Destin Rainy Day Activities to Experience with the Whole Family

Destin weather is typically beautiful, offering warm conditions year-round. But nearly every destination gets some rain now and then. Destin, Florida, is no exception. When looking at Destin beach condos and planning your vacation, you might want to devise a backup plan in case you find yourself caught in a rainstorm. 

Luckily, Destin has plenty of fun things to do on a rainy day! Check out some of these rainy day activities in Destin Fl.

Uncle Buck's

You might think you must go to the beach to see Florida's most beautiful fish, but that's not the case. You can see them here at Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill! Not only can you get a great meal here, but you can also witness a fantastic saltwater aquarium inside, containing dozens of tropical fish. See how many different fish you can identify as you dine! 

You'll find all the classic dishes you'd expect from a bar and grill on the menu. Indulge in carefully prepared entrees like the crispy fried chicken sandwich, fish and chips, fried shrimp, and more. They also offer various pizza options, including Meat Lovers, Vegetable Lovers, and Buffalo Chicken. 

Once you're done eating, the fun doesn't have to end! The ocean experience continues as you head to the bowling alley and compete with your family. The bowling alley offers a truly unique atmosphere, including custom bowling balls with images of sea creatures, lanes that mimic the dock of a ship, and hand-painted murals on the walls. It's an experience you can't miss out on in destin when it rains!

Uncle Buck's is located at 4251 Legendary Drive and is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fat Daddy's Arcade

There are few better things to do in Destin with kids than a visit to the arcade! Arcades appeal to the entire family, from the little kids who love the lights and sounds to the adults reliving their glory days with the classic games. You could spend a whole day just seeing how many wins you can score! 

At Fat Daddy's Arcade, you'll find over 100 awesome arcade games, from old favorites like pinball and Pac-Man to games based on your favorite movies, like The Fast and the Furious and Jurassic Park. Shoot some hoops at the basketball simulator, try for a prize in the claw machine, or challenge your family to a skeeball game.

Buy points to start playing and see who comes out on top. The best part is, since Fat Daddy's is a chain, you can buy points here in Destin and use them at any other location! The Destin location has been recently renovated and offers a brand-new Prize Center, so be sure to come to see what you can win!

Fat Daddy's Arcade is located at 20009 Emerald Coast Parkway and is open daily from 12 noon to 9 p.m.

Group of kids playing laser tag
Photo from Shutterstock

Destin Laser Tag

If you're looking for a place to get some energy out and compete with your family, head to Destin Laser Tag. Here, you'll get thrown into a maze with up to 40 total players. Explore the 4,000-square-foot maze and find a good hiding spot! If you (or someone in your group) have never played laser tag, don't worry. The Game Master will get you set up with your equipment and will explain all the rules before the game begins.

But there’s more than just laser tag to enjoy here. You can also enjoy the only indoor, air-conditioned black-light mini golf in Destin! Make your way through 18 holes of space-themed adventure and see who can keep the lowest score. Every family member can participate, and you can expect to take around 45 minutes to play. 

Finally, if you didn’t get enough games in at Fat Daddy’s, you can enjoy the arcade here! Race your friends in the racing game, try your hand at shooters, or see who can win the most games of pool or air hockey. If you’re looking for classic games, they’re here, too. They’ve got a 1981 Ms. Pacman/Galaga and Dungeons & Dragons Tower of Doom.

Destin Laser Tag is located at 20011 Emerald Coast Parkway and is open Monday through Friday from 3 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 10 p.m.

Air Force Armament Museum

Looking to add a bit of education to your vacation? Check out the Air Force Armament Museum. You'll get a complete history of the Air Force, from the earliest days of aviation to today's most high-tech advanced armament systems. Nearly 30 different types of aircraft are on display here, representing improvements from World War II to today.

While walking through the museum, there are tons of fascinating artifacts to see. They have an extensive gun collection, bombs, missiles, and more. You can also watch a 30-minute film about Eglin Air Force Base itself.

