Discover the top 10 family-friendly things to do in Panama City Beach, from thrilling amusement parks and pirate cruises to animal encounters and natural escapes.
The US is filled with great family-friendly destinations, from snowy holidays in Colorado to nature- and theme-park-inspired getaways in Tennessee.
But if your family is dreaming of a sunny beach getaway packed with excitement, Panama City Beach is the perfect destination. Nestled along Florida's Emerald Coast, this lively stretch of shoreline offers the ultimate mix of fun and relaxation for all ages.
From splashing in the Gulf and exploring marine life to zooming down water slides and meeting friendly animals, Panama City Beach is full of unforgettable family experiences. Here are a few handpicked highlights for you:
- Race City Amusement Park: Thrills for the Whole Family
- Zoo World: Up-Close Animal Encounters
- Pirate's Island Adventure Golf: Mini Golf with a Swashbuckling Twist
- Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise: A High-Seas Adventure for Kids
- Shipwreck Island Waterpark: Cool Off with Water Fun
- Coconut Creek Family Fun Park: Mini Golf and a Giant Maze
- Ripley's Believe It or Not!: Step into the World of the Bizarre
- SkyWheel Panama City Beach: Soaring Views of the Emerald Coast
- Gulf World Marine Park: Ocean Life Up Close
- St. Andrews State Park: Nature and Relaxation for the Whole Family
At RealJoy Vacations, we've been part of the Emerald Coast hospitality scene for years. As local experts, we know the area inside and out, and we're here to help you have the best possible experience. For more tips, check out our destination blog for insights on all things Emerald Coast, from the best fishing charters in the region to nightlife guides; it's all there.
In this guide, we've rounded up 10 family-friendly activities to make your Panama City vacation truly memorable.
1. RACE CITY AMUSEMENT PARK
Thrills for the Whole Family
If you're looking for something everyone can do that's fun, you should visit Race City Amusement Park! Everyone from toddlers to adults will have a blast! There are 4 go-kart tracks where you can race each other to see who is the fastest. Race City is the only place you'll find a roller coaster in PCB.
Some other thrill rides include the Scrambler, the Paratrooper, and Music Fest. On the Skycoaster, you will rush through the air at speeds of 60 miles per hour. The Bumper Boats are fun for everyone, too. Race City also has mini golf courses and arcades that your whole family will love!
Why the little ones will love it (and you will too):
- Go-karts and bumper boats for fun family races
- Thrill rides for older kids and adults
- Mini golf and arcade games for all ages
2. ZOO WORLD
Up-Close Animal Encounters
Do you have animal lovers in your family? You have to take them to Zoo World! There are many animals you can get up-close-and-personal with, including lemurs, sloths, and even alligators! Watch flamingos stand on one leg, and giraffes eat from tall trees. In the aviary, there are all kinds of exotic birds you'll love watching. You'll also see snakes, goats, and tigers. This is a great place to see and learn about all kinds of animals.
Why the little ones will love it (and you will too):
- Hands-on encounters with sloths, lemurs, and alligators
- Exotic bird aviary full of colorful species
- Educational and fun animal exhibits
3. PIRATES' ISLAND ADVENTURE GOLF
Mini Golf with a Swashbuckling Twist
Does your family enjoy a little competition? Take them to Pirate's Island Adventure Golf and play against each other! See who can beat everyone when it comes to points, and see if any of you can get a hole in one! You'll all love this mini golf course since it's pirate-themed. You'll see skeletons, pirate ships, tropical foliage, and water features. Playing mini golf is one of the many fun things to do in Panama City with your kids!
Why the little ones will love it (and you will too):
- Pirate-themed holes with fun scenery
- Friendly family competition
- Chance to score a hole-in-one!
4. Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise
A High-Seas Adventure for Kids
Have kids who love all things pirate? You have to take them on the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise. As soon as they see the ship, they'll want to climb aboard and join in the fun! The ship is red and black with traditional looking sails and a pirate flag. The cruise lasts for 2 hours, and the activities last the entire ride! Your kids will get to enjoy sword fighting, swabbing the deck, firing a cannon, reading a treasure map, and finding treasure. They'll also have a water gun fight, get their face painted, play limbo, have a pirate dance party, and get a pirate tattoo. Your kids won't forget this great adventure!
Why the little ones will love it (and you will too):
- Full pirate role-play with games and activities
- Treasure maps, sword fights, and deck adventures
- Family fun in a safe, themed environment
5. SHIPWRECK ISLAND WATERPARK
Cool Off with Water Fun
Since the weather in Panama City is usually hot, you'll want to do something to help you cool down. Take the kids to Shipwreck Island Waterpark! It has all your favorite waterpark attractions, such as a wave pool and water slides.
