursday, when you purchase an adult entree, you can receive one kid’s meal for free! Their kids’ menu includes favorites such as chicken tenders, tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Plus, on Saturdays, you can enjoy their refreshing Traditional Aguas Frescas for free all day. You can try unique flavors such as Horchata, Jamaica, Tamarindo, and Limonada. 

Original Oyster House

Gulf Shores Restaurant

At the Original Oyster House in Gulf Shores, you can get up to two kids (10 and under) meals free on Tuesdays as part of winter specials from November through February. The Causeway location offers “Kids Eat Free” on Tuesdays all year long. The kids’ menu includes popcorn shrimp, pizza, chicken tenders, fried fish fillets, and more. Of course, the regular menu offers an array of delicious seafood favorites for the adults. With your savings, you’ll be able to top off dinner with a slice of peanut butter pie!

O’Charley’s

Take a quick drive with the family up to Foley, AL, and enjoy a scrumptious, wallet-friendly meal. When you dine in, kids under 10 years old eat for free all day, every day! You can’t beat that. You can get one free kids’ meal for every adult entree purchased. Their kids’ menu features pasta dishes, pizza, corn dogs, and more! 

Other Places to Eat in Gulf Shores That Are Kid-Friendly

Tacky Jacks

playground

Your kids will have a blast at Tacky Jacks as they romp around the sandpit and children’s playground. Their kids’ menu has tasty treats, such as grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, popcorn shrimp, cheeseburgers, and more. Then, satisfy their sweet tooth with the Chocolate Brownie Explosion and a scoop of vanilla icecream

The Hangout

Your children will thank you when you take them to the Pirates and Princess Breakfast Feast at The Hangout. Throughout the summer, this hands-on event features treasure hunts, sing-alongs, magic tricks, and more! The feast is offered daily three times throughout the day, so there’s always something to accommodate your family’s busy schedule. 

For more budget-friendly restaurants, stop by the Gulf Shores or Orange Beach Welcome Centers to pick up coupons and learn about exclusive discounts.

The Perfect Family Vacation Home Awaits

yellow beach house

When you rent with Harris Vacation Rentals, you’ll have no problem finding a vacation rental that will fit all of your needs and budget. We have an impressive collection of homes located throughout Gulf Shores available in various sizes. Some properties are even pet-friendly! Browse our properties and find the perfect one for you and your family today! 

 

More Gulf Shores Restaurants

Didn’t find what you were looking for here? Browse these blogs for the beach eats info you’re seeking…

7 of the Best New Gulf Shores Restaurants

6 Must-Try Restaurants for Orange Beach, Gulf Shores Breakfast

The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach
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