Things To Do With Kids In Destin

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My family is always on the move, and we have a lot of fun in Destin with the kids. I decided a list of my kid’s favorite activities sounded like a good idea, so I put one together. Everything has been tested and approved by my kids, and I described each activity below. 

My list would not be complete without fishing. Living in the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village has
turned the kids into fishing fanatics. There is nowhere my boys will not fish including from the shore, at the jetties, off the docks, on a boat, from a kayak and at the pier. The adventure is never the same, and the species of fish change with the time of year, the bait we use, and the place we are fishing. This has become one of our favorite activities. The fishing report will always tell you what you can expect to catch depending on the season.

Unfortunately, we don’t have a chance to get to Crab Island as often as we would like because our
business keeps us so busy, and our boats are usually being used. You should see how excited our boys get when we find the opportunity to go. Crab Island has so many activities, but we always go to the Crab Island Water Park, and have a blast on the inflatable water slide. The ice cream man is grand, and he brings the ice cream by boat. Robbie uses a boat too, and has these amazing Cajun boiled peanuts. We collect hermit crabs, go snorkeling, and have the time of our lives.

The first time I went to the Gulfarium I was a toddler. When I was around ten, my grandmother started working in the gift shop. We went often because she got us free tickets. I always had a lot of fun, but until last summer I had not been there in
years. There are new owners now, and they did a good job with renovations. When we went with our boys all the new offerings came as an amazing surprise. You can see all the scheduled shows, the animal displays, and have fun playing with small marine creatures, and sea plants at the touch tank for just regular admission. We paid the extra fee because we wanted the boys to enjoy everything. They had an encounter with the cutest dolphins, fed the penguins, and even fished in a tank that had been fully stocked. We were really impressed with everything the Gulfarium offers now, and as a parent I though it was an exceptional learning experience. The kids said everything was cool, and we all made incredible memories as a family. We can’t wait to go back again.

My list had to include the joy of eating, and Destin has so many kid-friendly choices. The original Dewey Destin’s is fantastic, and hangs right over the water. We can look out at Crab Island while we eat, and the kids love the little shack. We prefer to go in a boat, but a car works great too. Their shrimp baskets are so good we end up fighting over them, and adults and kids both have a sensational time. 

Boshamps Oyster Bar is another place we like to go to by boat. Its right on the Destin Harbor, and their outdoor dining is absolute perfection. We sit and relax at our table, and watch our boys playing, and running all over the place. Right below the restaurant is the beach, and there are nets for beach volleyball, hammocks, cornhole games, and the boys can even fish off the dock with cane poles. 

We have a lot of fun at Fudpuckers too. Its casual, and there is so much to see. The location is in Destin, and the boys go wild over Gator Beach. That’s a little farther down on my list. The location is central, and the Laser Tag place, and Fat Daddy’s Pizza are right there. Fudpuckers became an icon in Destin, and everyone needs to visit this restaurant at least one time. Their burgers are juicy and delicious, and if you like, you can try some alligator. The reason we go is because the atmosphere is just plain fun. There are so many activities, and they have all been designed for kids. 

Another sensational destination in Destin is the Back Porch. The views are glorious because its right at the beach. We used to have dinner there when I was little, then we would walk on the beach, and look for Ghost Crabs at night. I am not sure if I should admit the thought of taking the boys there didn’t even cross my mind until I made my list, but I will change that. Normally we just have lunch, and then go to the beach. One of the reasons the kids love the Back Porch is they can always clown around there. 

Everyone who visits Destin is awestruck when they see the beach for the first time. The sand is sugar white, and the waters are emerald green. Then there are the bumper cars, the track, mini golf, and the Gokarts arcade. This place is like a year-round carnival, and there is always so much to do. The kids love it here. 

Beach Sand Sculptures gives lessons on how to build a sandcastle. Rick Mungeam and Capri, his
wife, are sand sculptors. Everyone has fun during their sandcastle lessons no matter what age they are. You can even buy a kit that has everything you need to make the most incredible sandcastles all the time.

There is nothing like when the entire family takes a walk on the Harbor Boardwalk in Destin, and its free. Something good is always happening at the Boardwalk. We like watching the captains of the charter boats bring in whatever they caught that day, watch the people, sightsee and window shop. My whole family enjoys the walk, and we get a close look at the local culture. The reason Destin is called the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village is right there on the Boardwalk. 

I am not even going to try to make a list of everything to do at the gigantic water park called Big Kahuna’s. I will tell you the kids will be worn out by the end of the day. I mentioned Gator Beach earlier, and you can feed alligators here. Its from a very safe distance, and you can get a picture of yourself holding an alligator. The kids are extremely well entertained here. 

Fat Daddy’s has an arcade, pizza and ice cream. This is where we go when the weather will not cooperate, or it starts to rain. The Sunsations Beach Store is right next door, and they have a Mini Golf place with Black Light and indoor Laser Tag. One Laser Tag game only lasts for around fifteen minutes, so we go there to kill time after the beach, and before dinner. 

Well those are the kid’s most favorite activities in Destin, and the order is just what occurred to me as I was writing. You don’t have to take my word for anything, come see the white sugar shores for yourself. It will not take long for you to figure out why Destin is one of the most popular destinations for families in America. 

