Top 4 Activities to Enjoy With Kids in Destin, FL

While hitting the beach is a kid-approved activity, beaches can get tiresome for some children after a few days. Fortunately, Destin, Florida, has plenty of family-friendly entertainment and attractions that can create a memorable day. Discover a few of the following kid-friendly activities throughout the Destin area.

Henderson Beach State Park

Image via Flickr by Rob Briscoe

With its location on the Emerald Coast, Destin doesn’t have any lackluster beaches, but if you want a strip all to your family, head to Henderson Beach State Park east of Destin. This 1.5-mile stretch of beach has enough room for you to lounge in the sand or on the waves, and it features a waterfront where children can look for dolphins, birds, and sea turtles. You’ll pay only $2 per person when you visit, and everyone can get some exercise during your visit.

If you want to save some cash, Hotel Planner can help you find Destin hotels near the park so that you can walk to this destination.

Buccaneer Pirate Cruise

Whether your child wants to become a true-life Jack Sparrow or you want to explore the waters of the Emerald Coast firsthand, check out the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise. The boat itself is a lifelike representation of an old-time pirate ship, except this one is equipped with some massive engines instead of a mast and sail.

You may find some adults going solo on the ship, but for the most part, it’s a family-friendly affair with adult beverages available. Kids will have the time of their lives getting their faces painted with pirate mustaches, singing sea shanties, listening to pirate stories, and engaging in a wild water gun battle. Make a reservation 48 hours in advance to secure your spot, especially during summer.

Beach Sand Sculptures

Building sandcastles offer some of the most fun kids can have with a mini shovel and a pail. But if you want to take their sand sculpting prowess to near superhero levels, book an appointment with Beach Sand Sculptures. The company’s mobile sandcastle sculpting classes are easy and convenient, and its team will meet you where you want them. When you’re done building your sandcastle, you may want to buy your own sculpting kit for your kids to create masterpieces of their own.

Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park

While the beach is fun for a splash, rarely does the Gulf of Mexico provide waves that are exciting enough to keep your kids entertained for the day. Why not head over to Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park? With more than 40 attractions you won’t find on the beach, Big Kahuna’s is a nonstop thrill ride.
The Kowabunga Racer is the most popular ride at Big Kahuna’s, featuring four lanes that slide down five stories to the water below. A wave pool is ideal for younger children, while the Thunder River attraction is like a lazy river on steroids, offering twists, turns, drops, and falls that give you a jolt of fun and excitement.

Kids are particular when it comes to food and activities, but in Destin, you won’t have to worry. Give them a few options, and you’re sure to find a destination that keeps your children happy and leaves you with your sanity intact.