Family events in Destin, FL

Slime, a fire-breathing watermelon, and other eye-catching reactions take center stage in a live chemistry demonstration where flames and small pops may occur, all viewed from a safe distance. After the show, families can roll up their sleeves for theme-related experiments, with activities suited to many ages such as creating a watercolor salt painting to explore states of matter, trying out scientific tools, and uncovering the chemistry behind attention-grabbing results. Materials are limited and offered on a first-come basis, and RSVPs help organizers prepare. Once the demo wraps, you are welcome to come and go for the remainder of the program. Availability can change due to summer field trip bookings, so consider checking for updates or calling ahead. Access is included with general admission, with military discounts available. General admission is $15 for adults, seniors, and kids, and children 2 and under are free.

Meet some of the center’s Animal Ambassadors during a lively Creature Feature presentation that spotlights the exotic residents who live at the museum. With more than 55 animals in care, each session can introduce different critters and offers a safe, up-close experience while sharing what makes them unique. These presentations take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Capacity is limited and filled in order of arrival, and online registration does not guarantee entry. Scheduling may change during the summer due to field trip bookings, so please confirm availability or look for updates before visiting. Access to these presentations is included with general admission.

A teen-focused evening at Dunes Mini Golf at Sandestin offers a supervised drop-off experience designed for middle and high school students. Held every Friday and Saturday evening, it features unlimited mini golf, music, games, and plenty of time to hang out with friends in a setting that blends freedom with structure. Adults are present throughout the event, staff keep an eye on both the course and shared spaces, and separate time blocks are arranged for middle school and high school participants. Drop-off and pickup are simple for families. Teens get an independent, fun night out, while parents get peace of mind with clear oversight and organization. The cost is a flat $20 per student for unlimited play during the session, and snacks and drinks are available for purchase.

Stroll a setting that feels like a park, with shady trees, a glittering fountain, and stone-paved paths, and meet welcoming farmers, makers, and bakers offering high quality goods from local vendors who do this professionally. Find farm fresh meats and eggs, including grass fed beef, pork, bone broth, whole chicken, and free range eggs. Discover honey and hive products such as local honey, including tupelo honey, and beeswax candles. Browse naturally grown lettuce, microgreens, mushrooms, and seasonal fruits and vegetables, plus dehydrated fruits suited for snacking. To keep the selection diverse, limited reselling of specialty produce not otherwise available nearby is permitted. Some conventional produce may be offered, and availability differs by vendor. Explore cheeses from goat and cow milk, creamy butter, and from-scratch artisan breads like ciabatta, focaccia, rosemary rounds, and cheddar jalapeño loaves. Satisfy a sweet tooth with pastries, pies, and desserts, with Keto, non-GMO, and gluten free options, along with homemade candies, including freeze dried varieties. Stock the pantry with small batch jams and jellies, pickled vegetables, pasta sauces, pestos, salsas, mustards, olive oils, vinegars, and dry spices. Enjoy Mediterranean staples such as hummus and tabbouleh, Italian classics from rich sauces to homemade lasagna, Brazilian pão de queijo, and fresh guacamole with crisp chips. Seafood lovers will find Gulf catches like tuna, red snapper, grouper, shrimp, crab, and more, along with crabcakes, smoked tuna dip, and shrimp dip. Quench your thirst with cold pressed organic juices and kombucha, and browse natural bath and body items designed to refresh after a day in the sun or at work. There is even more to explore each week, and every purchase helps sustain local farmers and small businesses.

Every Sunday, children 12 and under receive a complimentary kids entrée, up to a $15 value, with the purchase of one adult entrée. The offer is limited to one free kids meal per adult entrée purchased. It cannot be combined with other offers, specials, or dip certificates, and it is not available on holidays.

This summer brings a lively mix of music, mayhem, and magic led by featured pirate Captain Davy. Two magic shows are presented on the Events Plaza stage at the Village of Baytowne Wharf.

Add a little extra fun to a beach day at The Beach House Pool Deck with Poolside Play Days, a family friendly set of poolside character meet and greets. Expect a rotating lineup that could include mermaids, pirates, and surprise favorites from storybooks, with plenty of chances for photos, smiles, and interactive play. While kids enjoy the magic in the sun, parents can unwind by the pool with Gulf views and coastal bites. Free to attend.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax on the Events Plaza Lawn for an open-air movie presented on a large new screen. Admission is free. The lineup includes The Spongebob Movie and DogMan.

Elevé Performing Arts hosts an open gym for children ages 5 and under, giving little ones space to move, explore, and make friends in a safe and creative environment. Activities include bubbles, ribbon play, and plenty of open floor time, while caregivers can connect with other local parents. Admission is $5 for a drop in visit with no long term commitment required.

