Panama City, FL: April 11, 2025 — As families begin planning their summer getaways, Panama City, Florida invites travelers of all ages to discover an array of immersive, educational, and hands-on experiences designed to spark curiosity and make memories. From water-based adventures to interactive museums, historic walking tours, and creative outlets, this coastal destination offers a refreshing mix of activities that go far beyond the beach.

Panama City’s waterfront setting offers a launch point for adventure with dolphin and wildlife tours, snorkeling, and self-guided boat excursions across St. Andrews Bay. Families can gather at Papa Joe’s Bayside, a lively waterfront hangout that features live music, yard games, food trucks, and a laid-back beach for digging in the sand or splashing along the shoreline. Families can rent pontoon boats or jet skis, book an inshore fishing charter, or climb aboard a dolphin tour for an up-close look at Panama City’s marine life. Dolphins are just the beginning—kids may also spot sea turtles, stingrays, jellyfish, or even a manatee while cruising the bay or snorkeling off Shell Island. Local charters like Anchor Charters, Flippin’ Awesome Adventures, and Capt. Zach’s Adventures offer family-friendly options with all the gear and guidance included.

For hands-on marine education, Emerald and Forgotten Coast Adventures delivers a one-of-a-kind field trip experience that brings kids face-to-face with the creatures of the coast. This nonprofit organization specializes in interactive tours that blend environmental education with real-world excitement, led by passionate marine experts who make the bay come alive. Families looking for a full day of outdoor play can head to Carl Gray Park for swimming, kayaking, and fishing on North Bay, or make their way to Downtown Panama City where Kingdom Splash Fest offers a high-energy inflatable waterpark and ninja obstacle course. Open year-round, this waterfront attraction delivers big thrills and active fun for all ages.

When it’s time to dry off, families can explore Panama City’s cultural side. The historic walking tour downtown is the perfect bite-sized loop for little legs, while the Bay County Historical Museum and Panama City Publishing Museum introduce kids to the region’s rich history through hands-on exhibits and interactive activities. Art lovers can follow the colorful Mural Trail through town or stop by the Panama City Center for the Arts to view kid-friendly exhibits, sign up for an art class, or browse the gift shop for handmade souvenirs. Panama City Hot Glass offers live demonstrations and workshops for older kids who want to try their hand at glassblowing.

Game night gets a Panama City twist at The Portal Downtown, where families can choose from hundreds of board games, whimsical sodas, and signature snacks, or step into nostalgia at Point Break Arcade for a day of retro-style fun. For those craving a challenge, Escape Manor delivers age-friendly puzzle rooms that bring the whole crew together for a test of teamwork and quick thinking.

With its perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural discoveries, and hands-on fun, Panama City is where kids can dive into a day full of curiosity, creativity, and coastal play. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s always something new to discover when you explore the waterfront with the whole family.