Tacky Jacks kicks off 13th annual Summer of Fun series on the Alabama coast

GCM Staff Report
Posted 5/29/25

Summer afternoons on the Alabama coast are about to get a little more colorful — and competitive — as Tacky Jacks launches its 13th annual Summer of Fun series at its Gulf Shores and …

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Tacky Jacks kicks off 13th annual Summer of Fun series on the Alabama coast

Posted

Summer afternoons on the Alabama coast are about to get a little more colorful — and competitive — as Tacky Jacks launches its 13th annual Summer of Fun series at its Gulf Shores and Orange Beach locations.

The family-friendly lineup runs weekly from June 3 through late July, featuring art workshops, nature encounters and beachside games. All events take place during lunch hours and are open to all ages, with the exception of the Beach Games, which are geared toward kids ages 6 to 12. A full schedule and reservation details are available at www.tackyjacks.com.

Each Tuesday through Thursday, the popular waterfront restaurants transform into activity hubs where regional artists, local conservationists and community groups team up to deliver hands-on programming. The three main events include Hands on Habitat, Art al Fresco and Tacky Jacks Beach Games.

NATURE MEETS LEARNING

Hands on Habitat returns every Tuesday in Gulf Shores and every Wednesday in Orange Beach. Presented by a rotating roster of environmental organizations, including Gulf State Park Nature Center, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Alabama Audubon and Share the Beach Sea Turtle Program, the free program gives guests an up-close look at the ecosystems and animals that call the Gulf Coast home. Events run from 11 a.m. to noon, with attendees encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early. Online reservations are required.

ART WITH A SIDE OF LUNCH

Budding artists of all ages can join Art al Fresco for a creative lunch-and-learn experience offered weekly — Tuesdays in Orange Beach and Wednesdays in Gulf Shores. Each session includes a different project such as tie-dye shirts, painted clay pots, canvas seascapes or handmade necklaces. The event includes a $10 Tacky Jacks gift card for lunch, with class fees ranging from $25 to $30 depending on the project. Guests are asked to RSVP online and arrive by 10:45 a.m.

BEACH GAMES AND BIG PRIZES

For kids looking to burn off energy, Thursdays are all about Beach Games at the Gulf Shores location. Children ages 6 to 12 compete in a variety of games and challenges from 11 a.m. to noon. Participants receive a free lunch, prizes and even a chance to appear on TV. Parents can join in on the fun, too, with adult-friendly games like water balloon dodgeball. The event is free, but online registration is required.

JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

In Gulf Shores, June events include visits from the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (June 3), Gulf State Park (June 10) and Share the Beach (June 17). Art projects range from seashell fish on canvas to patriotic ball caps. Beach Games take place June 5, 12, 19 and 26.

Orange Beach will host nature groups like Alabama Audubon (June 4) and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (June 18). Creative projects include a beachy birdhouse (June 10) and plastic pollution-themed photo art (June 17).

JULY LINEUP

July brings more interactive fun, with the Alabama Marine Resources team (July 15 in Gulf Shores, July 23 in Orange Beach) and Alabama Audubon (July 22 in Gulf Shores) featured in the Hands on Habitat series. Art sessions will include “Leave Only Footprints” canvas painting and DIY tie-dye shirts.

Tacky Jacks Beach Games continue each Thursday in Gulf Shores — July 3, 10, 17 and 24.

For more information or to reserve your spot, visit www.tackyjacks.com.