Back to Events & Music

Activities for family with kids, aside from the beach

CChandlerBeach Lover
3,032 views
Hi everyone, my entire family (parents, brothers, and sister's family) will be visiting the week of June 19th-26th. We will have 7 adults and 4 kids total, ages 15, 4, 2, and 4 months. We're renting a beachfront home in Seagrove. Of course we're worried about the unforseen impact of the spill :angry: Your site has been a great help, as I check the threads every day to see what the situation is. The pictures reassure me that the beaches are still like I remember from family trips when I was young. Regardless of what happens over the next 3 weeks, we will more than likely be headed to 30a.

Worst case scenario, we can probably travel eastward towards Shell Island, Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe and even St. George's Island to enjoy the beach if the oil does make it to 30a. If the winds will switch back to the east, I think we'll be in the clear.

Anyhow, what are some good activities for the kids? I want to avoid pricey waterparks, although the aquariums might be fun for them. I also saw Destin has a neat ymca pool- does anyone know what it's summer hours are?
I've been looking into some of the freshwater springs too near Ponce De Leon- are they safe for the younger ones? (is the water shallow in spots enough for an adult to hold them?)

Also, going to rent some double kayaks and maybe bikes since we're a mile away from Seaside. I know there's plenty to do there, with the outdoor theater, shopping and playground.

Replies

19
scooterbug44 avatar
scooterbug44SoWal Expert
#2
Canoeing Econfina would be a fun trip - several of the springs are by little beach areas or have picnic areas, though the last part can be a long paddle and they may get impatient.

Seaside Rep performs Charlotte's Web outside in the amphitheatre on Mondays. They also do the Tempest Wednesdays in Rosemary, but I don't think that is as kid oriented.

Even if there is oil on the beaches, the lakes will be available for kayaking, canoeing, etc. and Eden State park has a nice big lawn to play on and explore.

Painting stuff at Fired-up, the Gulfarium in PC, and seeing Grand Cirque might also be fun - not sure of crowds or prices.

A trip to the Florida caverns to see the caves and formations can be fun too. Lots of kids were on the tour with me.
US98 SportsBeach Lover
#3
The 15 Year Old might be interested in doing the US98 Lax Attack Lacrosse Camp in Freeport, from Monday, June 21st to Friday, June 25th, 1:00-4:00PM each day.

I don't think anyone is happy about this intrusion of oil from the Gulf, and it will unfortunately hurt everyone across the board here. However, as you point out, there are options outside of going to the beach.

There also is a pretty cool little cave up near Marianna, but it would be a one day trip and probably not all day.

I'm sure you will receive more constructive input on here, so stay tuned.
CChandlerBeach LoverAuthor
#4
Thanks for the tips so far...we will see about heading up to the caverns for the day. I believe I visited there when I was little and swam in the water hole.

Also, are there any beach areas in the bays? I know Shell Island has great snorkeling areas in the bay, but what about Choctawatchee Bay? We would like to rent a pontoon boat and explore that way as well.
Matt J avatar
Matt JSWGB
#5
A word to the wise on the caverns, check the rainfall and call ahead. If there's been significant rain fall the caves may be closed and there's nothing like explaining that to a small child after driving an hour.

Welcome to Florida State Parks

(850) 482-9598
gardening1970 avatar
gardening1970Beach Fanatic
#6
If you decide to head east toward St. Joe, be sure to visit the St. Joseph State Park out on the peninsula of Cape San Blas (off another 30A). It's worth the trek. The gulf side is nice, but the bay side is the real hidden gem in my opinion. I can PM you pics if you'd like.

Wonderful shelling there and in Mexico Beach.
CChandlerBeach LoverAuthor
#7
If you decide to head east toward St. Joe, be sure to visit the St. Joseph State Park out on the peninsula of Cape San Blas (off another 30A). It's worth the trek. The gulf side is nice, but the bay side is the real hidden gem in my opinion. I can PM you pics if you'd like.

Wonderful shelling there and in Mexico Beach.
A PM with pics would be fantastic, thanks!
Jdarg avatar
JdargSoWal Expert
#8
The Seaside Rep has 3 kids' shows this summer!

Monday - Charlotte's Web at the Seaside Amphitheater, 7 PM

Tuesday - The Fisherman and His Wife at Watercolor at Watercolor Marina Park Amphitheater, 7 pm

Wednesday- The Tempest, adapted for younger audiences by Rep Artistic Director Brook Stetler, Rosemary Beach, 6:30 PM on the green on the north side of 30A (North Barret Square)

ALL shows are for families!!!:clap:

Charlotte opened last week, Fisherman last night- both are wonderful. The Tempest opens tonight!
Beach Runner avatar
Beach Runnerbeats on hood
#9
Considering that we've been visiting the area since our daughter was two (she's getting married in 17 days) and that she has the whitest skin on the planet, she has followed the same pattern over the years:
  • going to the beach for about 15 minutes and then spending about 30 minutes at the pool in the early AM
  • shopping
  • nomming
  • watching videos, playing video games, reading, and snoozing
  • going to the beach for about 15 minutes and then spending about 30 minutes at the pool in the late PM
  • nomming
  • watching videos, playing video games, reading, and snoozing
I predict the same pattern for her honeymoon at our beach house starting in 18 days except for a little more "snoozing.";-)

In any case, that's what our "kid" has always liked to do at the beach.

