Beach vacation with 2 small kids

We are planning to visit the Gulf Shores/Orange beach area the week of July 7th. We have 2 kids - ages 4 and 8. We have been there the last few summers and have stayed at Perdido Beach Resort and Island House Hotel (both of which were okay). We usually hang out on the beach and do the amusement parks... my kids love mini golf. My questions are 1) What else can we do as far as attractions/entertainment? 2) Any suggestions for accomodations? Would prefer someplace with a kiddie pool 3) Any dining suggestions? Thanks!

Beach vacation with 2 small kids

Highly recommend the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. Kids love it. Only about a 40 minute drive from GS. There is an Exploreum in Mobile which usually has something cool for kids going on. Also, I think some of the charter fishing boats allow kids.

Accommodations: Lighthouse and Seawind condos have great kid pool areas, as do most of the Phoenix properties.

Restaurants: take your pick. Kids seem to like Lulu%26#39;s, but the wait can be excruciating at times. Tacky Jack%26#39;s is fun. Calypso Joe%26#39;s used to have crab races for the kids, not sure if they still do.

check out www.gulfshores.com.

Beach vacation with 2 small kids

Family Stuff and day trips:

1) Waterparks:

a) Waterville USA- closest to the beach on 59 (roughly a mile) and arguably the biggest. Have not been there.

b) The Track- located across 59 from the Welcome Center (coupons available there for the Track) and next to the airport. Has 2 really good go-kart tracks according to my 17 and 15 year old nephews. Buy tickets at the sales office before going to the ride(s). Huge bungee cord thingie as well.

2) Zoo- featured on Animal Planet’s “the little zoo that could” about evacuating animals preceding Hurricane Ivan.

3) The Wharf- ferris wheel

4) Fort Morgan

5) Naval Museum in Pensacola- LOTS of airplanes. Fun for all ages. They currently have a learning game kids can follow along with through the museum that gives you discounts/prizes at the gift shop at the end.

6) USS Alabama in Mobile

7) Biloxi- for parents only. 100 miles from GS. Check www.goodtimetours.com for a day coach trip leaving from the Track.

8) New Orleans- pushing it for a day trip (better to stay overnight in NO) but can be done. If you’ve never been- GO! One of the best cities in America IMHO