Kid-Friendly Activities in Miramar Beach and Destin

If you are planning a family vacation to Miramar Beach or Destin and wondering how to keep the little ones entertained, this area has a wide variety of kid-friendly things to do! With its pristine beaches, exciting attractions, and delicious dining options, the Florida Gulf Coast offers lots of activities that are sure to delight kids of all ages. Let’s dive into the top activities and attractions for kids in Miramar Beach and Destin.

Make it a Beach Day

Miramar Beach and Destin boast some of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the world, perfect for building sandcastles, finding seashells or simply splashing in the gentle emerald waters. Parents and grandparents can relax under a beach umbrella while the kids frolic in the surf, making memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, towels, and plenty of snacks for a day of beachside fun!

Henderson Beach State Park is a great choice for families, with gentle waves and a wide stretch of sand, as well as nature trails winding through sand dunes. James Lee Beach is another family-friendly beach, with extra clear water, facilities and a playground for the kids. Norriego Point Beach is an exciting spot for those with young children, as they can marvel at the boat traffic going by while swimming in protected coves and spotting small marine creatures. The best months for swimming in Destin and Miramar Beach is typically April through September. While the water is typically calm in this part of Florida, make sure to pay attention to the color of the beach warning flag that day, as conditions can change drastically from day to day.

Family-Friendly Attractions

When you’re ready for a break from the beach, there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions to explore in the area. 

Adventure Parks – One must-visit spot is Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park, where you’ll find thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and even a mini-golf course. The mini-golf course is open year-round, while the water park typically opens in mid-April. The whole family can spend the day racing down slides and cooling off in the wave pool. Or if you would rather stay dry, head to The Track Family Fun Park for go-kart racing, bumper boats, and arcade games. 

Marine Park – Animal lovers will enjoy a trip to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, where you’ll find a conservation-focused educational and entertaining experience. Watch dolphins, sea lions, and otters perform amazing tricks, get up close and personal with stingrays and sharks in the touch tanks, or interact with reptiles, seals and turtles in an animal encounter. This is a destination that appeals across generations, parents and grandparents included.

Water Sports – A boat tour in Destin is a time-honored vacation tradition that truly brings together the whole family. Some of the most popular tours for families visiting Destin include dolphin watching, snorkeling tours, sunset cruises, fishing charters and visits to Crab Island. For a unique experience, the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise is a family-friendly adventure, with songs, mock battles and a treasure hunt on board a pirate ship. If you prefer to go out on your own, there are plenty of pontoon and jet ski rentals available in Destin Harbor.

Shopping & Entertainment – Destin and Miramar Beach have pedestrian-friendly shopping and entertainment hubs with lots of family-friendly activities and attractions. Harborwalk Village is an entertainment center with live concerts and fireworks shows in addition to a variety of shops and restaurants. This is a great place to book a boat tour, and there is also an adventure zone with a zipline, bungy trampoline, and more. Destin Commons is an outdoor complex full of shops, restaurants and family-friendly entertainment. The IMAX theater, playground, splash pad and mini-train will provide hours of fun for the whole family.

Mini Golf – Mini golf is one of Florida’s most popular family-friendly activities, and for good reason! Families can enjoy themed courses with unique obstacles, lush landscaping, scenic views, and perfect weather, creating memorable experiences for visitors of all ages. The Destin and Miramar Beach area has several great courses to choose from, including Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park, Rainforest Black Light Golf & Arcade, The Track Family Fun Park, and Dunes Family Putting Course, amongst others.

Kid-Friendly Destin Dining

After a day of adventure, satisfy your appetite at one of Miramar Beach and Destin’s many family-friendly restaurants. 

• For a casual meal with a view, check out The Back Porch in Destin where you can enjoy fresh seafood and Gulf Coast specialties while overlooking the ocean. They also have a separate kid’s menu. 
• Kids with lots of energy will love the atmosphere at Fudpucker’s, where the kid-friendly meal includes admission to the attached playground and Gator Beach, where you can interact with live alligators. 
• Lulu’s is a laid-back waterfront restaurant that caters to families with a kid-friendly menu, face painting and an arcade.
• The Donut Hole in Miramar Beach is famous for its mouth watering donuts and hearty breakfast dishes that will fuel your family for another day of exploration.

Ready to start planning your family vacation to Miramar Beach and Destin? With endless opportunities for fun, this Gulf Coast destination is the perfect place for a family getaway. Book your Beach Bums vacation rental today and get ready for an unforgettable experience with your loved ones. Your family adventure awaits in Miramar Beach and Destin!