Panama City is loved by many for its gorgeous coastlines, pristine waters, kind people, and area wildlife. It’s understandable why many locals love the beach and typically sport beautiful, natural tans. But you can’t always be in the sun and sand. When you’re not swimming in the ocean and soaking up the rays, consider going to one of the many museums or educational facilities around Panama City. If you have kids, they’ll love this family adventure, and you might learn something new about life, science, or art. Read on to learn about some educational excursions around Panama City.
WonderWorks
Image via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 by Le Moyne College Alumni
Whether you live in Panama City or are visiting, this is a stop you can’t miss. WonderWorks Panama City is an amusement park for the mind with over 35,000 square feet of what they call “edu-tainment.” Attractions combine an educational experience with entertainment, including over 100 hand-one and interactive exhibits that challenge the mind and ignite creativity. This Alice in Wonderland-esque experience begins with visitors walking through an inverted tunnel, where up is down and down is up.
Some feature exhibits include the Extreme Weather Zone, where participants visit the Earthquake Cafe to experience some tremors, the Hurricane Shack with winds over 74 miles per hour, and the Tesla coil, where a steel glove helps you become a human lightning rod as the Tesla coil emits over 100,000 volts. Follow along as their mascot, Professor Wonder, guides you through the Imagination Lab. Play with a giant version of Lite-Brite, play in a sandbox, and learn how gears work. There’s also a Physical Challenge Zone, Light and Sound Zone, Space Discovery Zone, and the must-see Wonder Art Gallery.
WonderWorks has several attractions with flashing lights, loud sounds, sudden movements, and motions that may not be suitable for those with a heart condition, diabetes, vertigo, seizures, or light and sound sensitivities. To ride the Wonder Coaster, riders must be at least four feet tall, or three and a half feet to ride with an adult. Closed-toe shoes are required for the rope course. For the Astronaut Training Gyro, riders must tie back long hair. Wear either pants or shorts on this excursion, as visitors with loose-fitting clothes, such as skirts and dresses, will not be allowed on rides.
They open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and stop accepting visitors one hour before closing. Free parking is available onsite for guests. General admission for adults ranges from $28.99 to $34.99 for the VIP Combo. This special ticket includes one Space Fury ride, a free small popcorn, and a 10% discount off retail and cafe purchases. Children’s tickets range from $23.99 to $28.99, and there is a senior citizen discount.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium
It is amazing all there is to see at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium. You’ll see everything from shrunken heads to rare animal skeletons. With over a dozen galleries of hands-on activities, this is a great destination for tactile learners who can’t stop touching things and fidgeting. Visit the 7D moving theater for a full-body experience complete with digital effects and motion seats. It feels like you are in the movie. Then, test your problem-solving skills in the mirror maze. This fun-for-all-ages activity challenges your sense of direction as you find your way through over 1,000 mirrors.
You can purchase tickets online through their website—adult general admission for guests 13 and older starts from $29.99 to $34.99. Children five years to 12 years have a reduced price while those under five get in free. You can also purchase individual tickets if you only want to experience the mirror maze, 7D movie experience, or the central odditorium. You’ll find Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium at 9907 Front Beach Road. It’ll be the giant boat.
Science And Discovery Center
The Science and Discovery Center is a children’s museum located in Panama City. Full of activities to instill a love for learning from an early age, it focuses on science and history. Current exhibits include the Dino Dig, where little ones become paleontologists and dig for dinosaur bones. They can become pirates and board a boat in the Pirate Ship exhibit or experience a live video funhouse inspired by carnivals of old at the Digital Wall exhibit.
The museum frequently hosts a Science Day, where guests can enjoy a summer camp and learn about the world around them. Children can enroll in some of the museum’s Homeschool Classes that are challenging, interactive, and aligned with the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and the National Science Standards. See their website for a full class list and details.
The Science and Discovery Center is conveniently located at 308 Airport Road. General admission is $8 for children, seniors, and military members or veterans and $9 for adults.
Man In The Sea Museum
The Man in the Sea Museum is the place to visit to get acquainted with diving and everything under the sea. Discover the underwater world with exhibits that show you the equipment and facilities used for deep-sea diving. See the US Navy SEALAB I, the world’s first underwater living facility. Examine a display of commercial diving equipment specifically designed to keep body temperature and pressure regulated for safety. Visit some submarine pods and modules, known as swimmer delivery vehicles, used for underwater studies and exhibitions.
Hours of operation are Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and general admission for adults is $7. Children aged six to 17 years, senior citizens, and military members with valid ID get in for $5. While you’re there, get information about their Oyster Bash, it’s a can’t-miss event that locals love!
So there you have it. Panama City Toyota has just shared with you our list of beneficial educational excursions around Panama City. Contact us for all your vehicle needs to ensure you get to each museum stylishly and securely. What did you think of our list? Did we miss your childhood favorite museum? Leave a message or stop by and let us know. We’ll be happy to add your suggestions to our list.
