Family Activities Along Florida’s Emerald Coast
With gorgeous white-sand beaches and emerald green ocean, Florida’s Emerald Coast is a popular family vacation destination. Building sand castles, playing in the surf and flying kites on the beach are popular activities on the Emerald Coast beaches. But what do you do when the kids are tired of having fun in the sun? Destin, Ft. Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island are home to many family attractions. Below are a few fun family attractions that I got to check out on my recent visit.
Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill
Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill features a truly unique atmosphere and design geared for family fun and dining. Casual family dining is available in the Grill where you can select from a menu featuring a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, and gourmet flatbreads. There is something for everyone.
An island-theme decor offers visitors the experience of feeling like they are underwater exploring the skeletal remains of a sunken ship. Looking up, visitors can see the battered, barnacle and coral-encrusted wooden hull, an old rusted iron chain and the iron rail around the bow. A host of exotic fish swim in and around the wreck while Dorado and sharks, suspended from the ceiling, appear to swim overhead.
After you’ve enjoyed a great meal, you can bowl in the ocean! 16 full lanes of bowling offer a unique underwater ocean experience! There are custom bowling balls that bear the likeness of octopus, mermaids, camouflage and more. “Dock” wooden lanes feature underwater scenery of sea turtles, sharks, stingrays and other saltwater species! Handpainted murals and fish hanging from the ceiling bring everything together for a deep sea dive like no other. You have to see it to believe it!
Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill is located at 4100 Legendary Drive, Destin, FL 32541..
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is where you want to go for educational fun. Featuring dolphin and sea lion shows, the marine park is also home to seals, turtles, alligators, harbor seals and more.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is dedicated to educating, entertaining, and inspiring guests of all ages to respect and preserve wildlife by providing unique and memorable experiences and a chance to connect with marine life.
See sharks and dolphins up close. Dip your hands into our stingray estuary and marvel at the tranquility of these gentle fish as they glide under your fingertips. Various animal encounters are available. You can snorkel with stingrays and sharks, feed penguins and watch otters play.
You can even become a VIP trainer and work side-by-side with the staff to learn what it takes to train and care for marine mammals. There is so much to see, do, and learn at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is located at 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548.
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone is Northwest Florida’s largest family entertainment center, located on Okaloosa Island just outside of Destin in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Featuring 17,000 square feet of air conditioned space, housing a state-of-the-art redemption arcade, a 4D Movie Theater, a Laser Maze, Salvati’s Pizza Factory, and YogoMogo’s Creamy Cool Creations, Wild Willy’s provides fun and entertainment rain or shine.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Step outside and challenge yourself on two Dinosaur themed Mini Golf Courses, a Spinning Roller Coaster, a Reverse Bungee Trampoline, and remote control Battle Boats!
I highly recommend the 18-hole fully animatronic golf course where dinosaurs come alive. It’s so cool! The golf course is very well lit after dark, if you want to play a round after dinner.
And for you daredevils one of the most alluring attractions at Wild Willy’s is the Tree Top Challenge ropes course. Test your balance and nerves up to 60 feet the air!
After you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure teed your face with Italian brick oven pizzas at Salvati’s Pizza Factory and treat yourself to dairy fresh soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt at Yogo Mogos. You can easily spend an entire day at Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone.
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone is located at 1306 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach , FL 32548.
There is so much for family’s to do on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be great. After all this fun, you’ve probably worked up quite an appetite. Be sure to check out these Destin area restaurants.
That big ship looks really fun way up high what a nice place. Thank you, Jerri Davis