Things To Do With Family in Panama City Florida
Published March 20, 2025
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Panama City stands as a hidden gem ready to be discovered, making it an ideal holiday destination for families.
From enjoying meals at family-friendly eateries to visiting art galleries, along with all that lies in between, be prepared to make memories that endure forever with this guide for family pleasant activities to enjoy in Panama City.
Find out the things to explore with family inside Panama City FL!
Where’s Panama City?
Panama City is situated on the Emerald Coast of Florida along the scenic St. Andrew Bay, located approximately in the middle of the north Gulf Coast of Florida.
Offering an ambiance different from the hustle of surrounding shores, this location proudly features St. Andrews and Panama City's historic downtowns, showcasing their stunning recreational areas and vibrant arts culture.
There is an array of dining choices here that highlight fresh seafood and regional charm, accompanied by a variety of shopping options.
Then, outdoor recreation encompasses a variety of water-related activities, including paddling and fishing.
Things To Do With Family in Panama City FL
Discover the things to explore with family inside Panama City FL!
Explore Exhibits and Galleries
Panama's lively city serves as a refuge for imaginative thinkers, providing numerous enjoyable activities for families to discover the realm of creativity.
Here, you'll discover vibrant galleries overflowing with creativity, interactive displays that promote exploration, along with chances to craft your own masterpieces.
Even the roads themselves usually transform into a vibrant canvas featuring an array of breathtaking murals to explore.
Enjoy Ice creams and Doughnuts
Begin your tour of Panama City with a stop at DanD-Donuts and Deli.
This beloved spot is renowned for its delectable donuts that dissolve into your mouth, the ideal energy source for any one of Panama City's family-friendly activities to explore.
Also, apart from sweet confections for kids, they likewise provide freshly brewed coffee and delicious breakfast sandwiches to please the adults as well.
Then, to conclude your day of discovery, visit Drew IceCream inside St. Andrews.
The ice cream paradise features abundant creations in any flavor you can think of – the ideal method to refresh and commemorate Panama City's day of memorable family activities to enjoy.
Engage Fully in the Art Scene of Panama City
The Center for Arts in Panama City, situated in the historic downtown area, is a gem treasure for imaginative individuals of every age.
Enter with your family to discover continuously changing art displays, snuggle up with an entertaining book inside their comfortable art library, or unwind in the café with your snacks.
The gift shop on the premises is stocked with distinctive locally crafted gems, ideal for bringing Panama City's creative essence back with you.
And in the event that creativity ignites, they provide a range of courses – including painting and pottery to sketching and composing – guaranteeing there’s an element to ignite each family’s innate creativity creator.
Stop at Northwest Florida's Science & Discovery Center
This engaging paradise provides a complete day of discovery, both inside and outside.
Your children will spark their creativity here with interactive exhibits, engaging directly with nature-inspired simulations, and crafting their own inside the art studio.
Get ready for a flurry of discovery and joy at this amazing children’s museum.
Visit El Weirdo
El Weirdo, an outstanding taco bar, is a place that genuinely embodies Panama City's lively spirit.
Twelve artists collaborated to change the whole experience within one of the biggest art installations available in Panama City.
From ceiling to floor, both inside and outside, El Weirdo overflows with imagination and offers equally tasty tacos.
So, get ready for a banquet for the stomach and the sight – it's enjoyable and it’s always a success with the kids' explorers in your family.
Your kids are surely guaranteed to enjoy a great time.
History Class Brewing Co.
This company offers more than just adult beverages.
They also offer a nostalgic experience, packed with charming vintage items from the history of Panama City.
Your family will enjoy a great time here finding all the cool decorations. They also offer a variety of enjoyable table games suitable for the children.
Additionally, their menu includes delicious options that will please everyone.
This place is indeed a beneficial spot for fun and delicious Panama City activities for families.
Explore St. Andrews Town
In the delightful St. Andrews downtown, Panama City's Publishing Museum allows families to observe vintage printing presses spring to life and discover intriguing displays.
Also, kids can make their own small newspapers at their complimentary interactive children's table.
Then, only opposite the street, Native Spirits Gallery and Museum is a repository of genuine Native American items and art from Florida Panhandle, featuring a unique exhibit for children aimed at igniting curiosity.
St. Andrews is definitely one of Panama City's enjoyable places for families that won’t make your youngsters to experience boredom.
Pay a Visit to Hot Glass in Panama City
For older children and their daring parents, this spot presents a blazing blend of enjoyment.
