Here’s a local’s pick for the best family attractions to explore when visiting Destin with your family this summer.
Planning a summer vacation with your family in Destin? Great choice! Known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin is a top-tier summer getaway, but it’s not just about fishing. This Florida gem is famous for its sugar-white sand beaches, emerald-green waters, and family-friendly attractions. To help you have the best summer experience with your loved ones, we’ve curated a list of the hottest family-friendly activities in town for an unforgettable vacation. Plus, we’ll share insider tips on making the most of the summer months in Destin (yes, it gets busy and hot, but there are plenty of ways to make it all work smoothly!).
About Us…
At Emerald Coast Vacation, we’re local experts. Besides offering a collection of fantastic Emerald Coast and Destin beach rentals, we also have great tips for you to make the most of your trip. Head over to our blog. We’ve covered topics like interesting and fun facts about the region, the best restaurants, and pet-friendly spots. And guess what? More amazing blogs are coming soon, so stay tuned!
Sun, sand, and endless family fun — your Destin summer starts now! 
Beach Time
Since we’re talking about summer, the number one activity to enjoy with your family in Destin is hitting the white-sand beaches.
The pristine shores of Henderson Beach State Park are a top pick for families traveling to Destin. This protected state park offers a more serene and natural beach experience, with over 6,000 feet of pristine shoreline. It has hiking trails and picnic areas, making it great for a full-day outing.
Building sandcastles is always a fun activity to enjoy on Destin’s beaches. If you want to take this activity to the next level, consider taking sandcastle-building lessons from a trained artist for a unique experience. SandCastle Rockstars offers lessons that the little ones (and you) will love!
Heads up: Summers in Destin are very hot. When having fun under the sun, remember to protect yourself and the little ones by bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrellas for shade, and plenty of water.
Water Parks
Need a break from the sand? Water parks are a great alternative for enjoying refreshing dips with a touch of thrill and plenty of entertainment.
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park is one of Destin’s most popular family-friendly attractions, offering a mix of water rides, slides, a lazy river, and even a small adventure park with mini-golf and thrill rides. It’s the largest water park on the Emerald Coast, making it a perfect spot to cool off during Destin’s hot summers. The park is home not only to classic water slides, several pools, and kids’ areas but also to adventure park attractions like mini-golf, Sky Coaster, and go-karts for extra fun.
If you have a car and are willing to explore further, Panama City Beach (one hour away from Destin) is home to Shipwreck Island Waterpark, which offers a variety of unique water attractions for you and your family to enjoy together.
Wildlife Encounters
One of the highlights of any visit to Destin, regardless of the season, is spotting the region’s beautiful wildlife, especially its marine life. Wildlife encounters consistently rank high among families, thanks to the magic of these moments that entertain and captivate people of all ages.
For incredible wildlife experiences, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a must-visit. It offers activities such as getting in the water and engaging with dolphins, receiving a kiss from a sea lion, interacting with hermit crabs and stingrays, and feeding penguins. You and your children can also watch spectacular dolphin shows and marvel at exhibits featuring incredible marine mammals, fish, and reptiles.
Speaking of reptiles, another one-of-a-kind experience is visiting Gator Beach, one of the most unique attractions in Destin and home to over 100 live alligators, including rare albino alligators. Visitors can hold, feed, and take amazing photos with these fascinating creatures (always assisted by an incredibly professional team) to make this a truly unforgettable experience.
Destin HarborWalk Village
During the summer, Destin HarborWalk Village is at its liveliest, packed with families enjoying waterfront dining, live entertainment, and a wide range of outdoor activities. This is Destin’s most vibrant waterfront destination, offering endless entertainment options, all set against the stunning backdrop of Destin Harbor.
Before choosing one of the amazing eateries, gather your vacation crew to watch a spectacular sunset. Adding even more magic to your summer visit, from Memorial Day through August, every Thursday night brings a dazzling fireworks show, lighting up the sky over the harbor.
As you stroll through HarborWalk, enjoy the lively atmosphere with street performers, live bands, and DJs, creating a fun and festive vibe for visitors of all ages.
Beyond the boardwalk, HarborWalk is the perfect launch point for outdoor adventures. If you’re looking to add some thrill to your trip, jet skiing and parasailing are exciting options — especially if you’re traveling with teens who will love the adrenaline rush. Or, for a more relaxed experience, embark on a pontoon boat and spend the day marveling at the Caribbean-like waters of Crab Island.
Cruises and Tours
An unmissable activity to enjoy with the whole family in Destin is embarking on a dolphin tour. Offering up-close encounters with wild dolphins in the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay, most tour providers in Destin are kid-friendly, ensuring the little ones stay engaged and safe while exploring the Gulf waters.
