9 Fun Things To Do on a Rainy Day in Destin

Don't let a little rain get you down. You're on vacation and there are LOTS of fun things to do on a rainy day in Destin, Fla.

After researching fun rainy day activities in and around Destin for our new magazine, Where You’d Rather Be, here's our Top 9 Rainy Day Activities in South Walton and Destin, Florida:

Abrakadoodle– Located in Destin Commons, Abrakadoodle is always on the cutting edge with new and exciting art lessons. Classes are offered at various times and locations. Call 850-424-5058 or visit www.abrakadoodle.com/fl-northwest for more info.

Destin History & Fishing Museum, Inc. - Experience the feeling of swimming in the Gulf of Mexico with award-winning examples of fish caught in Destin displayed on a 100 feet of wall space depicting the Gulf floor. Enjoy vintage Destin photos and antique fish rods and reels, including the original Penn Reel that belonged to Earnest Hemmingway. Address: 108 Stahlman Avenue, Destin, FL 32541; 850-837-6611 or visit www.destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org 

Emerald Coast Science Center – Located in Fort Walton Beach, the Emerald Coast Science Center features indoor activities including exhibits, hands-on learning and guided programs. Open daily. 31 SW Memorial Pkwy, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548; (850) 664-1261 or visit  http://www.ecscience.org/

Indian Temple Mound– Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Fort Walton Beach Indian Temple Mount is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Florida. In 1883 it was examined by the Smithsonian Institution and has since been excavated nine times. The museum offers several hands-on displays that are popular with kids. They can grind corn on a grinding stone or see how ancient people made stone tools. 139 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 (850) 833-9595 or visit http://fwb.org/museums/indian-temple-mound-museum

Fired Up Paint Your Own Pottery– Located in Seaside on Hwy 30A, Fired Up is a fun, family-friendly place where you show your creativity by selecting from 500 unique pottery pieces. With prices starting at just $14, it’s the perfect way to create affordable family keepsakes. No reservation required. 27 Quincy Circle, Seaside, FL 32439; (850) 231-3211 or visit www.firedupseaside.com

Bowling– In Destin, there are two great options for bowling—Hurricane Lanes and Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill.Hurricane Lanes features 26 bowling lanes, a dozen pool tables, an arcade, Rupert’s Sports Bar, Cabana Café and free ping-pong. Across Hwy 98 at Destin Commons, Uncle Buck’s features 16 underwater themed lanes, saltwater aquarium overlooking the bar and restaurant. Hurricane Lanes – 34876 Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541; (850) 654-5251 or visit http://www.hurricanelanesdestin.com/. Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl 4251 Legendary Dr, Destin, FL 32541; (850) 269-6100

Catch a Movie - A rainy day is the perfect day to watch one of the newly released films on the big screen at a state-of-the-art theater. Choose from AMC Destin Commons 14, Boulevard 10 at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin or The Grand 16 at Pier Park in Panama City Beach. The AMC Destin Commons 14 is the area's only digital theater offering REAL D -The Premier Digital 3D Experience, true stadium seating in all 14 auditoriums, innovative digital sound systems and tons of leg room between each row. The Carmike Cinemas Boulevard 10 features ten screens with total seating for 1,800 and includes a state-of-the-art “BIGD” auditorium and Ovation Dining Club.

Panama City Beach Attractions– If the weather is simply not cooperating, consider checking out some of the indoor attractions in Panama City Beach, including Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium, Wonder Works Indoor Amusement Park and Dave & Buster’s at Pier Park. Enjoy marveling at the oddities at Ripley’s Museum, or explore the 35,000 square feet of “edu-tainment” with more than 100 hands on exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination at WonderWorks or get gaming with more than 200 games along with full bar and restaurant at Dave & Buster’s. PCB offers lots of indoor fun for the whole family!

Relax in your Vacation Rental - Our guests tell us that the #1 thing to do on a rainy day along the Emerald Coast is to stay in their South Walton or Destin vacation rental and relax! Reading books and magazines, watching movies, playing games and trying new recipes were also noted as fun things to do while staying indoors, and enjoying the beauty of a rainy day at the beach.
 
Whatever you decide to do, relax and enjoy your precious moments on vacation. And be sure to share your favorite activities with us (#destinvacation or #newmandailey) so we can grow our list of recommendations.
 
We also invite you read the digital copy of Where You’d Rather Be magazine to view our full list of dining, shopping and activities.
 
Haven’t booked your next Destin vacation? Explore our premier gulf-front condos, spacious Destin rental homes and premier Destin vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.
 
See you @ the beach!
 

*Photo taken at Uncle Buck's Fishbowl & Grill underwater-themed bar

Published by Tracy Louthain
Monday, April 13, 2015