Destin feels like a hidden gem for families—bright, breezy, and full of fun. Picture crystal-clear waters at Henderson Beach State Park, powdery sand between your toes at Destin’s iconic beaches, and an endless list of activities that’ll keep both kids and adults entertained. From thrilling slides at Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park to unforgettable dolphin encounters at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Destin is a family vacation dream come true. I’ve been there myself, and let me tell you—whether you’re diving into adventure or simply unwinding under the sun, it’s the perfect getaway. Let’s dive into 12 amazing things to do in Destin that’ll give your family the ultimate escape!
Best Things to Do with Kids in Destin: 12 Exciting Family-Friendly Attractions in Destin
Are you ready to explore all the coolest activities in Destin for families? All you’ve gotta do is stay in a nice Destin beach house rental, and you’ll see what makes this destination so special. From spending a relaxing day on one of Destin’s best beaches to exploring the town’s food scene, here are all the best things to do with kids:
1. Princess Beach
A day at Princess Beach is the perfect way to enjoy Destin’s famous white sand and calm, turquoise waters. When I visited, I spent the afternoon collecting seashells, wading in the gentle waves, and watching kids build sandcastles as seagulls swooped overhead.
The shallow shoreline makes it great for small kids, while older ones can bring a boogie board and ride the soft surf. Bring along a snorkel set, because the crystal-clear water sometimes reveals colorful fish and tiny crabs near the shore. It’s also a great place for a picnic, with nearby shaded spots and plenty of space to spread out a blanket.
In the evening, many families stay for a beach bonfire, roasting marshmallows under the stars. If you’re looking for a laid-back, relaxing beach day, Princess Beach is one of the best family-friendly spots in Destin.
2. The Track Family Recreation Center
For an action-packed day, The Track Family Recreation Center is full of go-karts, mini-golf, bumper rides, and arcade games—I felt like a kid again racing around the three-story Wild Woody track!
Younger kids have their own Kiddie Go-Kart Track, while thrill-seekers can take on the Spinning Coaster or try the SkyFlyer, a ride that simulates skydiving. The bumper boats were my favorite—you can squirt water at other riders while dodging collisions!
Inside, the arcade has classic and modern games, with a prize counter stocked with cool toys. After a few rounds of mini-golf and laser tag, I grabbed a funnel cake from the snack stand—it was the perfect way to refuel.
Whether you’re visiting with toddlers or teens, The Track has something for every age group, making it one of the most fun family attractions in Destin.
3. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
At Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, you don’t just watch marine life—you interact with it! I got to feed sea turtles, watch a dolphin do flips, and even touch a stingray.
The dolphin and sea lion shows are a highlight, with trainers teaching tricks and sharing cool facts about marine conservation. Kids can join special animal encounters, where they can hold a baby alligator, meet penguins, or swim with dolphins. The touch tank is always a hit, letting little ones get hands-on with starfish and sea cucumbers.
Beyond the shows, you’ll find shark tanks, otters, and colorful reef fish, making it a fun mix of education and entertainment. Since it’s right by the beach, you can pair a visit here with a stroll along the shore. If your kids love marine life, Gulfarium is a must-visit in Destin!
4. HarborWalk Village
HarborWalk Village is where Destin’s energy comes alive! I started my day here with a harborside coffee and ended it watching fireworks light up the sky. This waterfront entertainment district has live music, shops, restaurants, and adventure tours, making it an all-in-one family destination.
Families can rent jet skis, take a pirate ship cruise, or go deep-sea fishing straight from the docks. The kids loved watching the street performers—jugglers, magicians, and balloon artists keep the crowds entertained throughout the day.
For food, I grabbed a fresh seafood basket at a local café while listening to live music. As the sun set, the boardwalk lit up with carnival games and a Ferris wheel, creating the perfect ending to an adventure-filled day.
If you’re looking for nonstop family fun, HarborWalk Village is a must-visit in Destin and a great place to explore day or night.
5. Hydrojet Dolphin Cruise
One of the coolest ways to see Destin’s famous dolphins is aboard the Hydrojet Dolphin Cruise. This speedboat ride takes you racing through the Gulf’s turquoise waters, and let me tell you—seeing dolphins leap in the boat’s wake is an unforgettable sight!
The captain knows exactly where to find pods of dolphins, and since the boat moves fast, they love to jump and play alongside the waves. The crew also shares fun facts about marine life, making it both exciting and educational.
Besides dolphin spotting, you’ll get stunning views of Destin Harbor, Crab Island, and the open Gulf waters. The ride itself is a thrill—expect high-speed turns and splashes, so wear quick-dry clothes!
For a family-friendly adventure on the water, this high-speed dolphin cruise is an absolute must in Destin.
6. Henderson Beach State Park
If you want to escape the crowds, Henderson Beach State Park is a quiet, natural paradise. I loved how peaceful it felt compared to other beaches—dunes stretch for miles, and there’s plenty of space to set up a picnic under the sun.
