The sun is shining, and school is out.
This is the perfect time of year for families to go on vacation. Several places are available where families can find fun things to do for all ages.
One of these locations is Panama City Beach, Florida.
Let’s dive in and see what fun things you can do in Panama City Beach when you have children.
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10 Things to Do in Panama City Beach with Kids
Here are 10 things you can do if you have kids and plan to visit Panama City Beach.
Gulf World Marine Park
Gulf World Marine Park offers a variety of activities to do and animals to see.
You can watch the daily shows featuring dolphins and sea lions.
You can pay for extra packages that allow you different levels of interaction with some of the marine animals.
The interaction packages include:
- VIP Sea Life Experience
- Sea Lion Encounter
- Stingray Interactive Program
- Harbor Seal Encounter
- Trainer For a Day
- Bottlenose Dolphin Meet N Greet
- Rough-Toothed Dolphin Meet N Greet
- Sea Lion & Harbor Seal Meet N Greet
- Animal Therapy
- Penguin Encounter
- Meet Russell the Crow
- Penguin Meet N Greet
- Harbor Seal Meet N Greet
If you don’t want to pay extra for the interactive programs, you can just pay for general admission and see the shows and exhibits of the marine park.
The cost for general admission is the following:
- Adults: $29 plus tax
- Senior: $26 plus tax
- Children $23 plus tax (children include ages 5-11)
- Young children (4 and under) are free
Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Ripley’s Believe It or Not is an extraordinary attraction that captivates visitors with its collection of oddities and curiosities.
With over 500 exhibits, this museum showcases the bizarre and the extraordinary from around the world.
Visitors can explore exhibits like shrunken heads, unusual artwork, and mind-bending illusions.
The museum also features interactive displays, including a tunnel that simulates an earthquake and a mirror maze that challenges perception.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not offers a unique and unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to marvel at the strange and unusual.
Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, this museum is sure to leave you amazed and fascinated.
Cobra Adventure Park
Cobra Adventure Park is an exciting amusement park.
With a wide array of thrilling rides and attractions, it offers a fun-filled experience for visitors of all ages.
The park boasts an impressive roller coaster that will leave adrenaline junkies craving for more.
For those seeking a tamer adventure, there are bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, and a carousel to enjoy.
Additionally, Cobra Adventure Park features go-kart tracks where visitors can test their racing skills.
The park also offers mini-golf courses, arcade games, and a variety of tasty food options.
With its diverse range of attractions, Cobra Adventure Park promises an unforgettable day of fun and excitement.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a popular tourist destination.
Spanning over 20 acres, this waterpark offers a wide range of thrilling attractions and exciting activities for all ages.
The centerpiece of the park is a massive shipwreck replica that serves as the main attraction.
Visitors can enjoy exhilarating water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.
For those seeking a more relaxing experience, there are also peaceful lagoons and cabanas available.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark is known for its clean and well-maintained facilities, friendly staff, and commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Seabreeze Jazz Festival
The Sea Breeze Jazz Festival is an annual event that takes place in Panama City Beach, Florida.
It is a celebration of smooth jazz music, attracting both local and international artists.
The festival offers a unique experience for jazz enthusiasts, with multiple stages showcasing a diverse lineup of talented musicians.
Attendees can enjoy the soothing sounds of saxophones, trumpets, and pianos while soaking up the sun and taking in the beautiful beach views.
In addition to the music, the festival also features a wide range of food vendors, offering delicious treats to satisfy any appetite.
Overall, the Sea Breeze Jazz Festival is a must-visit event for jazz lovers seeking a relaxed and entertaining experience.
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam is an annual country music festival.
The event is known for bringing together some of the biggest names in country music, attracting fans from across the nation.
With its picturesque beach backdrop, the festival offers a unique experience for attendees.
Over three days, festival-goers can enjoy live performances by top country artists, as well as food and drink vendors, merchandise stands, and other entertainment options.
The event has gained popularity over the years, becoming a staple in the country music scene.
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam is a must-attend event for any country music enthusiast.
Take a Boat Tour
Taking a boat tour at Panama City Beach, Florida is a fantastic activity for families with kids.
This coastal paradise offers a plethora of exciting experiences that both children and adults can enjoy.
Embarking on a boat tour allows families to explore the stunning beauty of the Gulf of Mexico and its diverse marine life.
Kids will be thrilled to spot playful dolphins, colorful fish, and maybe even a manatee or two.
The boat captains are knowledgeable and provide informative commentary, making the experience educational as well as entertaining.
Boat tours also offer opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and even fishing, ensuring an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
Explore Shell Island
Shell Island is a paradise for those who seek adventure and natural beauty.
Exploring this enchanting destination brings immense joy and excitement.
The island offers a multitude of activities that are sure to delight any explorer.
From strolling along its pristine sandy beaches to discovering hidden coves and tidal pools, there is never a dull moment.
Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding allow visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters.
The island’s diverse ecosystem is home to a variety of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
Whether it’s hiking through lush forests or simply basking in the sun, exploring Shell Island is an experience that will create lasting memories.
Play on the Sand
If you don’t want to do any big activities, you can use the vacation time to play on the beach with your family.
You can build sand castles, take turns burying each other in the sand, or even play some beach games on the sand.
You can even just relax on the sand under an umbrella while you watch your kids play on the beach.
Swim in the Sea
Swimming in the sea is another fun thing to do at Panama City Beach.
You can play games in the water, or just use the time to practice your swimming skills.
Just make sure you follow the rules and listen to what the lifeguards tell you.
Panama City Beach Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Panama City Beach Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I plan my trip to Panama City Beach?
It depends on what you plan to do in Panama City Beach.
If you plan to just visit the beach, only a few days are needed for your trip.
If you want to visit amusement parks, the marine park, and take a boat
tour, you might want to plan a week for your vacation.
It all depends on what activities you and your family want to do as to how much time you should plan for visiting Panama City Beach.
What is the most popular thing to do in Panama City Beach?
There isn’t any single attraction that is the most popular at Panama City Beach.
A couple of popular things to do include visiting Shell Island, Gulf World Marine Park, and Man in the Sea Museum.
Where is the best place to stay for families when visiting Panama City Beach?
There are a few places you can stay that are a great fit for families.
It depends on what you are looking for.
If you want to rent a condo for your stay, some condos in Long Beach are close to some family-friendly attractions, including Ripley’s Believe It or Not and WonderWorks.
If you want a hotel, there are some great options for families, such as Holiday Inn Resort, Beachcomber Beachfront Hotel, Beachside Resort, and Sugar Sands Beachfront Hotel.
What time of year should I plan to go to Panama City Beach?
It depends on what you want to do.
If you plan to hang out on the beaches, the best time to visit is sometime between May and October.
If you don’t mind the crowds, you can visit during the hotter months and take advantage of the beach in June, July, or August.
If you are looking to beat the crowds, you might want to visit during the late end of the summer in September and October.
Not only will you miss the crowds, but you might also catch some awesome end-of-summer sales and deals.
Panama City Beach is the perfect family-friendly destination with a variety of activities to keep kids entertained.