Sandestin offers many kid-friendly events throughout the year, such as festivals, outdoor activities, and holiday celebrations. Here are the Best Events for Kids in Sandestin, Florida.
I. Year-Round Fun for Kids in Sandestin, Florida
1. Grand Boulevard at Sandestin
Grand Boulevard serves as an oasis for family-oriented events throughout the year. They host seasonal celebrations like holiday parades, outdoor movie screenings, arts festivals for children, and special “Pop-Up Playdates,” featuring activities such as face painting, balloon animal creation, and interactive games aimed at keeping youngsters occupied while parents take advantage of shopping or dining nearby.
2. Baytowne Wharf Activities
Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin is an exciting hub of family-oriented activities. Offering live music performances, arcade games, an obstacle course climbing wall, playgrounds, and live entertainment – it provides all sorts of ways for families looking for ways to keep their children occupied in one convenient place! Baytowne Wharf makes for the ideal stopover when seeking ways to keep kids occupied in one convenient spot!
3. Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park provides another fantastic family activity option. Boasting numerous slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools – perfect for cooling off in warm temperatures while having some family fun – Big Kahuna’s is sure to offer hours of amusement for children of all ages!
4. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is an exciting family attraction featuring various aquatic exhibits and interactive experiences designed to engage children of all ages. Recently expanded, making this an even more thrilling destination!
5. Beach and Pool Activities
Sandestin’s beaches are one of the main draws, boasting crystal-clear waters and soft sand that are ideal for building sandcastles or just lounging by the shoreline. Additionally, many resorts in this region feature multiple swimming pools – perfect for keeping children busy without leaving the property grounds!
Pirate cruises are another engaging activity designed specifically to engage children on the water and offer them an interactive and exciting experience onboard a ship or vessel. Pirate cruises feature elements like treasure hunts and storytelling, which are immensely engaging for younger children.
6. Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone can be found nearby and features attractions like laser tag, mini-golf, and a ropes course – providing indoor/outdoor options regardless of weather. This venue also provides opportunities for team building activities with their indoor/outdoor games!
7. Emerald Coast Science Center
Fort Walton Beach also hosts the Emerald Coast Science Center for some interactive learning fun with exhibits that combine learning with entertainment for children. It provides a beautiful combination of educational fun.
II. Seasonal Events and Festivals in Sandestin
Sandestin is home to numerous seasonal events that are perfect for families. Christmas-related festivities abound during winter holidays, while locals suggest that off-season can offer fewer events. By summertime, however, Sandestin is bustling with tourists enjoying many attractions and happenings within its borders.
1. Sealight Festival
Sandestin is famously famous for hosting its signature SeaLight Festival each March at Seascape. Offering various activities – such as date-night strolls – this popular festival makes an enjoyable evening activity option for couples or families looking for an enjoyable outing.
2. Spring Break
Spring break in Sandestin is an iconic experience, drawing large crowds starting mid-March onwards. Tourists from abroad flock here in order to relax on its beaches or roam its bustling streets; therefore, it is wise to plan ahead if you prefer more peaceful experiences; an earlier visit could even offer better results!
3. Halloween on the BOOlevard
Halloween on the BOOlevard, held annually at Grand Boulevard, provides children with a safe and entertaining way to celebrate Halloween while showing off their costumes. Events for trick-or-treaters, costume contestants, and other Halloween activities await them during this fun, family-oriented event!
III. Planning Your Sandestin Family Adventure
1. Where to Stay in Sandestin with Kids
When traveling with children, selecting an accommodation that can meet all their needs is essential to an enjoyable trip. Hilton Sandestin is highly recommended, featuring beachfront access, multiple pools, and family suites equipped with separate areas just for children. Another fantastic choice would be Waterscape on Okaloosa Island, which features kid-friendly pools as well as beach chair service included with beach chair service included as standard.
For more budget-conscious travelers, why not consider Destin Gulfgate, which also boasts both access and a pool?
2. Getting Around Sandestin with Kids
Golf carts provide an efficient means of traveling within the Sandestin Resort area. Many rental units feature golf carts for quick trips of short distance. But please keep in mind that due to safety and local regulations, these carts should only be used on secondary roads such as Highway 98 – longer journeys should use an automobile instead.
3. Kid-Approved Dining in Sandestin
- Dining options at Boshamps and Slick Lips, both excellent Cajun seafood restaurants, come highly recommended by visitors who frequent these spots. Be prepared for long wait times during peak hours, however. Boshamps should also offer delicious food while offering kids access to an exciting sand play area – though during these peak times, expect delays due to peak time demand!
- Lulu’s at the south end of Mid-Bay Bridge is another family-friendly restaurant. Although they cater to adults as well, their activities and menu options for children make this an excellent spot to dine as a family.
IV. Kind Kate’s Tips for Making the Most of Sandestin Events for Kids
- Make an early plan and research events.
- Bring essential items for comfort and convenience.
- Baytowne Wharf features live music performances and family-oriented activities for everyone at Baytowne.
- Enjoy Gulfarium, Emerald Coast Science Center, and Big Kahuna’s Water Park for some incredible fun.
- Plan ahead when dining at popular establishments such as Boshamps to avoid long waits.
- Florida’s sun is strong. Pack a good sunscreen, especially one that is tinted and fun for kids. (Find the best tinted SPF for kids.)
Planning a family trip to Sandestin, Florida can be both exciting and fulfilling. This beautiful destination provides many activities and amenities specifically aimed at accommodating families so everyone has a memorable experience.
