Florida Panhandle Attractions

Each community rests along a continuous stretch of water-sand beaches, so fine the sand literally squeaks when walked upon. Gulf waters are always warm and waves are calmer than Florida's Atlantic coast, making it ideal for young children and sandcastle building. Some communities offer areas with lounge chair rentals, but most are just walk-on beaches, so bring your own gear. At night, grab a flashlight and watch for ghost crabs scurrying near the shoreline.

It';s not all about the beach at South Walton. More than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails bring visitors closer to Northern Florida's coastal lakes, beach dunes and forests. Deer Lake State Park in Seacrest, Point Washington State Forest, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Recreation Area all offer places to explore by land or sea.

The town of WaterColor features a children's “camp” for ages 5 to 12. The program offers a summer camp feel with indoor and outdoor activities. At the new facility, crafts and games are a given. Unique is the amphitheatre for concerts, plays and productions. A great lawn for recreational activities is just adjacent and throughout the community the kids can participate in scavenger hunts, nature walks, swimming, tennis, snorkeling, sailing, canoeing, boogie boarding, and more. WaterColor Adventures are educational programs, such as a cooking class with WaterColor's executive chef or gardening with WaterColor’s Head Gardner. And while kids are at camp? Mom and dad can enjoy some one-on-one time at the spa or on the beach. At night, the camp’s Kids’ Night Out, for children 4 to 12, offers movies, pizza parties and marshmallow roasts while mom and dad enjoy quiet dinners alone.

Many of the communities have great lawns, amphitheaters and communal space to bring families together. Free Friday night movies, 4th of July fireworks, storytelling and puppet shows, and concerts for both kids and parents are featured throughout the summer months and autumn weekends.

From the Gulf of Mexico to South Walton's 17 coastal lakes to the Choctawhatchee Bay, water sports are a big draw to this Panhandle location. Kayaking and canoeing, chartered fishing trips, snorkeling, boating -- the area has it all. Many of the resorts and town concierge teams (for rental properties) help organize activities for families. If the pool is your thing, some communities are better than others with oceanside locations. Alys Beach's pool area is an upscale oasis with shaded kiddie pool and cabanas, while WaterSound's beachside pool features zero-entry and kid-friendly turtle fountains.