Tag: Activities for kids
The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival: A Sky-High Adventure
Nestled in the heart of the Gulf Coast, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is a celebration of color, culture, and the boundless beauty of the sky. Every year, this spectacular event attracts visitors from all over the country, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience where visitors can witness the vibrant spectacle of hot air balloons taking to the skies in an explosion of color.
Whether you're a long-time ballooning enthusiast or someone who's simply looking for a unique way to enjoy the outdoors, this festival is sure to leave you awestruck.
The Magic of Ballooning: A Brief History
Hot air ballooning dates back to the late 18th century, with the first successful flight occurring in 1782 in France. Since then, ballooning has evolved from a daring experiment to a beloved recreational activity. The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival brings this thrilling and peaceful adventure to the masses, allowing anyone with a sense of wonder to get up close and personal with these magnificent flying machines.
Balloons have become iconic symbols of adventure and freedom, and the festival provides a chance for both seasoned pilots and first-time visitors to experience this joy in a stunning setting.
What to Expect at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
1. Breathtaking Balloon Launches
One of the festival’s biggest draws is the daily balloon launches. As the sun rises, the vibrant balloons inflate and slowly lift off the ground, floating majestically into the sky. With dozens of balloons filling the air, the sky is often painted with a kaleidoscope of colors, creating a surreal and awe-inspiring sight.
If you're an early riser, the Sunrise Balloon Glow is a must-see. The hot air balloons glow in the early morning light as they slowly inflate, creating an ethereal scene against the backdrop of the rising sun.
2. Balloon Rides
For those seeking the ultimate adventure, the festival offers the opportunity to take a ride in a hot air balloon. Imagine soaring high above the picturesque Gulf Coast landscape, enjoying panoramic views of the coastline, lush forests, and waterways. It’s a tranquil and exhilarating experience all at once, and something you’ll never forget.
Pro tip: If you're thinking of taking a ride, be sure to book your spot early, as rides often sell out quickly!
3. Nighttime Balloon Glow
One of the most magical experiences at the festival is the Nighttime Balloon Glow. As night falls, the balloons are tethered to the ground but still fully inflated. The pilots fire up the burners, creating an incredible display of glowing, colorful orbs lighting up the evening sky. It’s a mesmerizing spectacle that draws crowds from all over.
The contrast of the dark sky with the radiant glow of the balloons creates an otherworldly ambiance. You’ll find families, couples, and photographers all gathering to snap the perfect shot as the balloons dance in the night.
4. Live Entertainment and Local Food
The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival isn’t just about balloons. It’s a full-fledged celebration with live entertainment, delicious food, and plenty of local flair. From country bands to jazz musicians, there’s something for every musical taste. Food trucks offer a range of tasty options, from seafood delicacies to classic festival snacks, ensuring no one goes hungry while soaking in the atmosphere.
5. Family-Friendly Activities
With its emphasis on community, the festival is a perfect outing for families. There are kids' zones, craft vendors, and even opportunities for children to learn about the science of flight. Families can enjoy games, face painting, and even get up close to the balloons before they take off.
It’s an event that caters to all ages, ensuring that everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, has a good time.
Why You Should Attend the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
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Unforgettable Memories
The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival offers an experience unlike any other. Whether you're watching a balloon lift off, taking a ride yourself, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, you'll be making memories that will last a lifetime. -
Stunning Views
The festival takes place in a picturesque location, with panoramic views of the Gulf Coast and the surrounding area. The colors of the balloons against the backdrop of the coastal landscape are truly a sight to behold. -
Fun for All Ages
This festival has something for everyone, from thrill-seekers to families with young kids. The diversity of activities means no one will ever be bored. -
A Taste of Local Culture
Alongside the ballooning festivities, you can experience the local culture, including delicious Gulf Coast cuisine and live performances. It’s the perfect chance to connect with the region and its community.
