What to do on a rainy day on Okaloosa Island 

Well….it happened, it started raining...Even though Okaloosa Island is a sunny beach get a way with beautiful emerald waters and beautiful weather, we still get rain and nasty weather occasionally, especially being right off the Gulf of Mexico. So here are some activities that will get you through the rainy day with friends and family until you can enjoy the beach and weather again.

 1. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Keeping things on Okaloosa Island means you’re never too far away from your condo, so the beginning of this list will start on Okaloosa Island then we’ll go out from there. The first place to go on a rainy day on Okaloosa Island is to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. They recently underwent a $4 million renovation, which now includes interactive programs, covered walkways, and upgraded exhibits. The Gulfarium is fun for all ages but we do advise to call ahead or get tickets ahead of time as they frequently sell out, especially on bad weather days.

 2. Wild Willy's Adventure Zone

Next on the list is Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone. Wild Willy’s features an incredible 16,000 sq ft indoor arcade, a 4d Movie Theater, and Inflatable Zone and Laser Maze. For those better weather days, you can even try out their 60’ ropes course or try one of the two putt putt courses!

3. Destin History and Fishing Museum

Arcades not your thing? Then check out the Destin History and Fishing Museum. After all, we are the world’s luckiest fishing village, which means there are some awe-inspiring and award-winning examples of fish caught in Destin.  Enjoy everything from antique fish rods and reels, vintage Destin photos, enjoy over 75 mounts of locally caught fish, and even learn “Why Destin Sand is White”. This caters to all ages as you can choose: Scavenger Hunts, self-guided tours, staff, and volunteer-led personal tour, self-guided tour with mp3 player and headset, or a personalized tour using QR codes that you can scan from any camera phone. Group tours are available as well.

4. Emerald Coast Science Center

Fourth on our list is the Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton Beach. Just like it sounds, it is the premier science center on the Emerald Coast with exhibits from when Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth, to Robotics, Engineering, physics, and electricity, Sea Turtle Sanctuary all the way to color, light, and sound, and the final frontier, Space! Make sure to contact them before you arrive.

5. Indian Temple Mound

If history is more your interest than science be sure to check out the Indian Temple Mound which is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Florida. The museum offers hands-on displays and even activities like grinding corn on a grinding stone and seeing how ancient people made stone tools. This site was examined by the Smithsonian Institution in 1883 and has been excavated nine more times since then. It’s always nice to learn about the history of the area, especially how areas got their specific names.

 6. Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park

Sixth on our list is Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park. With new adventures around every turn, this is the ultimate indoor park for the whole family. Featuring Laser Tag, Virtual Reality, Adventure Hub, Sky Rider, Ropes Course, Climbing Walls, Leap of Faith, ProZone Performance Trampolines, a Warrior Course like Ninja Warrior, a Battle Beam, Wipeout, Dodgeball, Slam Dunk Zone, and a host of other activities, you’ll never run out of things to do. We especially recommend this park if you have very active or energetic kids. 

7. 85Foam

Last but certainly not least on our list is a unique experience called 85Foam! Looking for an adventure with your kids? Have a child who absolutely loves Nerf Blasters and has a birthday coming up? Want to get out of the house with your friends for some good, wholesome, non-damaging fun? Come down to the only Nerf Arena for almost 100 miles. 85Foam is an indoor arena where Nerf Guns are used in lieu of paintball for a fun, painless experience. Choose from their NERF Armory as you get prepared to battle your friends and family. Located inside the Santa Rosa Mall in Mary Esther/ Fort Walton, enjoy a NERF war then appease your appetite by going to the food court inside the mall!