Destin Florida is a hive of activity. From shopping, dining, and fun in the sun adventure, there is plenty to see and do with the entire family.
90 minutes west of Panama City Beach and 90 minutes east of Pensacola, Destin Fl is a hidden gem nestled on the Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico in northwest Florida.
To help you plan the perfect family getaway to Destin and the Emerald Coast, we’ve put together this list of our favorite things to do with kids in Destin Florida!
Things To Do in Destin Florida With Kids
Whether you are looking for educational experiences, aquatic adventures, or simply pure unadulterated fun, here are 11 fun things to do with kids in Destin.
Big Kahuna’s
Big Kahuna’s water and adventure park is the perfect way to fill a day! Rides, slides, pools, mini golf, and more, there is a little something for everyone.
But our advice is to plan your visit for a weekday. The water park gets a little crowded on the weekends.
And when you do go, arrive early to claim a chair in the shade by the lazy river. If not, you’ll be subjected to the beating sun all day long! The water rides will cool you down, obviously, but taking a break from the sun is always a plus.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
The Gulfarium is one of the best ways to get an up-close look at marine life.
General admission allows you to wander the exhibits, and see the shows and training exhibitions but if you want an extra special experience, book one of their animal encounters.
Animal encounters include exclusive time with sea turtles, penguins, stingrays, harbor seals, sea lions, gators, or the reptile safari. If you want to book one of these encounters, however, we recommend booking early as space is limited.
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
Found on Okaloosa Island, Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone is a great way to spend the day.
Themed mini golf courses with animatronics, bumper boats, laser tag, reverse bungee trampolines, arcade games, a treetop rope course, and more.
There is no way you won’t have a totally wild adventure at Wild Willy’s.
Buccaneer Pirate Cruise
Do you and your kids wish there was more swashbuckling in your life? If so, the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise is for you!
Found in HarborWalk Village, this pirate ship will hit the open seas where you will be treated to top-notch interactive entertainment while exploring the Gulf Coast. Singing, dancing, pirate training, sword fighting, and a treasure hunt are just some of what you can expect on your voyage.
It is a good idea to book your tickets for this cruise at least 2 weeks in advance to avoid disappointing your little pirate. This is an incredibly popular attraction and it books quickly.
Maximum Magic Show
Who doesn’t love a little magic? The Maximum Magic Show at the HarborWalk Theater is a must-see for all lovers of illusions.
Award-winning illusionists Noah and Heather will captivate you for 90 minutes with world-class illusions, comedy, special effects, and more.
If your kids are really excited by or interested in magic, consider upgrading your ticket to the VIP experience. The upgrade includes reserved front row seating, a meet and greet with Noah and Heather, and a Noah and Heather magic kit.
Once again, this is a popular attraction so book early to avoid disappointment.
The Track
If wandering around the Destin Harbor, taking in the views, and hitting the great shops is not enough excitement, it’s time to pay a visit to The Track.
This park has 5 go-kart tracks, blaster boats, mini golf, kiddie rides, thrill rides like the SkyFlyer & Hurricane 360, an arcade, and more!
The Track has been entertaining families in Destin since 1989 so you know that it can handle the needs of even the pickiest adventure-seeking child!
Gator Beach
It’s hard to visit Florida without exploring some of the state’s most talked about wildlife!
Gator Beach is an alligator park located west of Miramar Beach and east of Destin Beach near Henderson Beach State Park.
Known as the “world’s greatest alligator park,” Gator Beach is free to visit. You and your kids can walk around the exhibits, ask questions, and even watch the alligator shows. Once in the park, you can feed the gators or even have your picture taken while holding one!
If you wish to do more, you can upgrade to a VIP experience where you will go behind the scenes, helping park staff open the park, tend to the alligators, and more!
Crab Island Dolphin Jet Ski Adventure
Destiny Water Adventures can get you up close and personal with some of the area’s most interesting marine life. Aquariums are great but is there anything better than seeing dolphins in their natural habitat?
Our Crab Island Dolphin Jet Ski Adventure is a 2-hour guided experience ensuring you find all the best locations. See the dolphins and explore Crab Island, Destin Harbor, and Santa Rosa Sound.
Instead of sharing the experience with a bunch of other people on a crowded dolphin cruise, you can pilot your own jet ski as we guide you, creating a truly unique and unforgettable experience for you and your family. Honestly, this is a super fun thing to do as adults, too!
Island Jet Ski Adventure
While most rental locations will send you out on the water without a plan, Destiny Water Adventures offers you an experience of a lifetime.
The Island Adventure will take you to all the coolest locations including the best local spots, sand bars, and hidden secluded islands. We know the Destin and Fort Walton Beach area so well that we can point you toward some of the best jet ski waters in all of Florida.
Pontoon Rental
You cannot visit Destin and spend your entire time on land. Sure, visiting theme parks, lounging in the sun, and building beach sand sculptures is a great time, but there is additional fun to be had out on the water!
Renting a pontoon boat is an excellent way to see the sights and delight the entire family. Whether you choose to travel the shoreline taking in the sights, or head out to Crab Island, drop anchor and spend the day playing in the warm shallow waters, a pontoon rental is a must.
Crab Island too crowded? Ask us for some tips and we’ll send you to a more private paradise!
Fireworks Cruise
Fireworks cruises are great but they can get mighty crowded. And really, where’s the fun in watching a stunning fireworks display over Destin Harbor with a bunch of strangers?
Instead, book you and your family a spot on our private fireworks cruise. Just you and up to 6 of your family and friends. Perfect.
This cruise runs every Thursday night from June 2 to August 11 and, of course, on July 4th.
Trust Destiny Water Adventures with Your Vacation Family Fun
There are many things to do with kids in Destin Florida but when you are ready for adventures of the aquatic kind, you need a provider you can trust. Destiny Water Adventures gets consistently high reviews and has some of the best offerings in the entire city.
Family vacations should be about making memories, not worrying about your rental equipment or trying to figure out where to go once you are on it. Our friendly and supportive staff will make sure that you have a blast, no matter what you get up to!
Visit Destiny Water Adventures online to book or stop in and see us in Fort Walton Beach!
Related: See these posts if you are looking for activities in Destin just for couples, or still want even more things to do in Destin.
