There are so many things to do in Panama City Beach with kids. This makes Panama City Beach a fantastic family vacation destination. Relax on the beautiful Gulf Coast beach or check out one of the many family-friendly attractions in the area.
Me and my family absolutely love vacations at Panama City Beach. We have been multiple times and will continue to come back again and again. Our latest trip was over spring break. Even though the water was a little cold, we still had a great time exploring Panama City Beach.
Free Things to Do in Panama City Beach with Kids
Panama City Beach has some awesome attractions that are super fun and completely free!
1. Panama City Beach
The main reason to go to Panama City Beach is to enjoy the beach! The beautiful sugar sand is typical on the entire Emerald Coast.
Accommodations directly on the beach allow you to get to the water without the hassle of driving and finding a parking spot. This is especially nice when you have young kids.
If you are not staying within walking distance of the beach, Pier Park is a great location to park your car. You can check out the numerous shops and restaurants in the area before heading across the street to public beach access 58.
The City of Panama City Beach operates three paid parking lots that charge a minimal fee. Click for more information about the Panama City Beach parking options.
No matter how you get to the beach, you are guaranteed to have a good time soaking up the sun and playing in the sand.
2. Frank Brown Park Playgrounds
The Frank Brown Park Playgrounds are a great way to spend the morning with kids. There is outdoor play equipment and swings.
There are two fenced and shaded play areas for the kids to get out of the sun. One is only open to young kids. There is also a partially shaded area with turf that has foam blocks to build anything that they can imagine.
You could add on a visit to the Panama City Beach Aquatic Center for an inexpensive day. It is located next to the park.
3. Conservation Park
Conservation Park is a wonderful place to hike on a trail and enjoy nature. The park encompasses 2,900 acres and has over 24 miles of trails and boardwalks to explore.
There are 12 trails to choose from ranging from a short 0.6 miles walk to an epic 11-mile hike. The park is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week.
Things to Do in Panama City Beach with Kids
Panama City Beach is a great place to vacation because of its variety of attractions that are guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained.
4. Saint Andrews State Park
Saint Andrews State Park is a nice place to spend the day. Enjoy the beach and ocean or go inland to see the wildlife in the area. The park encompasses 1,260 acres with 1.5 miles of beach.
Water activities include kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, and swimming. Kayak rentals are available during the summer at the park’s boat rental shack. Snorkeling gear can be rented or purchased at the concession store.
There are a few trails in the park that allow you to see the birds and other wildlife up close. Gator Lake Trail is a short 0.5-mile hike that takes you through the area of the park commonly inhabited by alligators. Heron Pond Trail is another 0.5-mile trail that takes you through flatwood pine forests.
A day pass costs $8 per vehicle. The park is open 8:00 AM to sundown.
5. Shell Island
Shell Island is a nature reserve of St. Andrews State Park. It is a 7-mile barrier island that is completely undeveloped. If you want to see the wildlife and marine animals in their pristine natural setting, this is the place for you.
Shell Island is a great place for swimming and snorkeling. Bring a beach towel and lay out on the white-sand beach.
There are a few options to get to the island. The Shell Island Ferry is a quick 15-minute ride to the island. A tram takes you from the Pier Store to the ferry dock to board the boat. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Another option is to take the Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise. This 3-hour cruise sails around the Gulf of Mexico and allows you to snorkel and swim at Shell Island for about an hour.
The island has no restrooms or food available. You will want to pack in anything that you need such as sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, food, and water.
6. Dolphin Cruise
Dolphin cruises are an excellent thing to do while vacationing in Panama City Beach with kids.
There are multiple options, but the Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time is the winner. This two-hour scenic cruise sails through the Grand Lagoon, past elegant homes, and St. Andrews State Park.
You can check out more Panama City Beach boat tour options here.
7. Tour Cypress Springs
One of the more unique things to do while visiting Panama City Beach is to go on the Cypress Springs Eco Adventure guided tour. You can choose a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard to transport you down Holmes Creek.
Once you arrive at Cypress Springs, you have time to snorkel and swim in the constant 70-degree water. You can also relax and sunbathe on the provided beach chairs.
This tour lasts 6 hours. It includes a sandwich lunch. It also includes all of the gear that you will need to participate in the activities including GoPros and Seadoo Underwater scooters.
8. Dragon Pirate Cruise
Board the Sea Dragon for a themed pirate cruise. This two-hour family cruise includes dolphin sightings, music, and activities for the kids.
Kids will have a blast sword fighting, swabbing the deck, finding the treasure on a map, participating in a water gun fight, getting their faces painted, and having a pirate dance party.
9. Camp Helen State Park
Camp Helen State Park is uniquely located between the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell. Popular activities in the park include kayaking, fishing, hiking, and swimming.
