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Exploring South Walton with Kids

South Walton’s sugar-white shorelines make for the perfect family vacation spot, from everyday beach play to specialized events and activities. We’ve curated a list of helpful tips, tricks and hotspots below to ensure you and your family make the most of South Walton’s 16 beach neighborhoods.

Where to Eat:

Wondering where to eat with kids in South Walton? Kid-friendly spots are easy to find in any of our welcoming beach neighborhoods.

Who doesn’t love pizza? Luckily, local favorite Pizza by the Sea has a designated kids’ menu and three locations in Seacrest, WaterColor, and Gulf Place for fresh pizza pies and more. This cheerful spot’s WaterColor location is also directly next door to Publix in case you need to stock up on snacks or other essentials for your stay.

If you’re travelling with pets, you can bring your furry family member along to dog-friendly locales like Bud & Alley’s. Rated as one of Southern Living’s 17 Most Legendary Restaurants in Florida, this long-tenured spot has a full kids' menu and is even named after a neighborhood cat and dog!

For more South Walton family-friendly restaurants, local joint Summer Kitchen Café is another pet-friendly place to grab a laid-back breakfast or quick lunch. Between meals, pick up healthy snacks and juices at one of Raw & Juicy’s two locations in Alys Beach or Grayton, and be sure to stop by one of South Walton’s many ice cream and candy shops for a well-deserved sweet treat.

Child Holding Ice Cream Cone in South Walton

Family-Friendly Entertainment:

When you’re not on the beach, start exploring some of the best family activities in South Walton, like biking and stand-up paddleboarding. Packing light? No need to bring your own equipment. There are numerous rental spots in South Walton, like the Perfect in Walton County Award-winning YOLO Board + Bike!

After a day of pedalling or paddling, take the tykes to another Perfect in Walton County Award-winner, the Baytowne Adventure Zone! This one-stop shop has everything from zip-lining to rock climbing and everything in between.

In the evening, check out more kid-friendly entertainment in South Walton at BLAST Arcade & Laser Maze for whole-family fun. Afterwards, The Big Chill is the perfect place to wind down with the whole gang. With food truck-style dining, live music, and family-friendly movie nights, there’s a little something for everyone.

Outdoor Tables and Stage at The Big Chill in WaterSound

Fitness Fun:

If you’re looking to stay active while you’re on South Walton family vacation, you don’t have to look far. Everywhere you turn, there’s an opportunity to take advantage of beautiful scenery or group workout classes to keep you moving during your family beach day.

While the kids let off some steam building sandcastles on the beach, moms can mellow out with a morning run on the sugar-white sand, or shape and tone with a class at Pure Barre in WaterColor or Sculpt Studio in Santa Rosa Beach.

Prefer to move at your own pace? Stop by Grayton Beach Fitness or Grand Fitness in Sandestin to get your blood pumping. If yoga is more your speed, there are a number of studios with skilled instructors in South Walton where you can find your zen.

To get the whole family in on the fun, make sure to stop by the Walton County Sports Complex. Located in Santa Rosa Beach, this ADA-Accessible hotspot has everything you could need to get active. Take advantage of easy parking and play a quick round of pickleball, or let the kids play on the playground. With multipurpose fields and specialized courts of all kinds, there’s no better place to exercise.

Private Group Yoga on the Beach in South Walton

Soothing Spots for “Me” Time:

Ready to unwind? Give yourself a break at one of South Walton's luxurious spas, like the Perfect in Walton County Award-winning Spa Pearl.

Want to hang around the house instead? Bring the massage experience directly to your beach home or condo with a house call from a licensed massage therapist at Grayton Beach Massage!

Afterwards, indulge in a little retail therapy while shopping at one of South Walton’s boutique stores, artisan shops, or Silver Sands Premium Outlets. Browse a list of award-winning shopping and spa options and treat yourself to some well-deserved time off.

Looking for the perfect romantic restaurant for a night out? Explore South Walton date night ideas like:

Whether you’re looking for the best family vacation spots in South Walton or kid-friendly entertainment at the beach, booking a beach vacation with kids has never been more seamless. Starting planning your trip today!

Couple Enjoying Cocktails Outside at Bud & Alley's in Seaside