Things to do in destin Florida with kids

04 Sep 2024    Destin

Why should the adults have all the fun, right? Well, today’s blog is dedicated to our little friends – yes! Kids! In this blog, we will talk about the many wonderful things you can do with your kids in Destin, Florida. 

Destin Florida, located on the Emerald Coast is an ideal mix of sun, sand, and family fun. Destin has beautiful clear waters and white sandy beaches, and there are many things to do, which makes it a great family vacation spot for those who want a memorable time. 

Whether it is building sand castles, jumping the waves, or experiencing underwater life, or going on an adventure, this place offers something for the kid in all of us (and our literal kids…ha ha!)

Here are a bunch of things to do in Destin Florida with kids:

1. Henderson State Beach Park

things to do in destin florida

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Take your kids to the Henderson Beach State Park is a wonderful combination of natural beauty and recreation. It is a preserve that used to be a coastal scrub habitat, but now it is a paradise for the people that enjoy the outdoors. 
Walk along the beautiful trails, fish in the clear streams, or lie on the perfect beach. Henderson Beach State Park has 60 campsites, boardwalk access, and is absolutely beautiful, perfect for families who are looking for a quiet retreat with loved ones. 

2. Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park

things to do in destin florida with kids

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Splash down to Big Kahuna's Water Adventure Park! This tropical paradise, in Destin, Florida, is a playground for children of all ages. From the exciting water slides to the enormous wave pool, there is plenty to do to keep all of the little explorers busy.
For the thrill-seekers: For the thrill-seekers:

  • Jumanji: This is a sky-high water slide that will take you down a series of drops and turns for quite the adrenaline rush.
  • Honolulu Pipeline: Catch a wave without leaving the beach! This exciting surf simulator will let you ride the perfect barrel wave.
  • Skycoaster: Fly over the park in this exciting ride with great views of the park.
  • Splash Pad: It is a very cool little interactive water play thingy, geared towards toddlers and young children, with colorful fountains and geysers and water cannons.
  • Lazy River: Drift down this easy river soaking up the rays and taking in the scenery.
  • Kids' Pool: It's a wading pool for little kids, but it has lots of cool water stuff and it's got a current to it.
  • Wave Pool: Ride the waves and create unforgettable memories with your family.
  • Mini Golf: Play mini golf with your family, and try to beat them.
  • Arcade: Play old arcade games and win prizes for the family.

There is so much to do that at this adventure park is one of the best things to do in Destin Florida with kids.

3. Gulf Breeze Zoo

things to do in destin florida with kids

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Come and see the animal wonders at Gulf Breeze Zoo in Destin, Florida! This family-friendly attraction offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of fascinating creatures. Whether it be the majestic lion and tiger or the mischievous monkey or the beautiful birds, this is one of the best places to visit in Destin Florida with kids. 

For the animal lovers: 

  • Animal Encounters: And even more up close and personal with your favorite animals with interactive experiences, feed the giraffes, hand feed the monkeys, pet a kangaroo.
  • Safari Train: Take a scenic journey through the zoo on the Safari Train, enjoying breathtaking views of the animals in their natural habitats.
  • Walk-Through Aviary: Walk through this enclosed aviary and have hundreds of colorful birds fly all around you.

For the thrill-seekers: For the thrill-seekers:

  • Zip Line Adventure: Fly over the tree tops on this exciting zip line tour, with a view of the entire zoo.
  • Animal Splash Pad: This is a fun and interactive splash pad, it is a great way to cool off on a hot day, it has animal themed water features and slides.

For the little ones: 

  • Petting Zoo: This is a "touching zoo" featuring nice farm animals such as goats, sheep, and pigs.
  • Children's Play Area: Let the children play and expend some energy in this vibrant playground complete with slides, swings, and climbing apparatus.

The Gulf Breeze Zoo is definitely a place that all families should visit, it's really fun and educational. It has all sorts of animals, really cool rides, and hands on experiences, a great way for kids to get educated about the natural world and have a great time. Definitely one of the best things to do in Destin Florida with kids. 

4. Destin Harbor Boardwalk

things to do in destin florida with kids

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For the little ones: 

  • Arcade: Let the kids run around and lose some steam in the arcade with old school games, and cool prizes.
  • Ice Cream Shops: Or how about an ice cream cone, or popsicle for the kids on a hot day.
  • Playground: And play in the playground, slides, swings, monkey bars, the whole nine yards.

The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a great place for a family to spend a day having fun on the water. It has so many different things to offer from the scenic beauty to the family-oriented activities and it is a great place to make memories that will last a lifetime.

5. Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone

things to do in destin florida with kids

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All aboard for a pirate adventure at Wild Willy's Adventure Zone! It is a pirate themed playground, and a haven for kids looking for adventure and fun. Wild Willy's has a huge pirate ship and water slides and all of that interactive stuff that will keep the little ones occupied for hours.

  • Pirate Ship Adventure: come aboard this pirate ship, built 5 stories high, with slides, climbing walls, and a cannon to explore.
  • Water Slides: And cool down on those fun water slides, what a great way to spend a hot summer day.
  • Interactive Play Area: Play in the interactive play area, which has water cannons, and fountains, and climbing structures to play on.
  • Toddler Area: This is a great little kiddie area, with little toddler toys and a nice gentle splash pad.
  • Mini Golf: Play some putt golf against the family and see who can dominate the putter.Picnic Area: Have a nice picnic lunch in the shade of the trees.
  • Arcade: Challenge your abilities in arcade and get prizes for the entire family.

Wild Willy's Adventure Zone is the place to go for families who want to spend a day full of outdoor fun. From the pirate theme rides, to the interactive playgrounds, the family-oriented atmosphere is great for making memories.

Conclusion

Destin Florida has a lot to offer for children of all ages. Whether it is a water park, a nature trail, or a marine life adventure, there is no end to the possibilities for a young explorer. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, Destin is the perfect destination for a family vacation. Explore the many things to do in Destin Florida with kids and create memories that’ll last a lifetime.