Indoor Destin Activities

19 Indoor Destin Activities

Looking for something fun and exciting to do in Destin, Florida? While the city is best known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, there are plenty of indoor Destin activities that are perfect for any weather or occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a rainy day activity, a family-friendly outing, an educational experience, or just a chance to relax and unwind, there are plenty of things to do in Destin when it rains. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best indoor activities in Destin that you won’t want to miss.

So, put on your comfortable shoes, grab your friends or family, and let’s dive into the exciting world of indoor Destin activities!

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Rainy Day Activities in Destin

If you run into a rainy day while on your Destin vacation, never fear, there are plenty of fun things to do, here are a few of my favorites.

1. Fat Daddy’s Arcade

Fat Daddy’s Arcade is a popular indoor entertainment center located in Destin, Florida. It is situated in the heart of the city’s bustling tourist district and is a must-visit destination for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking for a fun-filled time.

The arcade boasts over 120 different games, ranging from classic pinball machines to the latest video games, making it one of the largest arcades in the area. The facility also features a redemption center where players can trade in their tickets for prizes, adding an element of excitement and friendly competition to the experience.

I know my kids always love visiting the arcade, and personally, I’m a fan of a family skeeball tournament – it can be a fun way to spend a rainy day.

2. Wild Willy’s

Although Wild Willy’s has a lot of outdoor activities like go-karts, it is also home to quite a few fun things to do indoors, so when the weather doesn’t cooperate on your trip, you can still have a blast.

The center features a laser tag arena that allows you to engage in thrilling battles with your friends or family, while also providing a great workout. There is also a blacklight mini-golf course that is fun for all ages, with neon colors and challenging obstacles.

The facility also features a 4D motion theater that immerses you in an unforgettable cinematic experience, complete with special effects like wind, water, and scent. Additionally, there is a snack bar that serves delicious food and beverages, including pizzas, hot dogs, and ice cream, making it the perfect spot to grab a bite in between activities.

Overall, Wild Willy’s offers a diverse range of indoor activities that are perfect for visitors of all ages and interests, making it a great destination for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to have a good time in Destin.

3. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

One of the most interesting indoor Destin activities is Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. It is a popular marine park located in Destin, Florida, and is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers and families alike. The attraction offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of marine creatures, including dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, and sharks.

You can watch entertaining live shows featuring these animals, and even participate in interactive experiences like being a VIP trainer for the day. The park also offers a range of educational programs that teach visitors about the importance of marine conservation and the ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico.

In addition to the marine life, the park also features a fun program where you can interact with and touch the penguins and a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs to remember their experience.

Indoor Activities in Destin for Adults

Are you looking for more adult-themed indoor Destin activities? Even though the area is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, there are plenty of fun things for the grown-ups at the party to enjoy too.

4. HarborWalk Theater

The HarborWalk Theater is a popular performing arts center located in Destin, Florida, that offers a diverse range of live shows and entertainment. The theater is situated on the second floor of the bustling HarborWalk Village area and boasts state-of-the-art facilities.

The theater showcases a variety of performances, including musicals, comedies, dramas, and more. In addition to the live shows, the theater also hosts a variety of other events, such as movie screenings, magic shows, and concerts.

If you are looking for a fun indoor Destin activity for adults, a show at the HarborWalk Theater definitely fits the bill!

5. Destin Brewery

When we travel, we always search out the local breweries! It’s fun to try new beers, get a feel for an area and meet some of the locals. So of course, as soon as we arrived in Destin I did a quick search for local breweries.

Destin Brewery popped up first as a popular microbrewery located in the heart of Destin, Florida, that offers a variety of craft beers. The brewery features a taproom where you can taste and enjoy their craft beers, which are brewed in-house using only the freshest (and when possible, local) ingredients.

The brewery offers a wide range of beer styles, including IPAs, stouts, lagers, and more, with new seasonal and limited-edition beers introduced regularly. In addition to the beer, the taproom also features a comfortable and casual atmosphere with ample seating, games, and televisions that make it a perfect spot to hang out with friends or family.

6. Stoked Comedy Hypnosis

Although the Stoked Comedy Hypnosis is located inside HarborWalk Theater, it’s worth a call out of its own, because how often do you see hypnosis shows? (outside of Vegas of course!).

It is an adults-only show (18+), so it definitely fits under the category of indoor things to do in Destin for adults, but if you are looking for a good laugh (without the kiddos), give it a try.

