Group Activities

New Orleans is packed full of great adventures and lots of history that we can enjoy together as group activities.  You can see our schedule of activities here.  As the planning develops we will continue to update.  Please join our AMPA Vacation group on Facebook for more information.

Beach Sand Sculptures

Okaloosa Island are gorgeous and their white sand beaches are great for building sand castles. Described as the “best family activity ever!”, Sand Castle Lessons have joined the fun filled activity line ups in each location.

A SandCastle Coach will meet clients at their resort beach, with all the tools and equipment necessary to teach “SandCastle Success”. The 2 hour lesson begins with a demonstration of tools and their usage. Sandcastles that stand approximately 3 ½ feet tall frequently cause “SandCastle Envy”.  People have described this quality activity as the highlight and crown jewel of their family vacation.  A father from Little Rock, Arkansas expressed, “We were completely amazed. Now we can create sandcastles like the pros. Make sure to purchase the sandcastle tool kit so you can create after your lesson. Let’s face it, what we remember most about vacations are unique and interesting experiences. My family is still talking about it! We highly recommend it for anyone. Worth every penny!”

We will schedule this group activity for the beach at our hotel. Group rate TBD once we have a head count, but should be less than $20 per person. 

 

Sea Blaster! Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling Free Drinks

The Sea Blaster boards from Harborwalk Village at the foot of the Destin Bridge, behind the Emerald Grande and next to Jackacuda’s Restaurant

While enjoying free beverages, cruise the beaches aboard the Gulf’s largest speedboat searching for dolphins & snorkeling. Capt. Larry has been entertaining families in the Destin area who love water sports since 1995.

This cruise is a 3 hour combination trip which includes 90 minutes of snorkeling followed by a 90 minute dolphin cruise. It is inshore snorkeling therefore we pull up close to a beach. It is initially about 6 feet getting off the boat and into the water, however upon entrance you can go as shallow (all the way to the shore line) or as deep (up to about 25 feet) as you feel comfortable with. We do provide all of your snorkeling equipment as well life jackets for all ages.

$34.00 Adults

$26.00 Rider

$22.00 Children ages 5-15

Gulfarium Marine Park

With endless animal encounter opportunities, dolphin and sea lion shows, daily animal chats, and amazing exhibits to view, your visit will be filled with fun and adventure!

We are dedicated to educating, entertaining, and inspiring our guests to respect and preserve wildlife by providing unique and memorable experiences for visitors of all ages to connect with marine life. 

As a general admission guest, you have access to all of our exhibits, shows, training demonstrations, and more! In addition, you have the option to sign up for any of our incredible animal encounters prior to or during your visit.

Animal Encounters!

Crab Island

Ranging in depths from 2 to 10 feet, the underwater sandbar known as Crab Island is the place where everyone anchors their boats and spends a day in the waist-deep emerald green waters.With picturesque views of the Destin bridge, Crab Island offers everything from live music and water slides to floating food vendors, paddle boarding and relaxing in the water. (all activities are subject to availability by outside vendors and are additional priced by outside vendors). 

 

Tour operator and price TBD

 

Fort Pickens (near Pensacola)

The Fort Pickens area features many recreational opportunities, wildlife opportunities, and historic sites.  View self guiding tour here.

Fort Pickens Discovery Center: Explore indoor exhibits on the natural environment, wildlife, and history of the Fort Pickens Area.
Fort Pickens Bookstore: Educational products and keepsakes to remember your visit to Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Langdon Beach: This swim beach features a picnic pavilion, restrooms, parking, and is lifeguarded during the summer months.
Battery Worth Picnic Pavilion: This sound-side pavilion offers shaded picnic tables, parking, and restrooms.
Mine Storeroom: This restored historic structure has exhibits and a snack bar.
Fort Pickens Campground: Learn more about the park’s largest campground on our developed campgrounds page.
Fort Pickens Fishing Pier: Located in the historic district near the discovery center, visit our fishing page to learn more

Destin Harbor Boardwalk Village & Marina

With so many things to do in Destin Florida, HarborWalk Village is at the center of it all.

Come out to HarborWalk Village where restaurants, activities and entertainment will please each and every taste on your next Destin family vacation. With so many things to do in Destin Florida; here you can find waterfront shopping, paddle board and kayak rentals, pontoon and jet ski rentals, parasailing, glass bottom boats, world class fishing, pirate ship excursions, dolphin cruises, concerts and live music, weekly fireworks, weekly Fat Tuesday parades, live entertainment, and an array of restaurants, including Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville and Harry Ts, to satisfy all tastes. Plenty of things to do in Destin Florida, for the whole family!

HarborWalk Village is home to the Destin Fishing Fleet, the largest charter fishing fleet in the country. Here you can experience the Worlds Luckiest Fishing Village aboard one of Destin’s finest charter boats or stroll along the docks and witness the catch of the day. And where there is great fishing, there are great seafood restaurants, HarborWalk is no exception. Here you’ll find an array of cuisine that is fresh, local and delicious, sure to be one of a seafood lovers favorite things to do in Destin Florida!

Fudpuckers Restraunt & Alligators

Fudpucker’s Destin restaurant offers a dining experience like no other! We feature huge portions of expertly prepared and homemade seafood, chicken and alligator dishes as well as amazing burgers.  With eight different dining rooms and over 400 seats, we can accommodate small and large parties alike.