**This article is a re-write from Heather’s Blog – a Local Destin Resident

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The Perfect Vacation Is In Destin and Fort Walton

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The Fort Walton Beach and Destin Communities are sweetly nestled within the Florida Panhandles 130-mile curve, right at the midway point between Mexico Beach and Pensacola. Many people still refer to this area as Redneck Riviera because this was where families of working-class all over the South often chose to take their vacations.

In 1935, a bridge leading to the barrier island was constructed, and Destin was no longer a sleepy little fishing village. Shortly afterwards, the bounty of the cove was discovered by anglers living close by. They started flocking to the charming coastal town. Luxury condominiums and enormous cottages came to the area during the development occurring in the 1970’s. The delightful new moniker was The Emerald Coast. It did not take long before word spread, and visitors from across the globe came to see this hidden gem. They adored the Gulf towns sun-kissed shores.

The Southern flavor and bountiful fishing were not diminished by the new visitors. Destin hauls in more billfish every year than a combination of every fishing port on the Gulf. The name Billfish Capital of the World was bestowed on Fort Walton Beach, and Destin became known as the World's Luckiest FishingVillage. The demeanor of the Old South is still laid back here, and along with the fishing tournaments continues to draw in the visitors. True Southern charm and specialties including buttermilk biscuits and grits still grace the area, and the conversations often finish with ya'll come back, now.


The main reasons visitors come to the area are the breathtaking views of crystal clear green waters and the whitest of beaches. A long time ago, the glaciers dropped Appalachian quartz. The result was the softest and most beautiful beaches in the world. Hundreds of vessels harbor in the waters of Destin offering everything from excursions to see the dolphins to deep-sea fishing. Free fish cleaning is often provided, and your catch can be cooked by some of the local restaurants. The only fishing requirement is a license for individuals between 16 and 64.

The Recreation Area for Henderson Beach State Park is right on the Emerald Coast Parkway, and encompasses over 6,000 feet of gorgeous shoreline. The most popular activities including picnicking, swimming and surf fishing. The park even offers showers, restrooms and campgrounds. The public beach access is in Destin, the Wayside, Beasley Park and Okaloosa Island. There is a total of seven places visitors can access the shimmering beaches, and four include both showers and restaurants.

Although Fort Walton Beach and Destin both offer abundant festivals, they are magnificent in October. The crowds come to Destin for the yearly Destin SeafoodFestival and Destin Fishing Rodeo. Approximately 35,000 anglers make certain they are there for the tournament. The dishes served at the Seafood Festival include fried alligator and shark kabobs. There is live entertainment and art exhibits on Destin’s Harborwalk, and the waterfront setting is divine.

Visitors should not miss the U.S. Air Force Armament Museum. This is the only museum in America that has dedicated themselves to the weaponry of the Air Force. Missiles, bombs, guns, and aircraft are showcased by the museum. One of the displays features the Big Tail Blackbird, the SR-71 spy
plane. This remains the only one constructed with the big tail.

The Gulfarium is on Okaloosa Island, and an amazing marine life park. Living Sea is the main attraction, and consists of a 60,000-gallon tank capable of simulating the conditions found on the floor of the ocean. The sensational entertainment includes dolphin and sea lion shows, and a program showcasing dolphin interaction.

The Indian Temple Mound Museum tells visitors the story of the four prehistoric tribes who used to live in the area. The Temple Mound is adjacent, and this National Historic Landmark is 600-years old.

The eateries are beyond sensational and include everything from rustic oyster bars to romantic restaurants lit by candlelight to charming, open-air cafes. The locals know the gems in their neighborhood and this includes AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar. They serve a lot of succulent oysters and delicious seafood including a delectable yellow fin tuna in a local marinade.

Visitors captivated by the Destin Harbor Views should dine at the Marina Café. This is a contemporary yet romantic getaway, and the aromas of the Caribbean-spiced duck, pizza and steaks are tantalizing.

For those who adore Italian food, there is no place equal to Café Grazie. Their mouthwatering Italian selections include lasagna, pizza and decadent tiramisu.

Only a few miles from Destin, vacationers will find the Donut Hole II Café and Bakery.
The drive is worth the delights found within. The café is always filled with both locals and visitors, but squeeze in anyway. There is nothing to compare to a large breakfast, Southern-style. The shakes and burgers will fill you up, and still leave you wanting more.

Guests always get something extra special at the Louisiana Lagniappe. The sunset views are beyond words, and showcase Destin Harbor beautifully. The incredible menu includes marinated grouper, crawfish and crab fingers.

Henderson Park Inn is a bed and breakfast secluded at the seaside. A trip to Henderson Beach State Park’s eastern end will reveal 36 very comfortable rooms. The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort offers a hotel, villas, cottages, condominiums, and this luxurious resort encompasses 2,400-acres. The Hilton Sandestin resides on the grounds of the resort. The 598 suites are lovely, and most of them offer a view of the water. For a heated pool, tennis courts and condo rentals, the six-story mid-rise of Jetty East is absolute perfection.


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