things to do in destin with toddlers

Points of Interest & Landmarks. Grand Boulevard often hosts special events during holidays, so make sure you check out their schedule before visiting. Power Up Watersports is one of the few spots where you can try high-quality, safe flyboarding, the newest craze to take the watersports world by stormthe jet-pack-equipped boots strapped to your feet will take you soaring through the air! I've picked out six gems across the city for you to visit with your toddlers. Swimming, relaxing in the sun, and jet-skiing are among the popular activities at the beach. Which kid (and sometimes, parent, too!) There are also RVs, campsites, and lots of bicycles in the park, but it's very pleasant, safe and family friendly. Travel along Highway 30-A in Florida and you will see mile after mile of beautiful coastline (this scenic drive definitely rivals Highway 1 in California). Its a remarkable experience thatll leave your family brimming with joy, creating memories to cherish for years. Top 10 Budget-Friendly Things to do in Destin Florida. These are typically available to rent by the hour (or half hour) for reasonable prices. Once inside The Village, youll find all kinds of free and cheap things to do. The beachfront communities along the Florida panhandle offer stunningly beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants, and lots of fun activities for visitors of all ages. Theres so much to do in Destin that you could spend a week in the area and still not experience it all. Photo courtesy of the village. (Sorry, couldn't help myself.) Recommended Hotel Nearby: Four Points by Sheraton Destin Fort Walton Beach, Related: Things to Do Near Destin, Florida, 1125 US-98Destin, FL 32541(850) 654-4668Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. This is the first public garden in the state of Texas to be certified 100 percent organic by the Texas Organic Research Center . Who knew Destin was such a premiere destination for shopping? Hands down, one of the best kids' art studios I have ever visited is Rock Paper& Scissors 30A in Santa Rosa Beach. offers fountains that spray water in its courtyard area. Once onboard, you can expect pirate themed activities, singing, and dancing. If thats not enough activity for you, try the many water activities on offer, from parasailing to jet skiing to day cruises to kayaking. THE BEST Things to Do in Sandestin with Kids (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor This local gem is really good, with lots of dietary options including a crunchy cauliflower crust. So many things to do with toddlers in Destin, FL, involve a circus act of planning! Each attraction amused us and made our familys bond stronger. Some of the really cool animals you will get to see at the Gulfarium include penguins, sea lions, alligators, seals, and even dolphins! For more information on the best beaches in Destin, we highly recommend checking out our post on Beaches in Destin, Florida. A 21-foot speed boat leads you on a fun trip around Destin Harbour before heading out to the open waters. Now a father of two, David intertwines family and foodie travel in his upcoming book, based on his personal, flavorful journeys. This alligator park is fun for the entire family. Many visitors to Destin, Florida choose to stay in condo rentals via Airbnb or Vrbo. 9. With its beautiful beach, white sands, and clear water, Henderson Beach is an excellent alternative to Banana Boat with Mobile and Hydrojet Dolphins cruise. Is it engaging and enjoyable for kids? Yet, the fun doesn't stop at the sand. Not all beaches are public, however, so pick your spot wisely. The Destin Commons outdoor mall is especially family-friendly, with colorful murals, a small playground, a mini train that circles the area, and several shops that cater to kids (Build-A-Bear, anyone?) Even in January(!!!) On the other hand, Hydrojet Dolphin Cruise offers close encounters with marine life. Parking at Baytowne Wharf is free, and you do not have to pay to enter this kid-friendly Destin attraction. The variety of animal-encounter opportunities on offer (sea lions, dolphins and seals) will hold the tots interest; the seals and dolphins are also the stars of their own shows here. There are plenty of unforgettable things to do with toddlers in Destin, FL. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This one-of-a-kind experience gives the audience 90 action-packed minutes of mind-bending illusions and interactive tricks. Did I mention there are also bumper cars, blaster boats, a large arcade, and a mini golf course? Destin is home to one of the cutest activities for pirate lovers: the Bucaneer Pirate Cruise. It's no surprise that the world's luckiest fishing village has some terrific seafood restaurants. One of the top fun things to do in Destin with kids is to pay a visit to Big Kahuna's. Take a break from the beach to enjoy floating in a lazy river, plunge down water slides, and take a dip in the wave pool. Henderson Beach State Park is located on the western end of Destin and is a picture perfect spot to spend time. For a full list of our favorite places to eat in Destin, we recommend checking out our post on the Top Restaurants for Kids in Destin, FL. What will you spot on Henderson Beach State Park's nature trail? Kids can get up close with sea urchins and starfish in the Gulfarium touch tank. In that article, we list the most beautiful spots in Destin to enjoy the clear water and white sand! Another top activity for those visiting the Destin area is the popular Crab Island. This outdoor mall has got it all. We find that Destin is great for those families who are looking for lots of restaurant options and exciting activities. Elias loved jumping on the trampoline. Parking at Baytowne Wharf is free, and you do not have to pay to enter this kid-friendly Destin attraction. 