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🌴 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Northwest Florida (Beyond the Tourist Traps)
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items I’ll be honest, I’m a homebody. I don’t leave the house unless it’s worth my time, cash, calories, and energy. So when we do go out as a family, it has to check all the boxes: fun, family-friendly, and not ridiculously expensive or exhausting. You wo...
Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Outdoor Activities
Okay, look, I'm not an outdoorsy mom because I'm not into bugs or melting in the heat. My vitamin D supplements are basically keeping me alive at this point. However, I will venture out if the facilities have a good amount of shade and clean bathroom...
Great park + splash pad in Niceville that's next door to the library and the police department. Such a good idea. Smart and safe.
Children's Park | Niceville, FL
We love going to this farm in Laurel Hill for persimmon picking in the fall. They sell beef too!
Frost Lane Farms | Red Angus Beef | Local Pantry Items & Produce
This park in Pace has a splash pad and 2 playgrounds: one for littles and one for all ages. Lots of families are here on the weekend, but it's big enough to spread out.
Benny Russell Park | Pace, FL
All the homeschoolers love Turkey Creek Natural Trail for nature field trips. I remember taking my kiddo here for Tinkergarten.
Turkey Creek Nature Trail | Niceville, FL
We like going to Sweet Season Farms in Milton for the pumpkin patch in the fall. There are a lot of other activities too including a hayride, corn cannon, a corn silo, pony rides, a huge slide, and more!
Sweet Season Farms Corn Maze
Fort Pickens is a giant old brick fort where kids can run wild and you can breathe. Technically touristy, but it’s so big you won’t feel like you’re stuck in people soup. Bonus: the views of the water are gorgeous!
Fort Pickens (U.S. National Park Service)
Restaurants
I love to eat, but nothing annoys me more than wasting time, calories, and money on food that tastes like disappointment. These are the local spots that aren't hit or miss, just dependable, worth-it meals that make leaving my house feel like the righ...
We used to live in Hawaii, so trust me when I say this place is legit. Authentic Hawaiian plate lunches with big portions and fresh flavors, My favorites thing to order is the regular plate with teri steak, teri chicken, white rice, and mac salad. They have 3 locations: Crestview, Niceville, and now in Fort Walton Beach.
Pounders Hawaiian Grill
Cozy breakfast and brunch spot in Miramar Beach with must-try favorites like the mushroom benedict, breakfast tacos, and french toast sticks.
2 Birds Coffee + Cafe
Old-fashioned burgers that are simple, greasy, and done right every time. A classic local burger joint in Niceville that hits the spot.
Tops Hamburgers | Niceville FL
Tender, juicy rotisserie chicken with sides like rice, black beans, and fried sweet plantains. The family meal (half a chicken + sides) is the best bang for your buck at this Peruvian chicken place in Pensacola.
Mr. Pollo Pensacola | Pensacola FL
Call it Florida-Mex or beach-Mex, all I know is I love the fish tacos at Burrito del Sol in Fort Walton Beach.
Burrito del Sol - Fresh Florida-Mex - Mexican Food
A local Mediterranean restaurant in Pensacola that’s fresh, dependable, and family-friendly. The chicken shawarma plate is my favorite. It's tender, flavorful, and always filling.
Zaytouna Greek and Lebanese Restaurant - Pensacola, FL
My family and I will find any excuse to eat at New York Deli in Pensacola. I’m always torn between getting the Reuben or a big bowl of potato soup with a pasta sampler. Great comfort food, generous portions, and consistently good service.
New Yorker Deli and Pizzeria | Authentic Italian Food Pensacola
Finally! Authentic Chinese food in Pensacola! We each get our own plate of General Tso’s chicken because it’s too good to share.
Xian Noodle Place | Pensacola FL
This Korean restaurant in Crestview is my favorite, and you can’t go wrong with anything here. They also have the cutest (and tastiest) Korean cakes, pastries, and tea.
Hot Kimchi of Crestview | Crestview FL
Other Food & Drinks
I don’t drink coffee, I drink matcha, and they actually do it right here (not like that burnt tasting stuff from big chains). This spot in Niceville has a chill, laid- back vibe with a calm, neutral aesthetic that feels like a millennial dream café.
wondah coffee
If we're craving doughnuts and we're in Fort Walton Beach, we go to Parlor Doughnuts. These gourmet doughnuts are a meal in themselves. They're huge, fluffy, and worth every calorie. I usually split one with my kiddo (strawberry shortcake is my fave)...
Parlor Doughnuts | Famous Layered Doughnuts™, Coffee and Breakfast
Yes, it’s a cheap taco spot next to a gas station, but hear me out. They have fresh tacos, super friendly staff, and you can feed the whole family for around $15. A quick, affordable alternative when the Taco Bell craving hits.
TACO TOWN, Crestview - Restaurant Reviews & Phone Number - Tripadvisor
Arts & Entertainment
I’m not into crowds or overpriced attractions, so this section is all about low key family fun that’s still worth the trip. Think small town charm, hands on learning, and places that make both kids and adults happy.
A small, family run zoo with a big heart. Visit in February for BOGO animal encounters. My kiddo and I loved meeting the kangaroos and duiker. A sweet, family friendly spot in Crestview.
Emerald Coast Zoo | Family Fun | Crestview, FL
Nice, clean, and spacious with a solid selection of books and resources. A quiet, family friendly library that’s perfect for reading, studying, or just letting the kids explore. It's also right next door to the Children's Park in Niceville.
Library | Niceville, FL
One of the best free museums in Florida. Packed with historic aircraft, hands on exhibits, and plenty of space for kids (and adults) to explore without feeling crowded. A must visit in Pensacola.
National Naval Aviation Museum
Local Favorites
These are the random gems I keep coming back to. Not big attractions, just the kinds of places that deserve a spot on my favorites list.
I used to dread haircuts because either the stylist didn’t get my hair right or they drained my social battery, and then I’d have to start the hunt all over again. Not anymore. I’m so glad I found Jiana. She's so nice and understanding, and she actua...
Savannah Rae Beauty | Miramar Beach, Destin & 30a Salon and Spa
A local international market in Crestview run by the sweetest couple. They have a huge selection of Asian staples and snacks and sometimes even homemade Japanese breads that take me straight back to childhood.
C&C Asian Market | Crestview FL
This nursery and garden center in Crestview is our go to spot for plants, soil, and garden supplies. Walking the grounds is peaceful, and we always grab some local honey while we’re here.
Crestview Nurseries | Plant Nursery in Crestview, FL
A friendly pediatric dentist that’s great with kids. The staff makes visits easy and stress-free, which is a win for both parents and little ones. They have a location in Crestview and a location in Pensacola.
Pediatric Dentist in Pensacola & Crestview, FL | Wild Smiles Pediatric Dentistry