23 Fun Things to Do in Destin with Kids (Updated) – 2024
Destin is a gem to be found on Florida’s Gulf Bay, with stunning beaches featuring sand the same as smooth sugar, the gorgeous turquoise seas of the Gulf of Mexico, and a broad suite of child-friendly activities.
Here’s a selection of enjoyable things to do in Destin, Florida, with kids, including conventional activities like catching fish and making mud pies and more adventurous activities like karting, water slides, and flyboarding. If you’re wondering where to take kids for fun or the best spots around your location, we got it all covered here.
Best things to do in Destin, Florida, with kids
1. Henderson Beach
Although all of Destin’s coastlines are stunning in their respective right, the 2-mile Henderson Shore stands out because of its gorgeous sandy beach and 30 ft cliffs, smooth seas, and the opportunity to see marine mammals, migrating birds, and sometimes even dolphins!
Why visit?
Henderson Beach is also excellent for exploring great natural plants and animals.
For a genuine one-of-a-kind visit, skip the facilities and anchor yourself in the colossal campsite, which is a conservation of the natural area.
The campsite is connected to the shore by a boardwalk, so family entertainment is just a short drive away.
2. Destin Harbor Boardwalk
The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is among Destin’s most famous tourist attractions; a walk here is a must-do on your checklist of things to do in Destin, Florida, with kids!
Why visit?
The lively, colorful atmosphere of the boardwalk, with its numerous eateries and ice cream shops, and chartered boats drifting through and out, bringing the day’s fish, will appeal to the toddlers.
Individuals of all age groups gather here, making it the perfect place to interact with more people or just observe them.
And if that’s not good for you, explore the various splash rides available, such as paragliding, waterskiing, night cruises, and kayaks.
3. Big Kahuna’s
Whenever the children get overworked on the beaches (and every parent gets a medal if any site keeps the children engaged for longer than a day! ) bring them to the Big Kahuna’s Theme Park.
Why visit?
More than forty attractions are corkscrew waterslides, raft excursions, wave simulators, a wave pool, pipeline rides, and a mega fun miniature-golf facility.
Featuring a special kid’s area, including a pool with rides, particularly for babies and slightly older toddlers, Big Kahuna ensures that everyone from minors to adults is amazed.
4. Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier
Okaloosa Island, among the most delighted fishing clan in the country, is the one place to visit for every possible fishing-related desire.
Why visit?
Tourists can borrow food, rods, and other apparatus at the beach area; the cherry on the cake is the astonishingly inexpensive price, as well as the enticing added bonus, is that kids aged five or lower are allowed to fish for free, making the pier among the very rare free places in the whole of Destin.
There’s an abundance of commercial fishing in the city, regardless of the venue you’re fishing from, a shore, a canoe, or a chartered ship. Still, Okaloosa differentiates out by catering to extraordinary fishing experiences at an extremely cheap price.
5. Sea Blaster Dolphin Tour
Mixing fun with knowledge is among the finest things to do with kids on holiday, and that’s precisely what might unfold at Sea Blaster Dolphin.
Why visit?
Enjoy the Sea Blaster trips to watch the dolphins smoothly swimming in the Gulf of Mexico’s waters.
You may choose between a two-hour dolphin tour and a three-hour combined trip with 1.5 hours of snorkeling.
The cruise liners are kid-friendly, with complimentary refreshments aboard (be prepared for an adrenaline rush!), and youngsters even get to drive the ship.
6. Gator Beach at Fudpucker’s
Gator Beach at Fudpucker’s is just a place to visit for families and children who love a little thrill.
Why visit?
If you have a thrill-seeking family who enjoys terrific cuisine, you must explore Gator Beach at Fudpucker’s, which has gourmet food and free alligator performances!
Getting really daring?
Experience gator feeding (with a bait rod, of course), or even more, try feeding yourself some alligator, which is the hotel’s specialty!