The Great Shipwreck is the oldest attraction where guests zipline off the ship into a pool of water. When your family gets hungry, you'll find burgers, pizza, hot dogs, salads, barbeque sandwiches, wraps, funnel cakes, ice cream, and frozen drinks! Shipwreck Island Waterpark closes for the season each year in early September.
Why the little ones will love it (and you will too):
- Wave pool and splash zones for all ages
- Thrilling water slides and zipline adventure
- Plenty of on-site food to refuel
6. COCONUT CREEK FAMILY FUN PARK
Mini Golf and a Giant Maze
The Coconut Creek Family Fun Park is the ultimate destination for family fun in Panama City Beach! This exciting amusement facility not only features a pair of tropical miniature golf courses but a unique maze attraction that has to be seen to be believed.
Each of the mini golf courses offers a challenging adventure among cascading waterfalls, a rocky cave, elephants, giraffes, and other safari theming. If you are up for an even bigger challenge, step into the Gran Maze to test your navigation skills! This outdoor maze is about the size of a football field and features four checkpoints that you must find to complete the massive labyrinth.
Why the little ones will love it (and you will too):
- Fun, safari-themed mini golf
- Unique outdoor maze challenge
- Adventure and exploration for the whole family
7. RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
Step into the World of the Bizarre
Another one of the top family-friendly attractions in Panama City Beach is Ripley's Believe It or Not! This fascinating oddball museum explores the world of the bizarre and the mysterious, with everything from teeny tiny pets to shrunken heads! You should allow at least 1 hour to tour the museum, but most visitors like to spend much more time exploring the exhibits.
While you can purchase single tickets to Ripley's Believe It or Not!, one of the best values is the combo ticket that includes other Ripley's attractions such as the 7D Moving Theater, Impossible Laser Race, and the Marvelous Mirror Maze!
Why the little ones will love it (and you will too):
- Wacky and fascinating exhibits
- Interactive attractions and puzzles
- Fun photo ops throughout
8. SKYWHEEL PANAMA CITY BEACH
Soaring Views of the Emerald Coast
The SkyWheel Panama City Beach is a breathtaking Ferris wheel ride that provides your family with a whole new perspective of the beauty that Panama City Beach has to offer! The SkyWheel is nearly 200 feet tall and features 30 climate-controlled, fully enclosed gondolas for a comfortable ride all year long.
The fun doesn't stop when your flight is over, as your family can take home memories of your ride with souvenir photo packages and keepsakes from the SkyWheel retail area! If you are looking for even more action, you will find an awesome ropes course and a mini golf course at the base of the SkyWheel that are included with a combo ticket.
Why the little ones will love it (and you will too):
- Gentle Ferris wheel ride with amazing views
- Safe, enclosed gondolas
- Bonus mini golf and ropes course for extra fun
9. PCB DOLPHIN AND WILDLIFE TOURS
Get Up Close with Marine Life
For families looking for a more intimate marine experience, the Panama City Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tours offer a chance to see dolphins, sea turtles, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. These boat tours guide you through local waters where you can spot playful dolphins, watch birds soar, and see the sparkling Gulf waters up close. It's an educational and fun way to learn about the ecosystem while enjoying the stunning coastal scenery.
Why the little ones will love it (and you will too):
- Real-life dolphin sightings in their natural environment
- Opportunities to spot sea turtles and other wildlife
- Interactive and educational experience for the whole family
10. St. Andrews State Park
Nature and Relaxation for the Whole Family
For a change of pace from the bustling attractions, take your family to St. Andrews State Park. This natural paradise offers pristine beaches, calm swimming areas, and scenic nature trails that are perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
Families can enjoy picnics by the water, go snorkeling to see fish in the clear shallows, or rent a kayak or paddleboard for a gentle adventure. The park also features a playground and fishing spots, making it easy to spend a full day here soaking up the natural beauty of Florida's Emerald Coast.
Why the little ones will love it (and you will too):
- Safe swimming in calm waters
- Playground and picnic spots for relaxing breaks
- Opportunities to explore nature and see wildlife
Emerald Coast: A Beachfront Haven Like No Other
With so much to explore, and endless natural beauty to experience the best Florida has to offer, the Emerald Coast will definitely fulfill your craving for a fun-filled vacation.
At RealJoy Vacations, we go the extra mile to make your Emerald Coast getaway truly extraordinary. Your accommodation should match the beauty and magic of this Florida treasure, and our goal is to provide a 5-star coastal living experience during your stay.