Family-Friendly Things to Do

Panama City Beach, Florida, is a fantastic destination for families, offering a variety of activities and attractions that cater to all ages. From beautiful beaches to thrilling amusement parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a guide to some of the best family-friendly things to do in Panama City Beach.

Visit Gulf World Marine Park
Gulf World Marine Park is a must-visit for families looking to experience marine life up close. The park offers daily shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and tropical birds, as well as interactive experiences such as swimming with dolphins. Kids will love the opportunity to learn about marine conservation and see their favorite sea creatures in action.

Enjoy Pier Park
Pier Park is the go-to destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Panama City Beach. The open-air complex features a variety of family-friendly restaurants, shops, and attractions, including an IMAX theater and the SkyWheel, a 200-foot observation wheel offering stunning views of the coastline. Pier Park also hosts seasonal events and live entertainment, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening.

Explore St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is perfect for families who love the outdoors. The park offers beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking in the clear waters of the Gulf, or take a boat tour to Shell Island, a pristine barrier island ideal for shelling and exploring.

Enjoy Shipwreck Island Waterpark
For a day of splashing fun, head to Shipwreck Island Waterpark. This family-friendly waterpark features a variety of attractions, including wave pools, lazy rivers, and thrilling water slides. The Tadpole Hole is perfect for younger children, offering shallow pools and gentle slides, while older kids and adults can enjoy the adrenaline-pumping rides like the Raging Rapids and the Tree Top Drop.

Discover WonderWorks
WonderWorks is an interactive indoor amusement park that combines education and entertainment. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, families can experience the thrill of lying on a bed of nails, creating giant bubbles, and testing their skills on a virtual roller coaster. The Space Zone and the Imagination Lab are particularly popular with kids, making learning fun and engaging.

Visit ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory
ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory offers an intimate and interactive experience with animals from around the world. Families can feed giraffes, pet kangaroos, and even hold exotic animals like lemurs and sloths. The zoo’s focus on conservation and education provides an enriching experience for children, making it a great educational outing.

Play at Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park is perfect for a day of family-friendly competition. The park features two 18-hole mini-golf courses set in a tropical landscape, as well as a giant maze that challenges visitors to find their way through twists and turns. It’s a fun and active way to spend time together and create lasting memories.

Relax on the Beach
Of course, no trip to Panama City Beach would be complete without spending time on its beautiful beaches. Families can enjoy swimming, building sandcastles, or simply relaxing under the sun. Popular family-friendly beaches include Schooners Beach, which offers calm waters and nearby amenities, and Rick Seltzer Park, which provides picnic areas and restrooms for convenience.