Summer is in full swing and there is so much to do on the panhandle! Hammock Bay is located a short drive from the sugary white sand beaches of the Emerald Coast as well as many communities that provide entertainment throughout the summer the whole family will enjoy. We have compiled a list of a few family friendly activities and events worth checking out. The best part, they are free! Keep reading for some ideas to fill your summer days!
Red, White, and Baytowne:
Baytowne never disappoints with their celebrations so you won’t want to miss their Red, White, and Baytowne celebration! Head over at 6pm for face painting, crafts for the kids, lawn games and more. Live music will begin at 7pm to keep you moving and grooving until the firework show at 9:15pm. There are plenty of places to grab food and drinks and cute shops worth checking out as well. Literally something for every age!
Home Depot Kids Workshop:
Saturday mornings aren’t just for cartoons! The first Saturday of the month, Home Depot puts on a free kids workshop! Projects change each month to keep it fun and interesting. This event is offered at multiple locations from 9am to noon. More information can be found HERE. *Children must be accompanied by a parent.
Where’s Waldo Scavenger Hunt:
Head on out to Rosemary Beach for a Where’s Waldo Scavenger Hunt during the month July. Stop in at The Hidden Lantern Bookstore to pick up your scavenger hunt map which will lead you around the Town Center to various merchants where you can find Waldo. Go hunting between 10am and 5pm and once completed, you will be entered for a weekly drawing. Winners will be announced every Thursday before the Moonlight Movie (see below).
Moonlight Movies & Face Painting:
Stick around after the Where’s Waldo Scavenger Hunt for some face painting and an outdoor movie! Moonlight Movies & Face Painting happens on Thursday evenings starting with Western Green, Face Paint at 5pm, grab some popcorn and hot dogs from DogManDu, lay out your blanket or set up some lawn chairs and enjoy a family friendly movie under the stars starting at 8:15. Click HERE for a schedule of the movies and additional information.
Palm Plaza Farmers Market:
Why not have some fun AND be productive on Saturdays? The Palm Plaza Farmers Market offers a variety of fresh produce, grass fed beef, eggs, cheese, baked goods and much more. You can also find arts & craft venders selling jewelry, stationary, and soaps just to name a few. All of this can be found at the open air market in Palm Plaza in Niceville on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
Seaside Farmers Market:
Another farmers market worth checking out is over in Seaside. Here you will find fresh and local produce, preserves, heirloom and organic seeds, organic chick and duck eggs, sea salt and more! The Seaside Farmers Market is located at the Central Square from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
Grand Boulevard Farmers Market:
There are no shortages of farmers markets in this area and how lucky are we to have so many local and hand made products available to us! Enjoy farm produce, ice-cream, beef jerky, pork products and sausages, fresh local seafood, artisan bread, cold pressed organic juices, as well as organic soaps and lotions, and pet treats. Rain or shine, this farmers market will be bustling on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin.
There is a reason so many people choose the Florida Panhandle as their vacation destination. We have so much to offer with our beautiful beaches, local activities, and entertainment the whole family can enjoy! Happy Summer!