Activities for Toddlers in Crestview, FL

Crestview, Florida, is located in the panhandle of the state, south of the Alabama state line. While it's not right on the beach or close to the much-loved Disneyworld, there are still many things to do with your toddler to keep her entertained and happy. With warm weather most of the year, outdoor activities are a must, but there are several things to keep your little one occupied indoors as well.

  1. Outdoor Activities

    • Enjoy the warm Florida weather at any number of the parks in the Crestview area. The Twin Hills Park has a children's area that boasts several pieces of age-appropriate play equipment. Countryview Park has a large playground, as well as restrooms and drinking fountains, which make taking a toddler there for an extended time feasible. Take your toddler to the Environmental Center (cityofcrestview.org) and spend a few hours wandering among the over 100 species of trees and having a picnic lunch. Spend time in Blackwater River State Forest (cityofcrestview.org). The forest boasts beautiful waterways and the chance to see a variety of birds in their natural habitat. If you stay long enough, you might also catch a glimpse of a wild turkey or a white-tailed deer.

    Events

    • Crestview hosts a variety of family events throughout the year that your toddler is sure to enjoy. In the spring, head to the spring carnival or the Easter egg hunt (cityofcrestview.org), which also includes a train ride and a 16-foot slide. Spend the day at the Old Spanish Trail Fest (oldspanishtrailcentennial.com). The fest includes food vendors, arts and crafts, carnival rides and parade. Other parades (mainstreetcrestview.org/events.html) during the year include the annual homecoming parade in October and the annual Christmas parade in December. The downtown fall festival (mainstreetcrestview.org/events.html) is another activity your toddler might enjoy. The fest includes games, entertainment and special treats for children.

    Museums and Zoos

    • The Sasquatch Zoo (sasquatchzoo.com) is a family-friendly place your toddler will enjoy. The zoo is small, but it boasts a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, deer, bobcats, raccoons and alligators. You can pack your own food and enjoy a picnic while you're there. Explore the Carver-Hill Museum with your toddler (carverhillmemorialandhistoricalsocietyinc.org/carver-hill_museum.htm). The museum is filled with photographs and artifacts, most of which highlight black history. The Air Force Armament Museum (afarmamentmuseum.com), which is located just a few miles outside of Crestview, is a must-see if your toddler likes airplanes. Not only can he see many different kinds of aircraft, but he can sit inside the cockpits of some of them, too.

    Additional Activities

    • Head a few miles outside of Crestview to Big Kahuna's (bigkahunas.com). It's a water park with numerous slides, many of them geared toward small children, as well as a wave pool and several play areas dedicated specifically to toddlers. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park (gulfarium.com) is another entertaining place to take your toddler. The park allows your child to see fish, sharks, starfish, turtles, dolphins, otters and seals up close. See an animal show or take the time to feed some of the animals while you're there, too.

    • Infants and toddlers are typically children up to 3 years old. Summer activities for very young children can be done outdoors, or even indoors with an outdoor focus. Experiencing summer-specific crafts, play, food and sensory activities will help chi
    • Art is a great way to stimulate a childs imagination and encourage self-expression. The Week of the Young Child, a week-long annual event sponsored every April by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, is a perfect opportunity
    • Preschoolers learn a lot of new information in school, but sometimes it can be a change of pace to get out of the classroom and learn in a different environment. This is where the benefit of field trips comes in. The preschoolers can visit local busi