Visiting this museum is an excellent idea for families on a budget, as admission is always free. It's been welcoming visitors since 1976. They are currently amidst an expansion project, so you can plan a return trip to see what's new!

The Air Force Armament Museum is located at 100 Eglin Air Force Base, just a few minutes from our Destin beach condos. It is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Emerald Coast Science Center

Regardless of the weather, one of the most exciting Destin kid activities is visiting a local science museum! The Emerald Coast Science Center is perfect for kids of all ages and is a great way to get your kids excited about learning. You'll have so much fun and forget all about the rain outside! 

Plan Your Visit

Planning your dream vacation to Destin, Florida, doesn't have to be difficult! It's easy whenever you book with Islander Resort! Simply view our Destin condos, reserve your favorite, and prepare to have your best Destin vacation yet.

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The interactive exhibits are perhaps the most popular part of the Science Center. You can find everything from classic science kits to futuristic robots. If you want to see some exhibits before you visit, check out the virtual museum tour on their website!

The Science Center also frequently hosts programs for kids and adults alike. Look into unique workshops like Creation Station and Girls Empowered with Math and Science for the kids. For the adults, attend events like Disney Trivia Night, Sip and Science, and Planetarium Nights. 

The Emerald Coast Science Center is located at 31 SW Memorial Parkway in Fort Walton Beach, about 15 minutes from Destin. It is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

These Destin rainy day activities ensure the fun doesn't stop even if the rain is here to stay. When you're done for the day, head back to our Destin, Florida, resort to relax for the evening and prepare for a new day ahead. We offer luxurious amenities and a convenient location at rates too good to believe. Contact The Islander Resort today to learn more about all of our Destin beachfront condos!

What to do on rainy days in Destin?

On rainy days in Destin, Florida, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained. You can explore the Destin History & Fishing Museum and the Indian Temple Mound Museum to learn about local history and culture. Visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park to see fascinating sea creatures or indulge in some retail therapy at Destin Commons and Silver Sands Premium Outlets. For some indoor fun, head to Fat Daddy’s Arcade or the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park. Enjoy unique bowling at Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill or play mini-golf at Rainforest Blacklight Mini Golf and Arcade. If you’re feeling creative, make art at The Shard Shop or join a painting class at Painting with a Twist. Relax and unwind at The Henderson Spa or Beach Ready Spa, and for a thrilling experience, try solving puzzles at Escapology Destin. You can also catch the latest movies at AMC Destin Commons 14 or enjoy a meal at one of Destin's many restaurants. These activities will help you make the most of your rainy days in Destin!

What is the rainiest month in Destin, Florida?

The rainiest month in Destin, Florida, is typically July. During this month, the area experiences the highest average rainfall, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms being common.

Does it rain in Destin a lot?

Destin, Florida, experiences a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring in the summer months, especially in July. The area averages about 62 inches of rain annually, which is relatively high compared to many other parts of the United States. Rainfall in Destin often comes in the form of short, intense afternoon thunderstorms during the summer, while the rest of the year sees more sporadic rainfall. Despite the rain, Destin still enjoys plenty of sunny days, making it a popular destination for beachgoers and tourists.

What to do in Fort Walton Beach on a rainy day?

On a rainy day in Fort Walton Beach, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy. You can explore the Indian Temple Mound Museum and the Air Force Armament Museum for fascinating insights into local history and aviation. Visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park to see marine life in their indoor exhibits, or have fun at Wild Willy's Adventure Zone with its arcade, 4D movie theater, and laser tag. For a creative outing, join a painting class at Painting with a Twist or browse local art at the ADSO Gallery. Shopping enthusiasts can spend time at Santa Rosa Mall, while those seeking relaxation can indulge in spa treatments at Fusion Spa Salon. Catch the latest movies at Regal Sun Plaza Stadium 8 or try indoor sports at Emerald Coast Indoor Shooting & Sport. Don't forget to check local event calendars for special indoor activities and exhibits. These options ensure that you can have a great time in Fort Walton Beach, regardless of the weather.

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