Enriched with history and culture, Alabama’s oldest city, Mobile, is more than a beauty to behold.
Stretching across the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile City is the birthplace of the famous Mardi Gras celebrations. An age-long carnival celebrated annually with great fanfare.
Also known as the city of six, get a taste of history, Spanish moss, and seafood at Mobile.
And therefore, Mobile City needs to be at the top of your list when thinking about family holiday destinations.
But why?
Mobile City is not just beautiful. Its family-friendly culture, atmosphere, and scenery are lovely for kids. From Carnivals to museums and Antebellum homes, do not worry about your kids getting bored because there is an insatiable list of things to do and see here.
But that’s not all.
Here are more reasons why Mobile City, Alabama, should be your next family vacation stop.
- USS Alabama Battleship
One of America’s historic landmarks, The USS Alabama battleship served
during WWII.
Formerly known as the Might A, the ship and the 2500 soldiers who were aboard her all received mine battle stars.
This world war wonder is now parked at the USS Alabama Battleship Park in Mobile City.
Why We Recommend This Activity
A trip to Mobile is impossible without a visit to the Alabama Battleship.
Get to explore the 680-foot battleship with 12 decks of historical splendor.
You can climb inside the gun turrets, handle a 12mm gun, get locked in the Brigg, and have much fun.
Beyond the pleasure and fun of exploring the ship, it is an opportunity to educate your kids about the service of brave American Soldiers during the war and fill them with a sense of national pride.
Recommended Ages
Access is free for kids below the age of 5.
Adults above 55 years get to pay a discounted price.
Entrance is also accessible for Active Duty Military Personnel, and descendants pay discounted prices.
- The Gulf of Mexico’s National Maritime Museum, GulfQuest
GulfQuest may be traced back to the 1990s when a non-profit organization set out to build a maritime museum.
More than 90 interactive exhibits, theaters, simulators, and displays bring the Gulf of Mexico to life for visitors of all ages at GulfQuest.
Why We Recommend This Activity
With its incredible multimedia displays and exciting attractions, GulfQuest is one of the top things to do in Mobile with kids.
You can tour the inside of a container ship, watch a 16-minute presentation on the Gulf of Mexico on one of three screens at the GulfQuest Theater, and much more while here.
Recommended Ages
Kids of all ages can enjoy GulfQuest, but it’s best suited for those older than 3.
- Mobile Carnival Museum
Along Mobile’s Government Street, behind a set of green gates, you’ll find a striking display of brightly colored jester statues that mark the entrance to the Mobile Carnival Museum.
Since Mardi Gras originated in Mobile, Alabama, this is the ideal destination to learn about the holiday’s history.
Why We Recommend This Activity
If you’re looking for an exciting time with kids in Mobile, Alabama, the Mobile Carnival Museum is a fantastic option.
Experience what it’s like to ride a float in a Fat Tuesday parade and learn about the intricate design that goes into the regal regalia of the Mardi
Gras kings and queens as you sway back and forth on a float.
Recommended Ages
We highly recommend the Mobile Carnival Museum for families with children of every age.
- Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
The Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, dated back to 1703 and was constructed in 1850, is a beautiful church serving the Catholic community in Mobile, Alabama, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Whether Catholic or not, this structure’s intricacies and architectural wonder would keep you amazed.
Visiting Alabama’s oldest Catholic church, with ornate seating and beautiful architecture, is a great family-friendly activity if you’re searching for things to do in the area.
Recommended Ages
The Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is open to the public.
Everyone, no matter their age, should check out this church.
- History Museum of Mobile
The museum houses around 111,000 historical objects from Mobile’s past.
As a bonus, its Italianate architecture has made it a popular venue for regional weddings.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The Mobile History Museum is a fun and affordable day out for the whole family.
Take your time perusing the displays and learning about the history of Mobile, the United States, and other eras.
The Fort Condé, which is directly opposite the museum, is included in the price of admission.
Recommended AgesEveryonee should pay a visit to Mobile’s History Museum, from history buffs to parents with young kids.
