Top Kid Friendly Restaurants In Destin

Destin is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and kid-friendly activities. So where do families with toddlers or young children go when its time to eat? We've rounded up some of the best restaurants for entertaining the kids while parents finish enjoying a delicious meal and libations. These popular Destin restaurants deliver food and fun! 

The Back Porch (Destin)

A local family favorite since 1974, The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House allows fun for everyone. Order your food on their beachfront deck and let the kids kick up some sand down below. Enjoy a perfect sunset while they work up an appetite and are served a meal that ties it all together. The Back Porch allows parents to relax and kids to have fun while still in eye-shot. Open daily at 11 AM, Happy Hour from 3-5 PM Address: 1740 Scenic Highway 98, Destin. (850) 837-2022

Fudpucker's (Destin)

Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill is infamous for being a kid-friendly restaurant in the heart of Destin. Kids can get a henna design or an airbrush temporary tattoo at the gift shop or spend time at Gator Beach watching more than 100 alligators down below. Purchase a bag of gator food to feed the gators or get your picture taken holding a gator for a personalized souvenir. With happy hour from (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) daily, it's fun to try the different creative libations and listen to live music while perusing an award-winning kid’s menu. Fudpucker’s strives to be #1 for family fun. Guests of Newman-Dailey receive a free crab dip and/or free gator bait (click here to receive coupon). Open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, Happy Hour from 11 AM- 4 PM. Address 20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin. (850) 654-4200

Lulu’s (Destin)

Lulu’s is known for “Fun, Food & Music.” Live music often entertains on stage and the sandy beach overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay makes the perfect playground. With indoor and beachfront seating, families can dine inside or out. Owner Lucy Buffett (yes, the late Jimmy Buffett's sister) personally created a menu of homecooked meals many of which are featured in her cookbook. While the kids play on the beach, at the arcade or get hair wraps, henna, and glitter tattoos, parents can relax and enjoy a delicious meal within a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, Happy Hour from 3 PM - 6 PM (Monday- Friday). Address: 4607 Legendary Marina Dr, Destin. (850) 710-5858

Crab Trap (Destin & Okaloosa Island)         

The Crab Trap is a seafood restaurant infamous for their tuna dip, which is smoked on the Big Green Egg. With two convenient locations overlooking the beach (Crystal Beach and Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island), it's a joy to order fresh seafood while young ones play on the beach and the beach playground. With first come, first served indoor and outdoor seating, the Crab Trap is a casual coastal restaurant that serves up fun for kids and fresh menu items for the entire family.Open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM. Address: 3500 Scenic Hwy98 East, Destin. (850) 654-2722

Surf Hut (Miramar Beach)

This restaurant is perfect for families looking for a casual beachside restaurant in the Miramar Beach and Sandestin area. Surf Hut's beachfront location allows for amazing views and direct access to the beach. With the beach as their backyard, Surf Hut has cornhole, yard games and picnic tables out back as well as outdoor and indoor seating. From fresh seafood to comfort food to a diverse kids menu, Surf Hut is a family favorite. First come first serve. Open daily from 11AM to 10PM. Address: 551 Scenic Gulf Dr, Destin, FL, 32550. (850) 460-7750

Boshamp's (Destin) 

Located on the harbor, Boshamp's Seafood and Oyster House has been around for over 40 years with the same goal in mind: "We are here to provide our guests and their family and friends with a memorable and AUTHENTIC Gulf to Table dining experience. "The way it used to be. The way it ought to be." Menu items include dishes influenced by the Emerald Coast and Alabama along with a kids menu of fried fish, chicken fingers, cheeseburger or corndog as well as their popular locally hand-crafted popsicles. Boshamps features a large outdoor area filled with seating and a small beach area for kids to play. Open from 11 AM to 9 PM. Address: 414 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL, 32541. (850) 424-7406

North Beach Social (Santa Rosa Beach)

North Beach Social takes advantage of the sun and sand. Colorful umbrellas, bistro lights and comfy seating lines the shore on their private beach overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay. Families can order at the window an then head outside for cocktails and to find a seat on the covered deck or beach area. Limited indoor seating is also available. Seasonal live music and special events are held on the outdoor deck so check their website or Facebook page for updates. Open from 11 AM to 9 PM on week days and 8 AM to 9 PM on weekends. Address: 24200 US-331, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32549. (850) 622-8110

The Bay (Santa Rosa Beach)

Award-winning seafood,  hand-crafted sushi, southern cuisine and more can be found at The Bay. This restaurant is owned by renowned Chef Jim Shirley who owns Great Southern Cafe in Seaside, The Grill Cheese truck in Seaside, The Fish House in Pensacola and North Beach Social/Farm & Fire across the street from The Bay. Chef Shirley and his team have created a diverse menu for all tastes. Overlooking a sandy shore and the Choctawhatchee Bay, the restaurant offers indoor, porch or beach seating. A ring toss game, fire pits and a stage for live music create entertainment for the entire famly. Menus include lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch with dishes for both adults and kids. Kids menu includes pasta, burgers and chicken fingers. Open from 11 AM to 9:30 PM. Address: 24215 Hwy. 331 South, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32549. (850) 622-2291

Book Your Next Destin Vacation

With so many family-friendly restaurants and activities, a Destin vacation is a win for the entire family.  View our collection of Destin Vacation Rentals online, including Gulf-front Destin condos at Jade East, and reserve your home away from home at the beach. Remember to always book direct with Newman-Dailey for our best rate guarantee and no third-party fees.

See you @ the beach!

Published on Friday, April 5, 2024