Dallas TX to Destin FL - Things to Do on Way

I'm originally from Mobile, and make this drive a few times a year. Unfortunately, there isn't (in my opinion) any "must see's" along the way. We have made detours to New Orleans to take the kids to the Aquarium. There are also swamp tours and LOTS of historical home tours - but other than that my only other suggestion would be Battleship Park. It's actually not in Miss as stated below, it's in Mobile, Alabama. My boys are 6 and we took them this summer. They had a blast on the ship and submarine, and there is also a flight simulator. You could also drive to Dauphin Island and take the ferry across to Fort Morgan. More... historical forts, etc. not really a lot to see but a break for the kids. Google Mobile Bay Ferry for information. The coastal drive to Destin is nice too (but LONG!)

I guess it all really depends on which way you plan on going.

Are you in AAA? They will certainly have some ideas. You can get the tour books if you are a member.

Will you pass near the Natchez Trace? that's historical

You could also just watch the signs, and when something sounds interesting, stop and investigate.

Have a good trip!

This past July we did this trip with a 4-year-old and a 1-year-old (actually, we drove all the way to St. Augustine, FL). I tend to agree with some of the other posters; while it's a pleasant drive, there's not necessarily a whole lot for younger kids to enjoy. You might want to think about only staying one night along the way, so you can reach your destination and relax. I would go east to Shreveport and then south through Louisiana until you hit I-10, and then stay on that 'til you get off for Destin. At least in our experience, there was less traffic in LA (my SIL went through AL and it took them longer) plus the scenery, especially in south LA, is beautiful! All those swamps with towering cypress trees. There are swamp tours in boats, if you're interested. I'm sure there are plenty of historical sites, as some others have said, for example in New Orleans if you wanted to stop there (we didn't do any of those along the way since our kids are so little). The only other thing I can think of is the battleship in Mobile, as some others have mentioned. We didn't do it, but it looks really cool. Your kids will probably do much better in the car than you expect, especially if you bring plenty of toys and snacks. We were pleasantly surprised at how smooth our almost 20-hour trip went. We didn't do it all at one time, but we left really early the first morning and then actually stopped a little past Pensacola, almost to Destin. It was probably an hour or two too far to go in one day with little ones, but most of the trip was great. The second day was completely fine, and we went all the way to St. Augustine. Anyway, my two cents! Have fun!!

I have taken this trip many times and other than the battleship in Miss. and the tunnel, there aren't too many things that I can think of that would be worth stopping for. The drive always go way better than we anticipate. Have a safe trip.

We made this trip with my 4 year old last year only we drove through Louisiana and did the same thing and stopped. You may be visiting family in MS but if not the Louisiana route is faster and it was kind of fun to stop through and see LSU.

I used this article as a guide on our trip and it was very helpful.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/lifetrave...

VillageMom
www.ittakesavillagedallas.com

The Dallas MOrning News did a neat thing a while ago with points of interest to locate along the way. It was super cute, but your kids may be too young. You could do a search in their archives for the travel section and find it. You would enjoy it.
My theme when driving with kids is do as much as you can while they are sleeping. Destin is a easy day's drive from Dallas. Leave at 3am and you will be there to see the sun set in Destin over the water. There isn't anything I would stop to see along the way.....
Great time to go over Thanksgiving! Water is cold, but the sand is beautiful and it is not crowded.