Family Friendly Things to Do in Destin

Family fun on the Emerald Coast

Destin’s calm, clear water and soft white sand make it one of the easiest beach trips you can take with kids. Add boat rides, sea life and plenty of places to eat with little ones, and there is something for every age.

Ideas by age

Little ones

Shallow beach days, a dolphin cruise, the aquarium and a stroll through The Village of Baytowne Wharf or HarborWalk Village. Search kid friendly for more.

Kids and tweens

Water parks, go-karts, mini golf, snorkeling in calm water and a day trip to Crab Island with a family-friendly boat tour.

Teens

Parasailing, jet skis, paddleboards and escape rooms. See our things to do with teens guide.

Where to go

Okaloosa Island is home to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and an easy family beach. Destin Harbor has dolphin cruises, glass bottom boats and the boardwalk. Miramar Beach has Baytowne Wharf and family events all year. Fort Walton Beach has the Emerald Coast Science Center and the Indian Temple Mound Museum.

Local tips for families

• Check the beach flags. Green means low hazard, yellow medium, red high, and double red means the water is closed to swimming. Purple means jellyfish or other marine life.
• Go early. Mornings are cooler, calmer and less crowded, especially in summer.
• Rainy day? Try our rainy day activities list.
• Find family events on the events calendar and this weekend.

More from our blog

• Big Kahuna’s Water Park
• Escapology escape room
• Destin History & Fishing Museum
• How to get to Crab Island