The Top 10 Best Things To Do with Kids in Destin, Florida
It’s no secret that the Emerald Coast is a popular vacation destination for families. With everything from beaches and pools to waterparks and go-karts, there are numerous things to do with kids in Destin, Florida. These kid-friendly activities will make for an unforgettable trip to the beach.
The Track
Located in the heart of Destin, The Track features fun for the whole family with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. If you’re feeling the need for speed, check out their five signature go-kart tracks. Have an adventurous race on one of the elevated tracks or let the kids take the wheel on the Rookie Tracks.
Families can also golf on the themed putt-putt course, cool down on the Blaster Boats, and zoom around in bumper cars. Need some AC or shelter from the rain? It’s all fun and games in the vibrant arcade! Enjoy the wide selection of classic and interactive games resulting in awesome prizes.
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
With a variety of water slides and rides, Big Kahuna’s is the perfect place to spend the day with kids in Destin. The waterpark boasts a giant wave pool, lazy river, numerous slides, and the Honolulu Half Pipe for those looking to hang ten. While the kids splash around, parents can relax in one of the comfortable cabanas or grab a bite to eat at the food court or café.
Thrill seekers will love the Adventure Park, which is home to several exciting rides. Take a plunge on the Sky Coaster where you hang 100 feet in the air and then fly towards the ground, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph. If that doesn’t get your adrenaline pumping, the Cyclone Twister provides non-stop action and excitement as the ride spins around and around at over 50 mph. Guests looking for a calmer activity can tee up on the tropical mini golf course featuring 54 challenging holes on three unique courses.
Big Kahuna’s also hosts family-friendly events throughout the season, including their Declaration Celebration over the 4 th of July weekend, Country & BBQ Festival in August, and Halloween Horror in October.
Snorkel the Destin Jetty
Get an underwater view of Destin with a snorkeling tour. Pelican Adventures offers a jetty exploration snorkeling adventure, allowing participants to tour and explore a partially submerged rock wall that juts out into the Gulf of Mexico. It’s home to a variety of marine life including blue crabs and numerous fish species. If you’re lucky, you might even see a pod of dolphins!
Buccaneer Pirate Cruise
Ahoy, matey! Gather up your lads and lasses and embark on the adventure of a lifetime with the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise . This popular boat tour explores the pristine waters of the Emerald Coast while entertaining the whole crew with pirate-themed activities, witty banter, pirate songs, a treasure hunt, authentic cannon fire, and more. Out of all the things to do in Destin, this is a must!
Fudpucker’s
Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill has plenty of things for kids to do while the parents unwind with a good meal. This family friendly restaurant features Teen Nights, a special kids’ menus with puzzles and games, and sprawling buildings that are fun to explore. Plus, there are playgrounds and lots of space where kids of all ages can write their names on the walls.
Did we mention there are live alligators? Guests can feed the gators, have their picture taken holding a live gator, or see a live alligator show which starts at 5pm daily. With the Gator VIP Experience, visitors can even go behind the scenes of Gator Beach and help a professionally trained Gator Handler open the park for the day. You’ll see everything from the baby alligator exhibit to a real life alligator habitat with more than 100 juvenile and young adult alligators. Plus, Gator Beach is home to a rare albino alligator named Pearl.
Maximum Magic Show
In addition to the plethora of outdoor activities, there are also numerous things to do in Destin that are inside. Feel the magic at HarborWalk Theater when award-winning illusionists Noah and Heather Wells put on an awe-inspiring show. The Maximum Magic Show features world-class illusions, hilarious comedy, audience participation, unbelievable mindreading, and special effects. Both kids and adults will be captivated by this action-packed show. And if your child was inspired to learn some tricks, sign them up for Super Cool Magic School . Through this fun, interactive class, kids will learn magic tricks, but more importantly, develop important communication and people skills.
Dolphin Cruise
Set sail on the Southern Star Dolphin Cruise and enjoy up-close views of dolphins, seabirds and a variety of other marine life. During this two-hour tour, you’ll cruise out to the Gulf of Mexico through the East Pass or sail in the Choctawhatchee Bay, depending on where the dolphins are swimming that day. You’ll learn about the local pod, watch them play, and take a photo or video so that you can make your friends back home jealous. The kids can also feed the birds and drive the boat.
Splash Around at Destin Commons
Destin Commons is an outdoor mall and lifestyle center that boasts a variety of stores, restaurants, and activities. If you’re looking for things to do in Destin for the whole family—this is it. Kids can burn off some energy at the splash pad and dry play area while adults relax with a cool beverage on nearby benches.
For some indoor fun, check out the underwater-themed restaurant and bowling lanes at Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl & Grill . The kids will love the custom bowling bowls that look like sharks, mermaids, and other underwater creatures.
HarborWalk Village
HarborWalk Village is your one-stop shop for things to do with kids in Destin. Located on the harbor across from Norriego Point, there are numerous cruises and boats available for rental. Rent a pontoon or Jet Ski and visit infamous Crab Island; experience the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village aboard one of Destin’s finest charter boats; see the sea life with a glass bottom boat; or fly high in the sky while parasailing.
If you’re looking to stay on land, there is an array of shops and restaurants, including Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Harry T’s. There is no shortage of entertainment for kids or adults. Enjoy live music, firework shows and weekly Fat Tuesday parades. Throughout the year, visitors will also find unique events such as Blues, Brews & BBQ and the Destin Seafood Festival.
Henderson Beach State Park
Last, but not least—the beach! One of the most popular things to do in Destin is to enjoy the stunning sand and emerald green water for which the Gulf Coast is known. Swim in the gulf, build a sandcastle or nap in the shade of a beach umbrella. Henderson Beach State Park boasts snow-white sand dunes, a nature trail and covered pavilions that are ideal for a picnic.
As you can see, there are numerous things to do with kids in Destin, Florida, making it an ideal vacation destination. The best part? My Vacation Haven guests can save money on many of these family-friendly activities through our Added Fun Partners . We can’t wait to help you plan your next trip to Destin!