In this blog, I'll help you find the best rainy day activities in town so you can keep the fun going despite the bad weather.
| Activities | Highlights |
| The Factory | Indoor trampoline park, ninja obstacle course, laser tag, climbing wall |
| The Track Gulf Shores | Indoor arcade, go-kart tracks, VR experiences |
| Fort Morgan Historic Site | Civil War & WWII exhibits, soldier quarters, historic artifacts |
| Gulf Shores Museum | Hurricane exhibits, maritime artifacts, interactive kids activities |
| Gulf Bowl | Bowling lanes, laser tag, arcade games, sports bar & grill |
| Coastal Arts Center | Glass blowing & pottery workshops, local art gallery |
| Fat Daddy's Arcade | Classic and modern games, redemption center, vibrant atmosphere |
| The Wharf Movie Theater | Latest films, stadium seating, arcade games, snack deals |
At Vacation Homes Collections, we offer a variety of holiday homes in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We're experts in the area, if I can say so myself, so be sure to check out our blog for tips on making the most of your trip. Whether you're looking for a guide to a great weekend or a bucket list of activities, we've got all in there.
1. The Factory
The Factory offers a perfect escape for those drizzly days when outdoor plans are a washout. This expansive indoor trampoline park provides hours of energetic fun for visitors of all ages. Imagine the thrill of bouncing across vast trampoline courts, flipping into foam pits, and competing in dodgeball—all under one roof.
Tip: When you need a rest, head to the on-site café. It overlooks the activity areas, so you can keep an eye on your children while enjoying a coffee or snack.
👌 Highlights:
- Climbing wall
- Laser tag arena
- Ninja obstacle course
- Adrenaline Tower
- Flight Simulator
Extra tip: The venue hosts fitness classes that incorporate the trampolines, promoting a unique and enjoyable way to stay active during your vacation.
2. The Track Gulf Shores
Located just a short drive from Orange Beach, this family-friendly amusement park features indoor attractions suitable for kids and adults.
👌 Highlights:
- Arcade packed with a wide range of games from classic pinball machines to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences
- Indoor go-kart tracks
3. Fort Morgan State Historic Site
On the western tip of Orange Beach, this historic gem provides a fascinating glimpse into the past—perfect for a rainy day visit. The historic fort, an essential site during several American wars, now operates as a museum where you can explore indoor exhibits detailing its involvement from the Civil War through World War II.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on their Educational programs that vary throughout the year, including guided tours and historical reenactments that bring the fort’s vibrant history to life.
👌 Highlights:
- Variety of historical artifacts
- Old photographs
- Battle of Mobile Bay Exhibit
- Weaponry and Uniforms
- Personal correspondence and belongings of soldiers
- Reconstructed living spaces, including the soldiers' quarters, laundresses' quarters, and ordnance storage areas
4. Gulf Shores Museum
A visit to the Gulf Shores Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the local history and culture. Housed in a historic home that survived the 1926 hurricane, the museum provides a cozy and intimate setting that feels both educational and welcoming on a wet day.
Pro Tip: If you have kids in tow, the museum is particularly appealing because of its interactive elements designed to engage younger visitors. Children can participate in scavenger hunts or watch videos that bring local history to life.
👌 Highlights:
- Maritime artifacts, including tools, photographs, and narratives that depict the daily lives of early fishing families
- Interactive Displays showing the impact of significant hurricanes like Frederic (1979) and Ivan (2004)
5. Gulf Bowl
Gulf Bowl is a family-friendly bowling alley and entertainment complex packed with fun experiences that will make you forget the bad weather outside.
👌 Highlights:
- State-of-the-art bowling lanes
- Arcade area filled with a variety of classic games
- Laser tag
- Spacious sports bar and grill, serving a wide range of delicious meals and snacks
6. Coastal Arts Center Of Orange Beach
This is a delightful retreat on rainy days, providing you with a chance to immerse yourself in the local art scene. This vibrant facility overlooks Wolf Bay and houses an impressive gallery filled with works by local artists. You can explore a wide array of paintings, pottery, and glass art, each piece reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Gulf Coast.
👌 Highlights:
- Glass-blowing studio offering hands-on activities and workshops
- Pottery studio, where you can spin clay on wheels or sculpt it by hand
- Rotating collection of paintings, pottery, metal sculptures, and glass art from local and regional artists.
8. Fat Daddy's Arcade
This vibrant arcade offers a wide selection of games that kids will love and you will feel nostalgic while playing with the little ones. Fat Daddy's features classic arcade games like skee-ball and air hockey, as well as modern favorites such as racing simulators and interactive shooting games.
👌 Highlights:
- Fan Favorites games like The Walking Dead, Jurassic Park, The Wizard of Oz, and Big Bass Wheel
- Redemption center where you can exchange your game tickets for a variety of prizes, ranging from small toys to large electronics
- Colorful lights and energetic music creates a playful environment that can make you forget about the gloom outside.
9. The Wharf Movie Theater
Located at the heart of The Wharf entertainment district, this modern cinema provides a wide selection of the latest blockbuster hits and independent films for you and your loved ones spend the rainy day with a good and old pop corn session.
👌 Highlights:
- State-of-the-art sound systems
- Comfy stadium seating
- The theater frequently hosts family-friendly events and promotions, such as discounted tickets on certain days and special snack deals
- Ample seating and a variety of arcade games make for fun before the movies
Stay Like a Local in Orange Beach
With years of experience in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we at Vacation Homes Collections don’t just know where to find the best places to spend the rainy days havinf fun — we’re also experts in crafting unforgettable experiences.
Our, vacation rentals, ranging from beachfront homes to high-rise condos, provide the perfect home base for your next Alabama Gulf Coast getaway. When you stay with us, all you need to do is soak in the coastal beauty and let it whisk you away — because it surely will!
