When it comes to animal attractions, nothing beats a zoo. After all, where else can you see hundreds, or even thousands, of animals from all over the world in a single place? Alabama is home to three major zoos: Birmingham Zoo, Montgomery Zoo, and Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. When compared to the Birmingham Zoo and Montgomery Zoo, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is somewhat underrated because it's not located in a major city. Also, many people who visit Alabama's Gulf Coast each year are unaware this zoo even exists. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a remarkable animal attraction that should never be overlooked. To learn all about this Gulf Coast gem, take a look below.
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is located in Gulf Shores, Alabama - just a few blocks from the beach.
For an unforgettable day trip with the entire family, you'll want to visit this zoo. It's open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It's closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Admission rates are as follows: Adults, $11 plus tax; Seniors (Ages 55+), $9 plus tax; Children (Ages 3-12), $8 plus tax; Children (2 years and under), FREE.
In September 2004, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo was completely destroyed by Hurrican Ivan. However, it made U.S. history as the first zoo to execute a full-scale, off-site evacuation of its animals during a natural disaster. Its comeback story was soon known all over the world, and it became known as "The Little Zoo That Could."
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo also features a petting zoo, which is enjoyed by children and adults alike. Food is available for purchase to feed the animals.
In March 2018, construction began at the future home of Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, which will be located north of the Intracoastal Waterway and cover 25 acres. In addition to its extra space for the animals, the zoo's new location will also include family entertainment, event venues, gourmet dining, shopping, and educational programs. For information on how you can help build the new zoo, click here.
For more information about the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, you can view its website here and its Facebook page here. You can visit the zoo at 1204 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores, AL 36542.
Have you ever visited the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo? If so, please share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Another animal attraction in Alabama that's perfect for a day trip is Tigers For Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain. For information, click here.
While some folks are scooping up all things pumpkin spice and firing up their fall candles, this is the time of year I start scouring for pumpkin patches near me. If you're a kindred spirit, here's a sampling of the best pumpkin patches in Alabama. These farms and destinations span the entire state and offer experiences as varied as the communities where they're located. Explore these spots, and you'll find a new favorite fall tradition, plus the perfect pumpkins for your seasonal decor.
Searching for the "best pumpkin patches near me?" Bennett Farms has been in the same family for four generations, so family fun is especially top-of-mind in all you can expect at the pumpkin patch. You can explore the farm's beautiful grounds, which include a wildflower field and a loblolly nature trail. Games and activities galore include a hay bale maze, a corn maze, scarecrow decorating, and a rat run - just to name a few. Secure a spot at a picnic table and choose from the kitchen's variety of tasty food from burgers and barbecue to apple pies and teacakes. If you're looking for pumpkin patches near Birmingham, this one's about a one-hour drive east and open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October. For hours and more details, visit the Bennett Farms website or follow Bennett Farms on Facebook.
Looking for that ideal sunflower field photo op? You'll find it at Cornutt Farms, which opens its sunflower and pumpkin patches on Saturdays starting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October. This fifth-generation family farm has long been known for its corn, cattle, soybeans, wheat, and hay. In 2018, the family began welcoming other families to the farm to enjoy their colorful fall crops and all the fun that comes with them. Enjoy kids' activities and treats while pumpkin shopping. Get exact hours and details on the Cornutt Farms website or on the Cornutt Farms Facebook page.
Griffin Farms operated as a dairy farm under two generations from 1961 to 1997, and the third generation came on board a decade ago to reimagine the farm as a destination for families. Today, guests can experience zip-lining, feeding animals, rock wall climbing, hayrides, a barrel train, and much more. If you're seeking pumpkin patches near Tuscaloosa, Griffin Farms is a smart choice since it's only about a 30-minute drive east. The farm welcomes the public on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. throughout October and is available for private groups with reservations during the week. Find more details including hours and pricing on the Griffin Farms website or visit Griffin Farms on Facebook.
Pony rides, feeding animals, picking sunflowers, and mining for gems are all things that can round out your pumpkin-picking experience at Isbell's Pumpkin Farm. The farm's 2024 fall season runs from Sept. 28 through Nov. 3 and features new, early evening hours on Thursdays and Fridays in addition to their typical Saturday and Sunday public hours. Plan to grab a treat from a food truck while you're there. The Isbell's Pumpkin Farm website offers exact hours and pricing details. Stay current on the farm's latest happenings on the Isbell's Pumpkin Farm Facebook page.
While Aplin is also a favorite spot for sunflowers, the pumpkin patch is one of the best in Alabama. Keep in mind if you're just looking to buy a pumpkin and a host of other delicious produce, this four-generation family farm also keeps its barn and store open throughout the week. You can see all they have in store on the Aplin Farms Facebook page, where you'll also find info about the pumpkin patch hours and other details when they are available.
While we do not recommend you trust these two pigs with your pumpkin carving, you are urged to keep an eye open for them and their barnyard friends at Down on the Farm, which opens its 2024 fall season from Sept. 21 through Nov. 1 on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Visitors can feed the goats, shoot a corn cannon, romp on a playground, mine for gems, and explore a corn maze that features cartoon character Foghorn Leghorn. Get more details about hours and pricing on the Down on the Farm website or visit the Down on the Farm Facebook page.
