Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) —  Tacky Jacks locations in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will host a series of free family events this week featuring wildlife education, jewelry-making classes, and beach games for children. The Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo are among the organizations partnering with the restaurant chain for the programming. Both the Gulf Shores location at 240 E. 24th Ave. and the Orange Beach location at 27206 Safe Harbor Dr. will take part in the events. Online registration is required for most programs, and participants are asked to arrive 15 minutes early and check in downstairs at Jack's Bar.

The three-day run of events begins Tuesday, July 14, 2026, and continues through Thursday, July 16, 2026. 

On Tuesday, July 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will host its Hands-On Habitat series at Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores, 240 E. 24th Ave., Gulf Shores.

The program is free for all ages and offers participants the chance to learn about Gulf Coast ecosystems and interact with local wildlife. Attendees are asked to leave personal pets at home, as animals brought to the event may react negatively to them. Guests should arrive 15 minutes early and check in downstairs at Jack's Bar, where lunch can be ordered separately.

Also on July 14, Tacky Jacks Grill & Tavern in Orange Beach, located at 27206 Safe Harbor Dr., will host Art al Fresco from 11 a.m. to noon. The class features vintage toy-and-game jewelry-making led by local and regional artists.

On Wednesday, July 15, Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores will host Art al Fresco: Beachy Bracelets from 11 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn to make beachy and seashell jewelry under the guidance of local and regional artists and take home a finished piece. The class is free with the purchase of a $25 gift card, and online reservations are required. Guests should arrive 15 minutes early and check in downstairs.

Also on Wednesday, July 15, Tacky Jacks Grill & Tavern in Orange Beach will host a Hands-On Habitat session presented by the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, running from 11 a.m. to noon. The free program offers kids and adults the chance to learn about Gulf Coast wildlife and interact with zoo animals. Personal pets are not permitted, as they may react negatively to the animal guests. Lunch can be ordered at Jack's Bar, and all participants — including adults — must register online in advance.

On Thursday, July 16, Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores will host Summer of Fun Beach Games from 11 a.m. to noon, open to kids ages 6 to 12. Children will compete in games and challenges, receive a free kids' meal, win prizes, and appear on Tacky TV. Parents can also join a water-balloon dodgeball game for a chance to win prizes. The event is free, but an RSVP is required, and kids must be able to follow directions independently. Participants should arrive by 10:45 a.m. and check in downstairs at Jack's Bar.

Reservations for all events are required and can be made online. Click here for reservations at the Orange Beach location. Click here to make reservations for the Gulf Shores location. 

For more information, visit the Tacky Jacks' website.