To add an extra dose of beauty to this experience, opt for a sunset dolphin cruise. In addition to spotting these playful creatures, you’ll witness a spectacular summer sunset from a breathtaking perspective — an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Now, if you really want to win over your kids and provide them with a one-of-a-kind adventure, the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise is the perfect choice. This experience combines dolphin spotting, interactive pirate-themed activities, and a scenic cruise along Destin Harbor and Choctawhatchee Bay.
The crew, fully dressed as pirates, entertains kids with storytelling, pirate lore, and interactive games. Young buccaneers can dress up, learn the pirate lingo, and take part in exciting challenges. While the cruise focuses on pirate-themed fun, you’ll also spot dolphins swimming near the boat, making it a truly magical adventure.
Indoor Fun
We all love summer, but let’s be honest—sometimes the humidity and extreme heat are just too much, and all we want is a good air-conditioned escape, preferably combined with entertainment and fun for the whole family.
For top-notch indoor fun, entertainment, and an active experience, visit Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, a premier indoor amusement destination offering a variety of attractions such as trampoline zones, dodgeball, climbing walls, and more.
Also, be sure to check out America’s Fun Spots, a lively entertainment center located within HarborWalk Village. You and your family can have fun navigating a labyrinth of mirrors that challenge your sense of direction, testing your aim and reflexes in the Shooting Gallery, and engaging in a high-tech game combining lights and sounds called Atomic Rush.
Bonus: How to Make the Most of Your Family Summer Vacation in Destin
Destin is a dream destination for families in the summer, offering sugar-white beaches, crystal-clear waters, exciting attractions, and plenty of kid-friendly fun. However, with warm temperatures, bustling crowds, and so many activities to choose from, planning the perfect trip requires a little strategy. Here’s how to maximize your summer vacation in Destin while keeping everyone happy, relaxed, and entertained.
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Summer in Destin is gorgeous, but the combination of heat and crowds can be challenging. To enjoy your trip without melting in the sun or dealing with long lines, timing is everything. Here are some ideas:
- Start your beach day early or late afternoon: Mornings (before 10 AM) and evenings (after 4 PM) are cooler, less crowded, and more comfortable for kids.
- Plan indoor breaks at midday: Florida’s summer sun is strongest between 11 AM and 3 PM. This is a great time to grab lunch, visit a museum, or explore an air-conditioned attraction.
- Check the weather daily: Destin often experiences brief afternoon rain showers, so having backup indoor plans is smart.
Pro tip: If you love sunset beach strolls or bonfires, summer evenings in Destin are magical, with cooler temperatures and fewer people.
Choose the Best Family-Friendly Beaches
Not all beaches in Destin are the same! Some are better suited for families, offering calm waters, restrooms, and shaded picnic areas. Besides Henderson Beach State Park, which we mentioned at the beginning of the blog, other great options include James Lee Beach and Crab Island.
Book Popular Activities in Advance
Destin is packed with fun family experiences, but during the summer, tours and attractions sell out quickly. Make reservations at least a week in advance, especially for activities like the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise and sunset dolphin tours.
Dine Smart to Avoid Long Waits
Destin’s restaurants are incredibly popular, especially in the summer. To avoid long wait times, consider eating early (before 6 PM) or making reservations at busy spots. Also choose family-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating and play areas for kids for a more comfortable experience.
Plan Ahead for Traffic & Parking
With so many visitors in the summer, traffic in Destin can get hectic — especially near HarborWalk Village and the beaches. Use a shuttle, Uber, or boat taxi when possible to avoid parking headaches. Arrive early for beach parking — most lots fill up by mid-morning. And stay in a vacation rental near your favorite activities to cut down on driving time.
Catch Special Summer Events
Destin’s summer calendar is packed with fun events, including live music, pirate parades, and dazzling fireworks shows.
- Thursday Night Fireworks at HarborWalk Village: Every week from Memorial Day through August, watch fireworks light up the night sky over the harbor.
- Live Music at The Village of Baytowne Wharf: Free performances and kid-friendly activities throughout the summer.
- Mardi Gras & Pirate Festivals – Special themed nights at HarborWalk with street performers, parades, and dancing.
Pro Tip: Arrive an hour early for the best spots to watch the fireworks.
Enjoy Your Destin Summer Family Vacation in Style
Book your stay with Emerald Coast Vacation Rentals. We offer an unmatched selection of vacation rental properties to suit every traveler’s taste. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront condominium, pet-friendly rentals, or a charming beachside cottage, we’ve got it.
Our properties are strategically located, which means you’ll be steps away from idyllic beaches, great dining options, exquisite golf courses, and an array of outdoor pursuits like deep-sea fishing, dolphin tours, and more. That’s the secret to a perfect Emerald Coast getaway! 