3.9 (61 reviews) Mini Golf. Don't miss out on a paddleboard excursion with Destin Paddle, located right behind the restaurant. Photo courtesy of Pizza by the Sea. Your best bet is to head out early. and three pools, as well as a toddler splash area. 1. Whether your kids are babies, toddlers, teenagers, or all grown up, youll find there are more than enough awesome activities to keep them entertained while visiting. 1. Orlando native David Reeve, a professional writer and global explorer, channels his Florida roots and travel experiences into his work for Family Destinations Guide. During presentations, enjoy seeing dolphins leap and sea lions dance! You can often save money on your game if you book during off peak times during the week. Photo courtesy of the cruise. Another great spot for pizza is Roberto's Italian Pizzeria in Sandestin. Rockin' Tacosfeatures a full Mexican food menu, including its popular gator tacos. If youre feeling really daring, you can book a helicopter tour in Destin. Attractions > KIDDIE RIDES - Big Kahuna's Destin Without a doubt, my daughters' favorite thing to do in Destin is visit the Village at Baytowne Wharf. April 07, 2021. And grab some gelato from Pino Gelato before taking an evening walk on the beach. Henderson Beach. Destin Snorkel's popular packages include snorkeling trips, snuba tours, sunset snorkeling, romantic yacht voyages and more. The tour boat stops at two spotsone where guests can hunt for crabs and shellfish and one for snorkeling and finding fish. The hotel also has a family pool with a splash pad and a lazy river, family crafts (for an extra fee) on Fridays and Saturdays, several on-site restaurants, bike rentals, and a kids' club. 1007 US-98Destin, FL 32541(850) 837-8319Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. 102 Harbor BlvdDestin, FL 32541(850) 653-3009Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. The Gulf Restaurant is an outdoor eatery made of shipping containers located on Okaloosa Island. If youre looking for cheap things to do Destin on vacation, this is a great option. Dolphin Sightseeing Cruises The Hannah Marie taking passengers on a Dolphin Watch and Destin History Cruise So many things to do with toddlers in Destin, FL, involve a circus act of planning! Crystal Sands Beach on the Gulf of Mexico offers white sands for people to play on. Search out thrilling sights in the Destin Harbor and beyond. This marine themed bowling alley is also a perfect rainy day activity in Destin. It's blue and clear and almost unreal with the bright, white sand. Learn more. Does the activity provide learning opportunities to children? 102 Harbor BlvdDestin, FL 32541(805) 865-3557Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Scream down the 5-story Jumanji, or scream along the Maui Pipeline. Hydrojet Dolphin Cruise lets you explore the Destin coastline and see dolphins. If you want to up your sandcastle game, consider taking sand sculpture lessons to learn how to build elaborate sand castles while on vacation. 4.6 (138 reviews) Diving. This website uses cookies. Since a large majority of the exhibits and shows are located in covered areas, the Gulfarium is a great place to visit when it rains. Spring Break can get crowded, so if you are looking for a quieter alternative, check out Henderson Beach State Park. This hotel features easy access to the beach as well as area restaurants and shops. Though all of Destins beaches are wonderful in their own ways, the 1.5-mile Henderson Beach manages to stand out, with its beautiful stretch of sand and 30-foot dunes, silky waters and the chance to spot sea turtles, migratory birds and even dolphins! In the spirit of full transparency, I must confess that my choices were not made on a whim. The center offers a range of kids activities such as mini-golf, bungee jumping, go-karting, an arcade and bumper boats, satisfying a variety of adventure preferences. This fun spot is full of exciting activities like bumper boats, go-karts, mini golf, laser tag, a ropes course, and more! MAXIMUM MAGIC Theater is presented by master magicians Noah and Heather Wells. One of the best things to do if you have tykes in the vacation crew is to mix up fun and learningthats exactly what can happen at Sea Blaster Dolphin. My selection process also involved poring over countless online reviews and engaging in lively discussions with locals and fellow tourists. Emerald Coast Vacation Ideas for Families - Destin West Buccaneer Pirate Cruise is a fun option for terrific