Their glassblowing workshop features a beautiful gallery displaying unique glass art creations.
The true magic occurs in real-time exhibitions, where you will observe liquid glass being converted into stunning masterpieces.
In fact, the greatest aspect is that your family can reserve a glassblowing workshop to test your abilities and craft a souvenir to show off.
When you are ready to go to this place, ensure you reserve in advance so you don’t miss this special chance.
Explore Panama City Downtown
Tap into your inner adventure by visiting one of Panama City's Downtown museums with your family to discover historical relics and experience the wonders of science in action.
Their engaging displays are sure to ignite creativity and foster lasting memories that’ll endure for a lifetime.
Also, participate in the Downtown Walking Excursion, a circuit of three-quarter miles that’s the ideal distance for families having children – it won’t exhaust small legs.
This walk intertwines the city's scenic charm and architectural wonders, maintaining the interest of inquisitive minds with each turn and twist.
Have Fun at the City Landmarks
Longing for an adventure without screens?
Step away from the digital realm and immerse yourself in some of Panama City's landmarks that will spark fond memories and a spirit of friendly rivalry in you.
This is the moment to put on your game gear and perhaps your inner detectives too.
Walk Around Asbell Park
A lasting favorite among both locals and tourists, Asbell Park remains identifiable by its vibrant, swaying Adirondack chairs, ideal for observing the sunset across St. Andrews Cove.
A side of this Asbell Park remains nestled along the picturesque Beach Drive and positioned atop Lake Caroline.
Go on a Culinary Tour
Numerous Panama City eateries provide outdoor dining with breathtaking views of the bay, establishing a light-filled and scenic setting for your dining experience.
Finns Island Style Cuisine, situated in the entertainment and shopping section of Little Village, provides a relaxed dining atmosphere ideal for households.
Their menu meets the expectations of their slogan "stay fresh", assuring tasty choices for even very selective consumers.
The true highlight of this spot is its fantastic waterfront patio. Here you can savor art and local music while you dine.
Then, Bayou Joe’s is yet another essential dining choice for every household.
It provides ideal sunset vistas and rests on the water.
Included here is a pier, allowing you to come directly to dock from their water and eat following a lengthy day of enjoying the sun atop the water.
Also, your kids will adore the chance to feed many fish in the back, particularly since the water here is illuminated for viewing all that is floating underneath.
From dockside eateries with breathtaking sights to secret treasures offering delectable regional cuisine, there's something to eat in Panama City for all.
So, prepare to explore the finest dining choices to energize all of the activities for families in this stunning city.
Check Out Carl Gray Park
This park in Panama City provides numerous enjoyable activities for families.
When you get there, throw a line to see if you can catch something, or allow your small kids to have fun on the seaside play area.
Also, you can set out kayaks or paddleboards, or simply float around.
Indeed, this park by the water offers plenty of fun activities, parking, and sheltered picnic areas for families including a boat ramp in case you wish to discover the bay further and also tables.
Visit Point Break Arcade
Get ready for a journey to the past at this place.
Its nostalgic retreat is a retrospective journey to the past, filled with more than 70 legendary arcade games from the 00s, 90s, and 80s.
The greatest aspect? You pay a single fee for a pass and enjoy playing all day.
No more searching for quarters, only nonstop, simple arcade gameplay.
Also, challenge and engage your family in traditional one-on-one contests, join forces for collaborative quests, or just immerse yourself in this shimmering pixel of enjoyment.
Have Fun at Panama City's Visitor Center
You can start your waterfront adventure at the Visitor Center in Panama City.
Here, you’ll discover an unspoiled beach by the bay – ideal for launching kayaks, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or just unwinding with picnics under the beach's palm trees.
Also, acquire benefits from the complimentary open-air showers, public toilets, and parking facilities.
Even, this Visitor Center is merely just a few steps from the stores, eateries, culture, and entertainment in Downtown Panamá City.
Be sure to enter the center for professional guidance from their welcoming team on discovering the whole area and locating even more Panama City's family-friendly activities to engage in.
Test Your Limits at the Escape Manor
The mind-twisting puzzles in this place are ideal for families in search of thrilling and engaging family-friendly Panama City activities to enjoy.
Here, you and your family will collaborate to interpret enigmatic hints, solve riddles, and break codes, and the battle against time will keep everyone on their seats edge.
Therefore, tap into your innermost detective and try to break free from the space before the time expires.
