little girl playing near water slide at big kahuna's water and adventure park in destin

8 Things to Do with Kids in Destin

July 5, 2023

With stunning beaches, the Gulf of Mexico in our backyard, and plenty of activities away from the beach, Destin offers the perfect opportunity to create cherished memories. A coastal gem with miles of pristine waters and powdery white sands, Destin provides the perfect backdrop for a vacation filled with adventure! 

But the captivating beaches aren’t the only sites to see. From lovely boardwalks and exciting amusement parks to engaging mini-golf courses and thrilling water parks, you’ll find plenty of things to do with kids in Destin. Nearby communities offer even more attractions, providing a wealth of kid-friendly activities and fun-filled surprises that will have the whole family eagerly anticipating their next visit!

Crab Island Excursions

Located on the north side of the Destin bridge, Crab Island is one of the most popular attractions in Destin. A raised sandbar accessible only by boat, shallow waters provide the perfect playground for kids, tweens, and teens. Grab the family and embark on a Crab Island excursion, then swim, play, and enjoy inflatable water attractions in crystal-clear waters. The kids will delight in splashing around in a safe and picturesque environment while you can relax and soak up the sun.

Learn more about Crab Island Excursions in Destin.

The Track

The Track is a thrilling attraction that offers endless entertainment, guaranteeing a fun-filled day for all. Take your pick from go-karts, bumper boats, mini-golf, and thrill rides, then challenge each other on the arcade games. Kids will love channeling their inner race car driver, navigating challenging mini-golf courses, and enjoying friendly competition with family members on a fun day away from the beach. 

Learn more about The Track in Destin.

Destin Harbor Boardwalk

The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a vibrant waterfront entertainment center with kid-friendly activities that last all day. With stunning views of the harbor and a parade of boat traffic, the boardwalk provides a picturesque setting for strolls and family outings. With restaurants, shops, and live entertainment, kids can enjoy delicious treats, explore unique shops, and even go on dolphin-watching tours. 

Learn more about Destin Harbor Boardwalk.

Gator Beach

Gator Beach is a must-visit destination in Destin, a thrilling and educational attraction where kids and families can have up-close encounters with live alligators. Witnessing these fascinating creatures in a safe and controlled environment is an unforgettable experience, and informative presentations by knowledgeable staff provide insights into alligator habits, behavior, and conservation efforts. The highlight of the visit is the chance to hold a baby alligator and capture memorable photos, making it a perfect choice for curious minds. 

You’ll be in the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious lunch at Fudpucker’s full-service restaurant, featuring soups, salads, seafood, and an award-winning kid’s menu your littles will love!

Learn more about Gator Beach in Destin.

Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park

As the largest water park on the Emerald Coast, Big Kahuna guarantees a day of thrills for the entire family. From adrenaline-pumping high-speed slides for fearless adventurers to gentle, lazy rivers for those that just want to relax, you’ll find it all. After you’ve finished with the pools, rides, and slides, enjoy a round of mini golf or hit the Sky Coaster, an adventure ride that’ll see you soaring over 100 feet above ground at 60 miles per hour!

Learn more about Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park in Destin.

Fat Daddy’s Arcade

With over 120 arcade games, including classics and cutting-edge options, there’s something for everyone at Fat Daddy’s Arcade. Families can compete in friendly competitions, earn tickets, and redeem them for exciting prizes. This family-friendly entertainment center also features interactive rides like bumper cars and virtual reality experiences, and you can even reserve space for a birthday party or special event, and give them a day they’ll never forget!

Learn more about Fat Daddy’s Arcade in Destin.

Destin Laser Tag and Blacklight Mini-Golf

The perfect activity when kids need to burn off some energy, Destin Laser Tag and Black Light Mini Golf offer exhilarating and immersive experiences that combine physical activity and mental stimulation. Step into a futuristic laser tag arena and compete in a high-tech strategy battle guaranteed to get the whole family moving, ducking, and strategizing. When you’re ready to slow things down, the black light mini-golf course adds excitement with glowing neon obstacles and challenging holes. 

Top off the afternoon with a trip to Lulu’s for a delicious open-air lunch and so much more. A rope course, beach arcade, and paddle boards will have the kids on cloud nine while you sip a frozen margarita and enjoy views of Choctawhatchee Bay!

Learn more about the Destin Laser Tag.

Beach Parks

Destin has beautiful beach parks that offer endless fun and plenty of activities for all ages, whether that be splashing in the waves or playing sand volleyball. Providing direct access to the pristine sandy shores and sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, they cater to families seeking a day of outdoor enjoyment with amenities like picnic areas, playgrounds, volleyball courts, and restroom facilities. Bring your suits, some sunscreen, and let the day take you where it will!

Learn about the Beach Parks in Destin.

Exciting Adventures in Fort Walton Beach

If you run out of things to do in Destin, head west to Fort Walton Beach and hit Okaloosa Island, a 3-mile stretch packed with family fun! 

With two 18-hole courses and over 24 flavors of ice cream, Okaloosa National Mini Golf and Ice Cream promises an afternoon of fun, while the Boardwalk features shops and restaurants right on the beach. Kids can learn about futuristic robots, discover dinosaurs, and play with adorable animals at the Emerald Coast Science Center. The Gulfarium Marine and Adventure Park offers an immersive experience where children can witness the wonders of marine life up close, from thrilling dolphin shows to interactive encounters with sea lions, seals, and stingrays. 

Fun Activities on 30A

About 20 miles east of Destin lies Scenic Highway 30A, a 26-mile two-lane road overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Charming beach communities dot the landscape, each unique, and all best enjoyed on bikes. You’ll have no problem finding kid-friendly activities on 30A and they’ll typically involve time spent outdoors enjoying the incredible weather and breathtaking landscape. From paddleboarding and kayaking to fishing and kayaking, you can find it all on 30A. No need to map out an itinerary because we’ve done the work for you! Browse the shops in Seaside and Rosemary Beach, explore nature trails in Grayton Beach State Park, and embark on a journey discovering coastal habitats in Camp Helen State Park.

No matter if your family is filled with curious wanderers or fearless explorers, you’ll find plenty of things to do with kids in Destin and the surrounding communities!

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