Need Ideas for Destin Activities

We have gone to Destin for 2 weeks out of the year for the past 6 years -- but our son is 2, so we don't do much more than be beach bums & fish. The Harborwalk & marina is very nice. They just built the Harborwalk Village & are adding new stores frequently. Rent bikes & ride on scenic 98. For someone who goes there a lot, I should know more! We just never have children with us. My son is happy with shovels & buckets on the beach or watching dad fish.

If you have a car, drive to Dinasour Adventure Land in Pensacola. We took our son there this year.

J.

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I used to live there when I was very little and I remember a little shop off the beach where there was polished seashells and sharks teeth and little cool nicknacks like that for memories. I don't know what it was called but I'm sure there is a bunch of those shacks off the beaches. I'm sure your kids would love to pick out some memory savers.

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Hi E.!
We go to Destin every year! We got married there! Big Kahuna water park is fun, dolphin cruises, they have a lot of good shopping. You can also go on wave runner guides, where they take you out of wave runners in the ocean. Deep sea fishing. They have an indoor aquarium with outdoor animals too, we did that on a rainy day. There are endless activities there. But I have to admit, the beach and the pool are the main attraction for us. But if you and hubby can get away, Beachwalk Cafe in Destin is a great romantic restaurant with amazing food. I had my wedding reception there.
I just booked my vacation there for September and there is a boat tour for kids where they let them catch stuff, its especially for kids. I will look up the name for you. Good luck, this is the first year we are going just my husband and the kids, no other family. Let me know how it goes!

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Hi, we spent a week in Destin a couple years ago. There is a really nice state park there, right off the main drag, close to everything. We actually stayed there, in a tent (which I don't recommend since it rained almost the entire time), but I think you can go in just for the day also. They had a nice pier with beach access, and it was a really nice, quiet spot. There was also a playground there I believe. Most of the attractions were pretty pricey, even the fast food, so it was nice being able to fix some of our own meals and have a cooler for cold stuff. Alot of times when we travel, having three young kids, I will take cans of Pringles (don't get smashed) and a jar of peanut butter. Add a loaf of bread (or even crackers) and jelly in a lunch bag with ice, and you have a quick easy lunch for the road. We will pull into a rest area or local park and eat while traveling. Good way to save some money ! I've also taken small boxes of cereal and just had to buy some milk for breakfast. We love to travel, but have to cut costs, so this is a pretty painless way, then you can still afford a nice dinner out ! The kids will better appreciate eating out also !! Travel safe !

We vacation there every summer with 4.5yo and 2.5yo. The aquarium is called the Gulfarium and is in between Destin and Fort Walton Beach. It is a little pricey but they have three cool marine mammal shows (dolphin, sea lion, and dolphin and sea lion together) plus lots of animals to look at like at a zoo. Big Kahuna waterpark is also a lot of fun. There are lots of Mini Golf/Go Kart places too. Hope you have a great time.

I have 2 boys - 11 and 5. We go to Destin every year for a vacation. My kids love to go to "The Track" on a regular basis. It is a bit pricey so I suggest you buy tickets online, but it is great. Here is the website: http://www.destintrack.com/. Also, last year we took the kids on a Pirate Cruise. It was amazing! It was all about the kids. The parents just sit back and do nothing and they serve alcohol to the parents. It is in Panama so it was a 45 minute drive but well worth it. My kids loved it!! Here is the website: http://www.piratecruise.net/.

The dolphin ride in the glass bottom boat is a must! Also if you are a seafood lover, there is an all you can eat buffet right by the boat Captain something...

There is a great go kart place right on the main strip. It even has rides for the little ones, so it is something your whole family can enjoy!

We were in Destin several years ago. We went to a place with dolphin shows etc. but I can't remember the name of it. It was OK, not as nice as Sea World (I haven't been to Sea World, but I imagine it would be better) but it was something to do other than the beach. We also went to a big water park on the main "strip" but I can't remember the name of that place either. The Big Kahuna maybe? This was probably 6 years ago so I wonder if these places are even still there. We've stayed at Sandestin and Tops'l. Let me know if you need any more info on those places.

waltzing waters I don't remember where it is but it is beautiful. There is an allagtor farm there also. something for everybody.

Sorry for the late post - we have been to Destin many times and each time we go, The Back Porch restaurant is must. VERY family friendly, very casual and directly on the beach. They have a playground for the kids. It gets busy every night, so go early. It's on old hwy. 98.

If you go Fudpuckers, the alligator place, just visit. Have the kids get their picture taken with the alligator, and have a drink, but do not eat there. Food is horrible, the service isn't much better.

The amusement park from the other previous posts is good, too. You will love Destin, it's a fun place to visit! Have safe travels and a wonderful time!

Hi E.,
Our experience in years past is to go to the jetty. There is a parking area off the road just over the bridge. We get out there and walk along the area. The kids take nets and try to catch crabs. We also like to check out the marina especially after the fishing boats come in and you can see the catch for the day.
Staying up late and going for a walk on the beach with flashlights is exciting for little ones.
Big Kahuna is also a good time!
We love just about everything, Have a great time