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 27
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 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. At the end of each week, our improv students advance to the next stage in the Friday Friends and Finale showcase, where they show off their new and improved skills. 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 5th with MONSTERS INC and July 8th with THE GOOD DINOSAUR. Other July movies include THE LION KING, PETE’S DRAGON, and FROZEN 2. Check the link above for more details!
Free. Movies are played on the jumbotron and under the pavilion.
The Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival – Destin
July 3
From the website: “Destin Commons is celebrating Independence Day with a new event, the Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival. On Monday, July 3, the streets of Destin Commons will be home to 25+ different food trucks, giving guests endless access to an assortment of creative cuisine from Thai, to tacos, sweet treats and more. Attendees will also have access to a QR code that once scanned will enter them into a 2-night stay giveaway with The Island. That evening, guests will also enjoy live music from rock bands Duchess and Tobacco Road, with a vibrant fireworks show to top off the night.”
The event is free to attend and guests will be able to purchase from each individual food truck at their will.
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.”
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.
Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular – Seaside
July 4
From their website: “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 the TRIPPP 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.
Wild Sea Turtle Wednesdays At The Big Chill – Watersound
July 5, 12, 19, and 26
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.
Pier Park Mall Summer Concert Series – Panama City Beach
July 6, 13, 20, and 27
From their website: “Pier Park welcomes the 2023 Summer Concert Series back to adjacent Aaron Bessant Park! Locals and visitors can enjoy FREE concerts every Thursday night from June 8 to August 10. The concerts start at 7 p.m. and feature everything from country to alternative music. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, coolers with refreshments, snacks and your pets to get comfortable under the stars. You could even win a Pier Park swag bag! Call 850-233-5045 for details!”
Free.
Guided Nature Hike – Panama City Beach
July 6
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! 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.
Aly Beach Summer Reels – Alys Beach
July 6, 13, 20, and 27
Take in a family-friendly movie under the stars at the Aly Beach amphitheater. This summer screening series kicks off in July with LADY AND THE TRAMP, PETER PAN, and RUDY. See link above for more film details!
Free. BYO low-back chairs and blankets. Henry’s Pizza Truck will be available for food and beverage for purchase.
Destin Library’s Turtles & Trash – Destin
July 13
From their website: “Learn about sea turtles at Turtles & Trash with Jessica Valek from the Tourist Development Center.”
Free. All ages welcome but suggested for ages 6+.
Destin Library’s Wonderful Worms – Destin
July 20
Not all Destin30A July events are fun and games – some are creepy and crawly (but still cool)! Join the Children’s Librarian for this up close and personal event to learn all about worms and worm communities. Perfect for a kiddo who’s curious about the world around them and/or likes to get their hands a little dirty?
Free. A special snack is included. We cannot confirm or deny if that snack will be worms. If it is though, we sincerely hope for your sake that they are gummy worms!
Know of some other must-do Destin30A July events that you think should be on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
