Florida is a great state for family vacations, in summer or winter, as the weather is generally mild. Destin, Florida in particular is a great destination for families with small children.
As someone who has been to a lot of beaches and resorts all over the world, I can confidently say that the beautiful white sand beach and crystal-clear water in Destin, Florida will rival any location in the world.
If you’re planning a family vacation and you have small children, check out these family friendly hotels in Destin, Florida that have kiddie pools, baby pools, and splash pads and more to keep your little ones entertained all day long.
In this post, I’ve also included some tips for booking the best place in Destin, from vacation rental platforms to management companies and what to expect when you arrive.
Best Destin Hotels with Kiddie Pools on the Beach
Below are the best family resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals in Destin with kiddie pools. You’ll find not only kiddie pools, but splash pads, indoor and outdoor pools, and beach service at a private beach area with some of these great spots.
Henderson Beach Resort – Best Hotel
Average peak summer price $600+/night
The only luxury resort in Destin, Henderson Beach Resort sits right next to Henderson Beach State Park and has private beach access to the beautiful white sand beach in Destin. A few dining options are onsite, and lots of great family amenities.
Besides the stunning and private beach, this hotel has some great family pool options! There’s an adult pool and jacuzzi, plus a zero entry pool for families with an integrated lazy river. There’s also a splash pad!
While there is no designated kiddie pool, the splash pad and zero entry part of the large pool are great for the littles. Your children will also enjoy the kids club and lawn games. The rooms are hotel style rooms and suites.
Highlights at Henderson Beach Resort:
- wonderful spa with lavender steam room
- lazy river
- great food and beverages
Silver Shells Beach Resort – Condo with Amenities
Average peak summer price $500+/night
Silver Shells Beach Resort is a family resort on the beach, located near Walmart and walkable to restaurants in Destin like The Back Porch or the on-property Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. You have the choice of spacious family rooms in a 2, 3 or 4-bedroom condo here.
The resort offers a spa and gym, plus a few different pools for kids and adults alike. There is a kiddie pool with shallow water, perfect for the little ones to splash around. Plus, there’s a large lagoon style pool with a seasonal bar and a heated indoor/outdoor pool near the gym.
Highlights at Silver Shells Beach Resort:
- 7,500sf lagoon pool and kiddie pool
- walkable to restaurants
- Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse on property
- year-round beach service, weather permitting
While the property has a bunch of great reviews, some guests did not prefer the strict rules at Silver Shells, so be sure to check them out before booking. Also, condos can only be booked for a week during peak summer months.
Pelican Beach Resort – Condo with Amenities
Average peak summer price $500+/night
Located directly on the beach, the Pelican Beach Resort is a vacation rental property with amenities for all ages. Some of these include two outdoor pools, a spa, multiple gyms, hot tub, laundry facilities, and a video game arcade, and a pickleball court!
Parents will love the seasonal beachfront Tiki bar, while children can enjoy the kiddie pool or splash pad that’s integrated in the zero-entry end of the large pool. This family friendly resort is also close to many attractions in Destin if you’re looking for daytime activities.
Highlights at Silver Shells Beach Resort:
- video game room
- 2 tennis courts, one with pickleball court lines painted on it
- seasonal cafe with Dippin Dots ice cream
More Vacation Rentals with Kiddie Pools in Destin, FL
How to Choose a Destin Hotel or Resort for Your Family
The only place on this list that operates as a hotel is Henderson Beach Resort. The rooms and suites are for 2 or 4, with or without a lounge area. I’d call this a standard hotel room layout. You’ll be served drinks by the pool, and hotel services are great.
That’s just one place though, and Destin has a lot of beachfront property. The most popular thing to do in Destin is to rent a condo. Most of the rental homes in Destin are off-beach, and it’s hard to beat those sunsets from your beachfront condo’s balcony.
There are condos and there are condos with added amenities like spas, restaurants, and beach service (not common year-round).
It’s important to know that most of the condo buildings are fairly old and each condo is individually owned, so every unit will be unique. This makes selecting a specific unit very important. That’s where Airbnb and management companies come in.
Usually Airbnb listings are more up-to-date, but with the booking fee, not always the best deal. One approach could be to find the unit you want on Airbnb and contact the management company directly.
Or contact the management company and ask them which units have been updated most recently.
Book ahead. Summer, though hot and humid, is always busy.
If you’re looking for a deal, book once it cools off a little, into November or in the early spring before spring break starts in the area. When the sun’s out, it can still feel warm during some winter days, but will cool off significantly at night.
Activities in Destin for Families
- Destin Laser Tag and Blacklight Mini-Golf
- Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
- The Track
- Destin Harbor Boardwalk
- Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park
Conclusion
With this list of family hotels, there’s no need to worry about keeping your kids entertained while you’re on vacation in Destin. If your child is too little or scared for the ocean, or your kids get tired of the beach, there are some great options for hotels and resorts in Destin with kiddie pools, splash pads, and activities.
Of the Destin, Florida hotels with kiddie pools, the best is Henderson Beach Resort, because it has separate pools for kids and adults, a lazy river, splash pad, great kids club, and guests loved the rooftop bar. There’s something for everyone at this classic beachfront resort.
If you’d rather a more home-like stay, the condo resorts listed are a good mix of independence with a few key amenities.
So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen and head to Destin, Florida for the ultimate family vacation.
