Take a family vacation to Panama City, Florida, to learn about marine wildlife and enjoy in recreational activities in and out of the water. The city is home to state parks and museums that are suitable for children of all ages. Enjoy educational and fun-filled experiences while you bask in the Florida sunshine. Keep reading to learn our favorite family-friendly activities in Panama City.
Gulf World Marine Park
Image via Flickr by talkrhubarb licensed by CC BY 2.0
Dedicate one day of your trip to Gulf World Marine Park, an attraction that allows you and your family to interact with marine animals, such as dolphins, sea lions, and stingrays. Grab a life jacket and a bathing suit to swim with dolphins, where they push you by the soles of your feet as they perform tricks or enable you to ride on top of them.
You can also register for the Dolphin Encounter program, which includes a hug and a kiss from the animal. Check the park’s website for a schedule of the daily shows starring the wildlife. Consider purchasing your tickets online before your visit to save spots for you and your family.
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
Take a drive to Coconut Creek Family Fun Park to enjoy the warm weather and encourage some friendly competition. The park has two 18-hole mini-golf courses, each with a tropical theme that includes portrayals of waterfalls and animals, such as elephants. Don’t forget that children under five-years-old play for free. When you’re done, dare to conquer the Gran Maze that’s the size of a football field. Other activities include the safari adventure, where you can walk on a trail and examine tropical plants, and the ring toss. Coconut Creek Family Fun Park is open every day at 9 a.m.
Museum Of Man In The Sea
Opt for an educational experience at the Museum of Man in the Sea. There are multiple exhibits that showcase the history of diving. Explore how protective equipment, such as masks and helmets, has changed throughout the past century. You can study the first underwater vessels, including submarines, vessels, and water flow pumps. Also displayed are armored suits and rigs that are useful for adventures beneath the water’s surface. Admission is under $10 for adults and children, and the museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Make sure you pack your sunscreen and beach towels for an all-day, water-filled excursion at Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Escort younger members of your family to the section with small slides and shallow pools. Older companions can conquer the large, fast-paced slides with exciting drops. If you’re seeking slow-paced attractions, then ease down the lazy river or brace yourself to get drenched in the wave pool. Shipwreck Island Waterpark also has dining options, such as hamburgers and pizza, for when your stomach starts growling. Purchase your tickets online or sign up for a season pass.
The Science And Discovery Center Of Northwest Florida
Another family-oriented attraction that’s worthwhile is the Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida. Children can take a journey through multiple interactive exhibits, such as a market that allows them to select and scan items in a grocery store and a glow room that has stackable panels that illuminate in the dark. They can also stop at the reptile exhibit to check scaly creatures. The toddlers in your family can take part in the Science Spots for Tots class that happens on Tuesday mornings. Ticket prices are under $10 per person.
Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise
Take your family on a water voyage with the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise. During the two hours that you’re on the boat, you can enjoy beer and snacks while listening to music. The children accompanying you can stay occupied with pirate activities, such as treasure hunts, face painting, and water gunfights. There’s also pirate-themed merchandise available for purchase. You might even see dolphins frolicking in the water while you’re on board.
ZooWorld Zoological Park
If you and your family are animal lovers, then you’ll have a blast at ZooWorld Zoological Park. The attraction provides opportunities to interact with exotic mammals and reptiles. Examples include feeding leaves to giraffes, dangling a bucket of grub in front of hungry alligators, and hugging a lemur. You can also walk through an aviary with a budgie stick to get up close and personal with unique birds. ZooWorld is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Access the park’s website to purchase your tickets in advance.
Camp Helen State Park
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature during a visit to Camp Helen State Park. With 180 acres of land to explore, you can cool off with an afternoon swim at the beach, eat a sandwich and chips on a picnic, or embark on a family hike on one of Camp Helen’s trails.
Teach the children of your family about different animals through a bird-watching session or invite them to take part in saltwater or freshwater fishing. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard for an adventure in the water. During wildlife viewing, you might catch a glimpse of animals like squirrels and black bears.
Skaters Choice
Test your balance and flexibility as you get reacquainted with roller blades at Skaters Choice. The rink has room for every member of your family to roll across the concrete floor. If you’re new to skating, then you can take part in lessons that expose you to fundamentals and train you on skating safely. There are also lessons that take place on Tuesday nights that are appropriate for more experienced skaters. When you’re hungry, you can choose between pizza, hot dogs, and nachos. Before your visit, remember to register children younger than 12 to skate for free.
Panama City Toyota has given you a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions to check out during your family getaway to our city. If there’s another site that’s a must-see for families visiting northwestern Florida that locals love, then send us a message to let us know. We’ll make sure to add it to our list.
