When the summer sun turns up the heat in Fairhope, AL, we don't give up on family adventures. We either head to the water, plan our outdoor activities during the early morning or late evening hours, or we find fun things to do inside. Whether you're staying with us at Jubilee Suites, or you're a local resident, it's time to get creative and find cool ways to keep the family entertained. Keep reading for some fun ideas that will have everyone smiling and beating the heat in no time!
Wet and Wild at Fairhope Splash Pad: Fairhoper's Community Park, 105 S. Church St. Open 7 Days from 9 am to 5 pm.
If you're looking for a free place to cool off with your little ones, head to the Fairhope Splash Pad in Fairhopers Community Park. This tree-lined playground with a large pirate-themed splash pad, loads of imaginative playground equipment, and covered pavilion is perfect for kids of all ages. Let them run through sprinklers, dodge water jets, and enjoy the cool mist as they giggle with delight. It's a great way to beat the heat and burn some energy while making lasting memories. Another place to play in the water in Fairhope is the Fairhope Municipal Pier and Park at the west end of Fairhope Avenue with a duck pond, picnic tables, playground equipment, and a big sandy beach right on Mobile Bay. Stay for the sunset if you can. You won't be disappointed! Don't forget to pack towels, sunscreen, drinks, and snacks, because the water adventures are about to begin!
Ice Cream Delights at Mr. Gene's Beans, 302 De La Mare Avenue. Open most days 9 am to 10 pm.
When the sun is blazing, nothing beats ice cream. Visit Mr. Gene's Beans where you'll find an old-school ice cream and coffee shop serving Fairhope Floats since 1993! Indulge in your favorite treat while sitting comfortably on the porch or at an inside table. Let your favorite flavors melt away the heat as you and your family enjoy a sweet moment together. After your treat, continue to dodge the heat while you duck into one air-conditioned shop after another on De La Mare, one of the most interesting streets in Fairhope. For more cool treats, check out Frios Gourmet Pops at Fairhope Sweet Shop, snow cones at Ice Ice Baby, ice cream at the coffee shop inside Page & Palette, and gelato at Fairhope Chocolate.
Stay Cool at Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue. Open 6 days a week.
Dive into a world of books at the Fairhope Public Library. It's the perfect place to discover new stories, escape into exciting adventures, and beat the heat. Let your little ones explore the children's section, participate in reading programs, or enjoy storytime sessions. For older kids and adults, there are endless shelves of books covering a wide range of genres. Find a cozy nook, grab a book, and let your imagination soar in the comforting embrace of air conditioning. In addition to all the regular services for children, teens, and adults, see the Library Calendar and be amazed at the wide variety of special activities for each member of the family and interest groups that meet regularly. Be sure to check out their used book store which sells much more than books. We love this library for so many reasons!
Get crafty at the Eastern Shore Art Center: 401 Oak Ave. See their website for class descriptions and registration details.
Unleash your family's creative side at the Eastern Shore Art Center. They offer various art classes and workshops suitable for all ages and skill levels. Whether it's painting, pottery, or sculpture, you can try your hand at different art forms and create unique masterpieces together. Classes are forming for adults, teens, children, and even preschoolers. It's a fantastic way to stay indoors, stay cool, and discover your inner artist. Another option is group or private classes at The Kiln Studio and Gallery at 9 N. Church Street. We've enjoyed taking our oldest granddaughter, Bea, to make pottery for the first time and had a blast together. Megan Shifflett, the owner, is a fantastic teacher, and Bea and I took several private lessons in both hand building and wheel throwing. It was fun watching Bea discover a new side of herself!
Cool off at the Fairhope Museum of History, 24 N. Section Street, Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm with free admission.
Take a break from the sun and delve into the fascinating history of Fairhope at the Fairhope Museum of History. Learn about the city's founders and the economic experiment that inspired them to leave their homes and travel to an unknown place, to the planned utopia they named Fairhope. Explore exhibits showcasing local artists, businesses, and our unique location on Mobile Bay. Discover the personal stories that shaped the eclectic community we call home. Exhibits change regularly and we've found the docents to be extremely knowledgeable and ready to answer all our questions. The air-conditioned museum, which once served as the City Hall, offers an educational and refreshing experience for the whole family. Be sure to take a picture of your children in the original jail cell. Who knew history could be so cool?
When the mercury rises, don't let the heat ruin your family adventures.
Embrace the opportunity to discover exciting activities that will keep everyone entertained and cool in Fairhope, AL. Whether you're splashing around at the Splash Pad, indulging in delectable ice cream treats, or enjoying indoor adventures, the key is to create memorable moments and beat the heat with a big smile.
And if you're staying in one of our luxurious suites at Jubilee Suites Bed & Breakfast, you'll have complete access to our 200 feet of beachfront right on Mobile Bay. One way to stay cool is to explore Mobile Bay on one of our complimentary kayaks or paddleboards. The Bay is relatively shallow and we provide life jackets for all, so this is something the whole family will enjoy. Whether you head out at dawn or sunset, getting onto the water of Mobile Bay will be a highlight of your stay with us and we guarantee will make lasting memories. Or if sitting on the beach is more your style, you can still stay cool while dipping your feet in the water, fishing, or simply watching the world go by. We'd love to meet you this year. Come stay with us and experience the peace of living like a local on Mobile Bay.
Dana and Jim Maloney