One of our favorite things about Destin is that it has always been a family-friendly destination. Destin has gone to great lengths to discourage the type of party-oriented high school and college Spring Breakers who are known to frequent other beach towns, and it's apparent when the throngs of families show up each Spring Break to relax on the beautiful beaches that we are lucky enough to be able to call home. And while the beaches are arguably the biggest draw, Destin offers even more to do beyond the beach.
If you’re looking for some family-friendly Spring Break activities in Destin, you’ve come to the right place! Here are 10 things to do with your family while you're on Spring Break in Destin:
Go to the Beach:
With 24 miles of sugar white sands and emerald green waters, you’d be a fool not to hit the beach. Lying on the sand, starting up a beach football or volleyball game, or surfing the waves are fun activities the whole family can enjoy! Spring Break can get crowded, so if you are looking for a quieter alternative, check out Henderson Beach State Park. There is a small fee ($6) per vehicle to enter the park, which helps keep the college students away. The public restrooms and picnic pavilions are a nice touch as well!
Rent a Pontoon Boat:
You can rent a fishing, pontoon, power boat, or double-decker pontoon with slides and spend the day on the water. Destin Vacation Boat Rentals offers a variety of boats with different capacities, perks, and features to help you get the most enjoyment out of your time on the water. Go fishing in the bay or the gulf, visit Crab Island, sightsee for dolphins, or pull up and drop anchor along the Gulf Islands National Seashore and spend a leisurely afternoon hunting for shells, hermit crabs, and other marine life.
Zip Through the Waves on a Jet Ski:
Satisfy your need for speed with an exhilarating jet ski ride in the bay. The whole family can enjoy the thrill of racing across the top of the water on jet skis, or for those wanting a more leisurely pace for sightseeing and dolphin watching, check out our guided waverunner dolphin tours. (Please note we require anyone who drives the jet ski to be 18 years of age or older, with a minimum age of 6 to ride. Click here for more information on jet ski rental requirements.)
Embark on a Fishing Trip:
Destin is known as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village. Why not try your luck and rent a fishing boat or hire a fishing charter captain to get you out to where the fish are biting! You can fish for flounder, speckled trout, sheepshead, redfish, and Spanish mackerel in the bay or go after big snapper, cobia, and amberjack in the Gulf. Many local restaurants on the Destin Harbor will offer to cook your catch for you for a fee. Sounds delicious!
Learn to Build a Sandcastle Like a Pro:
Beach Sand Sculptures offers family-friendly sandcastle lessons that are fun for all ages. Who WOULDN’T want to learn how to create a masterpiece in the sand like this? I mean, seriously. Look at that thing! Pretty cool stuff.
Sample the Best of Destin on an Adventure Tour:
Get out on the water and enjoy a boat ride as you cruise first to the Gulf Islands National Seashore, where you will spend time playing on an inflatable water park, kayaking in a clear-bottom kayak, paddleboarding, and snorkeling and then to the famous Crab Island sandbar to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery on this all-inclusive captained boat tour that is guaranteed to wear you out!
Fat Daddy’s Arcade:
A great indoor alternative should it happen to rain during your stay (or should you need a break from the sun). Fat Daddy’s is the local equivalent to Chuck E Cheese, minus the big mouse and his friends, and features over 100 different games that can keep you entertained for hours. Games award tickets that can be redeemed for prizes.
Watch a Dolphin Show at the Gulfarium:
We love seeing marine animals up close, and the Gulfarium is the perfect place to do just that! Interact with dolphins, penguins, sharks, otters, sea lions, and more at this family-friendly marine facility located on Okaloosa Island, just minutes from Destin.
Meet Up with Nature at Gator Beach:
The iconic Destin restaurant Fudpucker's has live alligators that you can watch and even feed (from a nice, safe distance!). You can even get your picture taken holding a live baby alligator, which makes a perfect souvenir!
Zap Your Way through a Round of Laser Tag:
Located in the upstairs portion of Sunsations Beach Store on Highway 98 in Destin is an indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf and laser tag business. Another great rainy day activity, and conveniently located right next door to Fat Daddy's, Fudpucker's, and Gator Beach.Stay Warm with a Beach Bonfire:
A perfect spring break activity for those brisk spring evenings, the Royal Palm Grille offers free beach bonfires every Monday and Friday night. The fire starts at sunset, and all ages are welcome to attend (no outside food and drink allowed). If you'd rather do a private bonfire, many companies will set one up for you for a fee (permits are required, don't DIY!).
Escape the Ordinary at an Escape Room:
Escape Rooms are all the rage, and we have several located in and around Destin. Enjoy a family team-building experience by trying to solve the clues and escape your themed room in the allotted time.
Fly High with Some Parasailing:
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Emerald Coast as you fly high above the water when you go parasailing. An unforgettable experience that everyone has to try at least once, and definitely among the most popular spring break activities for families!
Do Some Laps at The Track:
Go karts, bumper cars, bumper boats, kiddie rides, roller coasters, and miniature golf. This place is fun, fun, fun for the young- and the young at heart!
Take it All in on a Relaxing Sunset Cruise:
One of our favorites and among the most popular activities in all of Destin, watching the sun set over the water just feels right. Pack a picnic dinner and sightsee for dolphins as your family enjoys the views and the feel of the wind as you sail along the coastline. It's the perfect ending to a perfect day in Destin, FL, spring, summer, fall, or winter!
There is a ton to do for families that come to Destin for spring break. Whether it's by sea, by land, or by air, this Emerald Coast classic has something for every member of the family!
/Happys%20Dolphin%20Cruise_2-1.jpeg?width=200&name=Happys%20Dolphin%20Cruise_2-1.jpeg)