If you don’t want to experiment around, then just go with the beautiful prawns and chili cheese fries.
Additionally, the establishment is one of the most child-friendly places in the town, ensuring that even the pickiest diners will be famished!
7. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is among Destin’s significant attractions for youngsters; although smaller than Destin’s major adventure sites, the enjoyment here is enormous!
Why visit?
The unique variety of creature concurrence (sea otters, whales, and seals) will captivate your kid’s interest and curiosity; the dolphins and marine turtles are the highlights of the shows.
After you’ve had your time and experience of touch waters and wildlife feedings, visit Fort Walton Beach, located nearby, to enjoy the remaining day sunbathing and relaxing.
8. The Track Family Recreation Center
The ocean is excellent, but it may become a little dull if you don’t have a family of committed beach lovers!
Why visit?
If you’re done and dusted or probably bored with the beaches, go to the Track Family Recreation Center, which hosts a number of fascinating things for kids in the city.
Track family Recreation Center offers an array of child-friendly attractions like miniature golf, sky diving, go-karting, amusement, and bumper rides, providing a large number of excursion options.
A toddlers’ area also features a carnival, a little train, and mild rides for the little kids to explore.
9. Power Up Watersports
Teenagers, adolescents, and grownups will enjoy the intense thrill at Power Up Watersports; you’ll have to take multiple trips to experience all the rides this place offers.
Why visit?
Power Up Watersports is among the very few places that allow you to experience high-quality, secure flyboarding, the latest motorsports craze—the jet-pack-equipped shoes tied to your toes will propel you flying into the skies!
Flyboarding seems too daring for you?
You won’t be disappointed; visitors can also borrow kayaks, surfboards, and aqua tricycles for milder action!
10. Destin Snorkel
Destin Snorkel is among the most incredible places to go snorkeling during your family trip to Destin, Florida. There are various supervised excursions and snorkeling programs offered at Destin Snorkel.
Why visit?
Destin Snorkel’s 3-hour excursion comprises three exercises: shelling, snorkeling, and whale watching.
The cruise liner makes two halts: one for crabs and shell hunting and the next one for snorkeling and salmon hunting.
The cruise liner also provides single as well as double kayaks, which you can use to try your hand at finding whales!
11. Destin History & Fishing Museum
The Destin History and Fishing Institute teaches kids (and adults!) about the differences between Destin and Sandestin, the city’s intriguing past and thriving fishing industry, and also why Destin’s beaches are this white!
Why visit?
To keep things even more interesting, the institution hosts treasure hunts for families as well as personalized tours for parties.
Inside are displayed fish species, images from Destin’s history as a fishing community on the Gulf coast, and fishing gear; outdoors, there is a parking structure with vintage ships and the ancient postal service.
12. Lucy Anne Buffett
This famous Destin restaurant is dedicated to Jimmy Buffett’s sister Lucy Anne Buffett, popularly known as LuLu. Lucy Anne’s inherently joyful and quirky personality continues in her eatery, the “Lucy Anne Buffett,” where everyone, irrespective of age, has a good time!
Why visit?
Visitors may eat seafood served in the classic southern way at the cafe, which is set against a beautiful shoreline with musical performances.
There is also a special buffet for children.
Don’t miss out on the “Brownie in Paradise”; if murder by dessert can exist (in the most fantastic conceivable way, obviously), this is the place!
13. Banana Boat with Mobile Sports
If you have children over the age of five, the Banana Sailing Trip with Mobile Activities is among the most rewarding things to experience in the city of Destin; in addition to enjoying the exciting banana boat rides, kids will also like their pleasant façade!
Why visit?
A twenty ft powerboat takes you across Destin Marina before venturing forth to unrestricted seas.
After the trip, continue on with the fun trip on the motorboat.
As enjoyable as the journey is, it is a little pricey, ranging from 45 bucks and 55 bucks per passenger for an hour-long excursion.
