The picturesque resort community of Seaside makes the perfect destination for a relaxing family getaway. Located on Florida’s panhandle, this quaint city offers plenty of activities to keep both kids and adults entertained. Whether you choose a Seaside, Florida vacation rental along the beach or one in the center of town, adventure awaits within walking distance. Consider this list of the top 10 things to do in Seaside when vacationing with kids.

1. Hit the Beach

The average summer temperature in Seaside is 90 degrees, so the beach is the perfect place to cool off and soak up the sun. When you step out of your vacation rental, just look at the tall, gray pyramid-like structure that serves as the main beach access for Seaside Beach. Take a book and relax in your beach chair while the kids build sandcastles and splash in the gentle waves. Wake the family up early for a peaceful run along the shore.

2. Visit an Art Gallery

Art galleries are popular in Seaside, so stop in to pick up a memento to remember your trip. Visit Cara Roy Artworks to view stunning prints depicting the tropical Florida landscape, or choose a one-of-a-kind ornament for the family Christmas tree when you drop by Fusion Art Glass Gallery. Browse the works of painters, glassblowers, and clay artists when you take a tour of Red Bird Gallery.

3. Make Your Own Art

If you have little ones who are more interested in making art than viewing it, Fired Up Paint-Your-Own Pottery is a must-visit Seaside spot. Choose from more than 400 pieces of pottery to paint, including dolphins and puppies, or design your own plate. Paint, stamp, and stencil to your heart’s content. Leave your creation overnight to be fired, then stop in the next day to retrieve your self-made souvenir from the friendly staff.

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4. Visit the Farmer’s Market

Be sure to head to Central Square on Saturday morning to browse the Seaside Farmer’s Market. Take some fresh fruits and veggies back to your vacation rental to prepare a wholesome family dinner. Catch a cooking demonstration to get a few tips, and pick up some artisan cheeses or bread to accompany the meal. Be sure to try the baked goods and pastries while you’re there.

5. Watch a Movie

Don’t spend the night watching a movie back at your vacation rental. Gather the kids, grab some lawn chairs, pack up some snacks, and go to the Seaside Amphitheater, which transforms into the Summer Central Square Cinema every Friday evening from late May until the end of August. Spread out a blanket, and enjoy a family friendly movie under the stars.

6. Take a Surf Lesson

If you’re an adventurer, sign up for surf lessons so you can learn to ride the waves like a pro. Austin Magee’s Surf School at The Seaside comes highly recommended by locals and visitors. Be sure to make reservations, because summer spots are known to book up quickly. Choose from private lessons, group lessons, or mini lessons, or just rent a board if you’re feeling up to going out on your own. The surf school even offers a surf and beach camp for kids throughout the summer months.

7. Catch a Show

Visit the Seaside Repertory Theatre to watch the professional theatre troupe perform one of their many shows. The 75-seat theater offers an intimate viewing experience the whole family can enjoy, and performances range from dramas to kid-friendly comedies, so there’s something to suit any taste. If you have budding thespians in the family, let them check out the Rep’s improve boot camp for kids so they can learn to shine at center stage.

8. Go Shopping

Take a walk from your vacation rental to Central Square to discover a variety of quaint, locally owned shops and boutiques. If you need fresh reading material for those sunny days in the sand, be sure to stop by Sundog Books for a great selection of titles and new releases. Mercantile offers summery fashions for men and women, while Central Square Records is the go-to place for the music lover in your family. Delight the little ones with a trip to Duckies Shop of Fun, the bright and friendly store that caters to kids.

9. Go to a Concert

The always-happening Seaside Amphitheater takes on new life on Wednesdays throughout the summer when it plays host to some fantastic bands. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for seating, and show up early so you can drop in at the local shops to buy snacks for the family. Watch the little ones dance to the music, and find out why Southern Living ranked it among the best Outdoor Concert Series Under the Stars.

10. Eat, Eat, and Eat Some More

When you don’t feel like cooking at your vacation rental, take the family out to dinner at one of Seaside’s amazing restaurants. For the seafood lovers in the family, visit Bayou Bill’s Crab House or Stinky’s Fish Camp. For Southern-style cooking, you can’t beat Great Southern Cafe, and for those nights when everyone’s in the mood for something different, hit up Food Truck Row, where food vendors peddle their delicious delicacies from permanently placed Airstream trailers.


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