Living or visiting Florida can be exciting for both children and adults.
There are loads of fun and exciting activities for kids and families that don’t involve basking in the Florida Sun or walking on the beach — although those activities are still recommended!
If you’re a parent looking for things to do in Destin, Florida, with your kids — this post is for you so read on to learn about ten exciting things to do in Destin with your kids.
Contents
- 10 Things to Do in Destin, Florida, with Your Kids
- #1. Henderson Beach State Park
- #2. Big Kahuna Water and Adventure Park
- #3. Destin Harbor Boardwalk
- #4. Explore Crab Island
- #5. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
- #6. Destin History and Fishing Museum
- #7. Fudpucker’s Gator Beach
- #8. Visit the Emerald Coast Science Center
- #9. Plan a Family Escape at Escapology
- #10. Visit The Okaloosa Island Pier
- Destin Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of activities can I do in Destin, Florida, with kids?
- Do all of the kid-friendly activities in Destin, Florida, cost money?
- What is the Emerald Coast?
- Where can my kids see live alligators and other sea life in Destin?
- What are some of the best places to visit in Destin, Florida, with my kids?
10 Things to Do in Destin, Florida, with Your Kids
When most people think about visiting Florida, they automatically think about spending time at the beach.
While keeping cool at the beach is one of Destin’s most popular activities for parents with children of all ages, there are also a variety of entertainment venues where families go to have a great time.
#1. Henderson Beach State Park
We wouldn’t be talking about Florida if we didn’t mention at least one notable beach or state park where families with kids can relax and unwind.
Henderson Beach State Park is a popular attraction for both tourists and locals.
People spend time at the park fishing, swimming, sunbathing, and strolling along its many boardwalks.
The park also features a playground where kids can enjoy participating in non-water-based activities.
They offer camping and other on-site amenities, making this an ideal destination for Florida families and kids.
Operating Hours
Henderson Beach State Park is open year-round from 8 am until sundown.
Admissions and Fees
Parking fees of $6.00 apply per vehicle and can vary by the number of people in each car.
Contact Information
Address: 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway – Destin, Florida 32541
Website: https://floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/Henderson-beach-state-park
Phone: 850-837-7550
#2. Big Kahuna Water and Adventure Park
When families with kids are looking for ways to beat the scorching Florida heat, they can’t really go wrong by visiting Destin’s Big Kahuna Water and Adventure Park.
Popular rides and attractions at Big Kahuna include their lazy river, Skycoaste, mini golf, and other thrill rides and attractions that keep visitors entertained for hours.
Tickets and Pricing
Prices start at $25.99 for entry to just one park.
Combined park passes start at around $75.99 for adults.
Operating Hours
Opening hours for Kahuna Water and Adventure Park can vary with the weather and season.
Visit the park website for their current operating hours.
Florida families can save time and money on water park or adventure park tickets when they buy their tickets online.
Big Kahuna Water and Adventure Park also offer special packages for groups and birthday parties.
Contact Information
Address: 1007 US Highway 98 East – Destin, Florida 32541
Website: https://bigkahunas.com
Phone: 850-837-8319
#3. Destin Harbor Boardwalk
There is rarely a dull moment for children and their families who visit the Destin Harbor Boardwalk.
Kids love spending the day having fun at the Harborwalk Adventure Park, designed especially for them.
They also have a great time watching the boats entering the harbor while shopping for souvenirs and enjoying the majestic water fountains when spending the day with their parents at the Destin Harbor Boardwalk.
Contact Information
Address: 102 Harbor Boulevard – Destin, Florida 32541
Website: https://destinboardwalk.com
Phone: 850-683-3009
#4. Explore Crab Island
Crab Island has recently become one of the most popular hot spots where individuals and families go to relax and enjoy the waters of the Gulf up close.
This ocean-bound sand bar offers a unique way for people to experience Destin.
They offer swimming, fishing, boating, jet skiing, and parasailing, along with a host of other sandbar-based activities.
There are a variety of souvenir shops and restaurants on Crab Island where children and families can spend hours exploring and discovering local treasures.
Operating Hours
The Crab Island information center is open daily from 8:30 am til 6:00 pm.
Other attractions, amenities, and services may have different operating hours.
Contact Information
Address: 300 Harbor Boulevard – Destin, Florida 32541
Phone: 850-353-2242
#5. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
You and your kids have probably never experienced marine life like this before.
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Destin features sea animals and live performances that provide one-of-a-kind access to animal encounters with some of your family’s favorite marine life.
Stop in for a dolphin show or a sea lion presentation for a one-of-a-kind experience that your kids won’t soon forget!
Operating Hours
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is open daily from 9 am until 4:30 pm.