14. Maximum Magic Show
What youngster (or occasionally guardian!) doesn’t enjoy a great card trick?
Why visit?
Live magical performance may captivate young eyes and hearts, mainly if it is family-friendly, such as the Maximum Magic Show, which allows you to present your children with their initial stage trick.
This one-of-a-kind event offers spectators 90 minutes of funny mind-boggling tricks, participatory techniques like precognition, and excellent graphics!
If you’re searching for something to do following a lengthy day of touring, visit the Maximum Magic Show to conclude the day with wonder!
15. Parasailing
Parasailing is a fantastic pastime, made much more enjoyable by Destin’s brilliant, jewel seas, which allow you to see the town’s many groups of cetaceans and sometimes even fever jellyfish in the bottom portions.
Why visit?
Several companies provide parasailing trips, most of which cost around 40 bucks.
Visitors will reach elevations of up to 500 ft and sail for a period of time before returning to earth.
Captain Jambo is an excellent choice; Captain Jack has worked in the paragliding profession since the mid 199s and is among Destin’s parasailing founders.
16. Indian Mound Museum
The Indian Temple Mound Gallery is located near Fort Walton Beach, just a short distance from the city. Until European people came to Florida, the land was held by American citizens for 1200 decades.
Why visit?
All galleries are located within a minute’s stroll of the pyramid mound’s foundation. The following exhibitions are offered at the galleries:
Native American relics, Treasures from European explorers, Antiques from regional pirates, Fragments from the first settlers, and Ceramics from ancient times.
Entrance is 3 dollars for children over the age of five and 5 dollars for seniors.
The exhibit souvenir store sells reproductions of showcase relics. So, if you find something beautiful at the gallery, there’s a possibility you’ll be able to bring it home with you.
17. Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
Wild Willy’s Entertainment Zone is situated on Okaloosa Island near Fort Walton County, just outside of Destin. It is the most excellent entertainment district in northwestern Florida.
Why visit?
Whatever the climate, Wild Willy’s offers something for everyone.
If the temperatures and humidity of Florida are becoming to you, consider chilly, air-conditioned domestic pastimes like:
Redemption Playground has the most recent high-tech activities, a flying trainer, and many other arcade machines.
4-dimensional movies and 3-dimensional movies with additional realistic features.
Invasion in the City Laser Play: laser tag in a city complex
Pasta at Salvati’s Pizza Bakery
Among the options are silky Cool YogoMogo Greek yogurt, dessert, milkshakes, and cocktails.
Step outside for some fun in the sunshine by doing:
Miniature golf with interactive exhibits, sailors, or newly hatched dinosaurs golf for children
Go-karting: rapid and traditional courses
5 stages of rope swing with sights of the ocean, parkland, and harbor from 60 ft above the ground. Trampoline with reversing elastic straps for secure bouncing enjoyment
Bouncing boat pool: conduct stun gun battles.
Falcon little go-karting: round circuit for 3’4″ and 4’2″ youngsters
Their latest feature is a 110 ft swing.
Each game costs between 6 to 20 bucks, including bundle deals for popular things.
18. Buccaneer Pirate Cruise
A Buccaneer Treasure Boat would be another thing to appreciate when visiting Harborwalk Village. On the other hand, this pirate-themed voyage on a sailboat isn’t the typical two-hour cruise.
Why visit?
It’s okay if you forgot your pirate outfit. Numerous pirates will be on deck to provide entertainment and pirate-themed games for the entire group. Among the activities available to eager individuals of all generations are:
Learning for the position of an honorary pirate
Buccaneer Crewmember
Sword battles
Water pistol fights
Legendary hunts
Genuine cannon firing
Looting
Changing decks
Singing \sDancing
Lean back and take in the spectacle and trip if you’d prefer to let the pirating to the kids.
The cost of the trip is 23 dollars for children and 40 dollars for grownups.
