Kid-friendly things to do on 30A

Updated October 19, 2026

For families on 30A, start at a Regional Beach Access, which has restrooms and lifeguards from March 1 through October 31. Then add the free splash pads at Helen McCall and Padgett parks in Santa Rosa Beach, the nature trails and Western Lake paddling at Grayton Beach State Park, and the flat, paved 19-mile Timpoochee Trail. Florida law requires bike helmets for riders and passengers under 16.

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Which 30A beaches are best for young kids?

Pick a Regional Beach Access. Visit South Walton says lifeguards from the South Walton Fire District cover the regional accesses from March 1 to October 31, with limited roving coverage the rest of the year. The regional accesses along 30A include Dune Allen, Fort Panic, Ed Walline (Gulf Place), Gulfview Heights, Blue Mountain, Santa Clara (Seagrove) and Inlet Beach. They also have restrooms.

State park beaches are beautiful, but Grayton Beach State Park says it has no lifeguards, so swim there at your own risk.

Beach rules that affect kids (as of October 2026, per Visit South Walton):

No metal shovels. Bring plastic.
Keep holes small: no bigger than 3 feet across and 2 feet deep, never left unattended, and filled in before you leave.
Tents can be no larger than 10 by 10 feet and must stay in the top half of the open beach.
Stay off the dunes, and don't take sand, plants or Gulf water home.
Double red flags mean the water is closed. Entering can bring a $500 fine.

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Where are the splash pads and playgrounds near 30A?

Walton County runs two parks with splash pads in Santa Rosa Beach, both free and open dawn to dusk:

Helen McCall Park, 325 Moll Drive: splash pad, playground, restrooms, picnic tables and ball fields.
Padgett Park, 810 JD Miller Road: splash pad, playground, restrooms, pavilions, grills and open fields.

Both sit off U.S. 98 rather than on 30A, so plan on a short drive. On the bay side, Cessna Landing Park on Hogtown Bayou (County Road 393 North) has a small playground, picnic areas and fishing docks. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park also lists a playground.

Which state parks and nature spots are good for kids?

Grayton Beach State Park: a 1-mile nature trail from the beach parking area through dunes and salt marsh. The ranger station rents kayaks and NuCanoes for Western Lake, a 100-acre coastal dune lake, with paddles and life vests included. The park says Florida black bears, deer and gray foxes live there.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park: 3 miles of beach, a dune that rises 25 feet above sea level, a beach tram and more than 10 miles of trails.
Deer Lake State Park: a 1.5-mile loop trail on the north side of 30A, across from the park entrance.
Eden Gardens State Park: gardens under moss-draped live oaks, guided tours of the 1897 Wesley House, picnic spots and a dock on Tucker Bayou. Entry is $4 per vehicle, paid at an honor box.
Alys Beach Nature Trail: a mostly elevated boardwalk through a 20-acre preserve.

Florida State Parks are open 8 a.m. to sunset.

Storm note, as of October 18, 2026: after Hurricane Isaias, Topsail Hill is closed, and Grayton Beach is open for day use only. Check the park's page before you go.

Is 30A good for biking with kids?

Yes. The Timpoochee Trail runs 19 miles beside 30A from Dune Allen to Inlet Beach. Visit South Walton describes it as flat, paved and wheelchair accessible. Florida law (s. 316.2065) says:

Riders and passengers under 16 must wear a fitted, fastened helmet, including kids riding in a bike trailer.
A child under 4, or 40 pounds or less, must ride in a seat or carrier made for that size.
A rental shop can't rent a bike to a child under 16 unless the child has a helmet or the shop provides one.

More on routes and rentals: 30A bike trails and rentals.

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What free things can kids do in the town centers?

Seaside's town center has a farmers market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Central Square Cinema on Friday nights at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket for the lawn. See also 30A events by month.

Check today's beach flag, find a beach access with parking, or pull up rainy day picks in the in30A app.

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FAQ

Are there lifeguards on 30A beaches?

Yes, at the Regional Beach Accesses from March 1 to October 31, with limited roving coverage the rest of the year. State park beaches such as Grayton Beach have no lifeguards.

Where is there a splash pad near 30A?

Helen McCall Park (325 Moll Drive) and Padgett Park (810 JD Miller Road) in Santa Rosa Beach, both free county parks.

Do kids need helmets to ride bikes on 30A?

Yes. Florida law requires helmets for bike riders and passengers under 16, including children in bike trailers.

Can kids dig holes on the beach?

Yes, with plastic shovels only. Holes must be no bigger than 3 feet across and 2 feet deep, and you have to fill them in before you leave.