While we wish every day in Panama City was blue skies and calm waters, a rainy day here and there is to be expected, and they actually provide a wonderful opportunity to discover a different side to this vibrant destination.

In this post, we’re giving you the perfect guide to rainy day activities in Panama City, a treasure trove of unique indoor entertainments, artsy hidden gems, and cozy cultural experiences that will keep you dry during a summer shower. We’ve also provided some rainy-day hacks for exploring the city that are guaranteed to keep your vacation on track. So grab your rain jacket and umbrella (and maybe some cute rain boots too!), and let’s embrace a rainy day adventure, Panama City style!

Artsy Rainy Day Activities in Panama City

Panama City Hot Glass Studio

1331 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401

If there’s a rainy day in your vacation forecast, take it as your sign to book a glass blowing class at the Panama City Hot Glass Studio of M.G&S. One step inside this colorful studio, and you’ll forget all about the drippy weather outside. Wander through their stunning gallery, filled with one-of-a-kind art glass pieces, then watch a live demonstration to see molten glass transformed into a new masterpiece right before your eyes.

Better yet, call ahead or go online and book your own glass blowing class (no experience required!), where you and your crew can test out your skills and create brag-worthy souvenirs. Each 30-minute family-friendly workshop results in a different special keepsake from paperweights to ring holders, tumblers, platters, and exclusive holiday items. If you don’t want to make your own, you can always shop the selection of beautiful pre-made items in their store.

Atelier Candle Bar

100 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401

If you’re looking for other cozy and creative rainy day activities in Panama City, look no further than the candle pouring experience at Atelier Candle Bar (pronounced adlˈ yā) in Historic Downtown. After you choose your vessel, you’ll craft your own unique scent blend from over 50 different fragrance oils with the help of their expert scent stylists. Be sure to add a label naming your new aroma after your favorite Panama City memory.

Once poured, each candle takes about two hours to cool, but your experience includes one delicious cocktail or mocktail, so relax on your leather loveseat and enjoy the frequent live music. If you decide to venture out, you can return later to pick up your custom candle or have it shipped for a small additional charge.

Panama City Center for the Arts

19 E. 4^th Street, Panama City, FL 32401

Engage your artistic mind at the Panama City Center for the Arts, where visitors of all ages can explore rotating art exhibits displayed in three different galleries – plus, it’s part of the Panama City Mural Trail! Feeling inspired? Check their calendar of classes to find hands-on rainy day activities with workshops geared specifically towards children and teens. They cover a wide variety of media and techniques including pottery, watercolor painting, and drawing, so there’s something for everyone!

\The Panama City Center for the Arts also has a small café space where you can relax with your own snacks (The Press coffee shop is just a few doors down!) or flip through one of the art books from their library. Before you go, you’ll want to stop in the on-site gift shop, where you’ll discover locally-made items ranging from stickers and postcards to jewelry, bags, and ornaments.

Gypsybeach Treasured Kreations

Panama City is a canvas for creativity! When the rain starts to fall, dive into the city’s vibrant art scene. Unleash your inner artist at Gypsybeach Treasured Kreations where you can craft your own stunning stained-glass creation. Even the little ones can join in on the fun with their own painting adventure. With a gift shop full of unique pieces, this is a guaranteed recipe for a fun rainy day and some of the best souvenirs!

Discover Panama City’s Museums & Galleries

Bay County Historical Society

133 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401

Opened in 2014, the Bay County History Museum houses a number of permanent and temporary exhibits chronicling the settlement of the Florida Panhandle, and the rise of Panama City and its surrounding communities over the last two centuries. The collected artifacts and captivating photographs provide a glimpse into the region’s past, but it’s the stories told by the museum’s dedicated volunteers, some of whom are descended from the city’s first families, that really bring the events of yesteryear to life. From pirates to paper mills, shipwrecks to the Supreme Court, there’s plenty to discover during a rainy day.

Gallery of Art 850

36 West Beach Dr, Panama City, FL 32401

Mary Ola Miller, a passionate arts advocate, first opened the Gallery of Art in 1966 with the goal of bringing local artists, residents, and visitors together. Today, it remains a hub for the area’s fine arts & culture community, with solo and group exhibitions that rotate monthly, featuring a wide variety of media and techniques including watercolor and acrylic painting, photography, block printing, ceramics and sculpture, glass art, and more. With so much talent on display, this rainy day activity in Panama City provides the perfect excuse to slow down and reflect on the originality of each piece. Perhaps you’ll find one to take home with you!

Game On! Rainy Day Activities in Panama City

Point Break Arcade

445 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401

Buckle up and take a trip back in time at Point Break Arcade, a two-story retro hideout packed with over ninety iconic 80s, 90s, and 00s video games and pinball machines. No quarters? No problem! You’ll pay a flat fee per person for an unlimited free play pass so you can enjoy the nostalgic, pixelated glow of fun without interruption.

Challenge family and friends to classic head-to-head battles, set a personal best on the racetrack, or dance your way to a new high score. No matter which way you play, rainy days will feel like a thing of the past! When you’re ready to push pause, their coolers for a wide assortment of craft beers and bottled sodas are there to help you recharge for your next gaming sesh.

The Portal

328 Luverne Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401

As much as we love video games, there’s something timeless and heartwarming about analog activities on rainy days too. If you agree, consider a visit to The Portal Downtown, where you can choose from over 400 different board and card games ranging from classic to modern. They have options for every age, player count, and skill level, and their staff is happy to make recommendations, so you’re guaranteed to find the perfect table-top adventure for your crew.

