Seaside lives up to its title as the Travel Channel’s Best Family Beach, with fun activities for all ages. Photo by Ron Calamia
A local’s take on how to spend spring break in Seaside By Debbie McChesney
If you’re wondering what to do with your kids this year during spring break in Seaside, the limitless activities available leave little room for boredom — rain or shine. And many of them are free.
Start at least one or two mornings with a treat. Modica Market offers an array of baked goods every morning including croissants, muffins and doughnuts. Send the kids in with a few dollars each and let them pick out their favorite pastry — the chocolate chip muffins never fail to please.
On Saturday mornings, take your family into town to explore the Seaside Farmers Market. With an array of vendors, you can buy locally grown produce, homemade pies and cookies, and more while enjoying some freshly cooked food along the way. With activities aplenty going on from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the market, you can enjoy sampling the various produce, nut butters and pastries while the kids run around the amphitheater field meeting new friends. If it gets too hot, Frost Bites famous shave ice is right on the corner for a sweet treat. Or grab a fresh smoothie from Raw & Juicy.
If you’re heading to the beach, umbrellas and chairs are available from the Cabana Man service, which also has stand-up paddleboards and kayaks — both single and double — to rent hourly and take the kids on the water. The smaller swell and clear water of the gulf offer the perfect, safe place to learn to surf. Sign up for surfing lessons at Austin Magee Surf School ((850) 217-4042) located on the beach. Check out his Facebook page for additional information, photos and rave reviews. Also for the blooming angler, you can contact Kyle Swift for rod and reel rentals and some surf fishing lessons ((770) 880-8767) or find him on facebook (look for “SwiftlyHooked” on Facebook).
Every Tuesday and Thursday at 1 p.m., you can learn how to sculpt your own sand masterpiece with free sand sculpting lessons by sand master Mark Flynn from Sand Odyssey. Learn exciting techniques on how to construct a sculpture that will wow your friends and family. Pick up your wristband from Seaside Beach before the event, as space is limited.
Seaside has three pools — one covered for shade, one for adults only and one on the west side. The largest of the three, the west pool has a Frost Bites small food kiosk that opens March 7 and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., making it a great option for lunch or dinner with the kids. They swim and play while dinner is cooking. No wiggling around at a restaurant.
For a break from the sun or to escape a rainy day, paint your own clay masterpiece at Fired Up Paint Your Own Pottery ((850) 231-3211). At the end of the day, you’ll have hand-painted souvenirs to take home and enjoy. Or join the Seaside Repertory Theatre for Stories by the Sea, a one-of-a-kind story-telling experience for kids of all ages. Offered every day at 3:30 p.m. except Sundays, the event is free, and every day offers a new story and opportunities to participate.
A favorite family tradition for many Seasiders is to end each day on the beach watching the iconic sunsets of the gulf while listening for the Bud & Alley’s restaurant bell to signify that another day is done. Also don’t forget to check the schedule for evening activities in the Seaside Amphitheater. There is sure to be some great music or a fun family movie to enjoy.
