Panama City Beach offers many opportunities for family togetherness. From playing in the sand to exploring nature and participating in fun activities, all these will make your vacation great.
Ahead, I’ll share the best kid-friendly things to do in Panama City Beach, so check it out!
1. St. Andrews State Park
Located on the eastern side of Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park is an amazing place to visit with the kids.
The park is known for many things, but mostly you will appreciate the turquoise waters and the soft sand.
The kids can hike, bird watch, bask in the sun while playing with the sand, swim, or rent a bike. The park also features picnic pavilions where you can sit and bond with them as you enjoy some snacks.
Additionally, St. Andrews State Park is home to over 60 campsites. They all have electricity, tents, water, and grills so your camping adventure will be comfortable and fun.
2. Gulf World Marine Park
Gulf World Marine Park has plentiful marine mammals to interact with. This park was established in 1970 and is known for its amazing educational programs on marine creatures.
Your kids will enjoy the Royal Swim, a unique and exciting program where they swim with the dolphins. Now that’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Additionally, the dolphin encounter program allows all age groups to interact intimately with the dolphins. Your kids will never forget how the creatures kissed and hugged them during this program.
3. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum
The Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum is one of the most kid-friendly museums in Panama City.
Your family will marvel at the hundreds of weird exhibits in the indoor museum. Some eye-catching exhibits include the vampire-killing cat, shrunken heads, and car part sculptures.
The kids can also visit the Titanic room to understand the history of these vessels or measure their height against that of the tallest man on earth. They will also be able to see floating cars and take photos in the museum.
4. Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a premier attraction for kids in Panama City.
The park boasts over three million gallons of water so the kids can float, swim, or splash as they enjoy the tropical atmosphere in the park.
The unique attractions of this park include the Tadpole Hole, a lazy river, Zoom Flume Waterslide, and Skull Island, among others. Your kids will greatly enjoy the thrilling experience of swinging from an old sunken ship and drenching themselves in nine feet of water.
You are not allowed to bring drinks or food from outside to the park. The park also operates seasonally, so you need to find out when they are open before visiting.
5. Rock’it Lanes & Arcade
Wondering what to do with the kids over the weekend? A visit to the Rock’it Lanes & Arcade is never a bad idea.
The place has a mega arcade, bowling, and roller-skating area, making it a fun center for kids.
Sit comfortably on the many leather seats and stay entertained with four large-screen televisions throughout. The gaming formats are competitive but fun!
There is also a sports bar where you can grab a drink and listen to music as the kids have fun.
6. Frank Brown Park Playgrounds
Frank Brown Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in Panama City Beach.
The park is locally treasured and features kid-friendly biking and hiking trails, a fishing pond, and a clean dog area where the kids can play with their furry friends.
7. ZooWorld Zoological Park
Take a break from the beach and experience the wild with your kids at ZooWorld in Panama City Beach.
The zoo hosts exotic animals from different parts of the world and gives you a chance to connect with them one on one. The little ones will be over the moon as they feed various creatures.
The management also organizes events to educate visitors on animal behavior and stewardship, and your little animal lover will appreciate being part of those moments.
8. Daniel’s Shells & Thomas Donuts
Although these two establishments are different, they are located next to each other in Laguna Beach. Both are definitely worth a visit!
Daniel’s Shells is a shop that sells different types of seashells. Their prices are fair considering the unique selection of shells. If you can’t find shells on the PCB coastline, pass by the shop and buy yourself some seashells by the seashore.
Once you are done, head to the Thomas Donuts & Snack Shop and treat your kids to some mouthwatering snacks.
They will love the hot dogs and seafood served here!
9. Bonfires On The Beach
There is no better way to top off your family vacation in PCB than by lighting a bonfire.
Your kids will be excited to spend the night by the water as they sing and dance around the fire.
Before you start lighting kindling, you must have a permit from a licensed beach vendor. There are specific bonfire locations for you to choose from, so pick a less crowded location and have a blast.
10. Man In The Sea Museum
The Man in the Sea Museum has exhibits and artifacts aplenty.
You and the kids can explore the history of diving in this small museum. Your children will learn about different diving helmets and other diving equipment that successfully made man’s underwater exploration possible.
They can even wear some authentic diving boots!
11. Boat Ride To Shell Island
Shell Island is only accessible by boat, making it an exclusive locale. It’s on the eastern side of Panama City Beach.
You can do several things on this island’s pristine beach, including swimming, shell searching, bird and wildlife watching, and hiking.
Keep in mind the island has no amenities, so you must bring all the essentials you need.
12. Panama City Beach Conservation Park
Breathe in the fresh air and forget the city commotion by visiting the Panama City Beach Conservation Park. The park has over 2,900 acres park of land to behold.
This park focuses on protecting natural resources and furthering recreational opportunities for the local community.
You can hike or walk on well-maintained trails as you enjoy nature. There is also a library in the park where you can borrow a book and let your kids learn about wildlife and nature.
13. Camp Hellen State Park
Camp Hellen State Park is a historic site that offers you an opportunity to explore cultural and natural resources.
There are several activities that families can participate in at the park, including saltwater and freshwater fishing, swimming, and taking nature walks.
If your kids are into hiking, consider a trip along the Oak Canopy Trail. The park has a visitor center where you can get a trail guide.
14. Pier Park
Pier Park is a shopping mall that boasts restaurants, shops, and entertainment shows. There is something for everyone, that’s for sure.
The kid-friendly activities include riding the sky wheel, watching a movie at the Grand Theatre, and enjoying some chicken wings at the Margaritaville restaurant.