You’ll pay one low price for all day play (2-hour pass also available), so you can afford to indulge in their whimsical soda creations (Wizard Beer anyone?) and signature popcorn salad, a sweet and salty blend that pairs well with excitement, imagination, and laughter.

Escape Manor

430 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401

What’s the most exhilarating way to escape rainy days in Panama City? An escape room challenge at Escape Manor, of course! These immersive, live-action puzzles are perfect for groups of friends or families looking to test their wits, problem-solving abilities, and observation skills. You’ll work together as a team to decipher cryptic clues, crack hidden codes, and discover mysterious objects – all within a set time limit. Escape Manor offers four different rooms to choose from, each one offering its own story or theme, like Nedda’s Tavern, inspired by a Dungeons & Dragons style adventure.

Rage Cage

602 Harrison Avenue, Ste B, Panama City, FL 32401

We get it, rainy days can be a real bummer, but Panama City’s Rage Cage provides the ultimate outlet to let loose and work through your feelings. Put on the provided safety gear, choose from a selection of handy hardware, and enter the staged monthly setting (like an office or bathroom) where you can smash and bash to your heart’s content. It’s a unique experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. For something a little less vigorous, try their glow-in-the-dark paint splatter room or the axe throwing experience. Or choose a combination of activities for double or triple the fun!

Rainy Day Activities in Panama City for the Whole Family

Drip Coffee Co.

2440 St. Andrews Boulevard, Panama City, FL 32405

If you have little ones joining your Panama City adventures, add a stop into Drip Coffee Co. to your list of rainy day activities. This cozy coffee shop in the shared space of Northstar Church boasts a comfortable and spacious seating area with a clear view of their indoor playground. Kids can explore the colorful jungle gym or participate in one of their frequent dance, story time, or craft events, while parents serenely sip on yummy drinks like the Keep St. Andrews Salty Caramel Latte. You’ll also find bakery treats, like their irresistible “Drip tarts” (modeled after your favorite childhood toaster pastry), smoothie bowls, sandwiches, and toddler-approved packaged snacks.

Science and Discovery Center

308 Airport Road, Panama City, FL 32405

Rainy days can put a damper on some things, but they can’t put a damper on your imagination! This is especially true at the Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida, where immersive exhibits, interactive experiments, and science-themed simulations ignite curiosity in the young and the young at heart. Children can choose from dozens of activities like rocket building in the Air & Space Room, viewing real x-rays in the Medical Arena, or creating original graphics in Exploration Alley. Each one offers a sure-fire formula for learning, laughter, and hours of fun.

Ice Cream & Sweets

Cool down and sweeten up your rainy day with delicious ice cream! Venture to Historic St. Andrews for a scoop (or two!) at Drew’s Ice Cream, where smiles are as sweet as their creamy treats. Craving a float? Head to Sticky Fingers Screamery & Lounge in Downtown Panama City, offering ice cream, floats, shakes, and fun games for the whole family. For a unique twist, try Mochinut, a delightful fusion of Japanese rice cakes and American doughnuts. No matter your flavor preference, Panama City’s ice cream shops will satisfy your sweet tooth and add a touch of sweetness to your rainy day adventure.

Bookish Boutique

Calling all book lovers. Bookish Boutique is as the name suggests, the perfect mashup of a bookstore and boutique. Offering new and used books (including a kids section), book accessories, and book themed attire, this is a perfect spot to browse on a rainy day. Inside you will find a comfortable couch to explore all your options, and a book arch to snap the perfect photo with your finds. You can find more shopping here.

Savor Panama City’s Oyster and Ale Trails

Panama City Oyster Trail

If getting a taste of Panama City is on your travel bucket list, Destination Panama City has two trails that will help guide your way through the flavors Panama City has to offer.

With the Gulf of Mexico providing the perfect conditions for cultivating some of the tastiest oysters in the world, they are a must-try for seafood enthusiasts and hold a special place in the heart of Panama City. The Panama City Oyster Trail showcases the diverse ways oysters are prepared, from classic raw oysters on the half shell to creative and innovative oyster dishes that will tantalize your taste buds, with a unique spin on flavors at each restaurant you visit.

Panama City Ale Trail

A rainy night here in Panama City calls for a peek into the Panama City Ale Trail. To finish off a day of trying all the best oysters, this guide will lead you to all the best beer spots, since sipping on craft beer is an experience by itself, but the Panama City Ale Trail takes it to the next level. There is no lack of options, each bringing unique vibes and flavors to the table.

Live Music, Comedy, and More: Upcoming Events That You Can Enjoy Indoors

Want to know what’s happening in Panama City? Destination Panama City has you covered! Our Events Calendar is packed with an up-to-date information to lead you to all of the best indoor excitement. From live music and comedy nights to bingo and trivia to paint nights and other creative workshops, there’s always something exciting going on. Make sure to check the calendar and plan your perfect rainy day activities in Panama City!

ABOUT PANAMA CITY

Panama City, Florida, is located on the shores of beautiful St. Andrew Bay on Florida’s Emerald Coast. With an atmosphere distinct from the bustle of nearby beaches, this destination boasts historic downtowns of Panama City and St. Andrews with their beautiful parks and an exciting arts scene. There is a collection of dining options that feature local flare and fresh seafood, along with diverse shopping opportunities. Outdoor recreation includes myriad water activities with fishing and paddling leading the way year-round.