Plan your fall and winter vacations now! Destin, Florida, is perfect in the winter; with its stunning beaches, clear emerald waters, and vibrant atmosphere, is an ideal destination for families seeking sun-soaked adventures. From thrilling water activities to educational experiences, Destin offers a wide array of family-friendly options that guarantee endless fun. In this SEO-optimized blog post, we’ll walk you through 19 exciting things to do in Destin with kids, ensuring your family vacation is nothing short of extraordinary.
Relax on Destin’s Pristine Beaches
Sink your toes into the soft, sugar-white sand of Destin’s beaches. The calm waters are perfect for building sandcastles, collecting seashells, and soaking up the sun.

Embark on a Dolphin Cruise
Set sail on a dolphin cruise adventure, where your family can witness playful dolphins in their natural habitat, creating magical memories.

Visit Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
Splash into the fun at Big Kahuna’s, a water and adventure park featuring thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and kiddie areas. I must admit – This is super fun for kids and adults!

Explore the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Meet marine life up close at the Gulfarium, where interactive exhibits, dolphin shows, and sea lion encounters provide educational and entertaining experiences.
Go Snorkeling at the Destin Jetties
Discover the underwater wonders of the Destin Jetties by snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, encountering colorful marine life and vibrant coral reefs.
Pirate Ship Adventure with Buccaneer Pirate Cruise
Embark on a swashbuckling adventure aboard the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise, complete with pirate stories, treasure hunts, and interactive activities.

Experience Parasailing Over the Gulf
Soar high above the Gulf of Mexico as you experience the thrill of parasailing, providing breathtaking views of the coastline and turquoise waters.
Explore Henderson Beach State Park
Discover the natural beauty of Henderson Beach State Park, offering hiking trails, picnicking areas, and access to unspoiled beaches. We experienced virtually empty beaches here. Very relaxing!
Go Fishing on a Charter Boat
Book a family-friendly fishing charter and try your luck at catching red snapper, grouper, and other Gulf fish while enjoying quality time together.
Take a SandCastle Lesson
Unleash your creativity with a sandcastle-building lesson on the beach, guided by skilled sand artists who teach you how to create intricate sculptures. We highly recommend Sand Castle Rockstars.

Visit the Emerald Coast Science Center
Engage young minds with hands-on exhibits at the Emerald Coast Science Center, where kids can explore science, technology, and the natural world. This is a perfect place to spend some fun and combine it was hours of learning!
Try Mini-Golf at The Track
Compete in a friendly round of mini-golf at The Track Family Fun Park, featuring themed courses and additional attractions like go-karts and bumper cars.
Explore Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
Experience Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone, where your family can enjoy laser tag, 4D movie experiences, an indoor ropes course, and more.
Discover the Destin Harbor Boardwalk
Wander along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, lined with shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. Don’t miss feeding the resident harbor fish.
Visit The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Experience the charming atmosphere of The Village of Baytowne Wharf, featuring boutiques, eateries, live music, and a carousel for the kids. Super fun for everyone! You can find out more information here.
Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding
Rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the calm waters of Destin’s bayous and coastal dunes, enjoying a peaceful and scenic adventure.
Explore Grayton Beach State Park
Venture to Grayton Beach State Park nearby for hiking, picnicking, and swimming. The park’s coastal dune lakes are a unique and beautiful sight.
Try Destin Snorkel Tours
Embark on snorkeling adventures with Destin Snorkel Tours, where guides lead you to vibrant underwater sites teeming with marine life.
Visit the Air Force Armament Museum
Do you have kids who love airplanes? Take a short drive to the Air Force Armament Museum near Destin, where military history and aircraft exhibits provide an educational outing. Perfect for homeschooling parents and kids of any age.
Destin, Florida, offers unparalleled sun-soaked fun, marine exploration, and educational experiences for families. With these 19 exciting activities, your family can create cherished memories while discovering the beauty and adventure this stunning coastal destination offers.
Looking for more adventures in Florida? Make sure to check out some of our other blogs about Florida.
- Exploring Crystal River in Florida
- RV Camping in Florida
- Our Epic Florida Springs Kayaking Trip
- Off the Beaten Path in Florida. Our Top Hidden Gems!
So – You’re shopping on Amazon? I mean who doesn’t, right? Please consider using our link. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it gives us a few extra pennies. Click below to use our link and then just shop like normal. Don’t forget ~ check out within 24 hours so we get credit! Thank you!! It really means a lot to us!

