Kids & Family

Stan, Gulf World's newest rough-toothed dolphin resident, is acclimating well to his new environment and companions. He's now living with five other rough-toothed dolphins, all rescues that were deemed non-releasable by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Stan, a 225 pound, 7 ft 1 in long rough-toothed dolphin, was originally rescued by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and transported to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitative care after he was found stranded this past June.

Bah Humbug! Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) will present the second annual performance of the holiday classic A Dickens Christmas at various venues along Northwest Florida’s Gulf coast throughout the month of December. Experience a unique adaptation of Charles Dickens’ famous story A Christmas Carol in this up close and intimate setting. Three talented professional actors seamlessly change from character to character as they bring to life the tale of Scrooge and his transformational night with three ghosts.

Shelter House will host a unique twilight run designed to shine the light on abuse in our community. The 5th Annual Luminaria Run to End Domestic & Sexual Violence will take place on Saturday, December 5 at 4:30 pm. Runners will start at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Destin and follow a course lined with more than 2,000 luminarias lighting their path.
 

It's a festive time of year in SoWal! Grand Boulevard’s sixth annual Festival of Trees will showcase 12 uniquely decorated Christmas trees from area non-profit organizations, Nov. 24 – Dec. 25 in Grand Park. Everyone's invited to join the fun and vote for their favorite tree! The winning charity will take home $2500 in prize money to help fulfill their mission.            

The Merchants of Seaside will host the 4th annual Nutcracker ballet to be performed by Northwest Florida area dancers and Ballet Pensacola. The Nutcracker performance has become a beautiful holiday tradition in the town of Seaside in South Walton, Fla. The one-time performance is free and open to the public Saturday, Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. in the Seaside Amphitheater.

The Merchants of Seaside invite you to “Turn on the Town” on Nov. 27 & 28. Combine the small-town atmosphere of a beach community parade, throw in a dash of Santa Claus, and mix with the official lighting of a remarkable town on Florida's Emerald Coast, and you have the perfect makings to kick off the holiday season in beautiful Seaside. 

Calling all Tailwaggers for the 5th annual Rosemary Beach Unleashed on Sunday, November 22 from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at St. Augustine Park. This year’s theme is Tail-Wag Tailgate so get yourself, your family and friends and your precious pups ready to show some spririt by wearing your team colors/attire. 

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is calling all kids to flitter to the SoWal beach town of Rosemary Beach for the annual Flutterby Arts Festival on Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov. 15,  from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day on the East Long Green.

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) continues its 20th anniversary with the 20th annual Festival of the Arts Oct. 24-25, 2015 at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin, Fla. One of the Southeast’s premier festivals, the two-day signature features exhibits of more than 100 artists from 12 states (and one from Europe) showcasing a diverse palette of artistic styles and mediums.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and the Sandestin Wine Festival are kicking off the holiday season with a special sparkling event. The Village of Baytowne Wharf will be lit with holiday décor and cheer for the 3rd Annual Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights event on Saturday, Nov.