A trip to the beach is a much-anticipated time of year for families to take a break from their routine and spend quality time together. However, many popular beach destinations are notorious for their rowdy college crowds, making it challenging for parents to find kid-friendly activities. If you are concerned that taking a beach vacation in 30A may fall into this category, there is no reason to worry. If you are planning a family trip to the Emerald Coast, but want to avoid the party scene, here are some ideas for kid-friendly activities beyond going to the beach that will keep the whole family entertained.
Visit Local Museums and Cultural Sites
The Emerald Coast is rich in history and culture, offering a wide range of museums and cultural sites. Visiting these sites can be both educational and entertaining for kids, and parents can enjoy learning about the local history and culture as well.
Some popular destinations for families include:
- Man in the Sea Museum
- Eden Gardens
- Destin History and Fishing Museum
- Heritage Park & Cultural Center
- Indian Temple Mound Museum
- Emerald Coast Science Center
Plus, if you and your kids know how to dive or even snorkel, we highly recommend taking them to the Underwater Museum of Art!
Go on a Nature Hike or Bike Ride
Spring break in 30A is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors and get a little bit of sunshine. Taking a nature hike or going for a bike ride is an excellent way to witness local flora and fauna, see enticing views of the Gulf of Mexico, and check out our natural phenomena of coastal dune lakes! Our favorite spots include Watercolor and Seaside Trails, Deer Lake State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, Topsail Hill Preserve, and Point Washington. If you want an easy way to view the trails, we suggest downloading the All Trails app on your phones!
Get Out on the Water
An easy way to get out on the water, exercise, and experience the beauty of the Emerald coast is to rent kayaks or paddleboards. Of course, this activity and its intensity will depend on your children’s age and capabilities. We recommend looking up kayak rentals closest to where you are staying for convenience. A few local rental options in 30A for kayaks include:
Visit a Water Park
Water parks are a classic family-friendly activity that works well for children and teens. If you stay in 30A, you can head in two directions to hit a lovely water park. In Destin, there is Big Kahuna’s Water Park, which features water attractions, rides, and even a mini golf course. In the other direction, you have Panama City Beach, which has Shipwreck Island Water Park. This park is spread over 20 acres and has a wave pool, lazy river, tree top drop, slides, and more. Can’t decide which one to do? Do both!
Go to the Zoo or Aquarium
Zoos and aquariums are always a hit with kids, providing plenty of opportunities to learn about animals and marine life. Depending on your and your children’s animal interests, we recommend visiting the Emerald Coast Zoo, the Gulf Breeze Zoo, or Zoo World. We are partial to the Gulfarium (no link) in Fort Walton Beach due to its commitment to conservation through marine animal rescue and rehabilitation. Plus, you get to see local marine life that you could even encounter at the beach!
Beach vacations don’t have to be all about partying and crowds. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities for families to do along 30A, from museums to outdoor adventures. With some planning and research, you can create a fun and memorable vacation for your family that everyone will enjoy. Don’t forget to book a home base for your adventure. Skip the overpriced hotels and book one of our vacation rentals for a relaxing experience that allows you to live like a local while having access to privacy, space, and quiet.
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