Destin, Fla. — Three days into the vacation, and the kids are bored with the all-day beach routine. Or are those just my kids?

During a family break to Destin, a popular getaway, there are plenty of activities beyond Boogie boarding and building sand cities.

Some of our favorites:

See dolphins on a sunset cruise

The two-hour dolphin cruise on the Southern Star features a narrated tour of Destin Harbor, bird feeding and dolphin-watching in the gulf. The boat has an inside cabin and 18 benches on the top level for those who want a breezy ride. Eight glass panels in the bottom of the boat provide an intriguing view when the water is clear.

Big hits with the kids: dolphin-watching and having a chance to steer the boat in the captain's chair wearing Capt. Cliff's hat. Each child gets a turn and a Junior Captain Award certificate. Kids get a toy from the treasure chest at cruise's end.

Tickets are $27 for adults (there's a coupon for $2 off), $20 for senior citizens, $13.50 for ages 4-12 and free for younger than 4. Information: 850-837-7741, www.dolphin-sstar.com. Park at the Lucky Snapper off U.S. 98 East, a quarter-mile east of Destin bridge.

Shop, eat and play at Destin Commons

Billed as an "outdoor lifestyle center," Destin Commons has more than 56 acres of stores, restaurants and a 14-screen movie theater. My 11-year-old daughter gravitated toward Limited Too and Build-a-Bear. My 9-year-old son enjoyed running through the 49-head dancing fountain. The fountain is free, as is the kids' playground.

Take the free trolley ride or pay $3 per person to ride the Little Choo Choo. Expect lots of traffic around the center (corner of U.S. 98 and Mid Bay Bridge Road). Information: www.destincommons.com.

Drive go-karts

The family recreation center also has bumper cars, mini-golf, bungee jumping, sky flyer and rides for little kids. We bought 24 tickets for $60.65 (10 percent discount online) and blew through $30 in a half-hour.

Best bets: bumper boats (you get wet) at two tickets a ride; kids driving go-karts by themselves on the family track at two tickets a ride; and kids riding go-karts with Dad driving on the three-story track at three tickets a ride. "Rev it, Dad!"

Check age, height and weight restrictions at www.destintrack.com. Hours change by season. Information: 1125 U.S. 98 East, 850-654-4668.

Eat at Fudpuckers and see the gators

The kids' menu has silly names (Junior Fud's Fish Toes, $5.99, and Puckeroni Pizza, $4.99). Kids' meals come with a token to exchange for a toy at Capt'n Fud's Treasure Chest. At Gator Beach, you can feed alligators and see shows by the Gator Guy. Information: 20001 Emerald Coast Parkway (U.S. 98), www.fudpuckers.com/destin.htm.

Play at Big Kahuna's

From kids' slides and shallow pools to speed slides, Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park has something for all ages. Try the Hammerhead slides that take off from atop the Temple of Doom and the Maui Pipeline speed slide. The Honolulu Half Pipe lets you body board on a wave that moves 36,000 gallons of water a minute. Try the mini-golf and sky coaster at the adventure park.

The water park opens at 10 a.m. daily through Aug. 17, adventure park at 2 p.m. daily through Sept. 1. All-day water park tickets are $35.99 (plus tax) for adults and those taller than 48 inches; $29.99 for children under 48 inches and senior citizens. Order online and save $2 each. A combo ticket for water and adventure parks is $47.99. Information: 1007 U.S. 98 East; 850-837-8319, www.bigkahunas.com.

Drive dune buggies

Destin Raceways has dune buggies ($25 for 25 laps, 30 laps for safe drivers) and go-karts ($10 for 25 laps, 30 laps for safe drivers). Information: 26000 Emerald Coast Parkway (U.S. 98), 850-269-2999.

Bowl at Hurricane Lanes

Even with 26 lanes, the place can be crowded on a rainy day. Cost is $3.50 per person, per game, and $1.50 for shoe rental. Hurricane Bowl (9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, $4.25) features loud music and black-light bowling. The pool tables and tabletop games are worn. Information: 34876 Emerald Coast Parkway (U.S. 98), 850-654-5251.

Go deep-sea fishing

We like the American Spirit charter boat (three-tenths of a mile east of Destin bridge). On a half-day trip, we caught white and red snapper, and the deckhands filleted our catch and gave us a grouper. (They earn their tips, so tip well.) Trips are four to eight hours and cost $40 to $65 (half price for 12 and younger). Information: 850-837-1293, www.newfloridagirl.com.