Vacationing can be a bit tough, with kids. They love the beach but, if I am being honest, sometimes they want a break from building sandcastles. So, when you are vacationing on Florida’s Emerald Coast you want to have some non-beach options at the ready. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my post on why Uncle Buck’s makes for a great family night out. Now to give you a few more options for family fun on the Emerald Coast.
The Gulfarium is a favorite for locals and tourists alike, getting to see marine life up close is something adults and kids alike can enjoy. Right now, it’s even a little more exciting that usual because there is a new baby dolphin in the house. Cue the AWWWWWWWWW!
The baby dolphin is beyond words cute and I love that we can watch them swim and frolic from a dolphin eyes view. If you go earlier than we did, you can even catch a dolphin show. While we missed it, the dolphins didn’t miss an opportunity to get their close-ups. I think they knew they were going to be written about!
Dolphins aren’t the only animal you can catch at The Gulfarium. You can see birds, turtles, sea lions, otters, sting rays, sharks and more. A hands-on area where you can touch marine life like rock crabs, starfish, sea urchin and more. Here are a few more of my photos from my visit at The Gulfarium!
Kids will love seeing the animals at such a close range. You can even take it a step further and instead of just looking at the animals you can interact with them if you take part in one of the many encounters The Gulfarium offers. Be a trainer for a day, snorkel with stingrays and much more. These encounters are extra but think of the awesome memories you’ll make. For full pricing check out The Gulfarium’s website.
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone “Dino Island”
If you want to step away from marine-themed fun and go prehistoric check out Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone. This family entertainment center features 17,000 square feet of air conditioned fun.
Go play some games in the arcade (kids will flip over the fun games), experience a 4D movie, take on the Laser Maze. When you get hungry enjoy a bit in Salvati’s Pizza Factory and enjoy some froyo at YogoMogo’s Creamy Cool Creations.
Want to get outdoors, they’ve got you covered. They have a 60 foot high ropes course, spinning roller coaster, a bungee trampoline, and remote control Battle Boats. My favorite part was the Dinosaur themed mini golf course. We took on the 18 hole course. I loved the theme. I felt like I was right on an archeological site full of mystery waiting to be uncovered. The way they themed the course really was amazing. I suggest going near sunset time because the view is spectacular!
Both The Gulfarium and Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone offer fun for the entire family. Perfect for keeping the kids entertained off the beach. The Emerald Coast offers plenty of family fun, be sure to check these two out on your next vacation! Family Fun on The Emerald Coast doesn’t just mean building castles in the sand, check out everything the Emerald Coast has to offer. Check back tomorrow for my suggestions on where to stay and dine on your Emerald Coast vacation!
Toni Patton
Latest posts by Toni Patton (see all)
- Sunsets Are My Reminder… - May 27, 2024
- Pensacola Beach’s “Bands on the Beach” 2024 Schedule Announced - February 21, 2024
- When The Baby Goes to College: I’m Not Ready…But, oh, How Ready She Is - August 22, 2023
Nice photo of different kinds of animals! I want to bring my kids in zoo one day so that they can experience to have fun with the animals too.