With over 80 acres of pick-your-own pumpkins and another 20 acres solely for kids and families to play, Tate Farms is the go-to choice for people looking for pumpkin patches near Huntsville. It is North Alabama's oldest and largest retail pumpkin farm and a premier pumpkin paradise. The Tate family has been on the land since originally farming it as sharecroppers in 1867 and eventually expanded to more than 8,000 acres they own or lease today. While the pumpkin operation began in 1996, the Tates have kept it fresh with new features every year. Among the attractions for the 2024 season is North America's only dairy-go-round — a custom, Italian-made carousel featuring carved farm-themed animals. There's also the Little Farmer Playground, pedal carts, hay rides, a corn train, jumping pillows, apple cannons, and more! This place is fun for the whole family. Get all the details about hours, prices, and the latest developments on the Tate Farms website or Tate Farms Facebook page.
This goat wore its best seasonal sweater to encourage you to visit, feed it, and find yourself a pumpkin at Hidden River Farm. If that's not enough, you can also shoot an apple cannon, make scarecrows, ride ponies, tackle an obstacle course, and more as part of your pumpkin patch experience. The farm's 2024 season runs 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 20 to Nov. 3. If you want to make a full day of it, bring food to grill or picnic, or purchase food from the kitchen. Note that this is a good one for people looking for pumpkin patches reasonably near Birmingham or Huntsville because it's about an hour's drive from both cities. Visit the Hidden Rivers Farm website or Hidden Rivers Farm Facebook for more details, photos, and news.
9. Cornfield County Farms Pumpkin Patch - Wetumpka
If you're looking for pumpkin patches near Montgomery, check out Cornfield County Farms Pumpkin Patch, which is a 20-minute drive northeast of the state capital. Sunflower fields surround a central gathering space where kids dangle on tire swings affixed to the property's iconic oak tree and others enjoy concession snacks at picnic tables. The patch's 2024 dates are Sept. 30 through Oct. 29, with public hours on Saturday and Sunday and availability for group reservations Monday through Friday. Visit the Cornfield County Farms Facebook page or Cornfield County Farms website for more details.
The name fits fits The Great Pumpkin Patch, which features a big, red, barn, a large inflatables park for kids, an extreme bungee experience, a lofty hay pyramid for climbing, an expansive list of other activities, including a petting zoo, country store, arts and crafts, and food. This destination is different from the others in that it is open every day of the week. And unlike most other pumpkin patches that prohibit pets, pooches are welcomed as long as they are leashed, can handle crowds, and have owners who pick up after them. The patch's season runs from late September through early November.
Have you had a chance to visit any of these spots? Share your tips about what made your time special. Do you agree they are the best pumpkin patches in Alabama? Let us know other destinations worthy of a look. In the meantime, here are a few other ideas for fun fall activities in Alabama. If you're road-tripping to any of these places, take a peek at our ultimate road-trip essentials packing list to be prepared for the unexpected.
Fall is by far my favorite time of year! And its arrival in Alabama means you’ll have the opportunity to visit several places throughout the state you might not consider the rest of the year, such as the amazing apple orchards in Alabama. Apple picking in Alabama has always been a popular fall experience. Listed below are a few of our favorite places to go apple picking near me in Alabama – each of which would be perfect for a day trip in the fall. And you can bring the kids along for some fun too!
Among the longest-running apple orchards in Alabama, Scott's Orchard is a century-old and grows 18 varieties of apples on 100 acres. In addition to these apples and other seasonal fruits, including peaches, plums, and more, this family-owned orchard is also known for its delicious cider.
Looking for places to go apple picking near me in Fackler? Crow Mountain Orchards, which opened in 1974, covers approximately 150 acres. In addition to apples, it also grows peaches, seedless grapes, pears, berries, and cherries. In the fall, guests of Crow Mountain Orchards can enjoy its famous apple cider, which is made from a secret recipe. So, not only is it an apple orchard but an apple cider mill!
Mountain View Orchards has been producing high-quality fruits since the early 1930s, making it a great choice for apple picking in Alabama. Even though different types of fruits are grown here, apples and peaches are the orchard's main fruits.
Steele Orchard has been in business since 1985 and offers 20 varieties of apples and six varieties of peaches. Located on-site is also the orchard's bakery, which offers delicious fried pies, homemade jams, apple butter, homemade ice cream, fresh cider, and more. With all it has to offer, it’s easy to see why Steele Orchards is one of the most popular apple orchards near me in Alabama.
Isom's Orchard has been in business since 1957 and is one of Alabama's top fall attractions. Covering more than 250 acres, this orchard grows different types of fruits and vegetables. It's best known for its variety of apples and delicious cider slushies. You'll definitely want to stop at one of the top apple orchards in Alabama.
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Have you been to any of these apple orchards in Alabama? Do you have a favorite apple orchard near me in Alabama? Tell us in the comments!
If you're up for some hiking in Alabama this fall, check out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List for all the gear you may need.
The opening of apple orchards in Alabama isn’t the only reason fall is the best season in Alabama. Need some convincing? We thought so, which is why we’ve come up with several reasons why fall in Alabama is the BEST!
