Fall Activities For Kids in Destin-Fort Walton Beach

Fall is a wonderful time to explore Destin-Fort Walton Beach with the whole family. With cooler temperatures, beautiful waterfront settings, and a calendar filled with community events, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season beyond the beach.

If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do this fall, these three local events offer opportunities to spend time together, meet members of the community, enjoy the outdoors, and create a few new family memories.

1. Enjoy a Family Night of Worship at Emerald Coast Zoo
October 9, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
Emerald Coast Zoo | Crestview, Florida

For families looking for a meaningful evening together, Night of Worship at Emerald Coast Zoo offers a unique fall experience. This free event brings the community together for an evening centered around faith, worship, fellowship, and encouragement. Families are invited to arrive early and enjoy time at the zoo before the worship service begins. Food trucks will also be available, making it easy to turn the evening into a family outing.

The event will feature special guest speakers Jason McLeod from Facing the Giants and Reverend Justin Douglas. Families can also purchase commemorative event T-shirts as a keepsake from the evening.

Why families will enjoy it:
The combination of an outdoor setting, food, fellowship, and family-friendly activities makes this a great opportunity to slow down and spend quality time together.
Admission: Free

2. Bring the Family—and Your Four-Legged Friend—to Dog Daze
October 3, 2026 | 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
The Landing Park, Downtown Fort Walton Beach

If your kids are animal lovers, be sure to put Dog Daze on your fall calendar. Presented by Friendship Veterinary Hospital, this free community event transforms The Landing Park in downtown Fort Walton Beach into a celebration for dogs and their humans. The event features dog contests, local rescue organizations, vendors, and plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy the day together.

Kids can watch the contests, meet adoptable animals through participating rescue groups, and enjoy the lively atmosphere along the waterfront. And, of course, the family dog can join in on the fun too.
Because this is a dog-focused event, remember to bring your pup on a leash and keep an eye on younger children around unfamiliar animals.

Why families will enjoy it:
It’s a chance to get outdoors, spend time downtown, and make your family pet part of the adventure.
Admission: Free

3. Teach Kids About Service at Veterans Day on the Harbor
November 11, 2026
HarborWalk Village, Destin

Fall is also an opportunity to teach children about community, gratitude, and the people who have served our country. Veterans Day on the Harbor provides families with an opportunity to experience a Veterans Day celebration in a beautiful waterfront setting.

The event is scheduled to include a Veteran-Owned Business Market from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a Veterans Day ceremony at 4 p.m. The ceremony will include the Presentation of Colors by an honor guard, speeches from veteran honorees, and a vintage plane flyover over Destin Harbor. The day will conclude with live music from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

For families with children, attending the ceremony can be a meaningful way to introduce kids to the importance of honoring veterans and learning about military service. The waterfront setting and evening music also provide a relaxed way for families to spend the rest of the day together.

Why families will enjoy it:
It combines education, community, history, and entertainment into one memorable day on the Destin Harbor.
Admission: Free

So, as you plan your family’s fall calendar, consider adding a few local adventures to the list. Make it a weekend adventure and book at stay at one of our spacious resorts, hotels or condos. Destin-Fort Walton Beach offers plenty of opportunities for kids and parents to get outside, discover something new, and make memories together.