Of course, they take volunteers, so hop up on stage – if you dare!

7. Axe Throwing

Like many cities in the US, axe throwing has become a popular indoor activity in Destin, Florida, with several venues offering this thrilling and unique experience.

You can test your skills and compete against friends or family members by hurling axes at wooden targets in a safe and controlled environment.

Axe throwing is a great activity for groups of friends when the weather isn’t conducive to enjoying the Destin beaches. It’s an exciting way to release stress and enjoy a unique activity that is sure to create lasting memories.

Indoor Educational Things to Do in Destin

I always like to sneak a little education into our vacations, and I’ve found that as long as I keep it short, and mix it in with plenty of fun activities, I don’t get any complaints. So a rainy day is a perfect time to learn a little bit about the panhandle.

8. Destin History & Fishing Museum

The Destin Fishing & History Museum is a popular destination for anyone looking to learn about the rich history of fishing in Destin, Florida. Although a small museum, it showcases a nice collection of exhibits that document the evolution of fishing in the area, from Native American fishing practices to modern-day sport fishing.

The museum’s collection includes vintage fishing equipment, boats, and photographs, as well as displays of the lives and experiences of the early fishermen who helped shape Destin’s history.

It’s a wonderful way to spend an hour or so indoors, especially for anyone in your family who loves to fish.

9. Emerald Coast Science Center

This lovely little science center located in nearby Fort Walton Beach is a fantastic place for younger kids to learn about the species and environment of the emerald coast – while having fun doing it.

Visiting science centers was ALWAYS a stop on any vacation we took, and I know my kids would have loved the Emerald Coast Science Center when they were younger. (I like to think it was all the science centers we visited that interested my daughter enough in science that she’s now studying BioChemistry in college – but it’s probably just her)!

If there is a rainy day in your week and you have kids who enjoy hands-on experiences, take them over here for a fantastic afternoon full of learning and creating memories!

10. Indian Temple Mound

Another small but great opportunity to learn a little bit about the history of the area while waiting for rainy weather to pass through, the Indian Temple Mound in nearby Fort Walton Beach is well worth a visit.

The Indian Temple Mound Museum is a fascinating cultural attraction that offers you a glimpse into the history of the region’s Native American inhabitants. The museum is built around a 900-year-old mound that was once used for religious ceremonies and is now a designated National Historic Landmark.

You can explore the museum’s exhibits, which include artifacts and displays on Native American culture, as well as exhibits on the history of Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding area.

And, as luck would have it, there is also a delicious coffee shop right across the street (Maas Coffee Roasters) so a fun little treat would be to pop over there for a hot chocolate or latte after your visit. I can attest to the deliciousness of their Americano!

11. Air Force Armament Museum

I was so impressed with the size and quality of the Air Force Armament Museum in nearby Fort Walton Beach, especially considering that admission is FREE!

Although many of the larger planes on exhibit are located outside, there is a nice indoor museum where any aircraft enthusiast could spend quite a bit of time on a rainy day!

The Air Force Armament Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum that showcases the history and evolution of air power and weapons systems. The museum features over 25,000 square feet of exhibits, including a collection of over 25 aircraft, missiles, and bombs, as well as displays on the development of air power throughout history.

Family-Friendly Indoor Destin Activities

Need more rainy-day activities in Destin that are family-friendly? No worries, I’ve got you covered with the following family favorites – many of these we do at home on rainy days, but they are just as much fun while on vacation!

12. Escape Rooms

Escape rooms have become a popular rainy day activity in Destin, Florida, providing a fun and challenging experience for groups of friends or families. We always search them out as an indoor option when on a beach vacation and needing a break from the sun or the weather isn’t the best.

You are “locked” in a room and must solve a series of puzzles and riddles in order to escape within a designated time frame. Most escape rooms in Destin offer a variety of themed rooms, each with its own storyline and unique challenges, providing a new experience every time. This makes them a great option for repeat visitors or locals looking for a fun and unique activity.

Escape rooms are perfect for those who enjoy problem-solving and team-building exercises and offer an exciting and memorable way to spend a rainy day in Destin.

13. Indoor Mini Golf

Part of almost every family vacation we take is a round or two of miniature golf. It’s just an easy and fun way to spend the evening together as a family. However, if it’s raining, your typical fancy miniature golf spot is not going to be fun.

