Family fishing on Destin’s Finest Kind Carter Boat (image source: Sam Carlson)
Did you know there are many exciting things to do in Destin Florida with family? Whether you’ve vacationed here before or are new to the Emerald Coast, you might not be aware of the many unforgettable activities this family friendly area has to offer.
From deep sea fishing and kayaking through natural springs to ziplining and playing laser tag, your family can fill each day of your Destin vacation with fun activities your kids won’t stop talking about for a long time to come.
Make some memories with this list of adventurous things to do in Destin Florida with family:
1. Harborwalk Zipline – Your family can feel like you’re flying over Destin’s Harborwalk while taking in views of the water and the action of the shops and activities below. Stick to just the zipline or choose a package with other activities, like the rock climb or free fall.
2. Coldwater Excursions – Looking to bring your family away from the crowds? Try taking canoes, kayaks or paddle boards through the area’s cold springs. You’ll be surrounded by wilderness as you glide through the calm water.
3. Big Kahuna’s – If you’ll be around during open season from April through September and are looking for things to do in Destin Florida with kids, head to this water park. Your family can shoot down slides, through pipelines and on racers. Plus, you can swim and relax in the rivers and pools. The adjacent adventure park has mini golf and offers thrills on the skycoaster that takes you soaring through the air on a bungee. Three people can ride together!
4. Escapology – Book a private escape room adventure just for your family! You get to choose the theme, and once you’re put in the designated room, you’ll need to work together as a group to find your way out using clues and hidden objects before the time runs out.
5. Thrill’s Laser Tag and Arcade – You’ll get a high-level laser tag experience for your family inside the Temple of Doom, which creates an immersive setting for competing. During your visit, don’t miss the fun games at the on-site arcade or the ice cream parlor.
6. Xtreme H20 – Choose from exciting water-based activities, whether you’d prefer to rent jet skis, parasail over the water or take a pontoon boat. Go off on your own Destin adventure as a family or let a professional lead the way through a tour. There are even dolphin tours where you can spot real dolphins up close! Set off from whichever of the four locations is most convenient.
7. Urban Air – Looking for more adventurous things to do in Destin Florida? At this indoor adventure park, your kids can shoot down slides, ride bumper cars and go-karts, climb, do a version of skydiving, jump on trampolines, compete on a warrior course and so much more.
8. Fat Daddy’s Arcade – Have a fun indoor day at the arcade, where you can play classic games, try your hand at basketball hoops, see if you can get a prize through an e-claw game or try interactive games. There are too many games to name, so you’ll have to visit to see which ones you want to play!
9. The Track – If you want to up the ante with Destin family activities, head to The Track, which lets you ride on the go-karts, try blaster boats and do thrill rides. This location also has a Fat Daddy’s Arcade, so you get the best of both worlds.
10. Mobile Sports – Try a banana boat experience, which can take your entire family of six to 12 on a unique boat that looks like two bananas put together. The trip is an hour and a half, which includes 20 to 30 minutes on the banana boat while it’s pulled along by a boat, and you have the choice to take commemorative photos as keepsakes.
11. Emerald Coast Science Center – Explore science in a fun way through interactive experiences like robotic units, a marine exhibit with a boat to climb on, a dino dig pit to learn about paleontology, a space exhibit and much more. There are also animal exhibits with a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles.
12. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park – Kids and adults of all ages can have fun visiting the dolphin oasis and the rehabilitating manatees at this marine park. This one spot has so many things to do in Destin Florida with family, including having dolphin encounters, holding baby gators, snorkeling with stingrays and getting up close to sea lions, penguins and more.
13. Rainforest Black Light Golf & Arcade – If regular mini golf isn’t exciting enough for your family, try this unique twist on the experience. You’ll play 18 holes in a rainforest-themed atmosphere lit up by black lights. There’s also an arcade on site for some extra fun. This is a great activity for a rainy day, to take a break from the sun or simply as another item on your list of fun things to do in Destin!
14. Gator Beach – For a memorable outing in Destin, your family shouldn’t miss a visit to Gator Beach. This spot gives you the real Florida experience of getting up close to real alligators. You can hold the babies and even get a chance to safely feed gators. Watch shows and listen to on-site experts teaching about the gator residents. For something exclusive, try the VIP gator experience or the discovery tour.
15. Buccaneer Pirate Cruise – Your family will have a great time on this unique Destin cruise. Choose from a daytime or sunset cruise that each lasts for a couple of hours. While you’re aboard, you and your kids can pretend you’re living a swashbuckling life as you take part in pirate-themed treasure hunts, singing, sword fighting and more.
16. Timberview Helicopters – Taking a helicopter ride is one of the thrilling things to do in Destin Florida with family that your kids won’t stop talking about. A family of four can fit inside the chopper for the ride, and you can pick from different tours of the area.
17. Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone – Spend a day at this nearby amusement park, where your family can try a tree top rope course, ride the grand prix race tracks, play on bumper boats and do the ptero jump bungee trampoline that lets you safely jump and flip, among other activities.
18. Finest Kind – In an area that’s known for its fishing, you won’t want to miss an outing on the Finest Kind. Choose from different amounts of time to be out on the water, and an experienced captain will take your whole family on this deep sea charter fishing boat that’s dedicated to family fun. Everything you need for fishing, from bait and tackle to licensing, is included.
In addition to enjoying the beach and restaurants our friendly beach town has to offer, think about trying ziplining, a helicopter ride, an adventure park and some of the other exciting activities on our list. We can’t wait for you to experience for yourself the many things to do in Destin Florida with family!
Don’t miss out on your deep sea fishing trip while you’re in Destin! To bring your family with a captain who knows where the fish are, book your Finest Kind Charter boat trip today.