The Gulf is warm, school is out, and the Emerald Coast is basically begging you to go outside. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Summer in Destin hits different when you have kids in tow. Suddenly the bar shifts from “relaxing” to “keeping them busy, happy, worn out, and off their tablets.” The good news is that this stretch of coastline is one of the best places in the country to do exactly that. Between the water, the events, and the local businesses that were basically built for this season, there is no shortage of ways to fill a summer afternoon.

Here’s what we’re doing with our kids this summer and what you should check out, too!

Sign Them Up For Surf Camp

Once your kids are old enough to swim, they’re old enough to surf! Ride On Surf School is Destin’s first and only surf school, set up right on the beach behind Captain Dave’s on Scenic Hwy 98. It’s owned by lifelong locals who have young kids of their own. They offer lessons and camps for every skill level, from first-timers to kids and adults who just can’t get enough time in the water.

The instructors are patient and knowledgeable, and most kids are standing up on a board within the first session. On days when the Gulf is too flat for surfing, the team switches to paddleboarding, so the session delivers no matter what the water is doing.

Summer Surf Camps run daily from 9am to Noon and are available in two packages:

• 4-Day Package: $260 per person
• 10-Day Package: $500 per person

The days don’t need to be used consecutively, just sign up anytime May through September. Each session includes two hours of surf instruction followed by an optional hour of free surf. Everything is provided including surfboard, leash, rashguard/wetsuit, two tents for shade, and a swag bag with T-shirt and stickers.

If a multi-day camp isn’t the right fit, Ride On also offers group lessons, one-day camps, mini surf lessons, and surf parties. And parents, they have you covered too! Rentals are available for surfboards, kayaks, and paddleboards, plus chair and umbrella setups, so you can sit back and relax while your kid catches some waves.

Book at rideonsurf.com or call 850-687-9046.

Try a Little Adventure

If you have not heard of the Little Adventures program through Destin-Fort Walton Beach, I highly recommend looking into these family-friendly activities. These free, hands-on classes are led by local Experts who are passionate about sharing our fishing and water culture with kids. From fishing and paddleboarding to snorkeling and surfing, each session is about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and inspiring kids to try something new.

These aren’t your average tourist activities. They’re the kind of things locals do.

Adventures are filterable online by age range, price, and duration, which makes it easy to find something that works whether your child is three or thirteen. There is also a live chat feature on the site staffed by local moms who can help you figure out which experience is the best fit for your family.

Hit Up a Park or Splash Pad

Not every summer day needs a plan. Sometimes the best thing you can do is find a good park, let the kids run, and see where the day takes you. Whether you want to beat the heat with a splash pad or burn off energy at a playground, Destin has a handful of spots where little ones can easily enjoy some outside time.

Captain Leonard Destin Park is the one locals keep coming back to — it has a splash pad, a bayfront boardwalk, natural-element playground equipment, picnic pavilions, and views of Crab Island that feel like a bonus. Destin Commons also has a free splash pad right in the middle of the shopping center, which makes it an easy add-on to a coffee run or errand. Morgan Sports Center rounds out the Destin options with a well-maintained playground that has a neighborhood feel most visitors never find.

For the full rundown on all three, including what to bring and the best time of day to go, we put together a complete guide to the best playgrounds in Destin. It has everything you need to pick the right spot for your kids’ ages and energy level.

Read the full playground guide here.

Cool Down at an Indoor Play Space

While summer in Destin, Florida can be incredible, sometimes you just need to take a break in the AC. Fortunately, the Emerald Coast has two indoor play spots both kids and parents will love.

The Play Studio in Santa Rosa Beach is a newer addition to the area and already a great one. It is a modern indoor play space and early childhood development center built by local toddler mom and behavior analyst Margaret Short. The space is designed for connection, creativity, and imaginative play, with a thoughtful focus on the skills kids need like taking turns, engaging with peers, building confidence. It is the kind of place that was clearly built by someone who actually understands kids. And parents, Beach Weekend Coffee is located right next door!

Cafe & Play in Fort Walton Beach pairs an indoor playground designed for kids ages 6 months through 7 years with a cafe serving coffee and treats. The play space is open-ended and thoughtfully designed and I really enjoyed sipping a latte while my kids explored. While walk-ins are welcome, I recommend making a reservation online since it’s about a 25-minute drive from Destin (don’t want to drive there and have it be full!).

End the Day With Ice Cream

Every good summer day should end with ice cream, and Destin has several spots that always deliver!

Pink Coyote is a local favorite with rotating flavors and the kind of vibe that makes it feel like a treat every single time. It photographs beautifully if you are documenting the summer, but more importantly, the homemade ice cream never disappoints!

Frozen Bloom Creamery is a beautiful cafe that serves up coffee, gelato, bubble waffles, homemade ice cream, and more tasty treats. The presentation is part of the experience, and the flavors are worth coming back for more than once. Perfect for a post-beach afternoon when everyone needs a reset.

Crispy Cones (opening soon). What makes this ice cream spot so unique is the cones. They are hand-rolled dough cones that are made fresh and grilled rotisserie-style. Then you can choose the spread, soft-serve ice cream, toppings and drizzle to create the perfect sweet treat!

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The best Destin summers aren’t the ones packed with reservations and itineraries. They’re the ones where you said yes to the surf lesson, stayed out past bedtime to see a sunset, and ended up with sand in the car for a week. As a local Destin mom, I love sharing things to do with kids on my Instagram @destinsnapshots so follow along for more ideas!