Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation
About
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation brings culture and creativity to life for families in Destin. This beloved cultural center captivates young audiences with professional children's theater productions, hands-on art classes, and engaging summer camps that spark imagination and artistic expression in kids of all ages.
Highlights
- ✓Professional-quality children's theater productions featuring Broadway-style shows adapted for young audiences
- ✓Hands-on art classes in various mediums including painting, sculpture, and mixed media
- ✓Engaging summer camp programs that combine theater, visual arts, and creative expression
- ✓Family-friendly performances featuring local and touring artists
- ✓Beautiful, accessible theater space designed with children in mind
Pro Tips
- 1.Book tickets early for popular children's theater shows as they often sell out weeks in advance, especially during spring break and summer
- 2.Arrive 20-30 minutes before showtime to browse the lobby displays of student artwork and let kids get excited about the experience
- 3.Check their website for free family arts events and open houses held throughout the year
- 4.Sign up for their email list to receive early notification about summer camp registration, which fills up quickly
- 5.Parking is plentiful in the shared Commons area, but arrive early during peak performance times
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoon performances tend to be less crowded than weekend shows. The fall and spring theater seasons offer the most diverse programming for families, with multiple productions and special events scheduled throughout those months.
What to Know
Office hours are Monday-Friday 10 AM-4 PM for inquiries and registration, but performance times vary by show. Individual class and ticket prices vary, so check their calendar online before planning your visit.
Seasonal Notes
The theater season typically runs fall through spring with a holiday production in December. Summer features intensive arts camps rather than regular performances. Some programming may be reduced during late summer before the fall season begins.
Nearby Eats
The Commons shopping area offers several family-friendly options including Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen and Moe's Southwest Grill, both within walking distance and perfect for a pre-show meal.
More Activities Near Destin
E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center
The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center offers families an immersive nature experience just a short drive from Destin's beaches. Kids can explore hands-on exhibits about local ecosystems, meet native wildlife up close, and walk scenic nature trails through Florida's unique coastal habitats, all while learning about the pioneering conservation work of E.O. Wilson.
Henderson Beach State Park
Henderson Beach State Park is a family paradise on Florida's Emerald Coast, offering over 6,000 feet of sugar-white sand beaches with calm, shallow waters ideal for young swimmers and sandcastle builders. Beyond the stunning beach, families can explore easy nature trails through coastal dune ecosystems, enjoy shaded picnic pavilions, and let kids burn energy at the playground,all while avoiding the crowded commercial beaches of Destin.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park offers families an authentic Florida nature experience with three miles of pristine white-sand beaches far from the crowds, rare coastal dune lakes perfect for calm-water exploration, and shaded nature trails ideal for little hikers. Kids will love spotting wildlife, biking along scenic trails, and discovering the unique ecosystem where freshwater lakes meet the Gulf of Mexico.
Crab Island
Crab Island is Destin's famous shallow sandbar that transforms into an incredible family water playground accessible only by boat. Kids love splashing in the crystal-clear, knee-to-waist-deep emerald waters while parents relax knowing the shallow depths create a safer swimming environment. The festive atmosphere includes floating food vendors, inflatable water toys for rent, and stunning views that make this one of the Emerald Coast's most unique family destinations.