Explore the largest coastal dune lake in Florida, Lake Powell, on a kayak or paddleboard. Single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and paddleboards are available for rent in the park from April through December.
Camp Helen State Park has a couple of hiking trails worth checking out. The North Trail is a 1.8-mile trail that highlights the native plants that grow here.
The Oak Canopy Trail is a shorter 0.5-mile trail that passes through shrub oak forest. This is a good trail to birdwatch. You can also take a walk along the beach.
Stop at the visitor center to view the educational exhibits. There is also a historic district in the park that includes a water tower, lodge, rainbow cottages, and more.
Camp Helen State Park costs a minimal fee of $4 per vehicle.
10. Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park is designed to keep the kids entertained. It has two 18-hole mini-golf courses and a giant maze the size of a football field.
They sell a “Pay one Price” ticket for unlimited play. Plus, kids 5 and under play free! Check the Coconut Creek Family Fun Park website for more information and a coupon to save a few dollars.
11. Race City
Race City has an incredible number of things for kids to do. Attractions include go-karts, thrill rides, classic fairground rides, mini-golf, skycoaster, an arcade, bumper boats, and a fun house.
Purchase a wristband to enjoy unlimited access to almost all of the attractions. You can also purchase individual ride tickets.
12. Hidden Lagoon Super Golf and Racetrack
Golf and ride go-karts at Hidden Lagoon Super Golf and Racetrack.
The go-kart track is almost a mile long! You can purchase 3 laps or 6 laps. Kids 36″ to 56″ can ride as a passenger for free.
Hidden Lagoon also offers two 18-hole miniature golf courses. There is the kid-friendly fountain course and the waterfall course. Kids 6 and under are free.
13. Emerald Falls Family Recreation Center
Emerald Falls Family Recreation Center is another kid destination with go-karts, an arcade, mini-golf, and a few small kid rides. They sell point packages with a varying number of points. Each attraction costs a specified point value.
14. Sunshine Riding Trails
Go on a trail ride on a Tennessee Walker with Sunshine Riding Trails. Their rides range from 1 to 4 hours.
No experience is necessary. They teach you everything that you need to know to ride and match you with a horse that fits your experience level.
Reservations are required. And, they have some rules regarding weight restrictions and the number of small children allowed.
15. Pier Park
Pier Park is the shopping, dining, and entertainment hub of Panama City Beach. Shop til you drop at one of the department stores or smaller specialty stores.
There are over 20 dining options to choose from. Enjoy classic American food, seafood, and even Japanese food.
Have some fun ax throwing, playing at Dave & Buster’s, breaking out of an escape room, taking pictures at the selfie museum, watching an IMAX show, or building a friend at Build-A-Bear.
16. SkyWheel Panama City Beach
The SkyWheel is a popular attraction at Pier Park. But, it has enough activities to be a destination of its own.
Play a round of miniature golf, navigate the ropes course, and take a ride in a gondola on the observation wheel. Choose one activity or bundle all three to save.
17. Shipwreck Island Waterpark
If you want to try something other than the beach, check out Shipwreck Island Waterpark. It is a massive 15-acre waterpark.
Ride the waves in the massive Ocean Wave Pool, meander on the White Knuckle River and the Lazy River, or take a plunge on one of the many slides.
Skull Island is a family-friendly area with a fort, kiddy slide, and family slide. Younger kids will enjoy the Tadpole Hole with themed animal slides.
18. Gulf World Marine Park
Gulf World Marine Park is a fun experience, especially for kids. There are animals around the park that you can view as well as shows and special encounters.
Gulf World offers daily shows that are extremely entertaining. The Feathers & Friends Show showcases some talented birds, cats, dogs, and reptiles. The sea lion show shows off the talents of the California Sea Lion and the Harber Seal.
The highlight, though, is the dolphin show. They have both Bottlenose and Rough-toothed dolphins. They do some incredible tricks with their trainers.
There are various educational chats scheduled throughout the day and a stingray touch pool. We enjoyed seeing the birds on their outdoor perches. You can view reptiles up close in the Reptile Wall.
Gulf World also offers encounters and swims with both types of dolphins as well as encounters with sea lions, seals, and penguins.
19. ZooWorld Panama City Beach
ZooWorld at Panama City Beach is a smaller, intimate zoo that allows you to see the animals up close. The petting zoo area and the bird aviary were highlights during our visit.
They offer experiences for an additional fee. These experiences include holding a kangaroo, petting a sloth, playing with a lemur, or holding an alligator. You can also buy feed to feed alligators, giraffes, and birds.
20. Airboat Adventures (Gator Country Alligator Park)
Are you looking for a unique experience for your family vacation in Panama City Beach? Airboat Adventures offers alligator airboat tours. Start your tour by looking through the alligator exhibits and watching an alligator demonstration.