Luckily, Destin has some indoor mini-golf choices which are the perfect indoor activity! Rainforest Black Light Golf & Arcade would be my pick because although the course is small, you have the added fun of the black lights. You’ll find it in nearby Miramar Beach.

Play a round or two and then go get ice cream afterward for a fun indoor Destin activity!

14. Bowling

Another indoor activity that we typically enjoy at home in the winter, but is perfect for a rainy day at the beach is bowling. Grab your family, book a lane, and get ready for a few hours of laughter and fun.

Bowling is a classic indoor activity that provides fun for all ages and skill levels, making it a great option as a rainy day activity in Destin. The city has several bowling alleys that offer a variety of amenities, including arcades, billiards, and food and drink options.

Some of the Destin bowling alleys offer glow-in-the-dark or cosmic bowling, which adds a unique twist to the traditional game. Another fun option is Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill where the theme is underwater – it’s located in the Bass Pro Shops, so you can also check out the fish tanks and other interesting displays after you bowl.

15. Laser Tag

Laser tag is always a hit with my teenage son, so if you have teens looking for indoor Destin activities, it should be on your list to consider.

Destin Lasertag is a great option to consider as it’s conveniently located, and its basic setup is a free-for-all, every person for themselves, so you don’t need to have a large party with you to have fun!

For laser tag, it’s pretty affordable and they do have a variety of specials, so be sure to check those out before you head over. Have fun competing with each other, AND expend a little energy at the same time.

Relaxing Indoor Activities in Destin

If it’s still raining and you are worn out from all the other indoor fun you’ve had, give a few of these relaxing indoor activities in Destin a try.

16. Movie Theater

We don’t go to the movies very often at home, but sometimes I’ll see a good deal on gift cards and pick them up just in case we encounter a rainy day on vacation.

Visiting the movie theater, indulging in a BIG bag of popcorn, and enjoying a movie together is a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon or evening. After the movie, you can chat about it over dinner or back in your room, so it can also drive some fantastic conversations.

Destin has AMC and Regal Theaters, as well as some local options, so head to Fandango to see what’s playing if you need a relaxing break from disappointing weather.

17. Shopping at HarborWalk Village

Shopping at HarborWalk Village in Destin, Florida is a must-do for my teens. They love looking for unique gifts and souvenirs, so I try to save shopping trips for a rainy day or a day we’ve just had too much sun.

The waterfront location of HarborWalk Village provides a scenic backdrop as you browse through the many boutiques, specialty shops, and markets. You can find everything from beachwear to handmade jewelry, gourmet snacks, and coastal decor.

In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy dining on fresh seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants or take a stroll along the boardwalk (weather permitting!) Live music and events are also hosted at HarborWalk, providing a fun and lively atmosphere.

18. Massage or pedicure

Ready for some real indulgence? How about booking a massage or a pedicure if the weather doesn’t cooperate next time you are in Destin? You might just start wishing for bad weather once you’ve enjoyed this indoor activity in Destin.

Several of the resorts and hotels in Destin have attached spas, but there are also a few stand-alone massage and nail salons so you shouldn’t have a problem finding the perfect spot for an hour of relaxing and avoiding the bad weather.

19. Playing games in your room

We ALWAYS play games in our room on vacation. If we fly, I make sure to pack a deck of cards and some dice, and if we drive I often bring along a small bag of games. I’ve also found that many resorts have some games that you can borrow, so be sure to ask the front desk.

It can be quite cozy to bundle up in comfy sweats, pop some popcorn in the microwave, crack a few sodas (or adult beverages) and play games while you listen to the rain outside. Bonus points if you have a view of the ocean!

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FAQs about Things to Do in Destin Indoors

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Conclusion: Indoor Destin Activities

In conclusion, there are plenty of exciting indoor activities to enjoy in Destin, Florida, no matter the season or weather.

From family-friendly attractions like Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and Wild Willy’s to cultural gems like the Indian Temple Mound and the Destin History & Fishing Museum, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

For those looking for a little thrill, options like axe throwing and escape rooms offer a unique and unforgettable experience. And for those who simply want to relax and have fun, shopping at HarborWalk or catching a movie are excellent options.

Regardless of your interests or age, these indoor activities in Destin are sure to keep you entertained and engaged. So, if you’re planning a trip to Destin, don’t let the weather get in the way of having a good time! When you ask yourself what to do in Destin when it rains, go for one of these fun options!

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