Play in the Bayside Parks
Inside Panama City, there's a variety of stunning bayside parks suitable for families to experience.
If you intend to explore the top Panama City's family-friendly activities, you should aim to mark off many of the spots as possible.
Embark on a Dolphin Adventure
Panama City's pristine waters are brimming with thrilling choices for seeing dolphins, sunshine, beaches, diving, and boating.
Your family's journey to the city is promised to be a fun adventure featuring different outings organized by the local charters.
Brands such as Capt Zach’s and Anchor Charters offer you an opportunity for remarkable encounters with dolphins and wildlife excursions.
These outings offer all the essentials for your underwater expedition.
Picture the thrill as your family catches sight of lively dolphins jumping around in the currents together with the vibrant realm alive with fish together with various sea creatures marvels.
Discover the Oyster Trail of Panama City
The Oyster Trail in Panama City is an experience you shouldn't miss.
Anyone tasting an oyster here for the very first time during August will bring home a trophy of “Golden Oyster” to celebrate their foremost oyster-tasting experience.
Even when you go on a day other than National Oyster Day, any location along this Oyster Trail offers an exciting variety of fresh seafood tastes ideal for every family member.
Go on an Aquatic Excursion
Explore Panama City’s aquatic life marvels through a unique type of expedition.
Emerald & Forgotten Coast Adventure is a promising non-profit organization committed to instilling a passion for the oceans in children through remarkable seaside excursions.
In this space, enthusiastic experts will lead your children on an engaging experience, enabling them to feel, observe, and discover everything regarding the captivating beings that inhabit the bay.
Connecting the divide between classroom expertise and practical experience, you'll want to mark it off your list of Panama City goals to ignite curiosity and foster creativity.
Have Fun in The Portal
Panama City offers a secret treasure for your upcoming family game: The Portal in the City center.
In the board game paradise, you’ll enjoy their distinctive popcorn salads, an ideal mix of savory and sweet for the gaming session, and also enjoy unlimited, fanciful soda creations.
With countless games and boards for every player's count, age, and ability level, The Portal ensures that you'll discover the ideal one for your family, regardless of whether you’re an experienced tacticians or a tabletop beginners.
With a play pass for the whole day, it’s a budget-friendly getaway into a realm of creativity and joy.
Have Fun at the Bayside
Papa Joe's Bayside provides breathtaking views of the bay to create the ideal backdrop for your special day packed with numerous Panama City activities suitable for families.
While here, unwind with live performances and tasty fare from the food trucks on-site along with a full adult bar, or invite your team to a fun competition in yard games.
Also, go to the dock. Here, you can hire a pontoon vessel for an independent aquatic adventure or reserve a coastal fishing trip.
Even, for an exhilarating experience for a family excursion, climb on board the Grand-Mère to watch dolphins and enjoy a cruise on Shell Island.
Naturally, no experience of waterfront enjoyment is absolute without the feel of sand between your toes on the beach and Bayside beach is ready for constructing sandcastles and enjoying the sunshine.
Create Your Own Artwork
Create a stunning stained-glass artwork and let your little ones join you to paint it at the Gypsybeach Treasured Kreation.
With a store filled with gifts and distinct activities, it’s a sure formula for enjoyable and family-friendly Panama City things to engage in, and a distinctive keepsake to cherish too.
Also, to learn how to create your own unique jewelry items and even additional wearable designs, visit the LH Bead Gallery.
Here, classes are available for every level of jewelry making, making it ideal for the entire family.
Take the Kids to the Mural Trail
More than 18 murals, crafted by both local and famous artists, decorate the city's walls here, providing a view of Panama City's artistic essence.
From the famous Postcard mural in Panama City leading to their Welcome Wall to the Hammerhead mural, this Mural Trail of Panama City is, without doubt, an exclusive and complimentary method to ignite your kids’ imagination and transform their Panama City experience into a creative treasure quest.
The artworks also serve as ideal photo opportunities to showcase your experiences.
You and your family can snap many beautiful Instagram-worthy photos here.
Enjoy Quietness at Oaks Bythe Bay Park
Looking for a peaceful place? This park, situated in St. Andrews, remains what you need.
It features the “Old Sentinel”, a grand oak tree that is centuries old, along with several distinctive chainsaw sculptures inspired by maritime themes.
Also, a brief stroll here across their dune walkovers guides you into a hidden bayside beach having stunning sights – a heaven for discovery and unwinding.