The airboat tour lasts about an hour and takes you to the marsh areas and backwaters of West Bay. Keep an eye out for alligators, dolphins, and birds.
Indoor Things to Do in Panama City Beach with Kids
Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate with your beach plans. Here are some indoor things to do in Panama City Beach with kids when that happens.
21. Wonderworks
Wonderworks is a huge building with a mix of educational exhibits and pure fun. Lay on a bed of nails, make gigantic bubbles, explore space, create art through movement, and play in the sand.
Challenge yourself on the indoor ropes course, take a ride in Space Fury, and shoot the competition at the Laser Tag Arena.
Everything is 100% indoors making it the perfect place to visit on rainy days.
22. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not is a classic attraction for weird and bizarre things. Check out the galleries full of weird and wacky things, take an interactive journey in the 7D Movie Theater, get lost in the Mirror Maze, and wind your way through the Lasers Race.
23. Man in the Sea Museum
Man in the Sea Museum is a specialty museum showcasing the history of underwater technology. Exhibits include the history of diving suits and experimental diving equipment.
There is a 45-minute Diving and SeaLab documentary that plays throughout the day. There is also a scavenger hunt and interactive exhibits that get the kids involved.
24. Escape Rooms
Panama City Beach has a few themed escape rooms. These are meant to be completed in about an hour.
Area Z51-Zombie Escape is a race against the clock to solve the puzzles and uncover clues before the zombies invade. The Outer Space One Hour Escape Game challenges your party to complete the space-themed mission. The Terminal Escape Room of Florida drops you into a New York subway that is malfunctioning. It is your job to get it working again without crashing.
25. Rockit Lanes & Arcade
Bowling is a classic family activity. Rockit Lanes & Arcade is a great evening activity after you have been out in the sun all day. It has a bowling alley, arcade, and roller skating.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Panama City Beach
The Yard Milkshake Bar should be a must on your vacation. They serve crazy concoctions of milkshakes and specialty bowls of ice cream. You have to see it to believe it!
Best Places to Stay in Panama City Beach with Kids
There are tons of accommodation options in Panama City Beach. Stay in a hotel on the beach, a resort with amenities, or have a whole house to yourself. Whatever you decide, your family vacation is sure to be amazing.
Hotels in Panama City Beach
There are a lot of hotel options in Panama City Beach. Many of them are right on the beach.
The Holiday Inn Resort offers direct beach access, multiple pools perfect for kids, and even outdoor movie nights. You can even get rooms with bunk beds.
The SpringHill Suites by Marriott is another beachfront property with a nice pool, easy beach access, and gulf views from the room’s balcony.
If you are looking for more of a vacation rental without all of the additional fees, the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Panama City Beach Resort might fit your needs. You get a small apartment with a fully equipped kitchen and a private balcony.
Splash Resort
Splash Resort is one of the best places to stay in Panama City Beach with kids. It is located right on the beach for easy access. In addition to the amazing location, it has beach services, an interactive waterpark, heated pools, a hot tub, a lazy river, and a splash pad.
You will find everything that you need for your vacation here with an on-site convenience store, coffee and ice cream shop, and beach store. Spend a Friday or Saturday night watching a movie in the dive-in theater.
Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort
Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort is a great option for a family vacation in Panama City Beach.
The many accommodation options at the resort are studio apartments, one and two-bedroom suites, condos, townhomes, and two or four-bedroom beach houses.
The list of kid-friendly activities at the resort goes on and on: hammocks, volleyball, table tennis, pool tables, indoor pool with waterslide, lazy river ride, hot tub, outdoor pool, mini golf, shuffleboard, arcade game room, inflatable water slides, beach playground, and direct beach access.
They also host seasonal activities including a foam party, sunset s’mores night, a Polynesian show, beach games, bingo, water balloons, and karaoke.
FAQs: Panama City Beach with Kids
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about visiting Panama City Beach with kids.
Is Panama City Beach good for families?
Yes! Panama City Beach is a fantastic family vacation destination. The beautiful beaches are great! Plus, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep the kids entertained during inclement weather and at night.
How do you get to Panama City Beach?
The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is the closest airport to Panama City Beach. You can fly direct on major airlines from numerous cities including Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Washington DC.
Other nearby airports are the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport and the Pensacola International Airport.
What is the best way to get around Panama City Beach?
A car is the best way to get around Panama City Beach. DiscoverCars is a great option for booking rental cars. It compares the prices of the major companies to save you time and get you the best deal. It also has no hidden fees, flexible cancellations, and a price match guarantee.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Panama City Beach with Kids
In addition to the beautiful beaches, Panama City Beach has numerous attractions that are kid-friendly and great for entertaining the kids while on vacation. There are free things to do, water activities, indoor activities for when the weather isn’t cooperating, and some great things to do at night.
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