Located in the Florida panhandle on the northwestern side of the state, Destin is an upscale coastal community. Destin is situated along the Gulf of Mexico with its gorgeous white sand beaches and calm warm water. This community sees visitors throughout the year due to its moderate autumn and winter season. You and your family can spend a week or two soaking up the sun and snorkeling in the ocean. Book a stay at a Destin vacation rental today. If you need a little help planning your getaway itinerary, here’s a cheat sheet with the top 10 things to do with kids in Destin.
1. Destin Harbor Boardwalk
When lounging on the beach grows boring, gather up the kids to stretch your legs on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. This boardwalk stretches for about a quarter of a mile with stunning views of the Gulf and the beach. Take a walk along the boardwalk at dawn or dusk and have a seat on one of the benches to watch the sun come up or go down. When hunger strikes, stop at one of the connected restaurants for a family meal.
2. Destin Commons
This is a great place that offers something for everyone. Young kids will love playing on the playground and cool off in the water park while you enjoy some shopping at all your favorite stores. Your tweens and teens will appreciate the free wifi to stream a You Tube video. After shopping and playing, enjoy a meal together at one of the restaurants. If the weather turns rainy, catch the latest blockbuster movie at the AMC theater.
3. Enjoy a Sandcastle Building Lesson
For a unique experience, schedule a sandcastle building lesson with Beach Sand Sculptures. The owners are Rick and Capri Mungeam. Rick started his working career as an architect and now, spends his days designing stunning sand sculptures. He will teach your family or group how to build a stunning sandcastle that’s at least 3.5-feet tall. The lessons generally take around two hours and are suitable for all age groups.
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4. Ocean Cruise
Several companies in the Destin area offer ocean cruises. These cruises include trips out on the water to watch the dolphins frolicking in the water or to try your hand at fishing for larger fish found away from the docks. Some of the outfits, including Flipper’s Adventures, provide your family the chance to snorkel away from the beach with new fish to see. Pack some snacks at your vacation rental since most trips last between an hour and three hours.
5. Buccaneer Pirate Cruise
Put on your pirate hat and take the family out to the Gulf for an afternoon of mischief on the sea. The Buccaneer Pirate Cruise lasts around two hours, and your kids will love every minute of it. The boat’s staff put on sword fights, and water gun fights as the guests gasp in pleasure. When not battling, the pirates share their stories of life on the high seas and lead the guests on a treasure hunt. These dancing pirates are also known to break out in song.
6. Just Chute Me Parasail
Imagine the view from 400 feet above the Gulf! The thrill seekers in your family will love the chance to try their hand at parasailing with Just Chute Me Parasail. Once you lift off the water, you’ll trail behind a powerboat up in the air. The ride lasts around 15 minutes, and you can ride with your children. As the ride ends, you get to decide if you want a dry landing or if you want to dip your feet in the water.
7. The Track
At The Track, you and your kids can enjoy a day full of fun and thrills. Start the day by playing 18-holes of mini golf at one of the two courses or play at both. Then you can move on to bumper cars and bumper boats. The littlest members of your family will squeal with delight at the selection of kiddie rides. Your tweens and teens will spend hours playing the video games. On the SkyFlyer, let your kids find out what it feels like to skydive without them actually jumping out of an airplane.
8. Mobile Sports
Have you ever wanted to zip through the ocean on a banana boat? With Mobile Sports, you and the kids can board a banana boat for up to six people and whiz around the ocean. If you don’t want to ride on a banana boat, then this company can arrange for a stunning sunset cruise out on the Gulf of Mexico to look for dolphins.
9. Rent a Pontoon Boat
Several outfitters, such as Luther’s Pontoon, Waverunner & Kayak Rentals, will rent you and your family its own pontoon boat for the day. Pack a picnic lunch and cooler back at your vacation rental and spend the day as the captain of your own ship. You can spend the day sightseeing along the coast, snorkeling, and enjoy time together. You might even attract a few dolphins.
10. Jolee Island Nature Park
Start your nature walk by crossing a quaint wooden bridge. This mile long nature trail crosses the five-acre park, where you can see some of the local native animals and birds. Inside the park is a playground themed to pirates.
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