A Growing Tradition
The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival has grown significantly over the years, attracting more and more visitors each year. What started as a small local event has blossomed into one of the most highly anticipated festivals in the region. Pilots, vendors, artists, and festival-goers all gather to create a truly special atmosphere, and the sense of camaraderie and excitement is palpable.
This growth reflects the joy that ballooning brings to people of all ages and backgrounds, uniting them through the shared thrill of floating among the clouds.
Plan Your Visit
The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival typically takes place May 1-3, 2025 at OWA in Foley, so it’s a perfect way to usher in the warm weather season. Be sure to check the official festival website for details on dates, tickets, balloon rides, and other activities.
When you attend, be sure to pack sunscreen, a camera, and a sense of adventure. The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is all about creating lasting memories and experiencing the thrill of the skies. It’s a one-of-a-kind event that will make you look at the world from a different perspective—literally.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your place and head down to the Gulf Coast!
If you’ve been to the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival before, feel free to share your experience in the comments below! We'd love to hear about your favorite moments and ballooning adventures.
What Cool Animals Will You See at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo?
The biologically rich and diverse region that is Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers great ways to experience nature, whether out in Gulf State Park or at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The zoo offers unique chances to experience a variety of animals; it’s a great chance for kids and parents alike to make fun memories here on Alabama’s Gulf Coast! So, what do you have to look forward to at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo? We’ll tell you!
Lions, tigers, and bears are just part of the fun you’ll find on Alabama’s Gulf Coast! Download our free Vacation Guide for the best ideas for an incredible vacation. At Sunset Properties, we strive to ensure your vacation is the best it can possibly be. We think you’ll love it!
What Will You See at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo?
First and foremost, to get the most out of your visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, you should understand their mission. They opened in 1989 under the moniker, Zooland Animal Park. At the zoo, you’ll find an experience tailor-made to the visitor. Wide pathways, over 500 exotic exhibits, ample shade, and concessions are just a few ways the zoo strives to bring you the best zoo experience on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The zoo operates from sponsorships, grants, and endowments to bring the best experience possible to its patrons. There, you’ll find lions, tigers, bears, primates, leopards, wolves, and more! Caring zookeepers work with the animals to ensure your zoo experience is the best it could possibly be!
Zoo Encounters
At Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, you’ll have great opportunities for a zoo encounter with some of the more easygoing animals! Imagine the look on your kids’ faces when they hop around with a joey, play with the lemurs, take it slow with the sloths, and more!
Kangaroo Encounters
Come, hang out with some joeys! The friendly kangaroo kids are a fun way to get up close and personal with Australia’s most iconic marsupial. The encounter also makes a great photo op!
Lemur Encounters
These fun creatures have been the icons of recent children’s movies, but what makes them popular at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is playtime! Come, join in on the fun with the young lemurs as they swing around and climb all over the place! It’s sure to make fun memories!
Reptile Garden
Walk through the reptile garden with a knowledgeable handler and have the chance to meet some of the coolest slithering critters! Lizards, gators, snakes, turtles, and more await you, safely, of course.
Sloth Encounters
Take it slow with a sloth encounter! The loveable, lazy sloths are the perfect slow-paced encounter for the kids! During this encounter, you’ll learn about the sloth’s natural habitat, diet, and movement patterns.
Tamandua Encounters
The tamandua, or lesser anteater, is a friendly-looking creature sure to make the kids laugh at its goofy appearance. The anteater, though, offers a unique zoo encounter! Learn about its habitat, diet, and more!
Plan a Visit to the Zoo During Your Family Vacation
There’s so much to adventure as a family here on Alabama’s Gulf Coast! Plan a visit to the zoo or soak up the fun and sun at the beach! You can’t go wrong! Plan your family vacation to the Gulf Coast and see for yourself how incredible of a time it will be. Browse our beautiful condos and beach houses for the best places to stay down here. Here at Sunset Properties, we are your source for comfort and relaxation! So, contact us today to book your stay! And, when you’re looking for great things to do, be sure to download our free Vacation Guide!
