Top 5 Family-Friendly Activities to Enjoy in Destin Florida

Planning a Destin vacation and looking for fun things to do for the whole family? Destin, Florida, is a fantastic destination for families looking to create lasting memories. With its stunning white sand beaches and emerald-green waters, it offers more than just beautiful scenery. Families with kids will find plenty of engaging activities that combine fun, education, and adventure. Here are the top five family friendly things to do in Destin with kids that promise a great time for everyone.

1. Take a SandCastle Lesson with Sandcastle Rockstars!

One of coolest, educational family activity that you've probably never even thought of is learning to build a huge sandcastle! We've all seen them before and wondered how they did it, now you can learn too! This activity is great for literally all ages! Groups of adults, honeymooning couples, bachelorette parties, big families, small families, you name it, they all have a blast! Most of the time, the grown ups have more fun than the kiddos do just because you're learning some really cool techniques to be a rockstar on the beach!

They travel to you, so you don't even have to load everyone up in the car and travel anywhere and they bring everything you'll need for your lesson! Add a little science to your vacation while the whole family has a blast and create the most epic picture that your neighbors back a home will be jealous of! You can book directly online but lessons do book up pretty fast! Definitely one of the top family friendly activities to do in Destin and 30A! www.sandcastlerockstars.com

2. Visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

For families interested in marine life, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a must-see. This park offers interactive exhibits and live shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals. Kids can learn about conservation efforts and animal behaviors in an engaging way.

The park also has touch tanks where children can gently interact with starfish and other sea creatures. It’s an educational experience wrapped in fun, perfect for curious young minds. https://gulfarium.com

3. Explore Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park

Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park is a hit with kids of all ages. It features a variety of water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools that provide hours of excitement. For younger children, there are splash zones and smaller slides designed with safety in mind. The best part is that it is smaller than other water parks, so even if you have to wait in line during peak seasons, you don't have to wait super long and have time to ride all of the waterslides!

Beyond water attractions, the park offers mini-golf and arcade games, making it a versatile destination for family fun. It’s an ideal way to cool off and enjoy active play during warmer days in Destin. www.bigkahunas.com

4. Take a Dolphin Cruise

Dolphin cruises are a popular activity in Destin, offering families a chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat. Several local companies provide guided tours that include educational commentary about the marine environment.

These cruises usually last about 90 minutes and are suitable for children. Watching dolphins swim and play close to the boat is an unforgettable experience that connects kids with nature and wildlife. Many also offer Firework cruises on Thursdays where you can watch the fireworks right from the water! Super cool!! www.destinseablaster.com

5. Visit the Destin Harbor Boardwalk

The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a lively area with plenty to offer families. Kids can watch boats come and go, enjoy street performers, or grab a treat from one of the many food vendors. The boardwalk also has shops selling souvenirs and local crafts. During the summer they have free fireworks every Thursday night at 9pm!

Families can rent paddle boats or kayaks to explore the harbor waters. Evening visits are especially charming with colorful lights and a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to all ages. https://www.emeraldgrande.com/harborwalk-village

Family kayaking in Destin Harbor with boats in the background