Check their website, as operating hours may vary by season or weather.
Contact Information
Address: 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE – Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
Website: https://gulfarium.com
Phone: 850-243-9046
#6. Destin History and Fishing Museum
Families with kids in Destin who love fishing won’t want to miss the Destin History and Fishing Museum.
This top-rated museum teaches visitors about the history of fishing in Destin and the variety of deep-water fish that can be found along this stretch of the Gulf.
Presentations at the museum go into detail about Destin fishing and provide details about the different species of marine life and other fish commonly found in the area.
Operating Hours
The Destin History and Fishing Museum is open from 10 am until 4 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays.
They are closed on Sunday and Monday.
Admission Pricing
Adults: $10.00
Children: $5.00
Seniors: $8.00
Contact Information
Address: 108 Stahlman Avenue – Destin, Florida 32521
Website: https://destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org
Phone: 850-837-6611
#7. Fudpucker’s Gator Beach
Gator Beach prides itself on being known as “the world’s greatest alligator park.”
The park features an alligator viewing area and feeding area where visitors can feed the animals under the supervision of Gator Beach team members and alligator handlers.
They offer families an up-close perspective on some of Florida’s most famous reptiles, along with exhibitions and shows that will teach you and your kids almost everything you ever wanted to know about these Florida reptiles.
Operating Hours
Gator Beach Alligator Park opens from 11 am until 10 pm daily.
Contact the venue directly for showtimes and information on interactive exhibits.
Contact Information
Address: 20001 Emerald Coast Parkway – Destin, Florida 32541
Website: https://gatorbeach.com
Phone: 850-654-4200
#8. Visit the Emerald Coast Science Center
Florida families with kids who love science and nature will love visiting the 8000-square-foot science center filled with hands-on educational exhibits that teach children essential science concepts via interactive play.
The Science Center offers families a unique and hands-on perspective on the latest advancements in science for a reasonable price.
Families can get lost in this massive center with hundreds of interactive exhibits.
Admission Pricing
Adults: $12.00
Children: $12.00
Members: Free
Operating Hours
The Emerald Coast Science Center operates every day of the week (except for Sundays) from 10 am until 4 pm.
Contact Information
Address: 31 Memorial Parkway SW – Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
Website: https://escience.org
Phone: 850-664-1261
#9. Plan a Family Escape at Escapology
If you and your family are looking for a team-building adventure, consider trying to crack the codes and escaping from an escape room as a family.
Escape room venues like Escapology feature unique opportunities for families to work together as a team and find their way through a maze of clues that lead to their final escape.
Operating Hours
Escapology has varied hours.
They are open from 1 pm until 10:30 pm Monday to Thursday and 11 am – 10:30 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Contact Information
Address: 9375 US Highway 98 W – Destin, Florida 32550
Website: https://escapology.com
Phone: 850-842=4885
#10. Visit The Okaloosa Island Pier
Families who visit Okaloosa Island are in for a treat when they spend time on the Okaloosa Island Pier.
The pier is famously known for its access to pristine waters and popular activities like saltwater fishing.
During summer, the pier hosts fireworks shows that awe and dazzle local residents, tourists, and kids.
Operating Hours
The Ookaloosa Pier doesn’t have set operating hours and is always open.
Visit at your own risk during non-peak hours with fewer visitors.
Contact Information
Address: Okaloosa Island, Florida
Website: https://theislandpier.com
Phone: 850-244-1023
Destin Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Destin Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of activities can I do in Destin, Florida, with kids?
Destin, Florida, is a popular destination and tourist town that features a number of different attractions for families with children.
Residents and visitors can pass the time by taking advantage of the following activities.
Jet skiing, swimming, fishing, boating, shopping, exploring, sightseeing, people watching.
Do all of the kid-friendly activities in Destin, Florida, cost money?
While many attractions and amenities popular with kids in Destin cost money, some don’t.
Visit the website of the attractions you want to visit to learn about their current pricing, specials, and discounts for Florida residents.
What is the Emerald Coast?
The Emerald Coast, known for its pristine blue waters and excellent fishing is located along the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and it stretches for around 100 miles.
Where can my kids see live alligators and other sea life in Destin?
If seeing live alligators is on your Destin travel agenda, and you haven’t seen any in one of the many pools and ponds around the area (or basking in the sun on the roadways), don’t miss Fudpuckers Gator World, which features live alligator shows and tours.
What are some of the best places to visit in Destin, Florida, with my kids?
Some of the best places to visit in Destin with kids include bustling state parks, alligator parks, interactive museums, ocean-bound sandbars, and more!
Visiting families can find fun activities for kids to do around just about every corner.
