In the last two decades, children have swapped outdoor play for screen time, spending less than 30 minutes a day soaking up sunshine. American kids aged 8-12 now devote 4-6 hours daily to screens, and teenagers clock up to 9 hours per day.
One Florida city aims to change that with the offer of irresistible attractions that encourage families to turn off their electronics and head outdoors. Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, knows a thing or two about having fun in the sun. There are countless ways for families to enjoy the outdoors, from legendary fishing and boating to adventurous watersports and wildlife watching.
“We are incredibly passionate about sharing our love of getting out on the water with kids and introducing families to new adventures,” says Jennifer Adams, Tourism Director, Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
Located in the northwestern part of the state along the Gulf of Mexico, Destin is the most popular vacation spot on the Emerald Coast. The area draws an estimated 80% of the region’s 4.5 million annual visitors. Highlighting its appeal, U.S. News ranked Destin number 17 in a recent list of top 20 “Best Places to Visit in the USA.”
Taylor Swift’s new song “Florida!!!” even gives a shout out to Destin, that led to a 21% increase in hotel searches for the city following its release.
World Class Beaches Serve as a Playground
Florida is renowned for its stunning beaches, and Destin-Fort Walton’s sugar-white sands and striking emerald-green waters rank among the most beautiful in the world.
Average summer temperatures in the mid-80s contribute to its popularity as a family vacation spot. Adams understands that even with a destination as picture-perfect as the Emerald Coast, knowing how to plan activities kids will enjoy and appreciate can be stressful.
In 2020, the tourism bureau launched an innovative marketing idea that taps into the knowledge local moms have regarding the area. By accessing live chat on the bureau’s website, anyone can message a mom, called a Scout, and get first-hand travel advice on anything from the best place to find gluten-friendly kid food to where you’re most likely to see dolphins.
“Planning a vacation and choosing to step out of your comfort zone can feel incredibly overwhelming, and honestly a bit scary,” says Adams. “We set out to simply make it easier to not only see what we offer, but connect you directly with our local experts who share our passion and are genuinely excited to teach you the best places and ways to experience the destination they call home.”
Kid-Friendly Itineraries Make Vacation Planning Simple
Destin-Fort Walton’s website highlights the Little Adventures program. The site features 27 “bite-sized adventures” that match children ages 3-13+ with the perfect outings for their family vacation.
Junior explorers can learn how to fish, take beginner diving lessons, and even test their surfing skills. Families can take a guided boat tour exploring the best snorkeling locations for young adventurers or learn how to build impressive sand castles.
The program aims to get families outside, discover something new, and spend quality time together exploring the beautiful water and beaches.
“I really enjoyed the boat ride, where we got to snorkel and collect beautiful shells,” says 15-year-old Washington state native Sophia Blunt. “Our captain knew right where to look for the dolphins, too, and I loved how they swam up so close to our boat!”
More Options for Family Activities
Destin-Fort Walton’s main attraction is the beach, but that’s not the only thing going for it. The Gulf-to-table culinary scene thrives; some restaurants offer docks for visitors to take a break from boating and enjoy local seafood.
At HarborWalk Village, shoppers can stroll the boutiques, enjoy a variety of dining options, and catch live entertainment. The Village also hosts regular events and festivals, making it a lively spot for families to explore.
For adventure seekers, the Destin Harbor offers parasailing, jet skiing, and dolphin cruises, just one more way to experience fun out on the water.
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is another must-visit destination for families. Kids can marvel at marine life, enjoy animal shows, and even participate in interactive programs like the Dolphin Splash Encounter. It’s both an educational and entertaining attraction.
Henderson Beach State Park is ideal for picnics, nature walks, and building sandcastles. With its pristine white sands and clear blue waters, the laid-back atmosphere caters to families looking for a relaxing day at the beach.
“My favorite thing about Destin is the atmosphere,” says travel writer Abby Price. “It’s a place where everyone understands the purpose of being there: to escape the busyness of life, take in the beautiful coastal scenery, and appreciate some sunny moments with loved ones, making it the perfect family-friendly getaway.”
The Emerald Coast Science Center is a fantastic indoor option, especially on rainy days. With hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, it engages children of all ages in learning about science and technology in a fun way.
Lastly, Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park is a massive theme park attraction with water slides, a lazy river, and a dedicated area for younger kids to guarantee everyone in the family has a “splash-tastic” time.
With so many family-friendly activities in Destin-Fort Walton, the city’s efforts to get kids unplugged and outdoors are paying off. The Little Adventures program is a key part of this initiative, helping families find the perfect outings for their visit to the area.
