When choosing a vacation spot, safety is often a primary concern for parents, particularly those with young kids.
Dauphin Island seems like a world away from busy Mobile, AL, or the wild streets of New Orleans. Dauphin Island is a true sleepy beach town – perfect for a worry-free family vacation. Go swimming, boating, fishing, or visit one of the nearby wildlife sanctuaries – Dauphin Island is a hub for fun, safe things to do with kids.
For more information on the island, safety, and activities and attractions to see and do on your holiday at vacation homes on Dauphin Island.
The Cozy Beach Community of Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island is a small, tight-knit community of around 1,200 permanent residents. Residents here live “the simple life,” participating in community events, local governance, and, of course, running the tour companies, restaurants, lodging, and vacation homes on Dauphin Island for visiting beach-seekers.
Thousands of visitors – domestic and international – grace Dauphin Island’s tranquil shores each year, adding to its vibrant culture and economy. People visit Dauphin Island for its peaceful, quiet nature, abundant wildlife, and reputation as an off-the-grid beach destination – not to party. In fact, many of the restaurants and bars close relatively early.
The island has one small school, Dauphin Island Elementary, for kindergarten to grade 5. A large percentage of the population works in administration, education, hospitality and food services.
The small-town feel of Dauphin Island is sure to put any vacationing parent at ease.
Swimming & Water Safety
Because of Dauphin Island’s sheltered nature, it is the perfect place to spend a day at the beach with the family. Generally, the ocean around Dauphin Island is quite safe: the waters are calm and the beach tapers off slowly, so swimming in the shallows is a great activity for the kids.
Bring or buy floating toys, sandcastle-building tools, and beach chairs, and enjoy a day at the beach with the whole family. The sand is clean and powdery, and the water warm and calm.
In the afternoon, winds can pick up making the waters rougher. Be sure to double check colored flags erected on the beaches before entering the water.
Family-Friendly Activities & Attractions
This lesser-known beach spot might be quiet, but that doesn’t mean it’s not full of exciting activities. If you’re wondering about things to do with kids while on a family vacation on Dauphin Island, look no further. Here is a list of some of the best activities:
The Dauphin Island Marina is home to a multitude of tour companies, boat rentals, and everything in between. From fishing tours to sunset cruises to dolphin adventures, you’ll find tons of experiences the kids will love. Try Action Outdoors for educational tours to see dolphins and other marine life.
Audubon Bird Sanctuary is a great way to see some of the best land and air-based wildlife on the island. This 140-acre sanctuary is home to tons of local species and acts are a rest stop for migrating birds coming up from South America for the summer.
Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium is a great place to take the kids for a day of exploration and learning about local marine life. Here, you’ll find tons of interesting exhibits, including octopus, lionfish, and horseshoe crab exhibits. Plan to spend a few hours here for an afternoon out of the sun.
Dauphin Island is a cozy, tranquil community that is both safe and full of fun activities. Stay at vacation homes on Dauphin Island on your trip to the beach for a fun week of sun, sand, and kid-friendly fun. Call us today at (251) 861-3311 for information about spring and summer availability on the island.