a boy sitting in front of an aquarium in panama city beach

8 Family-Friendly Panama City Beach Attractions

May 1, 2023

Choosing a vacation destination that will keep the whole family entertained can be tricky. Accommodating different age groups with varying interests isn’t easy, and finding activities adults and kids can do together requires some effort. How do you plan a vacation that gets everyone excited and keeps them engaged when they get there?

Plan a trip to family-friendly Panama City Beach! With 27 miles of white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and outdoor adventure all day long, you’ll find plenty to keep the family entertained.

It’s not just the sandy shores that bring families back year after year. Panama City Beach boasts plenty of kid-friendly attractions to keep your teens, tweens, and toddlers begging for a return visit. Take the stress out of vacation planning and throw in a few surprises along the way with a trip to Panama City Beach!

Shipwreck Island

Perfect for families who love the water with a bit of adventure thrown in; embark on a day trip filled with water flumes, wave pools, raging rapids, and more at Shipwreck Island. Coast along the lazy river while your teens get their adrenaline pumping on thrill rides guaranteed to burn off that last little bit of energy. The littles will love splashing around the kiddie pool, and lounge chairs throughout the park provide a lovely reprieve from all the water activities. Meet up mid-day for a tasty burger, pizza, ice cream, and slushies, swing by the gift shop for a commemorative keepsake, and get ready for the best sleep of your life!

Learn more about Shipwreck Island in Panama City Beach.

WonderWorks

Education and entertainment merge in six specific zones guaranteed to make learning fun at Wonder Works. Encompassing nearly 30,000 square feet, kids and adults can choose from over 100 hands-on exhibits designed to challenge their skills while bringing science to life. Learn about electricity and hurricanes in the extreme weather zone, take the astronaut training challenge, and create huge bubbles in the bubble lab. Each activity inspires creativity, encouraging kids to learn about the world around them in fun and exciting ways. Book a private birthday party and enjoy the exhibits, a ropes course, laser tag, and refreshments for the whole crew!

Learn more about WonderWorks in Panama City Beach.

Zoo World

Pet a sloth, snuggle a lemur, and more at Zoo World, a fun outing the whole family will enjoy. Spread out over seven acres; it’s the perfect size zoo for an afternoon outing and a nice break from the beach. Home to over 200 animals and dozens of your favorite species, immersive interactions present opportunities the kids will never forget. Pay one flat fee to enter the park, then select additional experiences to pet and engage with various species. Bottle-feed a tiger, hold a kangaroo, or feed the giraffes, and take advantage of the fantastic photo ops during this fun-filled family experience.

Learn more about Zoo World in Panama City Beach.

Just Jump Trampoline Park

A favorite among active families, you’ll find something for all ages at Just Jump Trampoline Park. With 30,000 square feet of indoor wall-to-wall trampolines, freestyle on your own or participate in fun games like basketball and dodgeball. The whole family can challenge each other in a fun and safe environment and have a blast while doing it. A kiddie area provides a dedicated space for those under 6, with a foam pit, climbing wall, basketball goal, and more. Burn off excess energy, refuel with pizza and Dippin Dots ice cream, and still have plenty of time to hit the beach. 

Learn more about Just Jump Trampoline Park in Panama City Beach.

Rock’it Lanes

More than just a bowling alley, Rock’ It Lanes offers a mega arcade, a skating rink, and triple the fun! With 24 available bowling lanes, you’ll have no problem finding one for your crew. Computerized scoring lets you concentrate on rolling that perfect ball, and automatic bumpers keep the ball in the lane so little children can participate too. 

Venture next into one of the largest arcades in the Florida Panhandle with games for every age. Purchase a rechargeable game card, play old favorites, or opt for the newest games. Redeem your card points for awesome prizes and take advantage of half-price Tuesdays. A roller skating rink adds even more fun, and there’s even a sports bar where mom and dad can enjoy an ice-cold beer and catch their favorite game on the large-screen TVs while the kids munch on hot dogs and cotton candy. 

Learn more about Rock’it Lanes in Panama City Beach.

Pier Park

Looking for something a little less adventurous? Pier Park is a great option for a laid-back afternoon requiring little exertion. An entertainment complex featuring specialty shops, restaurants, and a movie theater with 16 screens, it’s easy to spend a few hours strolling the grounds. A little shopping is always good for the soul, and with over 80 stores and dozens of restaurants, it’s an easy way to keep everyone happy. Pick up a new outfit, a beach hat, or a pair of flip-flops, but check out the website before you go for deals and discounts.

Learn more about Promenade Shopping Mall in Panama City Beach.

Gulf World

Featuring daily shows, interactive programs, and one-of-a-kind experiences, Gulf World celebrates the study and conservation of marine mammals. Get an in-depth look and connect with your favorite species in their habitat. Feed stingrays, book a sea lion encounter, and interact with dolphins in ways you never imagined. Daily and weekly camps offer even more opportunities for the kids to learn about their favorite sea creatures, giving adults some precious time to relax and recharge. 

Learn more about Gulf World in Panama City Beach.

Swampy Jack’s

A family entertainment center featuring exciting attractions, challenging games, and plenty of adventure,” Swampy Jack’s promises fun surprises at every turn. Enter the park for free, purchase a Wongo card, then pay for each attraction or opt for a 2-hour card. Take your pick from mini-golf, go-karts, bumper cars, and more, with themed rides offering a different journey to somewhere new. Grab dinner at Swampy’s Cantina and share stories of the day’s adventures.

Adults can enjoy a tasty burger with an ice-cold beer, but the Hawaiian shaved ice and funnel cakes will make it fun for the kids. 

Learn more about Swampy Jack’s in Panama City Beach.

Family Fun in Panama City Beach

Although our gorgeous coastline attracts people of all ages, the fun shouldn’t end at the beach. In family-friendly Panama City Beach, it doesn’t have to. Book today with Scenic Stays!

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