February is such an underrated time of the year. It’s the shortest month of 2024 (yes even with the extra day for Leap Year) but also is jam-packed with a wide variety of special days and celebrations. There’s so much to love about this sweet little month, including Black History Month, Mardi Gras, and – of course – Valentine’s Day! We know it can be hard to decide what to do when there’s so many choices. So here’s our family-friendly Destin 30A February events roundup to help you out!
Homeschool Week at the Gulfarium – Fort Walton Beach
Now through February 2
From their website: “Don’t miss out on this chance to blend learning and fun at the Gulfarium! Bring your homeschool group, explore marine life with captivating animal chats and presentations, and make lasting memories. Dive into the world of discovery with us at Homeschool Week!”
All school-aged children (ages 3-17) will receive general admission for $12 and one parent/chaperone with each group will receive admission for $20. School-aged kids can also receive 25% off animal encounters.
Black History Month at the Armament Museum – Elgin
February 1
From the website: “Join us for the exciting 24 Black History Month Opening Ceremony at the Air Force Armament Museum, Eglin Air Force Base, FL, USA. This in-person event will kick off a month-long celebration of African American history, culture, and achievements. Be a part of this inspiring ceremony and immerse yourself in events that exhibits & honor the contributions of African Americans throughout history. Learn about influential figures, pivotal events, and cultural milestones that have shaped our world. Experience the power of storytelling, music, and art as we celebrate the achievements and resilience of the black community. Connect with like-minded individuals, engage in thought-provoking conversations, and broaden your understanding of the African American experience. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate diversity, unity, and progress.”
Free and open to the public. The museum is free every day. There will also be a closing ceremony on February 29.
Valentine’s Day Craft (For Tweens and Teens) – Panama City
February 6
If you’ve got a teen who’s looking for something fun to do around Valentine’s Day with other kids their age, here’s an event that might spark their interest at the Bay County Library. They will get to make their own unique Valentine’s Day cards.
Free. Registration required. For tweens and teens ages 12-17.
Harborwalk Village Mardi Gras Celebration – Destin
February 10
Let the good times roll at this fun Mardi Gras celebration along Destin Harbor! There will be live music, colorful and creative floats, street performers, and of course – Mardi Gras beads. This is sure to make the Destin 30A February events highlight reel of fun local activities to do with your children!
Free.
Fort Mardi Gras 5K Fun Run/Walk – Fort Walton Beach
February 10
The 6th Annual Fort Mardi Gras 5K Fun Run/Walk is designed for racers of all skill levels and ages. Strollers, teams, and leashed dogs welcome! The event website promises to have Mardi Gras beads, vendors, music, gumbo, smoothies, and more family-friendly fun.
Kids 12 and under are free with adult registration or school group participation. All race participants will receive a custom Mardi Gras medal and race sponsor bag.
Baytowne Mardi Gras Parade – Miramar Beach
February 11
From their website: “Mardi Gras is BIGGER and BETTER than ever at The Village of Baytowne Wharf! This year, the Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade and the Mardi Gras Dog Parade are joining forces for one festive event! “Laissez les bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll) with unique, colorful floats, golf carts, and trucks as well as costumed dogs and owners filling the streets with Mardi Gras cheer. Marchers are dressed up in all their Mardi Gras best and shower parade-goers with a barrage of beads, moon pies, and other trinkets. Baytowne is looking for Krewes to join in the Mardi Gras festivities.”
Free for spectators. There is a small fee to participate as a dog walker or float in the parade and advanced registration for parade participants is required.
Family Valentine’s Day Party at The Big Chill – Watersound Beach
February 16
It’s never too late to celebrate love, right? There will be a photo booth and Valentine’s Day themed digital trivia for the entire family to play together. According to the poster for this event the craft will be making Valentine’s Day cards – sounds like a lovely example of the fun Destin 30A February events our area has to offer local families!
Free.
Barbie Movie Screening and Party – Destin
February 16
Join the Destin Library for a screening of the cultural phenomenon and now an Oscar-nominated film: BARBIE. This event will include a costume contest, crafts, themed snacks, and of course a showing of the movie which is PG-13.
Free.
Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K Race Weekend – Seaside
February 16-18
Support one of Florida’s oldest public charter schools at their annual family-friendly half marathon and 5K race! The race weekend begins with a Taste of the Race special event foodie experience on Friday night, followed by a kid-friendly fun run and expo on Saturday. The big event races will be held on Sunday, and proceeds go towards the school. The course runs along the scenic coastal dune lakes of Highway 30A.
Student/Child ages 6-18 5k race entry is $50 plus a $3 sign up fee. All participants will receive a Vera Bradley grand tote made from recycled cotton plus a race t shirt, virtual goody bag, and more.
Cirque Under The Stars – Panama City Beach
February 22-24
From their website: “Come out to this family friendly cirque event and show to see amazing aerial acrobatic performances, cirque performers and fire acts! Created locally by Santa Rosa Beach Aerial Arts; featuring local performers and businesses from through out the Panhandle and the United States. Bringing you an exciting and thrilling show exclusive to the Panhandle. On site we will have food trucks, refreshments, pre-show entertainment and family activities.”
General Admission Early Bird pricing is $30 for adults and $20 for kids under 10. This is an outdoor festival style show so you must bring your own seating. There will be food vendors on site providing food for an additional cost.
A Musical Celebration of Black History Month – Pensacola
February 24
Though there will be several performances in this series during the month of February, there is a special event on February 24 geared specifically for kids at the Pensacola library, which could be a great way to introduce your youngsters to Jazz music and celebrate black American culture. From their website: “Jazz Pensacola and the West Florida Public Libraries invite you to celebrate the rich African American roots of Jazz with us! Join our upcoming Jazz events with the JazzAbouts where the soulful rhythms and vibrant melodies pay homage to the incredible contributions of African American musicians. Immerse yourself in the cultural journey of Jazz and groove to the beats that tell a story of resilience, creativity, and the power of musical expression. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration of Jazz heritage.”
Free.
Babytime At The Library – Destin
February 26
Join librarian Sadie at the Destin Library for this weekly storytime event geared towards babies and lapsitters every Wednesday. There will be songs, dancing, and rhymes in addition to the star event – storytime!
Free. Storytime takes place on the floor with babies ages 0-2 sitting on their caregiver’s laps. There is a limited number of floor cushions and attendees are welcome to bring their own from home.
Whichever Destin 30A February events you choose to do with your kiddos this month, we hope you have a lovely time! And if you attend one of the events listed above and walk to share a pic to social media, be sure to tag us so we can see your fun day!
