While there are a boatload of fun and family-friendly Destin 30A April events happening in our area, the majority of them start with an E – E for Easter Monday and Earth Day! We have sorted through all the local options – the ones that start with E as well as the whole spectrum of the alphabet – to create this curated list of what we think are the most interesting local events to spark your family’s joy.
Movie Monday – Baytowne
April 1
From the Baytowne Wharf website: “Grab a lawn chair or blanket and cozy up on the Events Plaza Lawn for a featured film.” The movie they will be playing on April 1st is Peter Rabbit – just in time for Easter Monday!
Free.
Adventures in Alys – Alys Beach
April 4
From their website: “Join the Seaside Repertory Theatre for a completely original storytelling experience for children of all ages at the Splash Pad in the Amphitheatre. Watch as a new, one-of-a-kind Adventure in Alys is created by the audience (and maybe even join in the stories yourselves)!”
Free.
Outdoor Family Movie Night – Seaside
Every Friday now through April 28
From their website: “Grab your blankets & chairs and head to the Seaside Amphitheater for a family movie under the stars. The movie begins at 7:30 PM, weather permitting. Follow the link for the movie review to check if it is the right fit for you and your family.
Movie Schedule
April 5: Wish
April 12: Toy Story 4
April 19: Wall-E
April 26: Wonka”
Free.
Daddy and Daughter Date Night – Pensacola
April 6
From their event page: “Join us for a special evening of fun and bonding at the Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center! This in-person event is the perfect opportunity for dads and their daughters to create lasting memories together. Get ready for an evening filled with laughter, fun, and delicious eats. Dress up, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to have a date night away! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night with your little princess. Mark your calendars and get ready to make some magical memories at Daddy and Daughter Date Night 2024!”
Tickets are $25 per attendee.
Partial Solar Eclipse Viewing at the Bay County Library – Panama City
April 8
You don’t have to travel to a state that is perfectly under the path of totality to celebrate this special solar eclipse! From the the Bay County Library website: “Meet in the lobby and then go out to view the 75% Solar Eclipse with Khelsea, NASA Solar System Ambassador. Do not look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing, or a safe indirect viewing method.”
Community Yard Sale – Destin
April 10
While not technically an Earth Day event, reselling and thrifting for gently used items certainly qualifies as a way to reduce your family’s waste and be kinder to the planet! Clean out your garage but not your wallet by selling and shopping second hand.
Free to attend and shop. $15 for city residents and $20 for non-Destin residents to have one parking section with a table and 2 chairs provided by the city. Additional parking sections can be purchased and there is a limit of one city table per reservation but sellers are welcome to bring an additional table from home.
Pittman Magic, Juggling, and Comedy – Watersound Beach
April 13
From their website: “We are SO excited to have Julian & Melody Pittman’s Magic Show here at The Big Chill! Gather around and watch the magic unfold in front of you! The Pittman’s create, choreograph, and produce many different shows that feature Vegas-style grand stage illusions, comedic stage magic, interactive moments with the audience, unique juggling skills, daring balancing feats, and many more magical surprises!”
Free.
Homeschool Field Day – Fort Walton Beach
April 18
If you’re a homeschooling family, here’s one specifically for you from this list of Destin 30A events in our area! This outdoor day of friendly competition and fun includes the following classic field day activities: 3 Legged Race, Potato Sack Race, Hula Hoop Contest, Egg Spoon Relay, Bean Bag Toss, 20 or 40 yd Dash, Jump Rope Contest, Wheelbarrow Race, Tug-O-War, Bubble and Chalk Stations, and Water Balloon Toss (last event of the day). There will be snacks and an awards ceremony.
Free. RSVP and completed waiver forms required. BYO lunch.
Military Appreciation Day – Fort Walton Beach
April 20
From the Emerald Coast Science Center website: “It’s Military Appreciation Day at the museum! All active duty members, veterans, and their families receive free admission to the museum today with valid military ID. Simply present your military ID at check in to receive museum access for your family. Check out the sciPad and play interactive games on our room-sized iPad from 12-3 p.m. Join us for a Creature Feature at 1:30 p.m. where you can get up close with some of the center’s Animal Ambassadors. Seating for the Creature Feature is available on a first come, first served basis. No reservations accepted. Museum indoor exhibit halls and outdoor exploration spaces are open 10 a.m.-3 p.m.“
Free with military ID (see above for details).
Earth Day Cleanup – Miramar Beach
April 22
Here’s one of our favorite Destin 30A April events because it’s a fun excuse to spend the day at the beach and also help out our planet! From their website: “Help clean the shoreline by removing plastics and other debris harmful to local wildlife, bay water and natural resources along the Sandestin® boundary of Choctawatchee Bay. Refreshments will be provided by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort®.”
Free.
Family Game Day – Panama City
April 27
If you’re looking for ways to connect with your tweens, when all they seem to want to do lately is stare at a screen and play video games, here’s an idea! Bay County Library is hosting this family-friendly events for parents and tweens alike. Play Mario Kart and a variety of board games that you may not have at home already.
Free. Geared for families with children ages 6-11. Parents must stay with their children.
Beach Clean Up – Panama City Beach
April 27
Earth Day may have passed but it’s never too late to help the planet right? From their website: “Join Ron Jon Surf Shop and the Pier Park team on Saturday, April 27 to help clean up our beaches AND help a worthy cause! Meet us at the Russell-Fields Pier at 8 a.m. The first 100 volunteers will receive giveaways and will be entered to win a Ron Jon surfboard plus a $250 Pier Park swag bag! Ron Jon will provide cleanup supplies and will donate to the United Way of Northwest Florida.“
Free.
Mommy and Me Afternoon Tea – Pensacola
April 28
From their event page: “Dive into a world of whimsy and wonder with your child, as we celebrate play, laughter, and pure enchantment together. Dress Code: Encourage your little ones to don their favorite magical attire – be it a dragon, fairy, queen, magic rabbit, dinosaur, or any whimsical character that sparks their imagination. Our host will be adorned in her favorite Wonderland character to warmly welcome you. Activities Await: Art & Coloring: Unleash creativity with a delightful art and coloring activity. Special Guest Appearances: Prepare for enchanting surprises and magical moments. Herbal Tea, Juice & Cupcakes: Delight in a charming spread of treats fit for magical beings. Magical Music & Games: Dance to enchanting tunes and partake in whimsical games. Photo Opportunities: Capture the magic with memorable snapshots.”
Intended for ages 2-12 but all ages welcome. Ticket for 1 adult plus 1 child is $55. 2nd child ticket is $11. Third and more child tickets are $5.
Hoppy April everyone!
