Keeping kids entertained (and most importantly, mentally stimulated) can be a challenge. Just because school’s out for summer doesn’t mean the learning stops! For a family-friendly experience that’s both fun and educational, consider spending a day experiencing the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort, where the Mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, Apalachee and Blakeley rivers flow into Mobile Bay.

With a focus on outdoor recreation, conversation and land stewardship, the 5 Rivers Delta boasts more than 250,000 acres of scenic waterways, woods and wetlands.

While at the resource center, tour the exhibits in the Apalachee Exhibit Hall and the Little Bateau Learning Center. There, kids can see live animals, taxidermy and local art as well as participate in hands-on activities and traveling exhibits.

Ready to head outside? Gather your crew and hop aboard The Osprey for a Delta Safari. See if you can spot the 126 fish, 40 mammal, 68 reptile and 500 plant species native to Mobile-Tensaw Delta on a boat tour. Or hop in your canoe or kayak (or rent one from Delta Safaris) to explore the area yourself.

Another great way to connect with nature is on the trails.

 Take your little ones out on one of the 5 Rivers Delta’s trails, and make sure to bring a camera. You never know what kind of critters you’ll bump into along the way.

Pack lunch and your favorite snacks and enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many picnic areas scattered throughout the property. Bringing a bigger crew for a party or event? The picnic pavilions can be reserved in advance to accommodate you.

For the little ones in your life, 5 Rivers offers StoryTime every first and third Tuesday of the month. Children ages 6 and younger can enjoy hearing a nature story followed by arts and crafts. Or catch a movie at the Tensaw Theater, with weekly on-demand screenings of a variety of films as well as scheduled Sunday matinees.

On your way out, don’t forget to drop by the Cypress Gift Shop for locally made items and gifts. Gift shop sales support 5 Rivers Educational Programs, so it’s a win-win.

Open to visitors from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day and free to the public, the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center is a great option along Alabama’s Coastal Connection for keeping your little ones connected to nature all summer long.