Summer is peaking this month, and we’ve scoured all the Destin 30A July events happening in our area for July 4th and beyond to put together this curated list of the most interesting kid-friendly options, so let’s get right to it!
STEAM MACHINE – Fort Walton Beach
Every Tuesday-Thursday now through July 31
If you’re needing someplace indoors and air conditioned to take the kids this July (and let’s be real Destin 30A mamas, don’t we all?), the Emerald Science Center is hosting STEAM-themed events every Tuesday-Thursday with different kid-friendly activities every week on subjects like beach ecology, human biology, engineering, robotics, and more. Check their link above for more details!
Access to the STEAM Machine is included with general admission to the museum which costs $12 adults/seniors/kids. Children 2 and under are free.
Improv Bootcamp For Kids! – Seaside
Every Tuesday and Thursday in July
From their website: “It’s time to level up with Improv Bootcamp for Kids! At The REP, not only do we perform and share stories, but we also share the craft of storytelling and theatre arts with local and visiting students. In our popular Improv Bootcamp workshops, students jump into action by learning all the basics of improv comedy and performance with unique challenges, teamwork exercises, and interactive theatre games. Improv Bootcamp is virtually the best for boosting your child’s creativity and providing a fun, engaging experience kids will love.”
$25 per class. $20 for Rep members. Ages 5-12.
Family Movie Night At The Big Chill – Watersound
Every Wednesday and Saturday This Month
Family Movie Nights continue in July with more kid-friendly cinema favorites! July film screenings kick off on July 3rd with WALL-E and July 6th with ONWARD. Other July movies include CAMP HIDEOUT, LUCA, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (2017), MONSTERS INC. and more. Check the link above for more details!
Free. Movies are played on the jumbotron and under the pavilion.
Adventures In Alys – Alys Beach
July 1 and every Monday this month
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.
Movie Monday At Baytowne Wharf – Miramar Beach
July 1 and every of the month
From their website: “Grab a lawn chair or blanket and cozy up on the Events Plaza Lawn for a featured film.” The July 1 movie is SECRETARIAT, followed by HOLES, MUMMIES, DUMBO, and THE LITTLE MERMAID later in the month.
Free.
Sunset Camp At Gulfarium – Fort Walton Beach
July 2, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
From their website: “Enjoy an evening out while your children have an unforgettable experience at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park! Our Sunset Camp includes a dockside encounter with a dolphin, an exploratory venture along the beautiful Emerald Coast beach at dusk, ocean-themed activities, a scavenger hunt, and dinner at Seal Harbor.”
For ages 6-14. $89 for the first child, 25% each additional child within the same reservation. Reservations strongly encouraged and can be made through the website linked above.
Wild Sea Turtle Wednesdays At The Big Chill – Watersound
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
From their website: “Join South Walton Turtle Watch on Wednesday mornings for “Wild Sea Turtle Wednesday”. Learn about sea turtles, paint, adopt a hatchling and take the Jr. Ocean Ranger pledge to help keep our beaches clean, dark and flat for nesting sea turtles and baby hatchlings!”
Free.
Alys Beach Donut Eating Contest – Alys Beach
July 4
From their website: “Join us in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre on Tuesday, July 4th to kick-off our favorite star-spangled holiday than with a good, old-fashioned donut eating contest! Proudly sponsored by Charlie’s Delights, whose donuts have long been an Alys Beach tradition, this contest is sure to be one for the record books. Whether you participate as a contestant or come to cheer on the eating, we invite you to join Alys Beach and Charlie’s Delights for a sweet and festive start to the Fourth of July celebrations.”
Free to spectate. Event registration fees as follows – Children 6 and under: 8 donut holes, $5; Youth 7-12: 4 donuts, $10; Youth 13-17: 6 donuts, $10; Adults 18+: 8 donuts, $15. See website above for more contest info.
Guided Nature Hike – Panama City Beach
July 4
Did you know that Florida state parks offer fun and free events throughout the year? If you’re looking for something else to do outdoors this July that doesn’t involve the beach or a boat, Camp Helen State Park offers a free guided nature hike guided by park ranger staff! Less than an hour’s drive away, this Destin 30A July event is perfect if you’ve got a nature-loving kiddo or just someone who likes meandering through nature and learning about different flora and fauna along the way.
Free to attend. Park entry is $4 per vehicle. Please dress for the weather and BYO water bottle and insect protection.
Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular – Seaside
July 4
Here’s the description of last year’s celebration from their website to give you a sense of what to expect (check their website for updates to this year’s celebration): “The biggest celebration of the year in Seaside, Florida! A favorite among locals and visitors alike – the day is filled with patriotic spirit, music, and fun! Our Block Party begins at 9 a.m. and continues throughout the morning, with live music by a roaming brass band throughout the day and a Pops Concert at 6:30 p.m. by Sinfonia Gulf Coast as the sun sets into the Gulf. At 8:30 p.m., the largest fireworks show on the Gulf Coast takes place over the water…. The Block Party includes Face painters, Uncle Sam Stilt Walker, Caricaturists, Juggler, Balloon Twisters, and Ventriloquist.”
Free to attend.
Red, White, and Baytowne – Miramar Beach
July 4
From their website: “Join us this 4th of July for our spectacular Red, White, and Baytowne celebration! Enjoy LIVE music from Below Alabama on the Events Plaza Stage from 7:00-9:15pm, followed by a fireworks display that will light up the night sky at 9:15pm. The Village of Baytowne Wharf will also host kids activities including kids crafts, face painting, and balloon sculpting.”
Free.
For more ideas on where to see July 4th celebrations, check out the Destin 30A Guide To Independence Day Fireworks here!
Sounds Like Summer – Inlet Beach
July 11, 18, 25
Free.
Know of some other must-do Destin30A July events that you think should be on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
