From natural wonders to exciting water sports and a stellar zoo, there's something for everyone to enjoy on your next family vacation in Navarre Beach.
Whether you're off to the mountains of Steamboat Springs or kicking back on Florida's white-sand beaches, a little planning goes a long way. Scoping out the best family-friendly activities ahead of time means more fun, fewer headaches, and plenty of memories wherever you land.
When it comes to family vacations, Navarre Beach is a hidden gem along Florida's Emerald Coast. This charming beach destination offers a relaxing and safe atmosphere for families, especially those with young children. The area boasts beautiful white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of exciting, kid-friendly activities that promise endless fun for the whole family.
In this blog, I've rounded up some must-do activities to add to your Navarre Beach family vacation bucket list—guaranteed to make your time together extra fun and memorable!
Here's a sneak peek just for you:
At Navarre Beach Properties, we've got a variety of gorgeous vacation rentals, and I like to think we're pretty much local experts on all things Navarre Beach—no bragging, promise! Our destination blog is filled with helpful posts on beach day tips, where to find the best craft beer and even a quick history of Navarre Beach. First time visiting Navarre Beach? take a look at these great tips.
Ready to enjoy the best of times with your vacation crew in "Florida's Most Relaxing Place?"
1. Spend the Day at Navarre Beach
It might sound like a no-brainer, but the first thing you'll want to do in Navarre Beach is hit the shoreline. With wide, uncrowded stretches of soft, powdery sand, it's the perfect spot to set up for a full day of sun and fun. Families can kick back while the kids build sandcastles, toss a volleyball around, or splash in the shallow surf.
The waves here are usually gentle, making it great for little swimmers and first-time surfers. Parents can relax knowing the water's safe, and there's plenty of space to spread out. If you're after a bit more peace and quiet, just wander down to one of the quieter corners of the beach and soak in the view without the crowds.
2. SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION CENTER
For a fun and educational experience, make sure to visit the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. This family-friendly attraction is dedicated to protecting and conserving the sea turtle population along Florida's Gulf Coast. Kids will love learning about the different species of sea turtles that make their way to the area's shores.
Here are some of the center's highlights:
- Interactive exhibits, including a hatchling tank where children can see baby turtles up close.
- A wealth of information about the life cycle of sea turtles, their habitats, and conservation efforts.
- During nesting season, there's even the chance to take part in turtle walks, where you can observe sea turtles laying eggs on the beach at night.
3. MARINE SCIENCE STATION
For a hands-on, educational adventure that's actually fun, don't miss a visit to the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station. This spot is all about getting kids excited about marine life, local ecosystems, and how to care for the environment—without ever feeling like a boring science class.
Little explorers can dip into touch tanks and get up close with starfish, sea urchins, and other cool sea critters. The friendly staff keeps things engaging with interactive lessons about the animals that call Navarre Beach home. They even host field trips and private group activities, so it's a favorite for families looking to mix learning with a whole lot of fun.
4. Take a Dolphin Cruise
This might be one of the most sought-after activities for families visiting Navarre Beach and the surrounding area. Dolphin cruises take you on an unforgettable journey along the Gulf, where you can spot wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Children will be amazed by the playful dolphins jumping and swimming alongside the boat. Many of the tours also include other wildlife sightings, such as sea birds and manatees, making the experience even more exciting.
These tours typically last between 1.5 to 2 hours, providing plenty of time for kids to interact with the crew and learn more about the local marine life. Top-rated tour operators in town include Navarre Beach Dolphin Tours and Navarre Dolphin Cruise.
5. GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE
For families who love to explore the outdoors, the Gulf Islands National Seashore is an absolute must-visit. This stunning stretch of preserved land offers families the chance to hike, bike, and explore nature trails with breathtaking views of the Gulf. The park is home to several protected species of wildlife, and kids will love spotting birds, butterflies, and small mammals as they walk through the park.
The Seashore also features pristine beaches, where families can enjoy a picnic, swim, or simply relax in the sun.
6. Go Fishing at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier
If your family enjoys fishing, you won't want to miss out on a trip to the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. This 1,545-foot pier, Florida's longest, extends out into the dazzling Gulf waters, offering prime fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Families can rent fishing poles, purchase bait, and spend the day fishing alongside locals for a variety of species such as snapper, grouper, and redfish.
The pier is also a great spot for a leisurely walk to enjoy the views of the Gulf and the surrounding coastline. It's especially scenic during sunrise or sunset, making it a peaceful activity that everyone can enjoy together.
7. Enjoy Water Sports
Navarre Beach is a popular destination for water sports, and it's no surprise that it ranks among the top Navarre Beach attractions. You and your family can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or jet skis and explore the waters at your own pace. Younger children can enjoy calmer activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, which is both fun and great exercise.
For more adventurous families, jet skiing is an exciting way to explore the Gulf at high speed. Many rental shops offer lessons for beginners, so even those with little experience can join in the fun. For a more relaxed pace, families can rent a pontoon boat to cruise the waters and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
8. Venture into the Blackwater River State Forest
For families craving a bit of fresh air and forest adventure, a day trip to Blackwater River State Forest is a perfect pick. Just a short drive from Navarre Beach, it's packed with trails, river views, and room to roam.
The best bits? Right this way:
- Scenic hiking and biking trails through pine forests, wetlands, and along the river.
- Wildlife spotting — keep an eye out for deer, turkeys, and all kinds of birds.
- Perfect for picnics with peaceful spots right by the water.
- Easy day trip from Navarre Beach, but feels a world away.
- Unplug and unwind — no crowds, no rush, just fresh air and family time.
9. Check Out the Navarre Park
For a more traditional park experience, Navarre Park offers a great spot for families to spend the day. This is a low-key but enjoyable way to spend a day outdoors with kids.
The park features a large playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures, making it a hit with younger children. It also has plenty of open green space where you can play games or have a picnic. The park's location near the bay also provides scenic views and opportunities for fishing, kayaking, or simply watching the boats go by. There's also a pavilion where families can gather for barbecues or special celebrations.
10. Take a Trip to Pensacola Beach
Just a short drive from Navarre Beach, Pensacola Beach is another family-friendly destination worth exploring. Known for its beautiful white sand beaches and calm waters, Pensacola Beach offers plenty of activities for kids. The beach is perfect for swimming, sandcastle building, and playing beach games.
Families can also visit the Pensacola Lighthouse and climb to the top for panoramic views of the Gulf Coast. The Pensacola Beach area also has several family-friendly restaurants and ice cream shops.
11. Visit the GULF BREEZE ZOO
Just a quick hop over the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze, the Gulf Breeze Zoo is a wild and wonderful stop for families visiting Navarre Beach. With over 800 animals—from giraffes and tigers to playful primates—it's a mix of up-close encounters and big safari vibes.
Little ones can feed the animals, hop on a safari ride, or check out the petting zoo. There's even a splash pad for cooling off and a train that winds through the park. It's the kind of place where learning feels like play, and kids (and grown-ups) can burn off some energy while having a blast.
Experience Navarre Beach like never before!
While visiting Navarre, stay like a local and book one of our Navarre Beach vacation rentals with all the space, privacy, and home-like amenities you need. From luxury beachfront homes to amazing rental condos, at Navarre Beach Properties, we guarantee you'll have a 5-star experience during your Navarre Beach vacation.
