Are you planning a family vacation to Destin and wondering how to keep your little ones entertained? Look no further! In this blog article, we have compiled a comprehensive guide of the best things to do in Destin for kids. From exciting outdoor adventures to educational attractions, Destin offers a wide range of activities that will make your children’s vacation truly memorable.
Destin is famous for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal destination for families. Whether your kids love building sandcastles, swimming, or simply playing in the waves, Destin’s beaches have it all. With numerous public beach access points, you can easily find a spot to set up your umbrella and spend a fun-filled day by the sea.
Visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a must-visit attraction for kids of all ages. This interactive marine park offers an opportunity to get up close and personal with dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals. Begin your adventure with a captivating dolphin show, where these intelligent creatures showcase their incredible abilities through flips, jumps, and synchronized swimming. After the show, head to the Dolphin Splash encounter, where your kids can touch and interact with dolphins under the guidance of trained professionals.
Sea Lion Encounter
Another exciting experience at the Gulfarium is the Sea Lion Encounter. Your children will have the chance to meet and interact with these playful and intelligent animals. Watch as the sea lions perform tricks, give kisses, and even paint masterpieces with their flippers. It’s an unforgettable opportunity for kids to learn about marine life while having a blast.
Animal Chats and Feedings
Throughout the day, the Gulfarium offers informative animal chats and feedings. Your kids can learn interesting facts about various marine species, including sharks, stingrays, and turtles. They can even participate in feeding sessions, where they get to see the animals up close and learn about their feeding habits and diets.
Explore the Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park
If your kids love water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, the Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park is the place to be. With over 40 different water attractions, this park guarantees a day filled with laughter, excitement, and endless water fun. Start your adventure by plunging down thrilling water slides, such as the Jumanji, Maui Pipeline, or the Kowabunga Racer. These slides offer a mix of twists, turns, and exhilarating drops that will leave your kids screaming with delight.
Wave Pools and Lazy Rivers
After an adrenaline-pumping slide adventure, head to the wave pools where your little ones can splash and ride the waves. The park offers both a gentle wave pool for younger kids and a larger wave pool for older children to enjoy. For a more relaxing experience, float down the lazy river, where you can soak up the sun while leisurely drifting along the gentle currents.
Kiddie Areas and Splash Zones
Big Kahuna’s also has dedicated areas for younger kids, ensuring they have a safe and enjoyable time. These kiddie areas are equipped with smaller slides, shallow pools, and interactive water features, providing endless entertainment for the little ones. Additionally, the park offers splash zones with water cannons and fountains, where kids can cool off and have a blast.
Embark on a Dolphin Cruise
No trip to Destin is complete without a dolphin cruise. These family-friendly cruises allow you to observe dolphins in their natural habitat while enjoying breathtaking views of the coastline. Step aboard a comfortable boat and set sail on an adventure to spot these majestic creatures. As you cruise along the emerald waters, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins swimming and leaping in the waves.
Guided Educational Experience
Many dolphin cruises in Destin offer guided educational experiences, where marine biologists provide insightful information about dolphins and other marine life. Your kids will learn about their behaviors, habitats, and the importance of conservation efforts. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to develop a deeper appreciation for these incredible creatures and their oceanic environment.
Additional Activities
Depending on the tour you choose, some dolphin cruises may offer additional activities to enhance the experience. These can include snorkeling, fishing, or even exploring secluded islands and sandbars. Such adventures provide a well-rounded experience for your kids, allowing them to not only see dolphins but also engage in other exciting activities.
Discover the Emerald Coast Science Center
The Emerald Coast Science Center is a fascinating place for kids to learn and explore. With hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, this science center offers a fun and educational experience. Your children will have the opportunity to engage in scientific experiments, explore the wonders of space, and learn about the natural world.
Hands-On Exhibits
The science center boasts a variety of hands-on exhibits that allow kids to actively participate in learning. From building structures with blocks to experimenting with electricity and magnets, these interactive displays make science engaging and accessible for children of all ages. Watch as your little ones’ eyes light up with excitement as they discover the principles of physics, chemistry, and more.
Planetarium Shows
One of the highlights of the Emerald Coast Science Center is the planetarium, where your kids can embark on a journey through the cosmos. Sit back and relax as they are transported into space, learning about the stars, planets, and galaxies that make up our universe. The planetarium shows are both educational and awe-inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on young minds.
Have a Blast at The Track
The Track is a popular family entertainment center that offers a variety of activities for kids. From go-karts and bumper cars to mini-golf and arcade games, there is no shortage of entertainment options here. Let your little ones unleash their competitive spirit and enjoy hours of thrilling rides and games.
Go-Kart Racing
The Track is known for its exhilarating go-kart racing tracks. Strap your kids into a go-kart and watch as they zoom around the track, competing against other drivers. With different tracks catering to various age groups and skill levels, your children can experience the thrill of racing in a safe and controlled environment.
Bumper Cars and Kiddie Rides
In addition to go-karts, The Track offers bumper cars and a variety of kiddie rides. Let your kids engage in friendly collisions as they navigate the bumper car arena, or enjoy a leisurely ride on attractions designed specifically for younger children. These rides provide enjoyable experiences for kids of all ages and ensure there is something for everyone at The Track.
