Where to Eat with Kids in Destin, Florida: Best Restaurants, Best Deals

When you take a vacation to the coast, most everyone wants to try the seafood. And Destin, Florida is no exception when it comes to providing some of the best fresh seafood around. However, when kids are in tow, there is a lot more to consider. Families usually have a vacation budget and kids can ruin a fabulous meal if the wait is too long, if there is nothing for them to do...or if they hate popcorn shrimp (and that's the only option.) So, mom and dad, here are a few sure hits for kids - within the budget, where adults can definitely leave smiling, too.

Fudpucker's, Destin
Fudpucker's in Destin is the place kids want to go because you get a lot more than food. Though they have an extensive, moderately priced kids menu, a night out here is a total experience. They have a playground, live gators (option for a little hands-on with the gators, too!) and outdoor dining to really take in the beautiful weather of the gulf coast. Also, you won't want to miss the huge gift shop full of unique things, which is sure to delight anyone in the family and provide a great souvenir.

For more information: http://www.fudtv.com/kids-menu/blog

Joe's Crab Shack, Destin
Though most would advise against a Seafood chain while in the panhandle, Joe's Crab Shack really is a fun environment for kids, due to the singing and dancing wait staff. You are sure to get at least 3 "shows" during dinner and something about your waiter/waitress (that you just talked to) dancing, is totally entertaining to kids.

When you are on a vacation, it is fun to have that party atmosphere and though better seafood can be found, for kids, Joe's Crab Shack is memorable. The kids menu price point is predictable and comparable to what you would expect to pay anywhere.

For more information: http://www.joescrabshack.com/?gclid=CMGEtLiM4aECFRabnAod7jMHKw

The Donut Hole
The Donut Hole in Destin (and outside of Sandestin toward 30A) is a cheap bite that serves more than breakfast. Their kids menu is lower priced than most places on the coast and their food is great! In addition, they are fast (always a win with kids.) Though it is casual and best for breakfast or lunch, if you are looking for a low-priced, sit-down dinner (and the kids are falling apart because of a long day at the beach) don't rule it out!

For more information: http://www.nextstop.com/p/bGR40-3tiEo/donut-hole-bakery-cafe/

Waffle House
This is really a "no brainer" for those from the south, but the Waffle House (a well-known southern breakfast chain) offers a fast and great breakfast really cheap for kids and adults.

Cheeseburgers In Paradise
This is a great place to go for a happy, family atmosphere and a good burger (and...hear a Jimmy Buffet song.) Though it definitely has a chain-feel to it, the restaurant is a happy place with a big selection for kids and tasty adult entrée's and sides.

For more information: http://www.cheeseburgerinparadise.com/

The Great Southern Café
If you are staying on HWY 30A, just a little east of Destin, truly child-friendly restaurants can be hard to come by (in the absence of any well known chain loved by kids.) The Great Southern in Seaside, Florida offers a good selection for the kids, moderately priced, (a great adult menu) and crayons! (Three cheers for crayons on 30A!)

For more information: http://www.thegreatsoutherncafe.com/

Village of Baytowne Wharf
Located on the edge of Sandestin (east of Destin), Baytowne Wharf is not a restaurant, but a stream of great restaurants and many activities for kids all around. It is a shopping village situated on a beautiful golf resort and the bay. Kids love everything about it; the zip line over the bay, the ropes courses, the enormous free tree house playground, the magic shop, the movies on the lawn, fireworks every Tuesday night and so much more! If you have been to Destin a million times and missed it, you've got to treat the kids. It's a great night time hotspot that is similar to Downtown Disney (except there is actually more to do...and it is a lot more quaint.)

For more information: http://www.baytownewharf.com/