Family-Friendly activities in Destin are plentiful. If you are looking to take a break from the beach during your next trip, we have compiled a list of our top family-friendly activities to do in Destin, Florida.
Crab Island
Crab Island in Destin is a sandbar located on the north side of the Destin Bridge at the southern entrance of Choctawhatchee Bay. You may have noticed this piece of paradise while driving over the Destin bridge, where boats gather and visitors spend all day in the sun! Drop anchor on the outskirts of the sandbar. Enjoy a day of fishing, snorkeling, or rafting with the entire family. In addition, Crab Island is completely free to visit!
The Track
The Track is a family-friendly attraction located in the heart of Destin. With Go-Kart Tracks, Mini Golf Courses, Blaster Boats, Bumper Cars, Rides, and Fat Daddy’s Arcade there is plenty to do for the entire family.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is an indoor facility located on Okaloosa Island. This activity is perfect for any day here on the Gulf. There are endless animal encounter opportunities, dolphin and sea lion shows, daily animal chats, and amazing exhibits to view! After your visit, head on over to The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island for restaurants and entertainment.
Dolphin Cruise
Take a cruise around the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay to see more dolphins than you’ve ever seen in your life. The waters here are full of marine life. From dolphins to manatees, you can find them here on the Emerald Coast. Additionally, dolphin cruises are fun for all ages, so this is a great family activity.
Pirate Ship Cruise
The Buccaneer Pirate Cruise is the perfect family activity for young and old. This exciting 100-foot ship can accommodate up to 149 passengers and boards right in HarborWalk Village in Destin. This interactive boat tour is full of exciting entertainment like sword fighting, water gun battles, storytelling, singing, dancing, and even treasure hunts. It’s no surprise why kids love this adventure, however, adults can also relax and enjoy the ride.
Build a Sandcastle
Whether you’re in town for a family vacation, romantic getaway, or corporate retreat, you can’t go wrong with building some good old-fashioned sandcastles in our snowy white sand. Additionally, you can even take sand castle lessons when you visit the Emerald Coast. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon and makes a great team-building activity.
Snorkel
Another great family-friendly activity to try in Destin is snorkeling. Snorkeling requires no formal training so almost anyone can do it. Observing local wildlife in its natural habitat while enjoying our beautiful emerald waters, is the perfect way to make lifelong memories. The Destin Jetties are one of the most well-known and popular spots to Snorkel in Destin. This area is home to an artificial reef, housing various sea creatures. There’s even an artificial coral reef right by Pompano Joe’s in Miramar Beach. If you love scuba diving and snorkeling, there are tons of local companies that can take you on your dream excursion.
Gator Beach at Fudpucker’s
Located in Destin, Gator Beach is known as “the world’s greatest alligator park.” If you’re looking for a fun family-friendly activity everyone will enjoy, Gator Beach should be on your bucket list. Gator Beach at Fudpucker’s in Destin is home to over one hundred alligators. Visitors can get up close and personal with the gators for a lifelong memory. From alligator shows to the gator museum, this place is pretty cool. There’s even a baby alligator exhibit and visitors can actually have the chance to hold a real, live, baby gator!
Cover Photo Credit: Gulfarium Marine and Adventure Park
