12 Things to Do With Kids When You Need a Break From the Beach

Summer afternoon storms are part of the deal here. So is sunburn, and so is the day when everyone has had enough sand. Bookmark this list before your trip.

Indoor and weatherproof

1. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Okaloosa Island

• Dolphin and sea lion shows, stingray touch pool, penguins

• Mostly covered, so it works in light rain

• Half day activity, easy to combine with lunch nearby

2. Emerald Coast Science Center, Fort Walton Beach

• Hands on exhibits built for elementary and middle school ages

• Small, affordable, and rarely crowded

• Two hours is about right

3. Air Force Armament Museum, Eglin AFB

• Free admission

• Aircraft on display inside and out

• Genuinely impressive even if nobody in your family is into planes

• Check current base access requirements before you go

4. Indian Temple Mound Museum, Fort Walton Beach

• A National Historic Landmark right in downtown

• Prehistoric ceremonial mound plus artifacts

• Quick, inexpensive, and something most visitors never see

5. Movie theater and mall day at Destin Commons

• Open air center with a theater, Bass Pro Shops, and a play area

• The Bass Pro aquarium alone kills an hour for free

Active and out of the sun

6. The Track Family Fun Park, Destin

• Go karts, bumper boats, mini golf, arcade

• Reliable crowd pleaser across a wide age range

7. Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park, Destin

• Full water park with slides, lazy river, and a kiddie area

• Seasonal, so check the operating calendar

• Buy tickets online ahead of time

8. Bowling and arcade night

• Several options between Fort Walton Beach and Destin

• The move when the storm rolls in at 4 p.m.

Outdoors without the beach

9. Turkey Creek Nature Trail, Niceville

• Elevated boardwalk through cypress and hardwood along spring fed creek

• Shaded, flat, and stroller friendly

• Free, and beautiful. Locals swim here in the summer.

10. Eden Gardens State Park, Point Washington

• Historic Wesley House, moss draped live oaks, and manicured gardens

• Picnic area and easy walking paths

• Low key and low cost

11. Liza Jackson Park, Fort Walton Beach

• Bayside beach with calm shallow water for little kids

• Playground, pavilions, and boat ramp

• Free, and one of the best sunset spots in town

12. Fishing off a pier

• Okaloosa Island Pier or Navarre Beach Fishing Pier

• No boat, no charter, and no seasickness

• Rent a rod on site and let the kids reel in whatever bites

Free options worth knowing

• Air Force Armament Museum

• Turkey Creek Nature Trail

• Liza Jackson Park

• Bass Pro Shops aquarium at Destin Commons

• Destin Harbor Boardwalk for people watching and boat spotting

Rainy day planning tips

• Most summer storms clear within an hour. Check radar before you cancel the whole afternoon.

• Indoor attractions get crowded fast when it rains, so go early or wait it out.

• Keep a rainy day kit at the rental: cards, a puzzle, and a couple of board games

• Ask your host. We track which attractions are open, closed, or under renovation, and it changes.

Blu Vue Vacations manages homes and condos across Florida's Emerald Coast. Many of our properties include game rooms, pools, and covered outdoor space for exactly these days.

Sharon Thomas, Owner & Operator | 850-826-8005 | sharonthomas@bluvuevacations.com | bluvuevacations.com