Join an all-ages planetarium show at Emerald Coast Science Center with an exciting space adventure, featuring topics like space, history, and how different cultures connect with the night sky past and present. Tickets are available at the front desk, and the show is generally suitable for ages 5 and up. Please note the planetarium dome is a high-sensory environment with complete darkness and special visuals that may be challenging for some small children. Refunds are not available for planetarium tickets.

Myami Henna pops up at The Big Chill 30a for a day of playful hairstyling and shine. Choose from colorful hair wraps, shimmering hair tinsel, beach-inspired mermaid waves with bold accents, and custom braids tailored to your look. This experience is designed for girls and young women who love to express their creativity. Fees apply.

The night begins with a DJ-led dance party featuring DJ Mike Whitty in the events plaza, followed by a fireworks show that lights up the sky over the lagoon.

Set in the heart of Seagrove Beach along Scenic Highway 30A, the Greenway Station 30A Farmers Market brings together a carefully selected mix of local farmers, fishermen, bakers, growers, artists, and artisan food makers. Visitors can explore a welcoming marketplace that reflects the flavors, creativity, and charm of the Emerald Coast while browsing in the beautiful setting of Greenway Station 30A. Vendors offer seasonal fruits and vegetables, hydroponic produce, fresh microgreens, gourmet mushrooms, fresh herbs, specialty produce, and fresh cut flowers with floral arrangements. There are farm-raised meats and fresh Gulf seafood, including handmade crabcakes, seafood specialties, dips, and other prepared items. Dairy selections include fresh farm eggs, a variety of dairy products, goat milk options, and farmstead specialties. Pantry favorites range from raw local honey, jarred fruits and vegetables, pickles and preserved goods, and homemade jams and jellies to small batch staples. Bakers feature artisan breads, fresh pastries, homemade pies, and other sweet treats. Refreshments include fresh pressed juices, handcrafted lemonades, dirty sodas, and specialty drinks. For easy meals and gourmet finds, look for chicken salads, prepared foods, frozen entrees, ready-to-heat selections, guacamole with fresh chips, cream cheese spreads and specialty dips, premium olive oils and vinegars, dehydrated fruits, farm-crafted snacks, and other artisan specialties. Beyond food, the market includes natural bath and body goods, goat milk soaps and skincare, health and wellness items, and handmade self-care products. Shoppers can also discover handmade arts and crafts, boutique clothing, artisan jewelry, and locally made gifts. It is one of 30A's newest community gathering spots where every purchase supports local farmers, makers, artists, and small businesses.

Experience a planetarium program that explores space and history, along with how cultures around the world have understood the night sky in the past and today. Shows are presented Wednesday through Friday, and details about the specific presentation can be obtained at the front desk during check-in. Most programs are appropriate for ages 5 and older. Tickets are available at the front desk for $5 for nonmembers and $3 for members.

Meet some of the Animal Ambassadors during a Creature Feature, a presentation that offers safe, up close encounters and insights into the creatures that call the museum home. The center cares for more than 55 exotic animals, and the lineup varies, so each session can be different. Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis, and online registration does not guarantee entry. Sessions may be adjusted or canceled during summer field trips, so check for updates or call ahead to confirm availability. Access is included with general admission.

Wednesday Night Concerts return to The Village of Baytowne Wharf with outdoor live music on the Events Plaza Stage, showcasing local and regional performers across a range of styles. This installment features Seven Ply, a high energy band that channels 90s rock grit and nostalgia. Their set spans grunge and alternative staples with punchy vocals, searing guitar work, and constant momentum that gets audiences singing along and dancing. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfortable seating.

The concert series returns to The Village of Baytowne Wharf with open air music on the Events Plaza Stage. Enjoy live performances by local and regional musicians spanning a range of genres. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome for comfortable seating.

Creature Feature introduces Animal Ambassadors in a lively presentation that invites safe, up-close encounters and shares facts about the animals that live at the museum. The center is home to more than 55 exotic animals, so you may meet a selection of these residents. Space is limited and spots are given in the order of arrival, and online registration does not guarantee entry. Availability can change during the summer because of field trip bookings. Access is included with general admission.

Poolside Play Days brings interactive magic and balloon artistry to The Beach House Pool Deck, adding a little wow to the week by the beach. Children can take part in the tricks and watch colorful balloon creations come to life, keeping the afternoon lively and full of laughter. Parents can relax by the pool and soak up the easygoing Gulf Coast atmosphere while the kids stay happily engaged. Admission is free at The Beach House Pool Deck.

An aerial light spectacle that pairs modern technology with coastal character, offering a starlit celebration of the Village. Look up as lights brighten the night sky and reflect the seaside spirit.