Famous 10 Family Things to Do in Panama City Beach
Looking for the famous 10 family things to do in Panama City Beach? This incredible destination boasts soft white sand beaches, exciting dolphin tours, and top family-friendly parks like Gulf World Marine Park and Shipwreck Island Waterpark.
From thrilling attractions like Wonderworks to animal encounters at Gulf World, this guide explores the famous 10 family things to do in Panama City Beach, ensuring endless fun for kids and adults alike.
Families can enjoy mini-golf, go-kart racing, or shopping at Pier Park. Don’t miss a boat trip to Shell Island for nature fun or a visit to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! for quirky exhibits. There’s something for everyone to enjoy together!
1. Gulf World Marine Park
Among the famous 10 family things to do in Panama City Beach, Gulf World Marine Park stands out as a must-visit attraction for all ages.
Families can enjoy dolphin and sea lion shows, interact with stingrays, turtles, and vibrant birds, and even swim with dolphins for a truly unforgettable experience.
Gulf World tops the list of family-friendly attractions in Panama City Beach, blending fun with animal conservation. The park also has reptiles like alligators and snakes.
Through special programs and hands-on activities, Gulf World helps people learn about animals and nature. It’s a great place to have fun and learn about marine life and animal conservation.
| Best Time for Visitors | Early mornings and late afternoons have calm seas. |
| Location | 15412 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Florida |
| Main Attractions | Dolphin and sea lion shows, animal encounters, reptile exhibits |
| Educational Programs | Marine biology and conversation activities |
| Operating Hours | Varies by season |
2. Shipwreck Island Waterpark
For a splashing good time among the famous family things to do in Panama City Beach, visit Shipwreck Island Waterpark.
With thrilling waterslides, a relaxing lazy river, and a wave pool, it’s a favorite family destination in Panama City Beach.
The kid-friendly play areas and picnic spots make it an ideal destination for families to cool off and bond during their vacation.
Popular rides include the Pirate’s Plunge, Tree Top Drop, and White Knuckle River, which are great for thrill-seekers.
For those who want to relax, the lazy river and wave pool offer a perfect way to unwind. The park also has picnic areas, food stands, and plenty of shaded spots to take a break. It’s a great place to cool off and have fun during the summer months.
| Best Time for Visitors | Early mornings or late afternoons offer less crowded waves for a better experience. |
| Location | 12201 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, Florida |
| Main Attractions | Waterslides, wave pool, lazy river, kid-friendly play areas |
| Operating Hours | Open seasonally, typically from late spring to early fall. |
| .Best For | Families, kids, and water park enthusiasts |
3. St. Andrews State Park
Nature lovers will find St. Andrews State Park to be one of the famous 10 family things to do in Panama City Beach.
Known for its breathtaking beaches, clear waters, and abundant wildlife, it’s a top choice for families seeking outdoor adventures.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and fishing along the Gulf Coast or explore the calm waters of Grand Lagoon.
The park also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and campsites, making it perfect for a family day out or a relaxing weekend getaway.
You can take a boat shuttle to Shell Island, a nearby unspoiled barrier island with even more beautiful beaches.
It’s an excellent place for nature lovers to relax, see wildlife, and enjoy outdoor activities.
| Best Time for Visitors | Early mornings or late afternoons provide the Calmest waters for a better experience. |
| Location | 4607 State Park Lane, Panama City Beach, Florida |
| Main Attractions | Swimming, Snorkelling, Hiking, Fishing, and nature walks |
| Operating Hours | Open daily 8: 00 A.M to sunset |
| Best For | Families, nature Lovers, and outdoors enthusiasts |
4. Pier Park
Pier Park, one of the famous family things to do in Panama City Beach, combines outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Families can explore a variety of stores, enjoy delicious meals, and take part in live events for a day of fun.
Visitors can shop at well-known brands and local boutiques, enjoy seafood, burgers, or sweet treats, and catch a movie at the IMAX theatre.
For fun, there’s an amusement park with rides and live music events throughout the year.
Located close to the beach, it’s the perfect place to relax, shop, eat, and enjoy some entertainment all in one visit.
| Best Time for Visitors | Morning or evening is the best time for quieter beach conditions near Pier Park. |
| Location | 600 Pier Park Drive, Panama City Beach, Florida |
| Main Attractions | Shopping, dining, IMAX theatre, amusement rides, and live events |
| Operating Hours | Varies by store and season; generally open daily |
| Best for | Families, shoppers, and entertainment seekers |
5. ZooWorld Zoological Park
As part of the list of famous family things to do in Panama City Beach, ZooWorld Zoological Park offers an up-close look at animals from around the world.
Families can enjoy petting sloths, feeding giraffes, and interacting with playful animals, making it a memorable stop on their trip. The zoo is home to exotic animals like tigers, lemurs, alligators, and colorful birds.
Visitors can enjoy animal encounters, where they can pet sloths, feed giraffes, and interact with playful animals like goats and lemurs.
The park focuses on education and conservation, making it a great place to learn about wildlife while having fun.
It’s a perfect spot for kids and animal lovers to explore and experience nature up close.
| Best Time for Visitors | Mornings and afternoons for cooler weather |
| Location | 9008 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Florida |
| Main Attraction | Animals like tigers, giraffes, sloths, and reptiles; animal encounters |
| Operating Hours | Open every day, hours change by season. |
| Best for | Families, kids, and anyone who animal loves |
6. Frank Brown Park
Frank Brown Park is a large recreational area perfect for families and sports lovers. It features multiple sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas, along with a community swimming pool and splash pad for kids.
