Tacky Jacks Brings Back Its 14th Annual Summer of Fun for Families
The popular waterfront restaurant series features art classes, hands-on nature programs, and beach games every week this summer
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Tacky Jacks is bringing back one of the Alabama Gulf Coast's most popular summer traditions. The restaurant's 14th Annual Summer of Fun is returning to both its Gulf Shores and Orange Beach locations. The series features a packed lineup of free, family-friendly events each week. Kids and adults alike will have plenty to look forward to all summer long.
The Summer of Fun kicks off on June 2, 2026, and runs through late July. Events are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon. Attendees are asked to arrive 15 minutes early. Online reservations are required, and the full monthly schedule is available at www.tackyjacks.com.
The series consists of three recurring programs, namely Hands on Habitat, Art al Fresco, and Tacky Jacks Beach Games. Each is offered at the waterfront venues on a rotating weekly schedule. All three are free to attend, though some have small participation requirements.
Hands on Habitat is a nature-based series presented by local organizations, including Gulf State Park Nature Center, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, the Orange Beach Wildlife Center, and the Share the Beach Sea Turtle Program. Alabama Marine Resources and the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism and Sustainability are also involved. Kids and adults can learn about the local ecosystem and interact with animals. The program runs on Tuesdays in Gulf Shores and on Wednesdays in Orange Beach.
Art al Fresco is described as "a hands-on lunch-and-learn for starving artists of all ages." Each week, participants create a new art project while enjoying food at the waterfront location. This summer's projects include decoupage oyster shells, water-gun tie-dyed beach bags, bicycle-pedal-powered spin art, and seashell turtles. A free art class is included with the purchase of a $25 gift card. Art al Fresco is offered Tuesdays in Orange Beach and Wednesdays in Gulf Shores.
Tacky Jack's Beach Games is all about fun and friendly competition. Kids ages 6 to 12 participate in games, challenges, and more every Thursday at the Gulf Shores location. All participants receive a free lunch from Tacky Jack's, prizes, and a chance to appear on television. Parents also join the action with a friendly game of water balloon dodgeball for prizes. The event runs on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon at Gulf Shores only.
Below is the full schedule of Summer of Fun events for both locations.
2026 Summer of Fun Events
Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores
June
- 2 – Hands on Habitat, Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism and Sustainability
- 3 – Art al Fresco, Decoupage Oyster Shell
- 4 – Beach Games
- 9 – Hands on Habitat, Gulf State Park Nature Center
- 10 – Art al Fresco, Bicycle Pedal Powered Spin Art on Canvas
- 11 – Beach Games
- 16 – Hands on Habitat, Share the Beach Sea Turtle Program
- 17 – Art al Fresco, Sea Shell Fish on Canvas
- 18 – Beach Games
- 23 – Hands on Habitat, Orange Beach Wildlife Center
- 24 – Art al Fresco, Vintage Toy/Game Jewelry
- 25 – Beach Games
- 30 – Hands on Habitat, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
July
- 1 – Art al Fresco, Patriotic Water Gun Tie Dye Beach Bag
- 2 – Beach Games
- 7 – Hands on Habitat, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
- 8 – Art al Fresco, Pinecone Flower Art
- 9 – Beach Games
- 14 – Hands on Habitat, Alabama Marine Resources Division
- 15 – Art al Fresco, Beachy Bracelet
- 16 – Beach Games
- 21 – Hands on Habitat, Gulf State Park Nature Center
- 22 – Art al Fresco, Starfish and Stripes Ornament
- 23 – Beach Games
Tacky Jacks Orange Beach
June
- 2 – Art al Fresco, Bicycle Pedal Powered Spin Art on Canvas
- 3 – Hands on Habitat, Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism and Sustainability
- 9 – Art al Fresco, Beachy Bracelet
- 10 – Hands on Habitat, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
- 16 – Art al Fresco, Sea Shell Turtle
- 17 – Hands on Habitat, Gulf State Park Nature Center
- 23 – Art al Fresco, Pinecone Flower Art
- 24 – Hands on Habitat, Share the Beach Sea Turtle Program
- 30 – Art al Fresco, Starfish and Stripes Patriotic Ornament
July
- 1 – Hands on Habitat, Orange Beach Wildlife Center
- 7 – Art al Fresco, Decoupage Oyster Shell
- 8 – Hands on Habitat, Gulf State Park Nature Center
- 14 – Art al Fresco, Vintage Toy/Game Jewelry
- 15 – Hands on Habitat, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
- 21 – Art al Fresco, Water Gun Tie Dye Beach Bag
- 22 – Hands on Habitat, Alabama Marine Resources Division
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