Here are the Top 5 Gulf Shores Summer Camps
All around the Gulf Shores area, fun and educational opportunities are available for children to make the most of their summers.Gulf Shores summer camps bring to the table what a typical vacation may not include, giving your child the chance to engage and enjoy the fantastic natural beauty, ecosystems, and fun on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. When your child participates in one of these Gulf Shores summer camps, you can be sure they get the most out of their time on the Gulf Coast. Here are the top five you should consider!
Summer camps are a great way to ensure your child stays engaged and has some serious fun during vacation! For the times they’re not in camp, though, be sure to download our free Vacation Guide! Here at Sunset Properties, our expertise will help you plan the best Gulf Shores vacation you’ve ever had! We guarantee it!
5 Great Gulf Shores Summer Camps for Your Child
Kidcam Gulf State Park Camp
From kindergarten to 13, your child can enjoy this weekly camp offers daily rates during the summertime at the biologically interesting and fun area, Gulf State Park. There your kids will enjoy the beaches, pool, splash pad, sports, nature trails, zip lines, boating, fishing, golf, and more! Register for this camp here!
PADI Seal Team Youth Camp
For kids 8 and up, this incredible summer camp focuses on everything underwater! If your kids are comfortable with the water, then this camp will take them to new depths! They’ll learn underwater photography, navigation, underwater ecosystems, and more. Think about the special memories they could make when you register for this snorkeling day camp!
Ocean Camp
If your kids love everything about the ocean, then Ocean Camp is for them! When they spend the day at camp here, they’ll learn about marine biology and the local environment. Marine science teachers bring fun and facts to the table, combining for an unforgettable experience they’ll tell all their friends about in the fall! Register here!
Kaleidoscope Summer Fine Arts Camp
The camp takes place during the last week of June only and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day during that time. At the arts camp, your kids will take part in hands-on classes working with a variety of mediums, including dance, music, and theater, as well. To end each day, your kids will enjoy a live performance from a recognized artist! Register here.
SummerTide Theatre Camp
Put on by the University of Alabama, the camp spans three weeks in June with each week geared toward different acting ability levels. If your child loves theatre and acting, then this is for them! Covering everything from the basics of theatre to advanced concepts depending on ability level, your child will act their way to inspiration! Register here.
Fit a Summer Camp into Your Summer Vacation
Summer day camps are perfect for kids when you visit Alabama’s Gulf Coast! Take advantage of all the great things to do here, too, when you download this free Vacation Guide! With it, you can craft the very best vacation. And, when you start your search for a place to stay, check out our beautiful properties! At Sunset Properties, our beach houses and condos are just steps away from the beach and minutes away from the very best restaurants and activities the area has to offer. So, why wait? Contact us today to book your stay!
12th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
May 5th until the 8th enjoy all of the fantasy and adventure that follows hot air balloons. I know as a child it was such a special even to get to see even one hot air balloon floating along. In early May you have a chance to see up to 30 hot air balloonists from across the country floating through and around our area to celebrate the 12th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival.
Of course It is not just balloons that are at this festival. The big events are as follows.
May 5 – Balloon Glow at Tanger Outlets from 6pm – 7pm
May 6 – Festival Grounds from 2pm – 10pm (open to public)
May 7 – Festival Grounds from 9am – 10pm (open to public)
May 8 – Enjoy the balloons from afar as they soar through the sky! (NOT open to public)
This is just a taste of what is happening at the balloon festival that weekend.
Take a look at all the fun you and your family can enjoy. Information provided by The Foley Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, May 5
Balloon Glow at Tanger Outlets in Foley, Alabama. Come get up close and personal with 10 hot air balloons as they light the sky! Talk to pilots and crew and see the inside of balloons!
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Friday, May 6
Color Dash 5k. Run under 40 balloons and get colorful! Run begins at the Chamber office and ends at the Festival Grounds! Learn more and register today by clicking here. Also check out where to park.
