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Planning the perfect beach vacation can be difficult enough! But, when the weather takes a turn for the worst, this can make it even harder to live out your dream vacation. Typically, the weather in the Gulf Shores is sunny and warm. However, if your vacation includes some rainy days, this doesn’t have to ruin your trip!

Families and other visitors of the Gulf Shores who have Orange Beach vacation rentals can still enjoy the area’s top indoor activities. We’ll talk about some of the best things you can do on a rainy day in the Gulf Shores here. So keep reading!

1. Shopping At Tanger Outlet

Tanger Outlet is the perfect destination for a rainy day! Located in Foley, AL, this massive shopping outlet has a wide array of shops and restaurants to choose from.

Visitors can stay out of the rain while getting major discounts on name-brand products like Nike, Reebok, Ralph Lauren, North Face, and other popular retailers. Just check out the Tanger Outlet website for discount codes and deals.

2. Foley Art Center (Art Lessons and Crafts)

The Foley Art Center offers classes for all age groups and skill levels. Families and other vacationers can unlock their creative side during bad weather with classes on pottery making, painting, drawing, and many other art mediums.

Parents should also consider enrolling their children in classes to take some downtime for themselves! The Foley Coffee Shop is right next door, and the Art Center includes some great exhibits and a gift shop, as well.

3. Visit The National Museum of Aviation

The Naval Aviation Museum is outside of the Gulf Shores in Pensacola, FL. Still, this is a great way to learn about our nation’s naval aviation history!

Packed full of restored aircrafts and tons of attractions, the fun won’t stop here, it goes full throttle. We recommend trying out the flight simulators and 4K theater shows offered at the museum, as these are some of the best indoor activities to try out while you are in the Gulf Shores area.

4. Try An Escape House

Escape houses can get your brain buzzing and your adrenaline levels pumping. These exciting attractions are a ton of fun for families and adults visiting the area. Try out the Escape House located in Waterville. They have some awesome themes for their rooms which include escaping a hurricane and a magic-themed escape room.

5. The Factory ( Indoor Trampoline Park)

The Factory is another excellent indoor location for a rainy day. Situated in the Gulf Shores, this trampoline park is ideal for families with young children and even teens.

The Factory features a whopping 12,000 square feet of trampolines. Guests can also explore foam pits, a ninja obstacle course, a trapeze, climbing walls, an arcade, an HD simulator room, and a dodgeball room. Tickets for The Factory start at $7 per person. For more information, contact (251) 202-0900.

6. Exploreum Science Center

Exploreum Science Center is located in Mobile, AL, and provides a hands-on learning approach to STEM topics. This state-of-the-art facility has an IMAX theater, tons of interactive exhibits, and plenty of areas for children and adults to explore!

7. The Track (Arcade)

If you have any avid gamers in your family, or you just love classic arcades, this next destination is for you. The Track has over fifty arcade games that range in difficulty and style.

You can shoot hoops, play some skeeball, try your hand at a claw machine, or play some of the more high-tech arcade games available. Call this number if you want to learn more about The Track: (251) 270-0210.

8. Take A Trip To The Movies

Watch the latest blockbuster films on the big screen. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have two nearby cinemas where you can munch on popcorn and enjoy a great flick while you wait for the weather to clear up.

​​Cobb Pinnacle 14 Theatres offers stadium seating, IMAX, and 3-D screenings. It’s located within the Pelican Palace, so you can also enjoy high-quality dining and shopping after your movie. Alternatively, if you are in Orange Beach, you can visit AMC Wharf 15 which also has plenty of seating and top-notch amenities.

9. Holmes Medical Museum

The Holmes Medical Museum features medical equipment from the late 1930s to the 1960s and other medical exhibits. Adults and children can learn about the history of the local hospital, and its doctors, and even see some interesting medical oddities!

The museum is free to enter and open six days a week from Monday-Saturday. Visit the Holmes Museum Facebook page if you have any questions.

10. Mobile Carnival Museum

You don’t have to visit Louisiana to get a taste of Carnival! At the Mobile Carnival Museum, you can learn all about Mardi Gras and its rich history. From Carnival costumes to exhibits there is plenty to do at this colorful museum. You can find out more about this location by calling this phone number: (251) 432-3324.

11. The Village Hideaway

The Village Hideaway has everything you need to stay entertained during a rainy day. This Eatery has classic foods like pizza, burgers, and wings. But it also serves fresh seafood options along with craft beers and wines.

Located in the Beach Club Spa and Resort, families and visitors can play at the arcade, enjoy bar games like billiards, and even take a trip to the creamery. There is plenty to do here!

12. Visit The Spa

Finally, visitors with Gulf Shores vacation rentals can relax and rest at one of the many Spa locations in the area. As you wait for the rain to stop, you can get a facial, a deep tissue massage, manicures, and many other spa services. This is an ideal activity no matter the weather conditions, but a visit to the spa can be even more relaxing on a rainy day. We recommend visiting The Beach Club Spa located in Spectrum Resort.