EDIT: I was permanently damaged by watching the movie "Jaws," and I passed that fear onto our daughter. We stick our toes into the surf and then go back to the house to swim in the pool. Swimming in the pool at the beach is just "beachier" and better than swimming in the pool in GA.

Edited

Pirate avatar
PirateBeach Fanatic
#10
Crabbing on one of the lakes is very fun for the kids! It only costs the price of a trap and a ladyfish or chicken leg! Of course fishing is always fun.
Beach Runner avatar
Beach Runnerbeats on hood
#11
Crabbing on one of the lakes is very fun for the kids! It only costs the price of a trap and a ladyfish or chicken leg! Of course fishing is always fun.
Oh, I was a Daddy's girl, and that's what we'd do for fun when I was a kid because he had fair skin. We'd go crabbing early AM, and then Mama would boil the crabs up for dinner. Yum!

Mama and I never got sunburns except for the first day of spring break, so we would stay at the beach from after breakfast to the time to get dressed for dinner. I always worked in time for Daddy in the AM to go crabbing because he couldn't deal with sunbathing like Mama and I did, and I adored him.
beachmouse avatar
beachmouseBeach Fanatic
#12
Also, are there any beach areas in the bays? I know Shell Island has great snorkeling areas in the bay, but what about Choctawatchee Bay? We would like to rent a pontoon boat and explore that way as well.

There's a fair amount of public park along the 331 bridge causeway, and if you find yourself further west, even more along Okaloosa Island.
Beach Bimmer avatar
Beach BimmerBeach Fanatic
#13
Hi everyone, my entire family (parents, brothers, and sister's family) will be visiting the week of June 19th-26th. We will have 7 adults and 4 kids total, ages 15, 4, 2, and 4 months...what are some good activities for the kids?

Bring the kids to Fired Up Paint-Your-Own Pottery in Seaside to paint a fishy family handprint platter together!

View attachment 17261 View attachment 17260 View attachment 17262

We helped a family do hand & footprints on a platter yesterday whose littlest one was just 7 weeks old! :wub: :wub:
scooterbug44 avatar
scooterbug44SoWal Expert
#14
Considering that we've been visiting the area since our daughter was two (she's getting married in 17 days) and that she has the whitest skin on the planet, she has followed the same pattern over the years:
  • going to the beach for about 15 minutes and then spending about 30 minutes at the pool in the early AM
  • shopping
  • nomming
  • watching videos, playing video games, reading, and snoozing
  • going to the beach for about 15 minutes and then spending about 30 minutes at the pool in the late PM
  • nomming
  • watching videos, playing video games, reading, and snoozing
I predict the same pattern for her honeymoon at our beach house starting in 18 days except for a little more "snoozing.";-)

In any case, that's what our "kid" has always liked to do at the beach.

EDIT: I was permanently damaged by watching the movie "Jaws," and I passed that fear onto our daughter. We stick our toes into the surf and then go back to the house to swim in the pool. Swimming in the pool at the beach is just "beachier" and better than swimming in the pool in GA.

What the heck is nomming? :idontno:
CChandlerBeach LoverAuthor
#15
What the heck is nomming? :idontno:
Eating:lol:
KISH7374 avatar
KISH7374Beach Fanatic
#16
There is always the Pirate Ship Cruise in Panama City. That is fun for the kids.
tistheseason avatar
tistheseasonBeach Fanatic
#19
Defintely rent bikes. That keeps my kids occupied most days when they get tired of the beach or pool. Then every night you can find something fun outside to do -- concerts, movies, etc -- check the calendars for the different areas. The little ones will most likely enjoy chasing all the other kids that are there. The older one, well, I am not sure anything really pleases a 15 year old -- so you are on your own there!
dunelover avatar
duneloverBeach Fanatic
#20
good question, we were discussing our options last night as well. Came up with those mentioned. Also considering a kayak tour that we learned about on our last trip, ecotours i think it was called...I hear Murray might know about it.

In comparison, not sure the waterparks would be that expensive and would get our vote for some time. There is one in Destin, and one in Panama City. There is an aquarium marine life learning place i have heard about besides the one in destin/okaloosa.

Checking your forum account

Please wait while we verify your forum account.

New posts