If you are planning a family trip to the Gulf Coast with kids in tow, Panama City Beach delivers. From calm, shallow water perfect for little ones to full-on amusement parks and water slides, family activities in Panama City Beach cater to every age group and energy level.
A Proper Vacation for the Whole Family
PCB has something going for every age group. Younger kids love the calm Gulf water and the beach, older kids want rides, speed, and adventure, and parents want something that keeps everyone happy without burning through the whole vacation budget in a single day. The good news is Panama City Beach checks all those boxes.
Explore Shell Island
Shell Island is a seven-mile, undeveloped barrier island sitting just across from St. Andrews State Park, and it is one of those spots that sticks with families long after the trip is over. The island has no restaurants, no shops, and no development, just wide stretches of white sand, calm bay water great for swimming and snorkeling, and a good chance of spotting dolphins, sea turtles, and ghost crabs along the way.
Shell Island Ferry
- Ferry Departure Address: 5709 N. Lagoon Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 32408
- Phone: (850) 233-0504
- Cost: Approximately $25 adults, $18 children ages 2 to 12, and infants are free
- Book Tickets
Wild Fun Playing at Shipwreck Island Water Park
Shipwreck Island Water Park is a 20-acre tropical-themed water park that has been a PCB staple since 1983. It has something for every age group, from the Tadpole Hole and Skull Island splash areas for little ones to high-speed slides and a 500,000-gallon wave pool for the older kids and adults. The lazy river is a crowd favorite for families who want to slow things down between the bigger rides.
The park typically runs from late April through mid-August, with daily operations kicking in around late May. Buy tickets online in advance to save a few dollars off the gate price.
- Address: 12201 Hutchison Blvd., Panama City Beach, FL 32407
- Phone: 850-234-3333
- Cost: Approximately $50 to $55 for adults, $40 to $45 for shorter guests. Children under 2 are free.
- Get Tickets
The Fastest Go Kart Tracks at Race City Amusement Park
Race City is Panama City Beach’s largest amusement park and home to the fastest, tallest, and steepest go kart tracks on the beach. Beyond the go-karts, the park has a roller coaster, a log flume, bumper boats, bumper cars, blacklight mini golf, a haunted house, a Sky Coaster, and a full indoor arcade. It is a solid rain-or-shine option since a good portion of the park is indoors. An unlimited armband gets you access to everything for one price, which tends to be the best value for families planning to spend several hours.
- Address: 9523 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, FL 32408
- Hours: Open daily. Hours vary by season, typically noon to 11 PM.
- Buy Tickets
Family Fun at the Beach
Panama City Beach has 27 miles of coastline, and the main public beaches along Front Beach Road are well-maintained, family-friendly, and easy to access. The Gulf water here is calm, warm, and shallow close to shore, which makes it ideal for younger kids. Keep an eye on the daily flag system before heading in. Green means calm conditions, yellow means moderate surf and currents, and double red means the water is closed to swimmers. Most beach access points have public restrooms, outdoor showers, and nearby metered parking.
Breathtaking Aerial Views from PCB Wheel
For something a little different, the PCB Wheel at Pier Park lifts families 20 stories above the Gulf Coast in fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas. Each ride includes four revolutions and lasts around 12 minutes, giving everyone a clear 360-degree view of the beach, the Gulf, and the Pier Park area below. It is open year-round and works well as a quick activity to pair with shopping or dinner at Pier Park. Children under 3 ride free with a paid adult ticket.
- Address: 15700 L.C. Hilton Jr. Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 32413
- Cost: $20.99 adults, $16.99 children ages 3 to 9
- Buy Tickets
Book Our Family-Friendly Vacation Rentals in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is better when you have a comfortable place to come back to at the end of the day. Vacations Perfected offers a wide selection of family-friendly rentals with resort amenities and easy access to the beach. Browse our Panama City Beach vacation rentals and enjoy things to do in Panama City Beach for families!
