beach Archives - Dad of Divas

Beach vacation anyone? Destin, located along the Emerald Coast in Florida’s panhandle, is a must-visit with the family. As a dad, there is a ton to be had with the kiddos at the beach, and at Destin’s beaches in particular.

Known around the world for its soft, white sand and emerald green waters, there is no end to fun beach experiences that happen here. Think about it. Snorkeling and exploring the world beneath the waves, as the kids get excited when they find small fish, crabs, sand dollars, and more. Building sandcastles on the beach with moats and bridges to protect the fortress from imaginary sea creature invasions. Relaxing under the sun while the kids bury your legs in the sand, turning you into a mermaid, and using their creativity to decorate your new tail with shells they find in the sand. And this is just the start of your beach vacation fun!

When you need a break from the sand and sun, Destin also offers a number of attractions that are fun for both dads and the kids. Check out these spots to add another level of excitement to your vacation.

Destin Kids Fishing

Love to fish? Never fished before, but want to give it a try? No matter your fishing experience, Destin Kids Fishing by Destin Inshore Guides provides an awesome venture for the whole family. This charter fishing experience is the only one that focuses specifically on kid trips. With experienced captains at the helm, you and the kids will have the opportunity to learn more about fishing in the area, as well as have fun casting and catching plenty of fish! Besides a chartered fishing boat experience, there are also general, family-fun boating packages that include all sorts of fishing, dolphin cruising, and exploring secluded areas that will have you making memories that last a lifetime.

Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park

With over 40 attractions, Big Kahuna’s is the largest water park on the Emerald Coast, and it is a dad and kid-friendly adventure. Attractions include water slides, rivers, pools, kiddie rides, and an adventure park. Have a mini-golf tournament with the kids – winner gets to pick the restaurant for dinner! Or relax as you float down the lazy river and the kids enjoy the giant wave pool or surf the halfpipe. With so many options, this attraction will keep you busy all day long.

The Track Destin

The awesome vacation experience does not end with the beach, a fishing boat, or a water park. The Track Destin is the ultimate spot for family fun. This venue features multiple go-kart tracks, including a unique elevated track, which are perfect for some father/kid competitions! Additional attractions include an arcade, thrill rides, kiddie rides, and bumper boats.

Experience Destin the right way with each of these vacation attractions that will have you and the kids laughing and having a good time – the whole time! Ready to start planning your getaway? Visit the Ocean Reef Resorts website to book your stay at one of their family-friendly Destin vacation homes or condos.

Planning a day at the beach with kids

Summer is just around the corner and nothing is more fun for the whole family than a day at the beach with kids. If you live close to a beach, a staycation is a great vacation idea for families. It’s a great way to have fun and save money.

A beach staycation can mean more than just swimming. There are many fun things to do at the beach, from boating to beach volleyball.

There are a few things to keep in mind when you plan a trip to the beach, including comfort, safety and fun. Yes, it’s true, the beach isn’t just about fun, but if you go prepared you can make sure the whole time is a fun experience and a memorable one.

Comfort

Comfort is important for a trip to the beach because you want to make sure you have a chance to relax and enjoy the sun and sand. That means having the right towels, the right wardrobe and even the right chair. Make sure that bathing suites fit, and stay in place, before heading out. This will help avoid any embarrassing moments. Make sure to bring sandals, sunglasses, a beach hat and even a change of clothes if necessary.

The right seating is important too. While it might be fun to sit in the sand, why not bring along heavy duty chairs from Beach Mall. A comfortable chair that can stand up the the beach and climbing kids is definitely a must have for the perfect beach vacation.

Safety

If you have young children that don’t know how to swim well, make sure to bring flotation devices. It also helps to choose a beach that has a lifeguard on duty.

Keep a first aid kit in your vehicle. Sometimes a trip to the beach can result in a cut foot from someone’s broken glass hidden in the sand, a bug bite, or even sunburn.

Speaking of sunburn, always bring sunscreen. Find one with an SPF of 30, or more, and make sure that it protects from UVA and UVB rays. If the sunscreen is not waterproof it may need to be reapplied numerous times, depending how much time you spend on the beach.

Fun

While a visit to the beach itself is fun, it sometimes helps to bring some fun things with you.

Make the kids leave technology at home, and set an example by doing the same. Tech gadgets don’t do well clogged up with sand anyway.

Take a beach ball, beach noodles, and other fun beach toys with you. Depending on the beach rules, you might even be able to bring the family dog to play for the day.

If your beach rents out any kinds of boats or wave runners it might be fun to rent one for a bit. Just make sure everyone wears their life jacket and follows safety rules.

Beach volleyball is also another fun sport, mainly for older kids. You can always bring your own set-up if the beach doesn’t have one, and invite other beach goers to play too.

The important thing is to make sure everyone is safe and having fun, together.

Destin Florida is a Great Florida Vacation Spot for Families!

Planning a day at the beach with kids #DadChat