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Top 10 Things to Do in Panama City Beach for Families (2025)

When families think about the perfect beach vacation, Panama City Beach (PCB) stands out for its sugar‑white sand, emerald Gulf waters, and a deep roster of family‑friendly attractions. If you’re searching for things to do in Panama City Beach for families, this guide focuses on the top activities that consistently deliver smiles, rain or shine.

At Dolce Vita Getaways, we’ve been helping families experience the best of PCB since 2006. Our vacation rentals put you minutes from the attractions below, so you can spend less time driving and more time making memories.

Table of Contents

Top Family Activities

1) Shipwreck Island Waterpark

Classic family waterpark with a lazy river, wave pool, and dedicated kids’ play areas. Seasonal operation (spring–summer).

  • Location: 12201 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
  • Contact: (850) 234-3333
  • For more info: Shipwreck Island

man standing in front of a waterpark

2) Shell Island (access via St. Andrews State Park)

Untouched barrier island with 7 miles of undeveloped beaches; access by boat only (park ferry). Great for shelling, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing.

  • Access point: St. Andrews State Park, 4607 State Park Ln, Panama City, FL 32408
  • Park contact: (850) 708-6100
  • Park hours: 8:00 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year
  • Ferry: Shell Island Shuttle (schedule varies by season)
  • For more info: Florida State Parks

A father with his daughter in the water with skis.

3) PCB Wheel (SkyWheel at Pier Park)

Observation wheel with panoramic Gulf views; sunset rides are popular, especially if you bring kids.

  • Location: 15700 L C Hilton Jr Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
  • Contact: (850) 888-0020
  • Hours: Vary by date; may close for weather or holidays
  • Ride time: ~10–15 minutes (about 4 revolutions)
  • For more info: PCB wheel

A striking ferris wheel captured from a low angle against a clear blue sky

4) Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

Indoor dinner show with pirate battles, acrobatics, and a four-course feast; designed for families.

A man dressed as a pirate performs outdoors during a show.

5) Just Jump Trampoline Park

30,000-sq-ft indoor trampoline park with open jump, ninja course, and a dedicated area for ages 6 and under.

  • Location: 11220 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
  • Contact: 844-344-JUMP
  • Hours: Mon–Thu 12:00–8:00 p.m.; Fri 12:00–9:00 p.m.; Sat 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Sun 12:00–8:00 p.m.
  • For more info: Just Jump

A mother carrying her son before entering a game.

6) Coconut Creek Family Fun Park

Themed mini-golf with three 18-hole courses (two tropical, one sea-themed) plus the outdoor Gran Maze (football-field size).

  • Location: 9807 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
  • Contact: (850) 234-2625
  • Hours: Sun–Thu 10:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; Fri–Sat 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. (closed Dec 24–25)
  • Pricing (plus tax): Pay-One-Price unlimited Golf & Maze $30.00; individual mini-golf or Gran Maze $16.50
  • For more info: Coconut Creek Family Fun Park

smiling boy at the mini-golf

7) Emerald Coast Mirror Maze & Laser Craze (Pier Park)

Indoor center with a 2,300-sq-ft mirror maze, laser vault, laser tag, and bazooka ball.

  • Location: 701 S Pier Park Dr #107, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
  • Contact: (850) 230-6249
  • Hours: Seasonal schedules (Spring Break, Summer, Fall, Winter)
  • Tickets (from): Single attraction $13.95; Pick Three $32.95; Pick Four $40.95; Pick Five $47.95 (per person)
  • For more info: Emerald Coast Mirror

Group playing laser tag with glowing vests indoors. Fun and competitive activity.

8) Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium

Interactive oddities museum with hands-on exhibits; also features a 7D theater and other indoor activities.

  • Location: 9907 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
  • Contact: (850) 230-6113
  • For more info: Ripleys

Two boys engage with a glowing educational display, highlighting curiosity and learning.

9) ZooWorld Zoological Park

Compact zoo that’s easy with young kids; offers close-up encounters like giraffe feeding and a walk-through aviary.

  • Location: 9008 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
  • Contact: (850) 230-1243
  • Hours: Daily 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (last admission 3:00 p.m.); closed Thanksgiving & Christmas
  • Admission (from): Adults $24.95; Children $19.95
  • For more info: ZooWorld

A woman and child feed a giraffe.

10) St. Andrews State Park

Signature coastal park with white-sand beaches, jetties for beginner-friendly snorkeling, short trails, and fishing areas; Shell Island ferry departs here seasonally.

  • Location: 4607 State Park Ln, Panama City, FL 32408
  • Contact: (850) 708-6100
  • Hours: 8:00 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year
  • Entrance fees: $8 per vehicle (2–8 people); $4 single-occupant vehicle; $2 pedestrians/bicyclists
  • For more info: Florida State Parks

A grandfather and grandson bond while preparing fishing rods on a bright day outdoors.

Tips for Families Visiting PCB

  • Don’t overschedule. Build in simple beach time, sandcastles, shallow swims, and shelling often become core memories.
  • Reserve popular activities early. Activities like dinner shows can sell out in peak seasons and holidays.
  • Heat & sun strategy. If you’re traveling with kids, set up a shade tent or beach umbrella. PCB regulations allow them in designated areas as long as they’re removed daily. Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes, even on cloudy days.
  • Location matters. If most of your plans are around Pier Park, consider a stay nearby to minimize driving.

Final Thoughts

Panama City Beach blends natural beauty with attractions that truly work for families, from waterparks and wildlife encounters to sunset Ferris wheel rides. Whether you’re prioritizing lazy beach days or hunting for things to do in PCB with kids on cloudy afternoons, you’ll find plenty to love.

If you haven’t chosen where to stay yet, Dolce Vita Getaways offers the perfect base to enjoy it all. Our vacation rentals put you close to the top family attractions, with beachfront views, resort-style amenities, and local support whenever you need it.

2 boys sitting on sand

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Panama City Beach kid‑friendly?
Absolutely. Gentle Gulf waters, wide beaches, and dozens of family‑friendly attractions make PCB a strong choice for children of all ages. Start with St. Andrews State Park, Shipwreck Island, and Pier Park for a balanced intro to the area.

How does PCB compare to Destin for families?
Both are excellent. Destin leans a bit more upscale and fishing‑focused; PCB tends to offer a larger variety of pay‑as‑you‑go attractions in a compact area (waterpark, dinner show, Pier Park, etc.). If you want maximum activities without long drives, PCB is hard to beat.

How many days should I plan with kids?
Aim for 4–5 days to mix beach time, a shell/dolphin cruise, a waterpark day, and an indoor backup. A full week lets you slow the pace and repeat favorites.

When’s the best time to visit for families?
Late spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October) typically deliver warm water, fewer crowds, and better rates than midsummer.

Any quick day‑trip ideas?
If you’re curious to explore, check out the 30A corridor for coastal towns or plan extra nature time at nearby parks and springs.