Spend a Day at Henderson Beach State Park
Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature at Henderson Beach State Park. With its picturesque landscapes and nature trails, this park is perfect for a family picnic or a leisurely stroll. Let your kids explore the coastal dune ecosystem and spot native wildlife in their natural habitat.
Beach Activities
While Henderson Beach State Park is known for its pristine sandy shores, it offers much more than just a place to sunbathe. Encourage your kids to engage in various beach activities, such as building sandcastles, flying kites, or playing beach volleyball. They can also collect seashells and discover fascinating marine treasures washed up on the shore.
Nature Trails and Boardwalks
Take a break from the beach and venture into the park’s nature trails and boardwalks. These pathways wind through lush vegetation, offering glimpses of native plants and wildlife. Your kids can learn about the unique ecosystems that thrive in the coastal area and appreciate the beauty of nature up close.
Visit the Destin History and Fishing Museum
Take a step back in time and learn about the rich history of Destin at the Destin History and Fishing Museum. This museum showcases exhibits that highlight the area’s fishing heritage, including antique fishing equipment, photographs, and artifacts. Your children will gain a deeper appreciation for the local culture and traditions.
Fishing Heritage Exhibits
The museum’s fishing heritage exhibits provide a window into the past, allowing your kids to explore the history of fishing in Destin. They can learn about the traditional fishing techniques used by early settlers and see the evolution of fishing equipment over the years. The exhibits also showcase the importance of the fishing industry to the local economy and its impact on the community.
Interactive Displays
To make the experience more engaging, the museum offers interactive displays that allow kids to immerse themselves in the fishing culture. They can try their hand at knot tying, learn about different fish species, or even simulate casting a fishing line. These hands-on activities provide a fun and educational experience, giving children a taste of what it’s like to be a fisherman in Destin.
Experience the Thrill at Gulf Coast Escape Room
If your kids enjoy puzzles and challenges, a visit to the Gulf Coast Escape Room is a must. This interactive game involves solving clues and finding hidden objects to escape a themed room within a set time limit. It’s a great way to encourage teamwork and critical thinking skills while having loads of fun.
Choose
Choose Your Adventure
Gulf Coast Escape Room offers a variety of themed rooms, each with its own unique storyline and set of puzzles. Let your kids become detectives solving a crime, adventurers on a treasure hunt, or even astronauts trying to escape a malfunctioning spaceship. The immersive environments and challenging puzzles will keep them engaged and entertained as they work together to unravel the mysteries and escape the room.
Team Building and Problem-Solving
Escape rooms are not only a fun activity but also a great way to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills in children. As they work together to decipher codes, uncover hidden clues, and solve puzzles, your kids will learn the importance of effective communication and collaboration. It’s a valuable experience that can strengthen their bond and enhance their cognitive abilities.
Enjoy a Pirate Cruise
Set sail on a pirate adventure and let your kids’ imaginations run wild on a pirate cruise. These themed cruises offer interactive storytelling, treasure hunts, and even face painting. Your little ones will feel like true pirates as they search for buried treasures and engage in swashbuckling activities.
Pirate Games and Activities
On a pirate cruise, your kids will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of pirate-themed games and activities. From walking the plank to shooting water cannons, they can unleash their inner pirates and compete in friendly challenges. The crew will entertain them with tales of pirate legends and history, creating an immersive experience that will make their imaginations soar.
Treasure Hunt and Loot
The highlight of a pirate cruise is undoubtedly the treasure hunt. Your little buccaneers will follow maps, solve riddles, and search for hidden treasure chests on board the ship. They can work together with other children to decipher clues and find the coveted loot. The excitement of discovering the hidden treasure will make their pirate adventure a cherished memory.
Play and Learn at the Air Force Armament Museum
If your children are fascinated by airplanes and military history, the Air Force Armament Museum is a must-visit. Located near Destin in Eglin Air Force Base, this museum boasts an impressive collection of aircraft and exhibits. Your kids will have the opportunity to learn about the evolution of aviation and see unique military artifacts.
Aircraft Exhibits
The Air Force Armament Museum showcases a wide range of aircraft, from vintage warplanes to modern fighter jets. Your kids can marvel at the size and power of these machines as they explore the exhibits. They can climb into the cockpit of some aircraft, imagining what it would be like to be a pilot. The museum also provides educational displays that explain the technological advancements and historical significance of each aircraft.
Interactive Displays and Simulator
In addition to the aircraft exhibits, the museum offers interactive displays and a flight simulator. Your kids can test their skills as they try their hand at flying a virtual plane or experience what it’s like to be a gunner in an aircraft. These interactive features allow children to engage with aviation in a hands-on and exciting way, making the museum visit both educational and entertaining.
In conclusion, Destin offers a plethora of activities that will keep your kids entertained and create lasting memories. Whether they are exploring marine life, enjoying water parks, or discovering the wonders of science, Destin has something for every child’s interest. Plan your family vacation to Destin and embark on an unforgettable adventure with your little ones!
