Fun for the Kids

The beach, of course, and daily dips in the Gulf are the big draw. Tweens and teens will love parasailing with Destin Parasailing. Check website for age limit and pricing.

Nature lovers will want to visit Henderson Beach State Park for wildlife-watching, an easy hike or a picnic. Everyone appreciates that the park’s beach is often less populated, and kids love the playground. A bonus: Reserve one of the 60 campsites for your RV or tent and spend very little for a family getaway.

Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park, with tons of water rides, a racetrack and mini-golf, will engage the entire family for hours.

For a relaxing evening, cruise Destin Harbor aboard the Cattywampus, a 46-foot catamaran sailboat formerly known as the Emerald Dancer. Or go dolphin-watching on a two-hour daytime cruise.

Fun for the Parents

You will find entertainment, beach bars and dancing on The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island; relaxing treatments at the Spa at Emerald Grande; shopping at Destin Commons Mall or Silver Sands Premium Outlets and golf at Regatta Bay or Kelly Plantation.

Where to Stay

Many families rent a condo with a great view and quick access to the beach. Prices vary by season. You can find deals in the off-season, but expect to pay more in the summer.

Websites to get you going:
wyndhamhotels.com: Wingate by Wyndham and other properties
southernresorts.com: Find many options, including Crystal View; Destin Towers; Cottages by the Bay; and Jade East Towers (where we stayed).
destinvacation.com: Lots of options here, including Beachside Inn and Hidden Dunes Cottages

Kid-Pleasing Restaurants

Dewey Destin’s Seafood and Restaurant, with two locations on Destin Harbor and on Crab Island, also welcomes kids. It’s run by the descendants of Leonard Destin, who founded the town in 1835.
Another family favorite is The Crab Trap, with a restaurant on the beach in Destin, and two more in Fort Walton and Perdido Key.
AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar on the Harbor has kids’ events throughout the year, a good kids’ menu and kids’ “cocktails.” Through AJ’s Water Adventures, the business offers dolphin and pirate cruises.

Information

Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida has extensive information on its website and an online visitors’ guide that lists attractions, arts and entertainment and much more.

– Liz White

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