Every evening during the Spring and Summer months you can enjoy a cold drink outside on the deck while interacting with “The Fudnominals” our incredible family entertainers. Your kids can dance and play games with dancers from local high schools and colleges who are experts in providing true Family Fun.  On nights that the dancers are off you will be delighted by our star performer “Sierra” – a true expert in showing you and your family a great time.

For families who visit Fudpucker’s Destin restaurant, there are a bunch of things for the kids to do. For the little “Fudsters”, there’s a large playground right next to the deck. There is also a Henna Tattoo pavillion on the deck featuring amazing designs. Even with all that, most kids will want to go down to Fudpucker’s Gator Beach to see the live alligators that live in the pond in front of the building. In addition to seeing alligators up close, kids can get their picture taken holding a live gator or feed them with specially prepared gator food provided by Fudpucker’s.   During the tourist season you can catch a FREE gator show performed by one of our talented gator handlers and tour our Gator Beach Museum.  Stop by and see for yourself why Gator Beach is the “World’s Greatest Alligator Park”.

 

The Crab Trap Restaurant

Everything you came to the beach for. 

The Crab Trap is a local favorite! Tucked away on Florida’s Scenic Highway 98, The Crab Trap Destin is a staple in the lives of both tourist and locals. With unparalleled views of the snowy white beaches of the Emerald Coast, The Crab Trap offers a wide variety of menu options including Fresh Seafood, signature Hot Crab Dip and daily specials ranging from Bronzed Grouper or Grilled Filet to Alaskan Crab Legs. Have picky eaters to please? The Crab Trap is ready for you with a menu just for kids and a special treat they get to keep.

The Crab Trap Destin is the original Gulf front seafood restaurant. Located at James Lee Park, this busy beach side establishment is perfect for any occasion. Groups of friends, date night, lunch after a day at the beach or just out to catch a game at the tiki bar, you will find exactly what you want at The Crab Trap. Open air windows, sun bleached wood, local art and hand carved sea side sculptures; The Crab Trap Destin will quickly become a family tradition.

Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island near group hotel

Morrison Springs

Natural spring 63 miles north of Destin

Boogie’s Watersports

Wave runner rental

Boogies 2013 Yamaha Waverunners will accommodate up to 3 passengers or max weight of 500 pounds at speeds up to 47 mph. with superb stability and extreme comfort giving this watercraft the driest ride available. $55/ half hour, $85/ hour

Glass Bottom Boat

Our Glass Bottom Boat dolphin cruise features a 2 hour narrated bay, harbor, and gulf cruise. While aboard get educated with our sea school which includes underwater viewing, dolphin encounters, bird feedings, sightseeing, crab trap discussions, and shrimp net operations where everyone can check out and identify our catch.

$29 adults, $15 children

Dolphin excursions on waverunners (as a group)

We take the word excursion to a whole new level with our dolphin excursion on waverunners. Come experience the breathtaking sights and sounds of bottle nosed dolphins at play. This event can not be reproduced with words when cruising amongst a pod of dolphins taking incredible pictures as they frolic in the emerald green waters.

9-11 am, $145 per waverunner (up to 3 passengers)

http://boogieswatersports.com/index.html

Pirate ship tours

https://destinpirateship.com/

The Buccaneer Pirate Cruise – Destin’s Premier Pirate Ship

Embark on the Destin boat tour adventure of a lifetime aboard the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise located at HarborWalk Village in Destin, Florida as we take to the seas of the pristine, emerald-green waters of the Emerald Coast. Entertainment and interaction create adventure and excitement for the young and young at heart as we unlock the treasure of your heart and let your dreams come true!

The Buccaneer Pirate Cruise is a 100-foot U.S. Coast Guard approved motor vessel that comfortably accommodates up to 149 passengers. Our boat is equipped with two restrooms, a covered quarter deck, and galley that features a variety of snack items, adult beverages, and gifts.

Our captain is a skilled sea dog that runs a tight ship, but the only rule aboard is to have fun! The tour interactively entertains passengers with sword fights, water gun battles, storytelling, singing, dancing, and treasure hunts. Parents can join in the merriment with the scallywags and little buccaneers. However, if you’re not keen to plundering and swabbing the decks, simply kick back, relax, and take in the scenery while you watch your lads and lasses have the time of their lives.

We operate by the motto to “Unlock the Treasure of Your Heart and Let Your Dreams Come True” and we strive to ensure that every mate aboard will always follow their dreams and the desires of their hearts and never stop believing in themselves.

 

Snorkel or Snuba (mix between snorkel and scuba)

https://www.destinsnorkel.com/

 

Pilates Ariel and Bunges

Requires a private class before doing the fun stuff.

https://destinpilates.com/pricing

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

 

Silver Sands Outlet Mall

Shopping 

Big Kahunas Lost Paradise

Destin’s favorite water park with wave pool, water slides, lazy river, kids play areas, miniature golf, and more fun than a family has at the beach!

http://bigkahunas.com/

Emerald Coast Science Center

The Emerald Coast Science Center is hands-on science discovery center located in Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Florida

https://www.ecscience.org/