10 Fun Fall Break Activities in Destin, FL for 2025 (That Your Kids Will Love)

Fall Break is the perfect time to visit Destin, Florida — and yes, it’s still warm enough for beach days, boat rides, and dolphin spotting. Fewer crowds, cooler temps, and lower prices make this one of the most underrated times of year for a family getaway.

If you’re headed to the Emerald Coast in October or late September, here are 10 family-friendly fall break activities in Destin that will wear your kids out in the best way — while giving you some unforgettable moments to hold onto.

1. Go Fishing in the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village 🎣

Whether your kids are tiny anglers or you’re just in it for the photo ops, fishing is a must-do. Destin is famous for its fishing culture — and fall is prime time to cast a line.

Top options for families:

• 🎣 Party Boat Fishing (ages 5+) – affordable, beginner-friendly deep sea fishing

• 🐟 Inshore Charters – shorter trips with calmer waters, great for younger kids

• 🎯 Kids Trips – just 2–3 hours, with easy-to-catch fish like trout and redfish

Many charters include gear, bait, and licenses — and yes, local restaurants will cook your catch!

👉 Browse and book family-friendly Destin fishing charters

2. Soar Above the Coast with Parasailing

Yes, even grandma can do it — and yes, it’s surprisingly peaceful up there. Parasailing is a top-rated experience for families with school-aged kids and teens.

• 🚤 Fly solo or in tandem (up to 3 riders side-by-side)

• 🌊 Spot dolphins, rays, and sharks from 300 feet up

• 📸 Get unforgettable aerial views of Destin’s emerald waters

Trips start around $60 per person, with discounts often available during fall.

👉 Check prices for Destin parasailing trips

3. Take a Dolphin Cruise or Waverunner Tour 🐬

Fall is perfect for dolphin spotting — the water’s still warm, and the crowds are gone.

Our top dolphin experiences you’ll love:

• 🚢 Classic Dolphin Cruises – fun for all ages, with indoor seating and bathrooms

• 🛥️ Waverunner Dolphin Tours – thrilling and guided, ride your own ski

• 🌅 Sunset Cruises – dolphins and golden-hour magic? Yes please.

Want to DIY? Look for dolphins around the Destin Jetties, the Marler Bridge, or the harbor early in the morning.

4. Rent a Pontoon Boat for the Ultimate Water Day

This is your VIP family experience. Seriously — once you’ve floated out to Crab Island on a pontoon, there’s no going back.

• ⛱️ Holds up to 12 people (including snacks, floaties, and grandparents)

• 🛟 Easy to drive, perfect for tubing, fishing, or sandbar hopping

• 🏝️ Fall = fewer (party) boats at Crab Island and lower rental rates

Just don’t forget your boater’s license if you need it. You can take the boater’s test online in 15 minutes.

👉 Book a pontoon boat rental in Destin

5. Visit the Gulfarium for Dolphins, Sea Lions and More

Rainy day in Destin? No problem. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park on Okaloosa Island is open year-round and features:

• 🐬 Live dolphin and sea lion shows

• 🐢 Touch tanks and animal encounters

• 🐠 Covered areas for rain or sun protection

This is a great half-day trip with kids of all ages, and is one of our favorite things to do in Destin with toddlers.

👉 Book Gulfarium tickets online and save

6. Attend a Fall Festival or Event in October

Fall Break overlaps with Destin’s biggest events of the year, including:

🎣 The Destin Fishing Rodeo

• All October long

• Weigh-ins every afternoon at the Destin Harbor

• Free to watch!

Open divisions for kids, teens, adults, pier fishing, and kayaks

More info and charter booking here →

🍤 Destin Seafood Festival

• First weekend in October

• Live music, seafood vendors, family games, and more

• FREE admission and a great kickoff to the Rodeo

7. Hit Up Destin’s Best Attractions and Parks

You don’t need summer for thrills. These spots are open year-round and super family-friendly:

• 🎡 Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone – ropes course, arcade, 4D rides

• 🏎️ The Track – go karts, mini golf, thrill rides for all ages

• 🐊 Gator Beach at Fudpucker’s – yes, your kids can hold a gator

• 🌳 Henderson Beach State Park – hike, camp, fish, or just chill on a quiet beach

8. Take Family Beach Photos at Sunset 📸

Book a sunset photography session on the beach for a keepsake you’ll actually want to frame. These professional photographers know all the best golden-hour spots and will make sure even your chaotic toddler looks like a model.

Pro tip: book early for best availability during Fall Break!

👉 Check prices for beach photography in Destin

9. Bonfires, Ghost Crabs, and Beach Nights

Don’t pack it in when the sun goes down! Destin’s beaches are even better after dark:

• 🔥 Beach bonfires (by permit or tour operator only)

• 🦀 Ghost crab hunting with flashlights (fun and free)

• 🌊 Late-night walks under the stars

Or take a sunset cruise or Destin dinner cruiseand enjoy the view with a cocktail in hand while the kids count jellyfish. There’s plenty of things to do at night in Destin, even with the little ones.

10. Just… Hit the Beach. It’s Fall Break! 🏖️

No lines. No traffic. No overpriced umbrellas.

• October weather is still beach-perfect (low 80s with warm water)

• Public beach access at The Back Porch, The Crab Trap, and Henderson Park

Pack the snacks, the boogie boards, and the tiniest bit of patience and just enjoy the simplicity of beach time.

✨ Final Thoughts: Fall Break in Destin = Perfection

Fall Break is your golden opportunity to visit Destin with all the sunshine and none of the chaos. Whether your family is into fishing, festivals, or flopping on the beach with a bag of Goldfish, there’s something for everyone — and most activities are cheaperand easier to book in October.

🎟️ Ready to plan your fall family escape?

Start booking your Destin activities now →