19. Fat Daddy’s Arcade
Fat Daddy’s Arcade is located across the road from Henderson Beach Nature Preserve and adjacent to Fudpucker’s.
Why visit?
It’s also a component of The Track Family Fun Resorts. Thus, any credits left over after The Track (around a couple of miles away) may be used at Fat Daddy’s Emporium.
The playground has over 120 new and old arcade machines. Some of our preferences are:
The Ticket Tower
Sports with claws
Iceball
Hockey on the air
Hoops
The salvation of the Terminators
The Wizard of Oz
The Big Bass Wheel
Open Season for Big Buck
The film Jurassic Park
The Walking Dead (TV Series)
Line of Pac-Man
Ninja Fruit
Jackpot Jumping
The Fast and the Furious series
Children like exchanging their victory game tickets for rewards.
Anyone may begin with a 55-point ticket for 50 dollars, but if your children are arcade fans, then you can upgrade to 550 points just for 350 bucks. Also, if guests have any points remaining, they can be redeemed at any of their locations.
20. Crab Island Adventure Tour
Along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, Crab Isle Adventure Rides are offered. Crab Island offers so much aquatic fun that you might comfortably spend several hours here. These activities range from 2.5 to 5 hours.
Why visit?
The Crab Island Adventure Tour comprises the following activities:
Excursion by catamaran with a guide
A massive water sports slide
Trampoline inflatable with slope and logs rolling
Amusement Park on the Water
Kayaks
Paddleboards
Snorkeling (includes gear)
Shell collecting
Adventures on Crab Island
You’ll have access to life vests and valet entry when you’re on your trips.
Tickets begin at 45 dollars for children under the age of seven. Children aged above seven are charged 65 dollars per head for the lowest 2-5-hour ticket, which does not include time at Crab Island. Crab Island tickets cost 75 dollars per individual for three hours or 85 bucks for four hours. Choose according to your convenience.
21. Stroll along the boardwalk
A vacation to Destin wouldn’t be successful without the need for a promenade along the Destin Bay Boardwalk, where guests can watch chartered sailboats haul in their cargo while eating cones of ice cream.
Why visit?
The boardwalk allows easy access to even more than one-quarter of a mile of Destin Harbor, which features oyster restaurants, sailing ships, and limousines. This is also the starting point for a broad range of water sports, ranging from day excursions and paragliding to speed boat and kayak renting.
22. Get a Power Course in Sandcastle Building
Constructing a sandcastle is the typical seaside pastime, yet few can produce marvels like Beach Sand Sculptures.
Why visit?
Kids learn expert sand-sculpting strategies and methods throughout the two-hour workshop (which demonstrates everything from the ratio of sand to the ratio of water to get that perfect sandcastle). You’ll finish up with a magnificent, self-built castle that will make an excellent holiday picture backdrop.
23. The Village of Baytowne Wharf
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a fantastic destination for teens and children to spend a wonderful day on holiday.
Why visit?
Take your teenage children to the Wharf on any Sunday for College Football Sundays! Most Sunday activities have plenty of TVs, so you can observe your favorite team play. Consider admiring your favorite football team and applauding them alongside your adolescent son or daughter in a high-energy setting. That seems like the perfect getaway! The Blast Arcade and Laser Maze are also located in the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Leave your kids off to the arcades to engage in video games and lasers tag whilst you and your spouse go sightseeing. We guarantee that your adolescents will enjoy their time here.
Conclusion
Destin, Florida, is known for its reputation as a summer holiday party destination, and yet this town on the Florida Panhandle is surprisingly packed with family-friendly activities. The wonderfully new and transparent waves of the “Emerald Coast,” the informal term for the 100-mile length of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, are enjoyed by families.
However, the pleasure does not end with the sand. There are plenty of things to do in Destin, Florida, with kids. The larger Destin, Florida region offers numerous engaging galleries, theme parks, wildlife excursions, and fantastic food, making it a popular Florida holiday option for families.
