Things to Do in Destin

Think of The Track as a permanent fair: In addition to five Go Kart courses, there’s also bumper boats, mini golf, a carousel, a Ferris Wheel, a Red Baron Plane ride for youngsters, a family-friendly arcade, simulated skydiving and more. This chain of family fun activities (the other two locations are in Pigeon Forge, TN and Gulf Shores, AL) is right off Emerald Coast Parkway (Highway 98) east of downtown Destin near Henderson Beach State Park.

One of the most popular rides is the three-story Wild Woody, a slatted wooden figure-8 format race track where family members can rev engines in single or double seated cars, waving from overpasses as they compete for the finish. Set amid palms, the elaborate – if a bit kitschy – Surfin’ Safari Golf course takes visitors under multi-tiered waterfalls, past giant giraffe and elephant statues and challenges them to putt through a miniature windmill.

Unless you’re strictly interested in mini golf or the carousel, however, chances are someone in the family won’t be able to partake: The park maintains strict height and age requirements that vary by ride. The Kid’s Country section of the park is most suitable for kids under five and has nine rides including a Kiddie Kart race track.

In the Florida heat, families of all ages can cool off in the Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park, which is home to dozens of thrilling water slides and rides. With its flowing waters and tropical theme, it attracts thousands of people every summer. The Big Kahuna is home to lazy rivers, cabanas, and shaded children’s areas for those who prefer to keep it low key, while white water raft rides and high speed flumes await the adventurous. Park visitors can choose from a variety of slide lengths, intensities, and speeds to race down guided by the water. There’s also a halfpipe surfing simulator, for those who prefer to hit the waves. It is the largest water park on the Emerald Coast.

For those opting for adventure out of the water, the adventure park has a Go Kart race track, tropical mini golf course, and several thrilling rides on land. The Sky Coaster reaches heights of 100+ feet before flying toward the ground.