Top 20 Things to Do in the Florida Panhandle with Kids – Fun Activities for Families

Orlando. Miami. The Keys. These locations get all the hype, but don’t let them overshadow the most sensational slice of the sunshine state: The Panhandle!

There are so many things to do in the Florida Panhandle that are perfect for your next family vacation. Outdoor adventures, animal encounters, historic escapades, and gorgeous views await! If you’re looking for something a little more off-beat than Disney but still totally kid-friendly, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re all about finding fun in every corner of Florida!

Come on, let’s get going!

Fun Things to Do in the Florida Panhandle!

Home to some of the best beaches in Florida, the Panhandle offers both traditional vacation activities as well as some wonderfully unique adventures. Entertaining and enjoyable for both adults and kiddos, everyone in the family is sure to love these hidden gems in the Florida Panhandle!

1. Visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach

The Gulfarium is like the SeaWorld of the Panhandle! This sweet marine park is home to dolphins, penguins, otters, sea lions, and several more adorable critters. Check out all of the amazing animal exhibits, then tune into the shows and creature chats happening throughout the day! You can also opt to pay a little extra for a special animal encounter where you can feed, pet, and/or interact with one of the resident dolphins, turtles, harbor seals, or other friends!

We love that in addition to being a fun family outing, the Gulfarium is also committed to conservation and participates in rescues, rehabilitation, and public education about Florida’s marine life.

2. Explore the Gulf Islands National Seashore

Gulf Islands National Seashore is a popular national park that sees millions of visitors every year. With scenic vistas, historical interests, and natural wonders, you and the family can easily spend the entire day exploring here! Take a guided tour or venture on your own through the historic onsite forts (like Fort Pickens) or take to the trails and hike through miles of peaceful woodland. There are also stunning beaches, like that of the Perdido Key Area, where you can dip your toes in the water.

Five species of sea turtles nest in this park, and you can make camp for the night, too, at one of several campgrounds! Although Gulf Islands National Seashore is a popular park, there are plenty of hidden gems for you to discover within its sprawling borders.

3. Take a Dolphin Watching Tour in Pensacola Beach

One of the great things about Florida’s Emerald Coast is the dolphin population! We love seeing playful pods splashing out in the ocean. However, if you’d like an even closer look at these fun marine mammals, you can book a dolphin cruise in Pensacola Beach! There are a few different dolphin tours in town, including several Tripadvisor award winners (2022), like Chase-N-Fins or Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours and Boat Rentals. You can choose your preferred charter based on price, the size of your group, and onboard amenities. As long as you’re looking at dolphins, it’s hard to go wrong!

4. Play Mini-Golf at Goofy Golf in Panama City Beach

One of the most whimsical family things to do in the Florida Panhandle, Goofy Golf in Panama City Beach is tons of fun for all ages! With two delightful 18-hole courses, you’ll encounter larger-than-life obstacles like a pink elephant and a T-Rex. In addition to golf, there’s also an arcade with classics like skeeball and pinball, as well as a snack bar for when you get the munchies. The nostalgic retro vibes of Goofy Golf are just too fun!

5. Visit the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola

Soar through history at the National Naval Aviation Museum! If your kiddos love planes, then they’ll be awed by the aircraft exhibits, flight simulators, and cockpit training at this wonderfully interactive museum. The winner of a 2022 Traveler’s Choice Tripadvisor award, this museum is entertaining, educational, and always engaging. With over 4,000 pieces of memorabilia to see, you’ll definitely want to allot several hours of your schedule to this high-flying attraction!

The aircraft galleries are especially cool as they contain restored and replica planes, including a Sopwith Camel from the First World War, a PB2Y-5R Coronado that was owned by aviator and Hollywood tycoon Howard Hughes, and even the Skylab Command Module that orbited earth from 1973-1979 (on loan from the Smithsonian). Consistently earning 5-star reviews from visitors, this is a “must-see” of the Pensacola area!

6. Splash Around at Shipwreck Island Waterpark in Panama City Beach

If you’re looking to beat the heat in the Panama City Beach area, then we recommend their ultimate water playground: Shipwreck Island Waterpark! With roaring rapids, towering waterslides, a wave pool, and a relaxing lazy river, this pirate-themed waterpark is the perfect place for kiddos to cool down! Even your youngest scallawags can have a blast thanks to Tadpole Hole – a watery play area with tiny tot-sized slides and activities.