Registration begins at 6:00am Race starts at 7:00am
Festival Grounds open to the public
2:00pm
Disconnected K’9s Frisbee Dog Show presented by Papa John’s
3:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm
Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather permitting). Walk inside a hot air balloon!
5:00pm – Dusk
Tethered Rides. Purchase tickets here to go up in a hot air balloon! (weather permitting)
Dusk
Balloon Glow and Mass Ascension! Watch the balloons glow and soar through the night sky! (weather permitting)
Dusk
Have fun with the kiddos at the carnival that will be available all day! (rides for the whole family!) Purchase your tickets early by clicking here.
2:00pm – 10:00pm
Live Music featuring Mustache The Band! Check out their band here.
8:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday, May 7
8:00am – 10:00pm
Arts & Crafts Vendors, Retail Vendors and Food Vendors (open at 8am for Color Dash 5k runners only. Open at 9am to public)
8:00am – 10:00pm
Disconnected K’9s Frisbee Dog Show presented by Papa John’s, Faulkner State, Global Marketing Solutions and Bon Secour Fisheries
10:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm
Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather permitting). Walk inside a hot air balloon!
5:00pm – Dusk
Tethered Rides. Purchase tickets here to go up in a hot air balloon! (weather permitting)
Dusk
Mass Ascension! Watch the balloons all take off at the same time! (weather permitting). Check out all the balloons and their pictures by clicking here.
Dusk
Have fun with the kiddos at the carnival that will be available all day! Purchase your tickets early by clicking here. (open at 8am for Color Dash 5k runners only. Open at 9am to public)
Live Music featuring The Molly Ringwalds! Check out their band here.
8:00pm – 10:00pm
Sunday, May 8
Unfortunately the grounds are not open but we would encourage you to be on the lookout for the balloons in the sky!
7:00am
Balloons Fly
7:00am
Cote’s Music Factory (formally known as the Bamaboys Band)
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Dancing Story Lady (provided by “The Melting Pot”, a multicultrual experience presented by the Snooke Youth Club and a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts)
2:00pm – 2:50pm
Winners from BCCA Baldwin Star Search (provided by “The Melting Pot”, a multicultrual experience presented by the Snooke Youth Club and a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts)
1:15pm – 1:45pm
Snook Youth Club Angel Bells and Fiddlers (provided by “The Melting Pot”, a multicultrual experience presented by the Snooke Youth Club and a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts)
1:00pm – 1:15pm
Color Dash Runners end at the festival grounds. Grounds open ONLY to those who ran!!
8:00am
9:00am
Festival Grounds open to public
Arts & Crafts Vendors, Retail Vendors and Food Vendors
2:00pm – 10:00pm
Festival Grounds close
10:00pm
Check out these other fun things going on…
Tara McMeans with Design Print Promote designed our beautiful 2016 poster and t-shirts. Click here to view and purchase merchandise. She will be onsite both days signing posters and shirts as well as painting the scenery. Come meet the artist!
Our VIP tent is new and beautiful with incredible appetizers from Wolf Bay Lodge Foley, a full bar and beautiful new furniture. Also, don’t miss out on meeting John and Johnna from 97.5 WABD Cumulus Radio. Our VIP tent is sponsored by: Cumulus Radio, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, Meyer Vacation Rentals and Southern Linc Wireless. Click here to purchase passes.
Check out some really cool trucks provided by Southern Comfort!
Want to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy yourself? No worries, we have a gaming truck that is over 50′ long and has all your kids’ favorite games inside. For a small fee, drop the kids off and let them enjoy their favorites; from x-box, wii, x-box 360 and more!
Kewl Kites will be joining us this year! Check out their HUGE kites and come to the festival both days to watch them fly!
Our interactive balloon, provided by Taking Off Hot Air Balloon Company and our very own Balloonmeister Tommy Rachel and powered by the Foley Fire Explorers, will be at the Festival Grounds both days. Walk inside the balloon and get great pictures!
