Destin, Florida is a top spot for families. It’s known for its stunning beaches and lots of fun things to do. Kids will love the lively Destin Harbor Boardwalk and the famous Big Kahuna’s Water Park. This guide will show you the best places for families in Destin, making your trip unforgettable.
Key Takeaways
- Destin, Florida is a popular family vacation destination with a wide range of kid-friendly attractions and activities.
- The Destin Harbor Boardwalk and HarborWalk Village offer lively entertainment, shops, and water sports for families.
- Fishing, beach activities, and water parks like Big Kahuna’s are top draws for families in Destin.
- Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, The Track, and Crab Island provide unique and engaging experiences for kids.
- Destin boasts a diverse array of family-friendly restaurants and dining options to suit all tastes.
Explore the Destin Harbor Boardwalk
The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a top spot for families in Destin, Florida. It’s right on the Emerald Coast. Here, you can see charter boats come in with their catch. This shows off the fishing culture that makes Destin famous.
Right next to the boardwalk is HarborWalk Village. It’s full of shops, restaurants, and fun things to do. If you’re looking for excitement, try the freefall tower, ziplines, or an LED rock climbing wall. Or, just sit back and enjoy the beautiful views by the harbor.
HarborWalk Village is great for diving into Destin’s coastal charm. It’s home to the biggest charter fishing fleet in the country. This makes it perfect for those who love the sea.
Don’t miss the Olin Marler Dolphin & History Tours. These 1.5-hour cruises take you through the harbor and into the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll see dolphins and learn about Destin’s history. It’s a great way to make memories with your family.
For more fun, head to Big Kahuna’s Waterpark and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Big Kahuna’s has over 40 water attractions. Gulfarium lets you meet dolphins, sea lions, and other sea creatures. The Destin Harbor Boardwalk and its attractions are perfect for families.
Go Fishing
Destin is called the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” It’s a great spot for families to fish in Destin Florida. You can fish from the docks, a kayak, a rental boat, or a charter. There are many chances to catch a big fish.
Destin is between Pensacola and Panama City Beach. This spot gives you easy access to different fishing spots. You can fish in the Bay of Destin-Fort Walton Beach or go on a charter to deeper waters. You can catch tuna, mackerel, cobia, snapper, and more.
For kids, Destin fishing charters are perfect. These charters are for kids and have shorter trips. They have calm waters and focus on easy-to-catch fish. Some “party boats” even give kids free or lower prices.
At the Island Pier, you can rent poles and buy bait. You can also see sea turtles and dolphins. Sand fleas are used for fishing Pompano. You can get them with a rake.
The Destin History & Fishing Museum is great for learning. It has exhibits and scavenger hunts for the family.
No matter your fishing skills or what you like, Destin has lots to offer. You can fish inshore or offshore, from the shore or on a charter. The “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” promises a memorable time for your family.
Things to do in Destin Florida with Kids
Destin, Florida is great for families. It has lots of activities and attractions for kids. From exciting water sports to meeting marine animals, there’s fun for everyone.
The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is perfect for a family walk. You can see charter boats and enjoy beautiful views. Nearby, HarborWalk Village has fun things like rock climbing and ziplines for kids.
Don’t miss the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Kids can touch marine animals and even feed penguins. For more adventure, try the Crab Island Adventure Tour. It includes snorkeling and kayaking, then relaxing on Crab Island.
- Explore the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and HarborWalk Village
- Visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
- Enjoy a Crab Island Adventure Tour
- Go fishing and discover the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”
- Splash around at the Big Kahuna’s Water Park
- Encounter alligators at Gator Beach
- Indulge in kid-friendly dining at local restaurants
- Build sandcastles with the help of expert sculptors
- Race go-karts and explore other attractions at The Track
Destin has many family activities in Destin Florida, things to do with kids in Destin, and Destin kid-friendly attractions. These activities will make your family vacation unforgettable.
