Things to Do in Fort Walton Beach with Kids This Spring Break

Spring break is the perfect time to visit the beach. Children have endured a long winter, spending many hours indoors. As the weather warms and schools are on break, it gives families the perfect opportunity to get away for some respite, relaxation, and fun. If you are thinking about planning a vacation, you will want to create an itinerary that includes a few of our favorite things to do in Fort Walton Beach with kids this spring break.  

Keep reading to discover our top recommendations for an epic beach vacation with your kiddos. You’ll be on your way to family-friendly fun in FWB in no time! 

Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Spring Break Activities 

Go Fishing 

Fort Walton Beach is a fantastic place to introduce children to fishing, offering simple ways to get started. You and your child can try surf, pier, and inshore fishing, each of which only requires basic gear and provides plenty of exciting catches. The Island Pier—just half a mile from Seaspray Beach Vacation Rentals—makes an ideal spot for young anglers thanks to its onsite tackle shop with rod rentals, bait, snacks, and a pier pass that even includes the fishing license. This is a fantastic, low-stress option for parents.  

For families wanting guidance, local inshore charters offer shorter trips designed with kids in mind, helping them learn how to fish while keeping the day fun, relaxed, and memorable. 

Visit Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park 

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a fun, kid‑friendly marine attraction on Okaloosa Island where children can learn about ocean animals through hands‑on encounters, engaging shows, and interactive exhibits. Kids can watch dolphins and sea lions perform, meet penguins, explore reptile habitats, and enjoy touch tanks. They can even participate in special programs like the Dolphin Doodle experience, which lets children help feed or train dolphins. With approachable staff, daily chats, and exhibits designed to spark curiosity, the Gulfarium makes marine science exciting and accessible for young visitors while encouraging them to learn about and connect with ocean wildlife.   

Dive into Snorkeling 

If your children can swim, a snorkeling excursion may be the perfect addition to your spring break agenda. This is a fantastic low-cost activity for your family to try. If you have your own snorkel gear, you can head to one of the following kit-friendly locations to observe the underwater world of the Gulf Coast. 

East Pass Jetty 

A top pick for families, the East Pass Jetty offers shallow, calm tide pools that are perfect for young children and beginner swimmers. Kids can spot hermit crabs, small fish, and other marine life in clear water. You can access the jetty from the O’Steen Public Beach Access.  

Norriego Point Tide Pools 

Located just across the bridge from Fort Walton Beach, Norriego Point is highly recommended for families thanks to its protected, wave‑free tide pools, making it safe for little snorkelers. Kids can explore the rocks, look for crabs, and enjoy calm, shallow water with great visibility.  

John Beasley Park  

John Beasley Park is located right next door to Seaspray Beach Vacation Rentals and features an artificial reef close to shore. This allows confident swimmers and older kids to see fish and marine life without a long swim. The beach has restrooms, picnic areas, and easy access—ideal for families.  

Play Goofy Golf 

It wouldn’t be a beach vacation without a round of mini golf. Goofy Golf has been at the heart of family fun in FWB for many years. This 18-hole miniature golf course offers Florida nostalgia with entertainment everyone will enjoy. 

Browse the Boardwalk 

The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is a lively Gulf‑front destination offering families beach access, beachfront dining, shopping, and entertainment—all in one easy‑to‑explore location. Visitors can enjoy free parking, pavilions, restrooms, outdoor showers, and a variety of popular restaurants like The Crab Trap, Rockin’ Tacos, Floyd’s Shrimp House, and Al’s Beach Club, making it a go‑to spot for both casual meals and sunset views. Beyond the beach, The Boardwalk hosts weekly summer fireworks, community events, and seasonal festivals, creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere for all ages.  

Dolphin Tours  

If you prefer a guided experience, local operators offer kid‑friendly boat tours where children can experience the calm emerald waters of our coast with knowledgeable and friendly guides. These tours often include dolphin sightings, shelling, picture-perfect sunsets, and more. They are ideal for children of all ages. 

Go to the Beach 

There is no doubt that your children will want to spend hours upon hours on the beach during your spring break. When you stay at Seaspray, getting to the beach is a breeze. Just walk out your door and over the boardwalk to the sugary sand of our stretch of beautiful beach. There, you can build sandcastles, splash in the water, have a picnic, play games, soak in the sunshine, and create lasting memories.  

When it is time for a break from the beach, walk back to your vacation rental for naptime, snack time, or lunchtime. If you are looking for fun in the sun without the beach, then stop by the pool for more playtime. 

Take Advantage of Little Adventures 

Little Adventures is a family‑focused program in Destin–Fort Walton Beach designed to help visitors discover fun, bite‑sized experiences tailored to kids and parents alike. On their website, families can filter activities by age, budget, and duration, making it easy to plan memorable outings that range from watersports and snorkeling to beach exploration and fishing. It also features local “Scouts” (often local moms) who offer personalized tips, answer questions, and recommend the best adventures for your family.  

The site also highlights free adventure classes for kids and teens, such as paddleboarding introductions, fishing lessons, beach‑at‑night explorations, sand‑sculpting sessions, and more—all led by experienced local instructors.  

Little Adventures provides an easy, fun way for families to explore the Gulf Coast and try new activities together in a safe, guided, and kid‑approved environment. Be sure to check their schedule for activities during your stay. 

Stay at Seaspray Beach Vacation Rentals 

You will need a home base for all your Fort Walton Beach adventures this spring. Seaspray Beach Vacation Rentals offers the perfect oceanfront getaway for your spring break home base. We have one-, two-, and 3-bedroom vacation rentals in a family-friendly environment. Your children will love the large pool, and you will love the secure, private beach access.  

Our condos, located on the beach on Okaloosa Island, offer convenient unit-front parking, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, spacious bedrooms, comfortable living rooms, and private verandas. If you are traveling with the entire family, including dogs, we also have pet-friendly accommodations.  

What are you waiting for? Book your spring break getaway today! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Are the beaches safe for young children? 

A: Yes—the beaches in Fort Walton Beach are known for gentle waves, clear shallow water, and soft sand, making them ideal for children. The wide shoreline gives families plenty of room to spread out and play. 

Q: Is Fort Walton Beach crowded during spring break?  

A: While the transition from winter to spring brings more visitors to FWB, our Gulfside community does not see the big crowds like other popular destinations.  

Q: Is Fort Walton Beach popular for college students on spring break? 

A: No. FWB is not a major, rowdy college spring break destination, but rather a popular spot for families. The atmosphere is calm and family oriented.