- Mobile Bay
Alabama’s primary estuary is Mobile Bay, a meeting place for freshwater from the state’s Five Rivers and salty, tidally-influenced seawater.
It is one of the relatively shallow bays due to its size (approximately 32 miles in length and 23 miles in width) and average depth (about 10 feet).
Why We Recommend This Activity
One of the best free things to do in Mobile with kids is to drive to Mobile Bay and spend an afternoon watching the boats and birds.
If you time your trip right, you can catch one of the most beautiful sunsets of your life when you visit the bay.
Recommended Ages
Mobile Bay is an excellent place for families with children of all ages to vacation.
- Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center is situated between Royal and Water streets in the heart of Mobile.
The Exploreum offers interactive learning opportunities for kids and adults, earning it a top spot among Alabama attractions.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Visit the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center if you’re seeking a Mobile attraction that’s perfect for kids of all ages.
Thanks to the science highlighting dinosaurs, the human body, and other topics, your kids will have enough opportunities to be imaginative, curious, and active.
Recommended Ages
Among the best things to do in Mobile with young children is to visit the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center.
Children aged three and older are advised to visit it.
- Sunshine Skate Center
The Sunshine Skate Center has been a source of enjoyment and pleasure for people of all ages in Mobile for more than 40 years since it opened its doors in November 1977.
The facility, which boasts an 80 by 180-foot skating surface, arcade games, and lively, clean music, has become one of Mobile’s most popular family destinations.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Do you need some ideas for amusing kids for a few hours?
Put them on skates in a room with food and arcade games.
You will see the same scene at Sunshine Skate Center, yes.
You can ask for the music to be played and blared across the entire Skate Center as you go around on wheels.
Recommended Ages
Children aged six and older are encouraged to skate at the Sunshine Skate Center.
- Environmental Studies Center
The Environmental Studies Center in Mobile, Alabama, offers guests a chance to get a close-up view of nature on its 500 acres of beautiful woodlands and a 20-acre lake.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Any plans for this weekend?
The Environmental Studies Center offers a variety of nature trails, live animal exhibits, a butterfly garden, and a native plant garden, making for an enjoyable and instructive excursion.
Children will especially enjoy the saltwater tank and live reptile exhibits, where you can see a variety of preserved Alabama native creatures.
Recommended Ages
Kids 3 years old and older are encouraged to visit the Environmental Studies Center.
- Dreamland Skate Center
The 23,000-square-foot Dreamland Skate Center on Mobile’s Three Notch Road is home to the city’s sole wooden skating floor.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Bring the older kids to Dreamland Skate Center for pizza and arcade games to burn off steam.
While parents could be interested in Azalea Ballroom Dancing, children can have fun with their inflatable bounce house, large wheels, and bouncing balls.
Recommended Ages
Children as young as toddlers can enjoy Dreamland Skate Center.
- Crescent Theater
The Crescent Theatre was first established in 1885 as a venue for vaudeville and burlesque performances; today, it screens films from all over the world and those made right here in the neighborhood.
Why We Recommend This Activity
In Mobile, Alabama, you still don’t know what to do with your kids?
Show them a great film at the Crescent Theater.
In addition to the usual concessions like popcorn and hotdogs, grownups can also enjoy alcoholic beverages like wine and beer at this theater.
Recommended Ages
The Crescent Theater welcomes families with children over the age of five.
- Oakleigh House
A popular destination for visitors, Oakleigh House has been drawing them in since it was built in 1833.
Its period rooms faithfully recreate the original decor and furnishing, giving guests a glimpse into the lives of Mobile’s early settlers.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Oakleigh House is one of Mobile’s oldest and most prominent residences, and a visit there is a great way to educate and entertain kids.
You can find information about the Civil War, the railroad expansion, terrible diseases, the rise of King Cotton, and the growth of urban slavery.
Recommended Ages
The Oakleigh House is a great place for the whole family to visit. Free admission is given to kids under the age of five.