Visit the Gulfarium
The Gulfarium in Destin, Florida, is perfect for families wanting to see marine life. It has been updated and now lets kids meet many sea creatures. They can do this through exhibits, shows, and special meetings.
Discover Turtles and Penguins
At the Gulfarium, you can join the Discover Turtles encounter. Here, you feed African spurred tortoises and freshwater turtles. It’s for kids 5 and up, and kids under 8 need an adult with them. The cost is $48.00, and you get a full refund with 24 hours’ notice.
The Discover Penguins encounter lets you see African black-footed penguins up close. It’s for kids 8 and up and costs $44.00. You can cancel or change your visit with Encounter Protection up to 1 hour before, minus some fees.
Touching stingrays, feeding penguins, or just watching the sea life is unforgettable. The Gulfarium in Destin is a great place for kids and families to learn and have fun with marine life.
Hit the Beaches
Destin is a coastal gem in Florida, known for its stunning beaches and clear waters. Families can have a fun day in the sun, swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy the calm.
Most vacation rentals in Destin give you easy beach access. This means families can walk right onto the soft sand. For those wanting public beach spots, Destin has many places with parking and amenities for a smooth beach day.
- Miramar Beach
- Ed Walline Beach
- Henderson Beach State Park
- And many more beautiful Destin beaches to explore!
Destin’s beaches are perfect for relaxing, boogie boarding, or building sandcastles. They offer endless ways to make memories. Dive into the coastal charm and enjoy the beauty that makes it great for families.
Crab Island Adventure Tour
Explore the beauty of Destin’s Crab Island on an amazing Crab Island boat tour. This guided trip takes you to the Gulf Islands National Seashore. There, you can enjoy fun Destin water activities.
The tour lasts for either 3 or 4 hours. It includes a stop at the famous Crab Island sandbar. You can snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard while you’re there. The Crab Island Destin experience also lets you try a cool banana boat ride.
- Start your journey on a 34ft power catamaran with a skilled captain and crew
- See the Gulf Islands National Seashore and try snorkeling, shelling, and paddleboarding
- Hang out at the well-known Crab Island sandbar, a top spot for Destin boat tours
- Relax in the shade or soak up the sun in the open seating areas and enjoy the music
Book your spot early as it’s a popular tour. Prices start at $39 for kids under 6. The Crab Island Destin Adventure Tour is perfect for families. It’s a great way to make memories on your trip.
Dine at Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Destin, Florida, has many family-friendly places to eat. These spots are great for both parents and kids. You’ll find places right by the water and local favorites that are fun and engaging for the whole family.
Enjoy Dining with a View at The Edge Seafood Restaurant
The Edge Seafood Restaurant sits right on the water. Kids can feed fish from the docks, making meals fun and educational. It’s a top pick for Destin family restaurants with its beautiful views and tasty menu.
Explore Boshamps Oyster Bar’s Outdoor Oasis
Boshamps Oyster Bar has an outdoor area with a beach, hammocks, and games. It’s ideal for Destin kid-friendly dining. Families can relax and enjoy Gulf-to-table seafood and Southern dishes in a casual setting.
Experience the Fun at Fudpuckers and The Back Porch
- Fudpuckers Beachside Bar & Grill is known as the most fun family spot. It has live alligators for kids and adults to feed under supervision. This makes dining there a unique and fun experience.
- The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House has been a favorite in Destin for years. It offers many options for kids and has food for every taste, including allergy-friendly choices.
These Destin restaurants with activities are great for families. They make dining out memorable and fun for everyone.
Visit The Track
In the heart of Destin, The Track amusement park is a top spot for family fun. It has lots of attractions for both thrill-seekers and those who like to take it easy. This Destin amusement park has something for everyone.
At The Track, the Destin go-karts are a big hit. You can race on different courses and try to beat your family and friends. If you want a calm activity, try the Destin mini golf. It’s great for all ages.
