Alabama Road Trip with Kids: Giants, Gators, and the Gulf (Day 12)
Welcome to Day 12: Wild Encounters & Coastal Calm
If you’re looking for things to do with kids in southern Alabama, Day 12 takes you from quirky science parks to marshy boardwalks—and ends with toes in the sand at the Gulf.
If your kids are reading Ethan & Oliver Adventures: The Great Alabama Road Trip, this blog follows their wild and wonder-filled Day 12—from roaring dinosaurs, chomping alligators to quiet beach sunsets.
Itinerary Overview
Region: Southern Alabama Gulf Coast
Route: Repton → Summerdale → Gulf Shores
Total Drive Time: ~4.5 hours
Activity Time: ~7–8 hours
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Stop 1: Dinosaur Adventure Land
Website: Dinosaur Adventure Land
What to Expect
Dinosaur Adventure Land isn’t your average dinosaur park—it’s part science center, part outdoor adventure, and part Bible-based museum. Visitors are greeted by towering dinosaur replicas, hands-on exhibits, and murals depicting life in the Garden of Eden alongside dinosaurs. Families can zipline across a pond, dig for replica fossils, paddle around in themed boats, and explore displays that challenge conventional timelines of Earth’s history. Friendly guides are on hand to answer questions and share their perspective on how dinosaurs fit into biblical creation. The park blends outdoor fun with thought-provoking conversation starters—perfect for families who like to learn while they play.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In
- Compare the biblical creation timeline with the mainstream scientific view of dinosaur history.
- Discuss the Book of Job’s Behemoth description and how some interpret it as a dinosaur.
- Explore fossil formation theories, including rapid burial during a global flood vs. gradual processes over millions of years.
- Consider the connection between dragon myths and possible surviving dinosaur species in ancient history.
Stop 2: Alligator Alley
Website: Alligator Alley
What to Expect
Alligator Alley is home to hundreds of rescued alligators in a lush wetland habitat. Elevated boardwalks wind through cypress swamps, offering close-up views of both lounging giants and stealthy swimmers. The real show happens during feeding times, where professional handlers introduce star gators like Captain Crunch—holder of the strongest bite force ever recorded from a live alligator. Kids can also hold and touch a baby alligator, feeling the cool, textured scales while learning how these ancient reptiles fit into their environment. The sanctuary is a safe, respectful way to encounter one of the most fascinating predators in the Southeast.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In
- Learn about alligator adaptations that make them efficient hunters and survivors.
- Explore their role in the ecosystem as apex predators and habitat creators.
- Compare modern alligators to prehistoric reptiles and discuss their similarities to dinosaurs.
- Understand conservation efforts that protect alligator populations and their wetlands.
Stop 3: Gulf State Park
Website: Gulf State Park
What to Expect
Gulf State Park offers over two miles of pristine white-sand beaches that sparkle like sugar under the sun. The park features family-friendly lodging, bike trails, nature centers, and opportunities for swimming, fishing, and wildlife watching. In the evening, the Gulf waters glow with the last light of day, creating the perfect backdrop for a family picnic or barefoot walk in the surf. The warm breeze, soft sand, and rhythmic waves make this a restorative ending to an adventurous day.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In
- Discover coastal ecosystems, including the plants and animals that thrive in sandy and saltwater environments.
- Discuss erosion and sand formation, including why Gulf Shores’ sand is so white.
- Connect the experience to marine conservation and how human activity affects ocean health.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
If your explorers are reading along, here’s an engaging prompt:
“If you could meet one animal from the past—real or legendary—what would it be and why? Describe how it might interact with people today.”
Faith Connection
Psalm 104:24 – “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”
From the towering dinosaurs to the stealthy alligators and the vast Gulf waters, today was a reminder that God’s design is intricate, purposeful, and awe-inspiring.
What We Learned
- Dinosaurs may have walked alongside humans according to a biblical timeline.
- Alligators are vital to their habitats, helping balance ecosystems.
- The Gulf Shores’ sugar-white sand is a unique geological feature of Alabama’s coast.
Did we see State Symbols today?
- Alligator (official state reptile) – Yes!
Plan It Yourself
You can map this exact route — and customize it for your own family’s adventure — using Roadtrippers Plus. It’s our favorite trip-planning tool for finding kid-friendly stops, tracking drive times, and keeping everything in one place.
View our full trip on Roadtrippers: Ethan & Oliver Adventures Great Alabama Road Trip Map
Up Next: Day 13 — Coastal Creatures, Carnival Magic & Battleship Goodbyes
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate and Roadtrippers affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Unless otherwise noted, all destinations, attractions, and resources mentioned here are places we’ve personally chosen to visit and recommend. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by these locations beyond the affiliate programs we participate in. We simply use and enjoy their tools and share them as a resource for fellow travelers.
