Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Tacky Jacks is bringing back its long-running Summer of Fun event series for the 13th year at its Gulf Shores and Orange Beach locations. Designed to engage residents and visitors of all ages, the weekly programs combine hands-on learning with outdoor activities during lunch hours. Over the years, these events have provided families with opportunities to explore local nature, express creativity through art, and take part in light-hearted competition. The series continues to offer educational and recreational value while supporting community connection and local partnerships.

The series includes Hands on Habitat, Art al Fresco, and Tacky Jacks Beach Games. These activities occur weekly from Tuesday to Thursday. They start on June 3 and run through the summer. Reservations must be made online.

Local artists and organizations join the events. Guests can check the schedule at Tacky Jacks website. The activities take place at the waterfront locations. Each event is designed to be engaging and fun.

Hands on Habitat is a fun and educational hands on nature series presented by Gulf State Park Nature Center, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Orange Beach Wildlife Center, Share the Beach Sea Turtle Program, Alabama Audubon, Alabama Marine Resources and more! Kids & adults alike can learn about our ecosystem and interact with the animals that live here with us. The event is free to attend and is for all ages from 11 am-12 pm (arrive 15 minutes early), Offered on Tuesdays in Gulf Shores and Wednesdays in Orange Beach. Online RSVP is required.

 
Art al Fresco “A hands-on lunch & learn for starving artists of all ages”.

Create different works of art & crafts paired with great food this summer. Projects include tie-dye shirts, create-with-paint seashell fish on canvas, beachy or patriotic ball cap, create-with-clay coastal necklace, beachy birdhouse, create-with-paint "leave only footprints" on canvas, painted clay pots and succulents, plastic pollution fish photo and frame. All ages lunch & learn weekly at 11 am-12 pm (arrive 15 minutes early). Includes a $10 gift card for lunch, the fee depends on the project. Offered Tuesdays in Orange Beach and Wednesdays in Gulf Shores. Online RSVP is required.

Tacky Jacks Beach Games is all about a little friendly competition. Kids ages 6-12 compete in games, challenges, and more! All participants get a free lunch from Tacky Jacks, prizes, and get to be on TV! Parents can compete in a friendly game of water balloon dodgeball for prizes! The event is free to attend for ages 6-12 every Thursday from 11 am-12 pm (arrive 15 minutes early), Offered Thursdays at our Gulf Shores location only. Online RSVP is required.

June (Gulf Shores)

3 – Hands on Habitat, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

4 – Art al Fresco, Create-with-Paint, Seashell Fish on Canvas $25

5 – Beach Games

10 – Hands on Habitat, Gulf State Park Nature Center

11 – Art al Fresco, DIY Beachy or Patriotic Ball Cap $30

12 – Beach Games

17 – Hands on Habitat, Share the Beach Sea Turtle Program

18 – Art al Fresco, Create-with-Clay, Coastal Necklace $25

19 – Beach Games

24 – Hands on Habitat, Orange Beach Wildlife Center

25 – Art al Fresco, Beachy Birdhouse $30

26 – Beach Games

June (Orange Beach)

3 – Art al Fresco, Painted Clay Pot with Succulent $25

4 – Hands on Habitat, Alabama Audubon

10 – Art al Fresco, Beachy Birdhouse $30

11 – Hands on Habitat, Gulf State Park Nature Center

17– Art al Fresco, Plastic Pollution Fish Photo and Frame $25

18 – Hands on Habitat, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

24 – Art al Fresco, Create-with-Paint, Seashell Fish on Canvas $25

25 – Hands on Habitat, Share the Beach Sea Turtle Program

July (Gulf Shores)

1 – Hands on Habitat, Gulf State Park Nature Center

2 – Art al Fresco, Create-with-Paint, Leave Only Footprints on Canvas $25

3 – Beach Games

8 – Hands on Habitat, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

9 – Art al Fresco, DIY Tie Dye Shirt $30

10 – Beach Games

15 – Hands on Habitat, Alabama Marine Resources

16 – Art al Fresco, Painted Clay Pot with Succulent $25

17 – Beach Games

22 – Hands on Habitat, Alabama Audubon

23 – Art al Fresco, Plastic Pollution Fish Photo and Frame $25

24 – Beach Games

July (Orange Beach)

1 – Art al Fresco, DIY Beachy or Patriotic Ball Cap $30

2 – Hands on Habitat, Gulf State Park Nature Center

8 – Art al Fresco, Create-with-Clay, Coastal Necklace $25

9 – Hands on Habitat, Orange Beach Wildlife Center

15 – Art al Fresco, Create-with-Paint, Leave Only Footprints on Canvas $25

16 – Hands on Habitat, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

22 – Art al Fresco, DIY Tie Dye Shirt $30

23 – Hands on Habitat, Alabama Marine Resources