There’s more than just go-karts and mini golf at The Track. You can ride roller coasters, bumper cars, and play arcade games. There’s always something new to do, making it easy to make great memories with your family.
The Track in Destin is perfect for a day full of fun or a chill family day out. Enjoy the lively vibe, tasty snacks, and let the fun of this Destin amusement park make your visit unforgettable.
Build Sandcastles
For a fun and memorable Destin vacation, families should try a sandcastle building lesson. Expert sculptors Rick Mungeam and Capri lead these sessions. They teach how to make your own sandcastle masterpieces.
There are different classes to choose from, like the Smash Class and the Family Class. Prices start at $150 for up to 3 people. The Family Class fits up to 7 members. For something special, the Specialty Sculpture starts at $250.
Beach Sand Sculptures is the top sand sculpting program in the USA. They offer lessons on how to build a Create A Castle, the 2020 International Toy Of The Year winner. With over 9 years of experience, Dan Anderson and his team love to share their skills. They help families make lasting memories with sandcastle building.
Whether you’re good at sand sculpting or new to it, Beach Sand Sculptures is a must-do in Destin. You’ll enjoy making your own sandcastle and showing it off. It’s a fun activity your family will remember long after your trip.
Splash Around at Big Kahuna’s Water Park
Big Kahuna’s Water Park in Destin, Florida, is perfect for families looking for fun. It has over 40 different water attractions for all ages and thrill levels.
The park has many rides and slides, like the Kowabunga Racer and Maui Pipeline Slides. There are also kiddie slides, pools, wave pools, and lazy rivers for a great day out.
For a big thrill, try the Honolulu Half Pipe with 17,000 gallons of water pump per minute. Or, go on the Sky Coaster and Cyclone Twister for speeds up to 60mph.
There’s more than just water fun. Big Kahuna’s also has a mini-golf course with 54 fun and challenging holes across three courses. It’s a great way for families to have some friendly competition.
Big Kahuna’s is just 10 miles away from Fort Walton Beach. It’s a top spot for families in Destin. With a free re-entry policy, you can come and go as you please.
The park offers many amenities like rentable lockers and on-site refreshment options. Big Kahuna’s Water Park is perfect for those wanting thrills, relaxation, or just a fun day out. This Destin water park promises an experience you won’t forget.
Explore Gator Beach
Gator Beach is inside the famous Fudpuckers restaurant in Destin, Florida. It’s a top spot for families to see and touch live alligators. For years, it has amazed people with its unique and exciting shows.
At Gator Beach, you can see the gator feeding shows. The handlers feed the big reptiles. You can also hold and take pictures with the alligators. A visitor said it was their kids’ top activity in Destin.
Gator Beach is fun for all ages, from kids to seniors. Chris, the gator handler, makes sure everyone has a great time. A family loved their visit and gave great feedback.
You’ll spend about an hour to an hour and a half at Gator Beach. It’s the biggest alligator park on the Emerald Coast. There are over 100 alligators in the main pond and many more around.
The Crocodilia Discovery Zone has rare alligator exhibits. The Baby Alligators exhibit shows how young gators live. With daily shows and tours, there’s always something new to see.
Gator Beach in Destin is perfect for families to enjoy nature and make memories. You can feed the gators, take photos, or just watch these amazing reptiles. This experience will definitely impress everyone.
Conclusion
Destin, Florida is a top spot for family vacations. It has lots of fun activities and attractions for kids. From the busy Destin Harbor Boardwalk to exciting water parks and marine experiences, families can make great memories here.
Destin has adventures, relaxation, and learning for every family member. It has beautiful beaches, great fishing, and many affordable activities. This makes it perfect for a family vacation that’s easy on the wallet. Destin is all about making families happy without spending too much.
Experience the lively culture, tasty seafood, and the mix of nature and family fun that Destin offers. Start an amazing trip and make memories that last in this “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.”
