Things to Do With Kids on the Emerald Coast: Pensacola to Destin

Looking for things to do with kids from Pensacola to Destin?

You don’t need an expensive attraction or an entire day at the beach to keep the kids entertained on Florida’s Emerald Coast. From Pensacola through Gulf Breeze, Navarre and Fort Walton Beach to Destin, there are parks, playgrounds, splash pads and plenty of places to grab a sweet treat along the way.

We’ve rounded up some of our family’s favorite stops across the Emerald Coast. Mix and match them to build an easy morning or afternoon with the kids.

Pensacola With Kids

Bruce Beach Park

Bruce Beach Park is a waterfront park near downtown Pensacola with an actual playground, walking areas, green space and views of Pensacola Bay.

It’s an especially easy addition to a day spent exploring downtown Pensacola rather than something that needs to become an entire outing on its own.

Playbook Tip: Bruce Beach has experienced water-quality advisories. We treat this as a park and playground stop rather than a swimming destination. Always check current water-quality information before entering the water.

Community Maritime Park

Located beside the Blue Wahoos stadium, Community Maritime Park offers waterfront views and a large amount of open green space where kids can run around.

It’s another easy stop to combine with downtown Pensacola, a Blue Wahoos game or one of the family events held around the park.

Legion Field & Splash Pad

Legion Field combines a playground and splash pad in one stop.

One particularly useful thing to know: the splash pad has to be activated. Look for the button on the small white pole near the splash-pad area.

If you’ve watched our Gulf Breeze Playbook, you already know why we appreciate clear splash-pad instructions.

Gulf Breeze With Kids

Sunset Kids Park & Sunset Splash Pad

Sunset Kids Park combines a playground and splash pad, making it an easy warm-weather stop with younger kids.

The splash pad has personally defeated us when it comes to figuring out how to activate it, so if you know the secret, we’d love to hear it.

Swensen Park

Swensen Park is a smaller neighborhood park in Gulf Breeze.

We’ve been to a couple of birthday parties here, and its playground, open space and pavilion make it a useful option for parties, meetups or simply letting the kids play for a while.

Tiger Point Park

Tiger Point Park is one of the more substantial park options in the Gulf Breeze area.

There are multiple playground areas geared toward different age groups, a track that loops around the park, plenty of shade and pavilion areas.

If you’re looking for a park where the kids can stay occupied for longer than a quick playground stop, put this one on your list.

Sweet Treats in Gulf Breeze

Breeze Donuts

Breeze Donuts is one of our favorite morning stops in Gulf Breeze.

The donuts are excellent, but don’t overlook the kolaches. Pair it with one of the nearby parks for an easy morning outing.

Because it closes earlier in the day, check current hours before heading over.

Coastal Chill Creamery

Coastal Chill Creamery is centrally located in Gulf Breeze and makes an easy ice-cream stop during a day around town.

One detail we especially like for families is the cute games available at the tables, giving the kids something to do while everyone hangs out and finishes their ice cream.

Islander Ice Cream

Islander Ice Cream is another Gulf Breeze option on our list.

We haven’t tried this one yet, so the official Emerald Coast Playbook verdict is still coming. If you’ve been, let us know what we need to order.

Navarre With Kids

Navarre Park & Splash Pad

Navarre Park is one of the easiest family stops in Navarre because several activities are located together.

There’s a playground, splash pad, walking areas and a waterfront setting along Santa Rosa Sound.

Let the kids play, cool down at the splash pad and then walk along the water without having to move the car.

Playbook Tip: The splash pad is closed on Mondays for maintenance. Seasonal schedules can change, so check current operating information before visiting.

Sweet Treats in Navarre

Navarre gives families plenty of choices when it’s time for something sweet.

Beignets & Brew

Beignets & Brew combines fresh beignets with coffee, making this one especially useful when the adults need a treat too.

Just accept that powdered sugar will end up everywhere.

Beach Babe Beignets

Beach Babe Beignets is still on our personal list to try, but we’ve heard great things about it.

If you’ve already been, let us know what we need to order.

Turtle Roll

Turtle Roll stands out for more than the treats.

There’s a nice outdoor seating area with games and grassy space where the kids can hang out. Instead of grabbing dessert and immediately getting everyone back into the car, you can stay and enjoy the space for a while.

The Twist

The Twist sits a little back from Highway 98 and is a very popular Navarre ice-cream stop.

We’ve seen some seriously long lines here, so keep that in mind during busy periods. There’s clearly a reason people keep lining up.

Tommy’s Snoballs

If you want a break from ice cream, Tommy’s Snoballs offers tons of flavors and is another Navarre stop we’ve covered before.

Between beignets, ice cream and Snoballs, finding dessert in Navarre shouldn’t be a problem.

Fort Walton Beach With Kids

Liza Jackson Park

Liza Jackson Park combines a playground and waterfront setting with educational elements throughout the park.

Look for signs and information about local wildlife while walking around with the kids. It gives families something to talk about and explore beyond simply visiting the playground.

It’s an easy way to sneak a little learning into a park day.

Fort Walton Beach Splash Pad

Fort Walton Beach has another splash-pad option for families looking to cool down during the warmer months.

Splash-pad hours and seasonal schedules can change, so check current operating information before visiting.

Destin With Kids

Destin Commons Splash Pad

Destin Commons is known for shopping, restaurants and entertainment, but families with younger children should remember the splash pad.

Because you’re already surrounded by shopping and places to eat, it’s an easy way to give the kids some playtime without planning another separate attraction.

Build Your Own Pensacola-to-Destin Family Day

One of the best things about these stops is that you don’t need to visit them all.

Pick a park. Find a splash pad. Grab something sweet.

That’s an afternoon.

And because these options stretch from Pensacola through Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Fort Walton Beach and Destin, you can build an outing around whichever part of Florida’s Emerald Coast you’re visiting.

We’ll continue updating Emerald Coast Playbook as we find more parks, playgrounds, splash pads and family-friendly stops worth adding to the list.

Have a favorite we missed? Send it our way.

Add it to the list.