Want to skip the long lines, expensive park tickets, and overpriced hotels on your next Florida vacation? Then check out Destin, Florida where there are plenty of things for kids to do. Destin’s sparkling green gulf water, powder-white sand beaches, and endless outdoor activities make it one of our country’s most popular vacation destinations for families with children. Here’s a rundown on the ten best things kids can do in Destin, Florida.
Take Kids Fishing on a Family Fishing Trip
What could be a better break from the long lines and big crowds at the amusement parks than to take the kids fishing. Do Destin boats offer fishing charters for kids, you ask? Yes they do.
Most area boats offer trips perfect for families of all sizes and with all aged members. They provide everything you need – the bait, the equipment, and the know-how – to have a relaxing and exciting adventure with the kids.
Think of the memories you’ll make and the fun the family will have on a deep-sea fishing charter. The kids will be talking about the crazy, floppy hat mom wore, or the teensy, little Redfish that dad pulled in, at every Thanksgiving dinner for the rest of their lives. Then again, someone in the family could just as easily land a trophy fish. Destin is known as “The World’s Luckiest Little Fishing Village thanks to record-sized catches in many species.”
Spend the Day at Big Kahuna’s Water Park
Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park boasts over 40 different water rides, wave pools, several play areas, and slides for kids in all age groups. Their Adventure Park section has several dry thrill rides such as the Cyclone Twister and Sky Coaster. Three picturesque 18-hole miniature golf courses feature palm trees, waterfalls, tropical flora, and wooden bridges.
Henderson Beach State Park
No Florida vacation would be complete without spending a day at the beach. A gorgeous, mile-long stretch of shoreline with 30-foot tall, snow-white sand dunes and emerald green water makes Henderson Beach State Park one of Destin’s most popular spots to soak up the sun. The park has several shelters, picnic tables, and a concession stand with a gift shop and a snack bar. A boardwalk connects the beach, 60 campsites, and a nature trail that’s perfect for hiking, biking, and bird watching.
Spend a Day at Crab Island
Located in the harbor, just south of the Marler Bridge, one of Destin’s most popular attractions – Crab Island – is actually not an island. It’s a submerged sandbar with water depths that range from one to four-feet deep. Several floating food boats and even a restaurant anchor up at Crab Island. There’s also an inflatable water park, as well as live music on weekends. Crab Island draws everyone from families with little kids to twentysomething partygoers. You can get to Crab Island by boat, kayak, jet ski, and even by paddleboard. Just don’t try to swim. Strong currents have turned back many of the best swimmers over the years.
Take a Dolphin Cruise
As many as nine different types of dolphins populate Gulf Coast waters. Seeing dolphins in their natural habitat is much different and more exciting than viewing them in an aquarium. Destin’s most commonly spotted Dolphin – the Bottlenose – can grow up to 12-feet long. Their playful nature makes Bottlenose Dolphins a favorite at most dolphin shows (see the next activity). You might also catch a glimpse of the acrobatic Spinner Dolphin. Spinners put on quite a show as they leap from the surface and do as many as four spins before plunging back into the water.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Located on the beach in Fort Walton, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park hosts daily shows featuring Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. As part of the fun, the kids, (and you too), can swim with, feed, and even pet the stars of the show. Park guests also get the chance to interact with Sea Lions, Penguins, freshwater turtles, and a variety of other marine life.
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
One of the area’s most popular spots for go-kart racing – Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone – also has a 16,000-square foot arcade, a 60-foot high ropes-course, laser tag, and a 4D movie theater. Wild Willy’s Redemption Arcade features over 65 games that include Mach Storm – a first-person RPG flight simulator – Sonic Air Hockey, and Ski Ball. The Bumper Wars bumper boat ride is a great way to cool down on those hot Florida afternoons. Each boat has its own controls and powerful water cannon to douse your enemies and get even with those cranky family members, as well.
Gator Beach
Located at Fudpuckers, right in the heart of Destin, Gator Beach features over 100-gators, including an extremely rare Albino Alligator. The attraction charges no admission. Visitors are free to walk around, ask questions, and enjoy the many live shows. For a complete experience, however, check out their VIP packages. The package includes a private, behind the scenes tour of the park led by a professional Gator Handler.
Take a Drive
Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A runs for about 24-miles from Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to Panama City Beach. The ride offers gorgeous views of the teal-green waters and powder-white beaches that earned the Emerald Coast its name. Several small towns – each with their own charm and pristine beach – dot the route along the way. The little village of Seaside, for example, earned fame as the backdrop for Jim Carey’s 1998 film “The Truman Show.” At the east end of the drive, the tropical-themed Shipwreck Island Waterpark offers an alternative when Destin’s Big Kahuna gets too crowded.
Go Shopping
What vacation would be complete without a little shopping? Contrary to popular opinion, kids do enjoy shopping, as long as they get something out of the deal. Sometimes the simplest souvenir like a snow globe, a petrified starfish, or keyring will be what they cherish long after the memories have faded. Destin Commons features over 60 outlet stores, an Imax movie theater, and lots of places to grab a bite. For souvenirs, Destin’s Harborwalk Village has a unique mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. You can also book your fishing trip or rent kayaks, paddleboards, and jet skis along the Harborwalk Village boardwalk.
Image source: Sam Carlson