family fun onboard a 100-foot U.S. Coast Guard-approved vessel that can carry just under 150 folks. Pensacola. This engaging activity allows families to come together and embark on a colorful journey of self . This is a fun and free activity that families can enjoy together while in Destin. Youll also find restrooms, grills, and picnic tables on hand here. This family-friendly pirate ship sets sail from HarborWalk Village in Destin. Want a sweet treat for breakfast? Well this child-friendly activity wont have you cleaning sand out of your car seats or kids clothing! Older and more adventurous kids will love the outdoor activities like the bungee trampolines, rope course, zip lines, and so much more! Food stands and restaurants serve up everything from New Orleans treats to traditional Asian eats, and fun attractions like Uncle Bucks Fish Bowl & Grill give the kids plenty to see and do! The cruise ships are kiddie paradises, with free beverages onboard (prepare for the sugar rush!) You can have a picnic anywhere, but in Destin, you should do something unforgettable. Are you planning to visit Destin? Off-season, the hotel still hosts kid-friendly crafternoons. Whereas HarborWalk Village and Destin Commons provide a bit more entertainment and dining options in addition to shopping. Clear waters and pure white sand are among the reasons that make Destin Beach is a popular vacation spot for locals and outside visitors alike. If your palette isnt that adventurous, you can stick to the delicious shrimp and hushpuppies. Things to do with kids on the Emerald Coast of Florida The Emerald Coast has some of Florida's most gorgeous natural landscapes, and it boasts a wealth of kid-friendly attractions. 4607 Legendary Marina DrDestin, FL 32541(850) 710-5858Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Visitors could spend a whole day browsing through the shops. You won't be staying on the ocean, but you'll have access to a pool, a fitness center, and all of the fun happenings taking place at the shopping center. Youll find multiple places throughout Destin where you can rent jet skis and other water crafts. Its too dangerous to swim from shore, even with a flotation device like a life vest or life saver. Clamber aboard the Sea Blaster, a high-octane boat with a serious need for speed. Even younger kids enjoy throwing on some goggles or snorkeling gear to search for sea life near the shores. White sugary soft sands are the hallmark of any Destin beach, and Henderson Beach State Park is one of the area's premier public parks. If you are seeking that stunning view of the Gulf Coast, know that all units at Emerald Grande have balconies. 10 Best Things to Do in Seminole, FL Top Activities & Places to Go! Snacks and drinks are available onboard, and parents of babies and toddlers will be relieved to learn that strollers are welcome! Dewey Destin's. Pompana Joe's. The Local Market is great for breakfast, smoothies, and sandwiches. Take the Sea Blaster tours to view dolphins gracefully riding the waves of the Gulf of Mexico. 6 Fun Things to do in Destin with Toddlers - Andrea Krey Your kids must be at least 5 years old to enjoy the attraction. You can look through their website to learn more. All the facilities are really nice. and tots even getting to try their hand at driving the boat. Henderson Beach is also a great spot to explore the areas natural flora and fauna. Parlor Doughnuts has a shop in Fort Walton Beach, serving up gourmet doughnuts with flavors such as caramel bliss and dreamsicle. Rent a condo at Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village for spectacular Gulf Coast views. 6. Some of these restaurants also include live entertainment, which is always a big hit with our family! Customers loving watching sports on the restaurant's 15 big-screen TVs while noshing on pizza. Ahoy, matey! Whether youre looking to relax on the beach or take part in thrilling attractions, youll never be left wondering what to do in Destin. We always leave with plenty of coloring and activity pages, all sea-life themed, naturally. Here is the heart of Destin and the initial reason for the city's existence: the Gulf Coast's largest charter fishing. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Sometimes you just have to indulge that sweet tooth, and Pecan Jack's in Santa Rosa Beach is the perfect place to do it. And dont forget to stop in at the famous Fudpuckers either before or after your visit for a bite to eat! The only boutique beach resort on Okaloosa Island, The Island Resort features 600 feet of private beach, two swimming pools, and Misty the Mermaid. If youre a family of thrill seekers that loves delicious food, you absolutely must visit Gator Beach at Fudpuckers, with its delicious food and free alligator shows! Each week there's live music and other events to entertain the entire family. Be in the center of the action when you stay at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. The Banana Boat ride with Mobile Sports is one of the most fun things to do in Destin if youve got kids above 5 in the brood; not only will they love the fun banana boat rides but also their happy-and-bright-yellow facades!