The park also has scenic walking and biking trails, a fishing pond, and an outdoor gym.
It hosts various events and sports tournaments throughout the year, making it an excellent spot for both relaxing and staying active.
Whether you want to play sports, enjoy a picnic, or take a stroll, it’s a great place to spend the day outdoors.
| Best Time for Visitors | Morning or early afternoon for smaller crowds |
| Location | 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, Florida |
| Main Attraction | Playgrounds, sports fields, walking paths, fishing pond, pool, and splash pad |
| Operating Hours | Open every day, but hours may change during events. |
| Best for | Families, kids, and people who enjoy outdoor fun |
| Nearby Attraction | Close to the beach and other fun places in the area |
7. Shell Island
Shell Island, near Panama City Beach, Florida, is a beautiful, undeveloped barrier island known for its clear waters, white sandy beaches, and abundant wildlife.
It’s an excellent spot for snorkeling, swimming, and shell collecting.
Accessible only by boat or shuttle, it offers a peaceful escape from the crowds, perfect for a relaxing day in nature.
Visitors can often spot dolphins, sea turtles, and coastal birds while exploring the island.
There are no facilities or stores, so it’s best to bring your food, drinks, and beach gear for a fun day trip.
| Best Time for Visitors | Early mornings or weekdays for fewer people and calmer water. |
| Location | Near Panama City Beach, accessible by boat or shuttle |
| Main Attraction | People who love nature, the beach, and quiet spots |
| Operating Hours | It is open every day, but you need a boat or shuttle to get there. |
| Best for | People who love nature, the beach and quiet spots |
8. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is an exciting museum filled with odd, unusual, and fascinating exhibits.
The attractions include strange artifacts, interactive displays, and mind-bending optical illusions.
Visitors can explore a mirror maze, try out a 7D moving theatre experience, and see strange collections like shrunken heads and unique art pieces.
It’s a fun place for families to discover weird facts, enjoy hands-on activities, and be amazed by the bizarre.
The museum is excellent for all ages, making it a perfect stop for a day of fun and surprises.
| Best Time for Visitors | Anytime, as it’s indoors, the weather doesn’t affect it. |
| Location | 9907 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Florida |
| Main Attraction | Odd exhibits, illusions, a mirror maze, and a 7D theatre |
| Operating Hours | Open every day; hours may change by season. |
| Best for | People who love strange facts, puzzles, and fun experience |
9. Family Things to Do in Panama City Beach: WonderWorks
WonderWorks is an interactive indoor amusement park designed to spark curiosity and fun. The building itself looks like it’s upside down, which is a unique sight.
Inside, visitors can explore over 100 hands-on exhibits, like a hurricane simulator, a space discovery zone, and a bubble lab.
There’s also a ropes course, laser tag, and a 6D motion ride that feels like an adventure. It’s an excellent spot for families and kids to learn about science, physics, and nature entertainingly.
Perfect for rainy days or just a break from the sun.
| Best Time for Visitors | Anytime, as it’s indoors and not weather-dependent. |
| Location | 9910 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Florida |
| Main Attraction | Fun science exhibits, ropes course, laser tag, and a 6D ride |
| Operating Hours | Open every day; hours may change by season. |
| Best for | Families, Kids, and anyone who loves hands-on activities |
10. Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park is an excellent spot for families to enjoy outdoor activities together. It features two extensive, beautifully landscaped mini-golf courses filled with fun challenges.
One of the main attractions is the giant outdoor maze, where visitors can race against the clock to find their way through.
The park is perfect for families, groups, or anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed day of mini-golf and maze fun.
| Best Time for Visitors | Anytime, as it’s not affected by weather. |
| Location | 9807 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Florida |
| Main Attraction | Mini-golf and a giant outdoor maze |
| Operating Hours | Open every day; hours may change by season |
| Best for | Families, kids, and groups who want fun outdoor games |
| Nearby Places | Close to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and WonderWorks |
Conclusion: family things to do in Panama City Beach
From Gulf World Marine Park to Shell Island, the famous 10 family things to do in Panama City Beach provide endless opportunities to create unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re exploring nature, enjoying water parks, or relaxing at Pier Park, this family-friendly destination promises something special for everyone.
Whether you’re exploring Gulf World, enjoying waterslides at Shipwreck Island, or relaxing on the pristine beaches of Shell Island, there’s no better place for family fun and adventure.
Families can shop, eat, and play at Pier Park or have fun at places like WonderWorks and Coconut Creek.
With beautiful beaches and exciting attractions, it’s a great spot to make happy memories together.
For more beach recommendations, explore the best bodysurfing beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, or discover the top 10 unique attractions in San Diego for your next adventure.”
FAQs
1. Is Panama Beach suitable for families?
Yes, it’s great for families with calm waters, soft sand, and fun activities like mini-golf and parks.
2. Is Panama City, Panama kid-friendly?
Yes, it has kid-friendly places like the Panama Canal, parks, and museums.
3. What is Panama City Beach known for?
It’s known for beautiful beaches, clear water, and fun spots like Pier Park.
4. Is Panama City an excellent place to raise a family?
Yes, it has good schools, outdoor activities, and a friendly community.
5. Is it cheap in Panama City?
Panama City can be cheap if you choose local options.
