Featuring an abundance of exciting family-friendly activities, the resort community of Sandestin, Florida is an ideal destination for a fun getaway with kids. The resort itself offers everything from swimming to parasailing, and the surrounding areas provide opportunities for outdoor and indoor fun. Best of all, most attractions are situated just a short walk or tram ride from Sandestin vacation rentals. Check out the top kid-friendly things to do at Sandestin.
1. Go for a Bike Ride
Explore Sandestin’s stunning grounds with a leisurely bike ride. The resort offers free bikes for adults and kids of all ages, so it’s a breeze to outfit the entire family. Work from the map that comes with your bikes to plan a route, and secure your bikes at the beach with the included locks. For the safest ride, stick to the resort’s paths and quiet streets to avoid traffic.
2. Relax on the Beach
Head to Sandestin’s stunning beaches for a relaxing day with the kids. Settle in on a beach chair while your little ones build sandcastles. The sparkling ocean is warm year-round for comfortable swimming, and the gentle surf is welcoming and kid-friendly. After dinner, walk down to the beach at sunset to let your kids play in the waves while the sky comes alive with brilliant colors.
3. Sit by the Pool
If the waves pick up or need a change of pace, head for one of the pools nearest to your vacation rental. Make use of the many loungers, or hop in the water to cool off with your kids. Splash around with your toddlers in the kiddie pool, or challenge your teenagers to a race in the full-size pool.
4. Play in the Waves
For an exhilarating experience, get out on the water with a stand-up paddle board or kayak rental. Some Sandestin vacation properties come with free equipment use; otherwise, simply rent on-site. Explore new skills by paddleboarding in the ocean, or let your kids ride the waves on an open-top kayak. Many models hold more than one person, so you can take your little ones out safely. If you want to stay closer to shore, opt for a boogie board.
5. Take a High-Speed Ride
Satisfy your kids’ need for speed with a Jet Ski or Waverunner rental on-site. Many vendors in the resort offer day-long rentals, so you can enjoy hours of heart-pounding rides. Ride with a little one tucked in front of you, or let your older kids try their hand at driving.
6. Book a Fishing Trip
Head to the Baytowne Marina in Sandestin to book a fishing trip with Light Tackle Fishing Charters. The boat captain takes your group to one of the great fishing holes in the Choctawhatchee Bay, so your kids enjoy a greater chance of landing a redfish, trout, or flounder. Your trip includes equipment, so you don’t need to worry about keeping track of everyone’s gear. Release your fish, or bring it back to your rental for dinner.
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7. Play in the Treehouse
Let your kids’ imaginations run free at the Sandestin Treehouse. Take the boardwalk from the marina in the direction of Baytowne Wharf to find the structure, which towers in the treetops. Large staircases with tall guard rails allow safe, easy access for kids of all ages. Play with your children and foster your inner child, or simply keep an eye on them from the comfort of the nearby benches.
8. Shop on Grand Boulevard
Enjoy an evening out as a family on Sandestin’s Grand Boulevard. Pop into a store for a family shopping trip, grab dinner to refuel your little ones, or catch a movie at the incredible 10-screen theater. When you need a break, take the kids to the splash pad to cool off. The Boulevard also hosts a variety of festivals, ranging from kids’ theater nights to live musical performances.
9. Take a Cruise
Experience the thrill of open water with a cruise out of Sandestin. Captain Rex’s Sailing Adventures offers a variety of daytime jaunts that are suitable for the whole family. Delight your little ones with a pirate-themed route, or pack a picnic for a scenic sailing tour. For a special treat, book a Solaris dinner cruise, which comes with a full dinner, sunset views, and vibrant music.
10. Go Bowling
Work on your strike at Hurricane Lanes in nearby Destin. A favorite local family hot spot, this fun facility features 26 different lanes. Rent bumpers to help your smallest bowlers, or get a discount by renting a lane for the whole family. The onsite cafe provides snacks and beverages, and when you need a break from bowling, head to the arcade or pool tables.
11. Visit a Water Park
Fly down water slides to take the edge off a hot day at Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park. With more than 40 different water attractions, it’s easy to keep kids entertained for hours. Learn to surf on the Honolulu Half Pipe, or take your little ones down the kid-friendly Blue Mamba slide; for safety and peace of mind, the park provides free life jackets for small children. While you’re there, play a round of mini golf or try out the heart-pounding Cyclone ride.
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