Family Friendly Things to Do in Destin
Dolphin cruises, water parks, aquariums, mini golf and calm, shallow water: Destin is made for family trips. Browse kid-friendly places below, pick an area, or search for things like “all ages” or “rainy day.”
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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.