You know how it goes. You’re on the beach relaxing, taking in the summer sun when suddenly… an ominous gray cloud approaches, you hear the first rumblings of thunder, and a few droplets fall on your suntanned skin that certainly did not come from the crashing waves. Oh no! A rainy day at the beach on Destin? Fear not, a little rain is not enough to ruin your vacation. There are plenty of indoor activities in Destin to make fun memories for you and your family. Read on for all the best indoor activities in Destin.
Indoor Activities in Destin
There’s no shortage of things to do on a rainy day in Destin. Here are some activities you can do when you’re not hitting up the beach or going on a boat ride.
Go See a Movie
Gather up the kids and check out a movie. Destin boasts a historical theater that gives you a quaint experience. There’s Downtown Cinema Plus aka Suds n Cinema, which has dining type seating, and serves pizza and sandwiches along with wine and beverages. Snap a picture in front of the gorgeous neon facade. Or if you’d rather a more standard movie experience, with IMAX offerings and lounge seating, there’s AMC CLASSIC Boulevard 10. If you’re craving a different indoor adventure, there’s XD Dark ride Interactive Movie Theater at the HarborWalk Village.
Play Some Games
Looking for more things to do inside? Test your teamwork skills as a family and solve a mindbending, interactive puzzle at the Escape Zone 60. The 16,000 sq ft indoor arcade at Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone is enough to keep the family active for hours. But Willy’s also has a laser maze, a 4D movie theater and an inflatable zone. Grab your roller skates and day-glo gear and head over to Fort Sk8t Family Fun Center, where there’s also an indoor bounce house along with a roller rink. If you enjoy bowling, Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill has over 16 underwater themed bowling lanes (watch your ball return to you through the mouth of a shark or alligator). Get a good workout at Rock out Climbing Gym, but be forewarned that there are no ropes or harnesses. If you enjoy psychedelic surroundings, be sure to check out the Rainforest Black Light Golf and Arcade for some glow in the dark, jungle themed mini golf.
Learn Some History
There are plenty of indoor cultural activities and local treasures to explore in Destin. The Emerald Coast Science Center has indoor exhibits that are both educational and hands-on, and is home to over 35 types of exotic animals. The Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum is a historic, two-room structure. As one of Fort Walton’s first school houses, it offers a chance to look at the area’s early history. You can check out over 1,000 different types of Native American artifacts at the Indian Temple Mound Museum. The Destin History & Fishing Museum has 100 ft of wall space depicting the gulf floor, and is a great chance to learn about one of the US’s longest-running fish rodeos.
Check Out The Aquarium
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure park has an aquarium and other indoor exhibits, with outdoor exhibits such as dolphin shows that are covered by awnings and rainy day friendly.
Relax & Unwind
If Mom and Dad get the chance to escape, there’s flea market shopping at DeFrance Antiques or the Fort Walton Beach Flea Market. Then mosey on over for a drink or two at Fokkers Pub. Or keep the adventure going by throwing axes at Ratchet Hatchet. Grab a craft beer with over 40 different kinds on tap at the Salty Duck. We all know sometimes a vacation from the vacation is needed, so luckily there’s plenty of spas in the area as well. Check out the All About You Massage and Day Spa or the Posh Daisy.
Don’t Worry About Beach FOMO
Rest assured, a little rain is not going to ruin all the fun memories you are making with your family and loved ones. And when the weather’s back up to par, all the fun offerings and water activities will be waiting for you at Destin Water Fun.
Next Day Activities
Unless there’s a storm system, most of our rain is isolated and passes by quickly, making rain the perfect excuse to get some rest between activities. This means you can find yourself back on the beach the next day! Why not head out to Crab Island once things cool down? You’ll need a boat for that, but luckily, we have the best pontoon boats in the city and have you covered. Book your pontoon boat with us, or maybe get some adrenaline running with one of our top-rated jet ski rentals.