The hiking trail is an easy walk for all ages, winding through coastal forests and sand dunes where you might spot butterflies, lizards, or even a deer. Kids love digging in the soft, white sand, while the clear, shallow water makes swimming super safe and enjoyable.
The picnic pavilions and outdoor showers make it a great place to spend the whole day, whether you’re barbecuing, hiking, or just lounging by the water. If you’re looking for a quiet, nature-filled beach experience, Henderson Beach State Park is one of Destin’s best hidden gems for families.
7. Destin History & Fishing Museum
For a break from the beach, the Destin History & Fishing Museum is a hidden gem packed with local stories. I was surprised by how much Destin’s fishing industry shaped the town—it’s been called the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” for a reason! The museum has vintage fishing gear, photos from the early 1900s, and a giant replica of a 100-pound amberjack.
One of my favorite parts was seeing the huge fish mounts, some caught right in the Gulf of Mexico. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, where they can touch antique rods and learn about early fishing techniques. Outside, there’s a restored 1966 seine boat that shows how fishermen hauled in massive catches back in the day.
If you’re looking for a quick and interesting stop, this museum gives you a new appreciation for Destin’s deep-sea history. Perfect for a rainy day or a low-key afternoon!
8. Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
For a full day of family fun, Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park is the go-to spot. With over 40 water attractions, this park is massive—I spent an entire afternoon here and still didn’t try everything! The Cobra Twister was my favorite, a high-speed enclosed slide that twists in total darkness. Kids love the Tiki River Run, a lazy river that drifts past waterfalls and caves.
Little ones can splash in the Buccaneer Cove play area, while thrill-seekers race down the Jumanji slide or get tossed around in the half-pipe-style Honolulu Half Pipe. When it’s time for a break, the park has plenty of shaded cabanas and snack stands serving up refreshing drinks and hot meals.
Beyond the water rides, there’s a mini-golf course, sky-high rope course, and go-karts, making this park a one-stop destination for families. Bring plenty of sunscreen—this is an all-day adventure!
9. Destin Commons
For a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment, Destin Commons is an easy way to spend a few relaxed hours with kids. I loved how walkable it was—colorful murals, fountains, and shaded seating areas make it feel more like an open-air plaza than a shopping center.
There’s a splash pad where kids can cool off, plus a mini-train ride that loops through the area. The center also hosts live music, outdoor movie nights, and seasonal festivals, which we stumbled upon by accident and had a blast! Shopping options range from boutiques and souvenir shops to big-name brands like H&M and Lush.
When hunger strikes, there’s everything from casual food trucks to sit-down seafood restaurants. If you need a break from the sun, catch a movie at the AMC theater, which has luxury recliner seats—perfect for unwinding after a long day.
10. Crab Island Adventure
One of the most unique things I did in Destin was spending an afternoon at Crab Island, a submerged sandbar where the water is shallow enough to stand in. We rented a pontoon boat for the day, packed a cooler, and anchored alongside families floating on inflatables.
The waist-deep turquoise water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and playing paddle ball. Kids will love spotting tiny crabs, fish, and even the occasional dolphin nearby. Floating vendors sell ice cream, snacks, and even fresh coconuts, making it feel like a party on the water.
For those who don’t want to rent a boat, water taxis run regularly, shuttling visitors to and from the sandbar. Just remember to bring sunscreen, towels, and plenty of drinks—once you’re at Crab Island, you won’t want to leave!
11. Gator Beach at Fudpucker’s
For a unique, educational experience, head to Gator Beach at Fudpucker’s, Destin’s top alligator attraction. Kids were amazed to see over 100 live alligators up close, but what really thrilled them was holding a baby alligator—they couldn’t stop talking about it!
The daily live shows are both entertaining and informative, teaching visitors about gator behavior, life cycles, and conservation efforts. My favorite part was watching the kids feed the gators using fishing poles. It’s a thrilling experience to see the gators leap up for food!
Beyond the gators, the restaurant serves delicious seafood and Southern favorites. The gift shop is a hit too, with gator-themed souvenirs that make for perfect mementos. If you’re looking for a mix of fun and learning, Gator Beach is a must-visit family-friendly spot in Destin.
12. Destin Harbor Boardwalk
No trip to Destin is complete without a visit to the iconic Destin Harbor Boardwalk. My family loved the lively atmosphere—fishermen hauling in fresh red snapper, kids watching street performers, and the smell of grilled shrimp and seafood boil filling the air.
We spent hours exploring the local boutiques, picking up handcrafted seashell jewelry, colorful beachwear, and unique coastal souvenirs. The boardwalk also offers exciting water activities, from dolphin-watching cruises and glass-bottom boat tours to renting kayaks and paddleboards for a closer look at the emerald waters.
As the sun dipped, we grabbed a key lime pie from a waterfront café and watched the boats glide by. The highlight? The weekly fireworks show that lights up the harbor every Thursday night in summer. If you’re looking for adventure, shopping, and unforgettable sunset views, the Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a must-visit for families.
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