The Florida panhandle is the perfect place to plan your next family vacation. Fun, friendly beach towns like Pensacola, Destin, and Panama City welcome millions of visitors each year. From the sandy boardwalks to the aquatic events – there’s something to do for all ages along the panhandle. With so much to see and do as a group, how can you possibly choose?

We’re here to share our expert opinion on our favorite family attractions along the Florida panhandle. You can’t go wrong visiting any of these tours, attractions, and events!

WonderWorks (Panama City Beach)

This cool, interactive attraction is the perfect place to head inside during a rainy day or if you just need a break from the sun. Kids can explore and play amidst scientific displays and interactive games in a four-story fun lab housed in an “upside-down” building.

Pensacola Lighthouse & Museum (Pensacola)

Climb up 177 steps and earn yourselves a beautiful view of the Gulf Coast. The top of the tower offers stunning views of Pensacola Pass, the Pensacola skyline, the historic Navy Yard and more.

Harborwalk Village (Destin)

Harborwalk Village is your home base in Destin for EVERYTHING in family entertainment. Along the walk you’ll find restaurants, water excursions, water sports, weekly fireworks, free outdoor concerts, and much more.

Southern Star Dolphin Cruises (Destin)

View seabirds, marine life, and yes plenty of friendly dolphins from the deck of a Southern Star Cruise ship. Guests depart from Harborwalk Marina on the 80-foot glass bottom boat where they’re lead on an adventure by experienced captains. Kids can even steer the ship and feel like a captain themselves!

Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park (Destin)

Open in the summertime, Big Kahuna’s is an awesome experience for the whole family. Featuring over 40 attractions including water slides, lazy rivers, and splash pools for toddlers – it’s a perfect way to cool off and avoid the sand.

Buccaneer Pirate Cruise (Destin)

Have fun on the open seas like the pirates of yore. The ship leaves from Harborwalk Village in Destin, and takes passengers on a journey led by trained scallywags and scoundrels. Treasure hunts, singing, dancing, and general merriment are standard on board.

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park (Fort Walton Beach)

Come snorkel with stingrays and sharks, feed penguins and watch otters play at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Featuring dolphin and sea lion shows, the marine park is also a place where kids can receive VIP training from staff on proper animal care.

Wild Willy’s Dino Adventure Zone (Fort Walton Beach)

If a 16,000 foot indoor arcade isn’t your families thing, how about two mini golf courses or laser tag? There’s also a 4D movie theater where dinosaurs “attack” up close and personal, as well as a Ptero Jump bungee adventure. Fuel up at the on-site restaurants after a long day of fun.

Sky Zone (Pensacola)

Endless trampolines provide hours of fun at this indoor park. Play games together like dodgeball, basketball, all while jumping to new heights.

Race City (Panama City Beach)

Another all-in-one family attraction, Race City in Panama City Beach has a thrilling go kart track, indoor black light mini-golf, and the loopy “Spin Zone”. Just to name a few of the fun activities offered here. Do yourself a favor and take in the beautiful Panhandle sunset together aboard the Ferris Wheel.

National Naval Aviation Museum (Pensacola)

At the National Naval Aviation Museum over 4000 artifacts and 150 aircraft await your arrival. The Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines are represented here and daily tours are led by retired military volunteers. Flight simulators and IMAX films give guests a chance to experience military flight without leaving the ground.

Blue Wahoos Ballpark (Pensacola)

Minor league baseball at a major league facility, the Blue Wahoos Ballpark is the beautiful home field for the Cincinnati Reds AA affiliate team. The multi-use facility was also designed to host a wide range of events besides baseball, including football, as well as concerts and many other possibilities.

Author

Hi, I'm Jen and I love to travel, go to the beach and write about all the places I have visited. I also have a bucket list of places I can't wait to try! I've visited Cape Cod every summer since I was a kid and now enjoy traveling to all great beach destinations, including Florida! I have worked in the travel industry for all of my career. I love sharing my experiences of different restaurants and places and helping travelers find the best fit for them!

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