Yeah, as stated earlier. Gulf Shores isn't the Brew Pub capital by a longshot. Alabama has some strange alcohol and brewery laws. However, Fairhope Brewing Co. has some decent selections. And Rouse's is about the best selection around. I am just seeing Dogfish Head coming into the local stores. That's how slow it is down here.
Enjoy Gulf Shores though. Nice beach.
As far as a good selection of beer on the beach, you may find it at the Hangout (although a bit pricey). Hard to find a place on the beach that has craft beer on tap. The Big Beach Brewing Company is the only brewery there (and not on the beach but has a great laid back atmosphere). They don't serve anything but the beer they make on premises. Can't serve food at any brewery. (Yeah, odd laws.) But you can bring your own food in or order from the restaurants to deliver. So as far as kids, they'd have to bring their own drinks and then you'd have to figure out the food issue. Hopefully things will change soon. There is huge potential for good breweries to come here but I don't think anyone wants the hassle.
But to trail a little off subject, my wife's from Indianapolis and used to vacation here as well. That's how I conned her into moving here about 15 years ago. Love it down here and love the weather.