Kids’ Dining with an Added Dimension

Part of South Walton’s charm is the seemingly limitless variety that it offers, and dining is no exception. With so many families coming to vacation here, there are plenty of kid-friendly spots to make eating out an adventure (in a good way). So, when you’re in search of a spot for your next restaurant, here are a few options that add a bit of scenery and/or entertainment to the experience:

Big Bad Breakfast is out to prove that the first meal of the day can be an elevated concept without being too stodgy. James Beard Award-winning chef John Currence has a menu filled with creativity. His goal was to recapture some of the best flavors from his childhood, and your kids will certainly remember these dishes for years to come.

True to its playful name, Stinky’s Fish Camp has fast become a family favorite and a must-visit when in South Walton. Nestled along Allen Lake, this Dune Allen establishment has a great dock that often features live music. The tasty food includes all sorts of crispy seafood options, from fish to shrimp to oysters.

Another fun option for seafood lovers is Rosemary Beach’s Shunk Gulley, named after the famous fishing reef just off the coast nearby. The restaurant offers panoramic views of the beach for little ones (and big ones) in need of a quick visual fix. And there always seems to be some sort of fun entertainment, such as musical performances and events like their spring shrimp boils.

Looking for a casual spot to eat right by the beach? North Beach Social is located right beneath Farm & Fire Southern Pizza. There’s plenty of outdoor seating with easy access to the sugar-white sand. Kids can go back and forth from their meals to the games and beach toys, giving you a chance to just chit-chat and soak in the view.

When you have multiple kids of different ages, one-size-fits-all usually isn’t the best bet. Luckily, The Big Chill at The Hub in WaterSound has a little bit of everything. This lively scene offers a range of eateries and food trucks to choose from, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. At the center is a large, open area facing a stage that serves up everything from movies on a big screen to live performances.

Another area with lots of fun options is the Village at Baytowne Wharf. Stroll along the streets here and you’re sure to find something for everyone ­– from pizza and burgers to fresh seafood favorites. Surrounding all the restaurants are incredible family fun attractions like arcades, an escape room game center and an exhilarating zipline.

Pull up a seat on a deck overlooking the scenic Choctawhatchee Bay and watch the boats go by while dining at The Bay. They have mouthwatering Gulf Coast southern cuisine and great local music to keep those toes tapping. There’s also a beautiful New Orleans-style garden that offers a whimsical space for kids to explore and play.

For another type of waterfront dining, Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar + Trattoria serves up slices with an incredible view. All the fun of Seaside is right at your fingertips, while the stunning turquoise Gulf water is right at your toes. This beachside classic is equal parts laid-back and festive, creating a truly kid-friendly vibe.

A former manager at Bud & Alley’s, Andrew Preble now runs La Crema in Rosemary Beach. He grew up in the area and is now raising his kids here, so he has a firm understanding of unique local family dining. Kids will love the fondue, getting to try out all the dipping flavors at his festive tapas and chocolate bar. And the beautiful courtyard here on Main Street is the perfect spot to enjoy an outdoor dining experience.