couple with small children on navarre beach

Family Fun Guide: Top 4 Things to Do with Kids in Navarre

March 21, 2024

Nestled between Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola, Navarre is a charming coastal town that offers a relaxing getaway for the whole family. Much quieter than neighboring communities, “Florida’s Most Relaxing Place” earned its reputation thanks to pristine beaches, a relaxed vibe, and picturesque coastal landscapes. Here, you’ll find the perfect blend of outdoor adventures, new experiences for the kids, and a picture-perfect vacation for groups of all sizes and ages.

If you’re looking for a laid-back getaway with lots of family-friendly activities, Navarre checks every box. Here are just a few fun things to do with the kids in this lovely beach community!

Hit the Beach

Once you step foot on Navarre Beach on Santa Rosa Island, you’ll be in awe of the flat, wide beaches, crystal-clear emerald waters, and sunshine that goes on for days. Relax, get lost in a good book, and soak up the sun away from the crowds while enjoying the incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico. The gentle waves offer plenty of family-friendly activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, and the waters are calm enough for the littles to join in the fun. Play a game of beach volleyball, plan a beach picnic, or make sand castles with some of the softest white sands you’ll ever encounter!

Another excellent spot for a family beach day is Opal Beach on the Gulf Islands National Seashore. This serene beach offers convenient amenities, including outdoor showers, bathrooms, covered pavilions, and plenty of places for the kiddos to play. You can also enjoy the calm waters of the Santa Rosa Sound at Sound Side Park, just north of Santa Rosa Island. Grab a cold beverage at one of the restaurants along the shore, take the kids on a bike ride, and enjoy golden sunsets at day’s end.

After an enjoyable day on Navarre’s beaches, explore local kid-friendly restaurants like Juana’s Pagodas and Dewey Destin’s, or take in the views while enjoying a refreshing treat at Tommy’s Snoballs. With every flavor of shaved ice imaginable and pup cups for your pooch, it’s the perfect way to cool off after a day at the beach!

Cast Your Line

With the longest fishing pier in the Gulf of Mexico, novices and seasoned anglers will have no problem finding a spot to cast their line at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier! Rent a fishing pole for the kids at the bait and tackle shop and help them along as they fish for pompano, flounder, speckled trout, and cobia. The whole family will have a great time strolling along the fishing pier and taking in panoramic views of Navarre Beach and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, one of our favorite family-friendly activities.

Soak up the sun on a fishing charter and fish for mahi mahi, billfish, wahoo, and more! A kid’s fishing trip will teach them everything they need to know about the equipment, the boat, and the different types of fish they might catch. Charter boats provide the bait, tackle, equipment, and licenses—all that’s left for you to do is slather your littles up with sunscreen and let the fun begin!

Afterward, enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine at restaurants by the pier, like Windjammers on the Pier, serving seafood baskets, po’boys, salads, and more. Andy D’s Beachside Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can grab something before heading out or after a long day on the open water. A round of smoked tuna dip, fried pickles, and gator bites might be a nice pick-me-up before heading back out for more exploration. You’ll find several bike, kayak, paddleboard, and golf cart rental companies eager to outfit you with all the gear needed for whatever family-friendly activities you want to pursue!

Learn About Nature

Navarre offers a rich tapestry of nature and marine life exploration for all ages. Visit the Sea Turtle Conservation Center to learn all about sea turtles through interactive displays and exhibits. The kids can meet Sweet Pea, a green sea turtle and local ambassador living at the conservation center!

Head to Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach and hit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Let the kids get up close and personal with marine animals like dolphins, harbor seals, penguins, sea lions, and more! Spend the day learning about their natural habitats, behaviors, and the park’s conservation efforts to protect these beautiful creatures. While there, explore the newest additions at the Gulfarium, including the Dolphin Oasis, a large complex with interconnected habitats designed to mimic their natural habitat. Kids will love the exhibits, shows, and chats, and those over 13 can sign up to work alongside trainers and get hands-on experience caring for the resident marine animals!

Try Something New

Why not try something you’ve never done before on your trip? Discover the beauty of Navarre’s marine sanctuary and artificial reef by snorkeling and shore diving. Kids and adults will enjoy looking for dolphins along the Gulf waters on a dolphin cruise, and adventure seekers can learn how to surf or try adventure kayaking with glow paddles at night. You can easily spend hours at Navarre Family Watersports Adventure Complex, whether renting a pontoon boat, playing on the inflatables, or challenging yourself on the ropes course!

The list of family-friendly activities in Navarre even extends beyond the beach! Learn how to ride a horse at Bay Haven Farms or spend a fun afternoon at the Gulf Breeze Zoo, featuring over 1,000 animals, including gorillas, rhinos, and hippos. With so much to offer, Navarre is the perfect destination for creating lasting memories with the kids!

Ready to plan your next trip to Navarre? From expansive, family-friendly homes to cozy condos with delightful amenities, you’ll find the perfect home away from home! Book today with Scenic Stays!

Family Fun Guide: Top 4 Things to Do with Kids in Navarre

Hit the Beach

Cast Your Line

Learn About Nature

Try Something New

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