As the temperatures start to rise and the flowers start to bloom, we have plenty of fun ways for families to enjoy the outdoors.

Appreciate Art

The Orange Beach Festival of Art takes place March 10 & 11 with more than 90 artists participating. The festival, located at the Orange Beach Art Center, offers a Kids Art Alley  where children have the opportunity to make their own works of art in a variety of media including pottery, forged iron, and origami. Festival admission is $1 for people 12 and older.

Witness History

If want your to kids like history, take a drive north of Mobile to Fort Mims, March 16 -18 to witness the re-enactment of the “Bashi Creek Ambush”.  Throughout the day you can hear cannons fired and tour living history encampments that demonstrate craftsman skill necessary to the frontier. The University of South Alabama has an active archeological site and guides discuss heirloom and medicinal plants.  For more information, click here.

Take a Walk

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge offers free guided nature tours each week – Tuesdays and Wednesdays  at 9:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. Each tour will consist of a 1-2 hour walk. Come and learn about the plants, ecology, history, and wildlife found on the refuge. Reservations are required. Tours are limited to 12 people and 24 hour cancellation notice is requested.  To make a reservation click here.

Tap Your Toes

For a nostalgic but energetic look at American musical heritage, consider taking the kids to Bluegrass Tuesdays at Johnny’s Lakeside RV Resort in Foley. Every Tuesday evening the venue presents Bluegrass bands from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Children 12 and under are free, adults pay $8 admission. For more information click here.

Eat Up

The Original German Sausage Festival in Elberta is a crowd-pleaser every year. The event takes place on March 31 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm offering continuous entertainment for adults and children, and 250 arts & crafts booths. Admission is free and come early because they usually sell out of the 7,000 pounds of sausage they have to sell by 3:00 pm. For details, click here.

Enjoy a Thrill

In March, the Blue Angels start their practice schedule at the Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola. They practice their program of daring stunts most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and sometimes Thursdays, but if you go on Wednesdays, your youngsters can meet the pilots and get autographs. They are currently scheduled to practice on the 21st and 28thbut it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm as practices may be cancelled without notice. For more information, call (853) 452-3604 or visit the museum’s website.