Destin, Florida is the ultimate family-friendly vacation destination! With its calm, crystal-clear waters, year-round sunshine, and loads of activities for kids of all ages- it's easy to see why families flock to the Emerald Coast every year! Here's our list of 10 things to do in Destin Florida with kids!
1. Beach Day
It seems like a no-brainer, right? But this truly is one of the best ways to spend your Destin vacation and bond as a family! From sea shelling to boogie boarding, or simply soaking up the sun- the white sandy beaches of Destin will please just about anyone! Make your beach day a breeze by checking out one of our rental properties with complimentary beach service!
2. Pool Day
When in doubt, spending the day at your vacation rental community or private pool is a must! When you vacation with Compass Resorts, most of our properties have access to a pool where you can make fun memories for all. Plus you really can't go wrong with a family pool day to cool off from the warm Florida sunshine!
3. Dolphin Cruise
Destin is home to some of the most incredible dolphin cruises that are sure to provide a memorable experience for all ages! These cruises allow you to take in the beautiful emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. And, of course, you’re guaranteed to see plenty of playful dolphins while you’re out on the water! Some of the most popular Dolphin Cruises in the area are Destin Snorkel, Southern Star, Olin Marler, The Sea Blaster & many more!
4. Big Kahunas Water Park
For a day filled with splashes and excitement, head over to Destin's famous water park! This park offers some of the biggest slides on the Emerald Coast, lazy rivers, wave pools, kiddy pools, and so much more! This is the perfect way to spend the day cooling off and creating fun memories for all ages!
5. The Destin Harbor
Spend the day with family at Destin Florida’s beautiful waterfront destination – HarborWalk Village. The Destin Harbor is a fantastic place for kids, with a huge rock climbing wall, ziplining, bungee trampolines, mini train rides, and the list goes on! This is easily the best place to spend the day eating good food, sight-seeing, shopping, and having a blast with the whole family!
6. Gator Beach at Fudpuckers
Nothing says Florida quite like getting to hold and take a photo with a live alligator! If this sounds like something you and your family would enjoy- then head to Fudpuckers Beachside Bar & Grill- home of the Emerald Coasts' famous Gator Beach. Grab some good eats and say hello, or see ya later alligator at Fudpuckers for a unique and fun experience that is fun for all ages!
7. The Track
The Track is filled with fun! Between the go-karts, arcade, bumper cars, mini golf & more- it's easy to see why both kids and adults love this Destin favorite!
8. Fishing
Destin holds the title of the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" and for a good reason! Destin truly is one of the best locations to try out fishing- and it's kid-friendly! Whether you prefer to try inshore or offshore, or you're just unsure where to start- you are in good hands with knowledgeable staff from hundreds of local charter companies in our area. These companies are good at what they do and assure you and your young ones a day to remember! One of our preferred fishing vendors is Hound Dog Fishing Charters -whose goal is to provide you and your family with a safe and fun fishing experience!
9. Crab Island
If you and your family elect to rent a boat while you are visiting the area, you must make sure to stop and visit Crab Island! Crab Island is an adventure like no other. Located on the Bay side of the Destin Bridge this famous underwater island is where locals and visitors anchor to spend the day and enjoy their family, friends, and the beautiful water and weather Destin has to offer. The water depth varies from two to ten feet deep depending on where you anchor, and is its shallowest to the middle and works its way out from there. Locals and visitors alike come here to play in the water where you will find inflatable slides and obstacle courses, live music, and floating restaurants!
10. The Buccaneer
Calling all scallywags! Embark on the adventure of a lifetime aboard Destin's Buccaneer Pirate Cruise! This popular kid attraction is located at HarborWalk Village, where a Captain and crew will take you and your family on a 1.5-hour cruise filled with witty banter, singing, dancing, water gun battles, a treasure hunt, a cannon fire, and so much more! No matter what you and your family enjoy doing together, Destin has something for everyone!
