By Heather Bennett

Don’t dread Mondays this summer. The week kicks off right with plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained. Stop at the South Walton Coastal Library for the children’s summer reading program, or to experience the hands-on science program, From Shelves to Shores hosted by the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance. For an adventure, The Hidden Lantern at Rosemary Beach is hosting a “Where’s Waldo” scavenger hunt. Also there’s Adventure in Alys on Monday mornings as The REP Theatre entertains with their original storytelling. The REP actors are at the Seaside Amphitheater in the afternoon too.

Tuesday is booming! After spending the afternoon at the Seaside Amphitheater with The REP Theater, stick around for Huck and Lilly, from CMT’s “I Love Kelly Pickler.” They specialize in music for kids and the grownups who love them. For a good illusion and some light comedy, head over to Rosemary Beach and check out Melody Magic. The shows might be over, but the night is not. Next, go to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for Boomin’ Tuesday to enjoy lawn games and inflatables followed by a firework display over the lagoon.

Wednesdays are jam packed with family events as well. Start on the water with the Baytowne Marina Family Fishing Tournament. If artistic, check out Gulf Place for building Aquariums with Patty, or go to the Blue Giraffe at Watercolor for Upcycled Art for Kids. Grab a bite to eat at the 30A Farmers Market at the Seascape Town Center. If in the mood for music, take the family to the Seaside concert series. For a nice quiet evening under the stars, grab dinner at The Hub and relax at their family movie night.

Be sure to take a stroll through one of the beautiful state parks, and check out the Ranger Program at Topsail State Park on Thursdays. Each week the program will focus on a different topic. For a little one who is eager to perform after watching The REP Theater performances, they can sign up for the Seaside REP Improv Bootcamp where will they will learn to create and perform. If on the shier side, stop in at The Hidden Lantern in Rosemary Beach for storytime. Later in the day go to The Village of Baytowne Wharf for Magical Thursdays for one of Captain Davey’s magic shows. Finish the evening off with face painting and a family friendly moonlit movie at Rosemary Beach.

Friday kicks off the weekend. In the morning, kids can get creative with a tie dye workshop at Gulf Place. Rosemary Beach also has rock painting, a bling bar, and karaoke. Seascape Towne Center hosts a Family Fun Fest on Friday evenings with live music, face painting and magic shows. Want more movies under the stars? Seaside Amphitheater hosts their Central Square Cinema with a family friendly movie on the lawn.

Saturday’s are made for farmer’s markets. Stop in at Seaside or Grand Boulevard, and see all the food and products from the local growers.Next, head to breakfast with the rangers on Saturday morning at Topsail State Park. For a creative souvenir, stop at Gulf Place on Saturday morning and the kids can make unique Sand Prints to take home.

Sundays are for relaxing. Go by The Bay restaurant off of State Road 331 for some live music and great food, sit outside while the kids play in the sand. In the evening, The Village of Baytowne Wharf hosts a Cinema Sunday, and The Hub has a kid’s movie night.

Lots of options abound for this summer, many to make wonderful, lasting memories in this beautiful area of South Walton.

July Events Calendar

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