Dining with little ones – it can be such fun to kick back, relax, and let someone else do the cooking (and the dishes). Of course it can also be the exact opposite of relaxing. Kids yelling, refusing to eat anything, spilling drinks, and – perhaps our favorite – completely forgetting how to sit down for any extended period of time. What’s the key to always having the relaxing kind of night out? Kid-friendly dining options, of course! Here are a few places that don’t just welcome children – they embrace them!
LuLu’s Gulf Shores
With activities like a ropes course, an arcade, a trampoline/bungee bounce (dubbed the Jellyfish Jumper), and a sandy beach area complete with toys for the little ones, LuLu’s may just be the ultimate kid-friendly dining spot in Gulf Shores. Live music starts every evening at 5 pm plus delicious kid-friendly food and plentiful cocktails for the adults – this is truly an entertainment mecca.
Tacky Jacks
Whether you come by land or by sea, Tacky Jack’s in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Fort Morgan are all casual dining experiences where kids can be themselves. There’s plenty of outdoor room for them to get their wiggles out, but if things start leaning towards the not relaxing kind of meal, entertain them with a heaping serving of the Chocolate Brownie Explosion. Bribing with chocolate? We totally support that.
The Original Oyster House
With a large and varied menu, we dare the kids to say there’s nothing they like. The only thing that makes OOH more kid-friendly than the atmosphere is the mouth-watering peanut butter pie. It’s the kind of dessert dreams are made of.
Tip from a Local: if you’re passing through Mobile/Spanish Fort, kids under 10 eat free at the Causeway Location of the Original Oyster House every Tuesday.
The Hangout
Do you like your dinner with a side of foam party? What about dancing to the YMCA on the table? Epic milkshake in souvenir cups? Are you picking up on the vibe yet? Good because we’re out of questions and starting to crave the Hangout’s famous Shaka Shaka shrimp.
The Gulf
This Orange Beach favorite is super family-friendly. Treat the kids to a grilled cheese and fresh, house-made lemonade (made from fresh fruit in flavors like raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry). Gather your crew together on a cozy couch or at a picnic table. Let the kids play in the sand while the adults kick back with an epic Bloody Mary or one of The Gulf’s decadent desserts.
We’ve got ample kid-friendly dining options in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Check out a full list of our favorite restaurants here.