7. Go on a Pirate Adventure Aboard the Sea Dragon in Panama City Beach

Can’t get enough of the pirate life in Panama City Beach? Then have we got the cruise for you! One of the most unique things to do in the Florida Panhandle is to take a trip on a pirate ship called the Sea Dragon. This 2-hour high seas excursion into the Gulf of Mexico is geared toward families with kiddos and comes stocked with a bounty of fun: sword fights, firing a “kid canon,” reading maps and discovering sunken treasure, as well as music and a pirate dance party! The Captain also endeavors to find dolphins during the cruise, which can be an incredibly exciting bonus!

Yo ho, yo ho! A pirate’s life for me!

8. Explore the Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton Beach

Unleash your inner scientist at the Emerald Coast Science Center! With amazing indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits, you and the kids can experiment with everything from robotics to augmented reality! Other exhibits highlight the wonders of color, sound, sea turtles, space, physics, electricity, dinosaurs, and more! There’s even a host of exotic animals to meet and greet, and each adorable critter is named after someone who made advances in their respective scientific field. Our personal favorite is Stevie the sugar glider, named in honor of conservationist Steve Irwin.

9. Take a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour in Panama City Beach

Among the many unique things to do in the Florida Panhandle, one of the more popular options is taking a glass-bottom boat tour! There are a few different companies with glass-bottom tour boats, but most have a similar trajectory and take passengers to Shell Island. During the tours, you can often spot dolphins and other marine life teeming just below your feet! Tours usually allow for about an hour of exploration on Shell Island before heading back out to sea.

10. Visit the Gulf Breeze Zoo in Gulf Breeze

We love zoos, and the Gulf Breeze Zoo is an excellent one to visit if you’re in the Florida Panhandle! Home to over 1,000 animals, you’ll be able to observe rhinos, gorillas, and hippos as you walk through the grounds or take the Safari Express. Animal encounters, such as giraffe feeding, are also available, along with sloth feeding, exclusive rhino, and hippo encounters, holding an albino alligator, and a hands-on Galapagos tortoise encounter! (The encounters are in addition to admission and range from $25 to $40.) We love that the Gulf Breeze Zoo participates in conservation via its captive breeding program, habitat preservation, and financial aid.

11. Walk Along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk

If you want to be where the action is, then you’ll definitely want to check out the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk! Located right on the beach, this boardwalk is brimming with shops, delicious dining options, and occasional events and live music. Shopping includes several boutiques and a Ron Jon’s, while dining options include seafood, pizza, and super sweet treats. The boardwalk is a great little break from the sun and provides a convenient bite in between building sand castles and swimming at the beach!

12. Rent a Bike and Ride Along the Timpoochee Trail in South Walton

For families who like outdoor adventure, one of the best things to do in the Florida Panhandle is explore the Timpoochee Trail! 18.5 miles long, this trail meanders through state parks, sandy dunes, picturesque neighborhoods, and beach access points. The lovely and ever-changing scenery makes for an incredibly enjoyable bike ride. We love that there are plenty of places to stop and explore – and grab a delicious bite to eat! – all along the way.

13. Visit the Indian Temple Mound Museum in Fort Walton Beach

The first municipally owned and operated museum in Florida, the Indian Temple Mound Museum preserves some of the oldest history (and prehistory!) of the Sunshine State. Using its pristine collection of artifacts, this museum recounts over 12,000 years of Native American history and also touches on European explorers, pirates, and early settlers. In addition to the indoor exhibits (including some hands-on ones for the kiddos), you’ll also be able to look around the well-kept grounds and see an ancient burial mound. Thanks to the secluded-feeling property, you really get the sense that you’ve traveled back in time!

14. Play on the White Sand Beaches of St. Andrews State Park

One of the best family things to do in the Florida Panhandle is to pay a visit to St. Andrews State Park. Perhaps one of the most gorgeous locations in the state, St. Andrews State Park is nestled between the emerald waves of the Gulf and the sparkling waters of St. Andrews Bay. With all the makings of a perfect beach day, you’re welcome to swim, snorkel, and surf!

It’s not just the welcoming waters and sugar-white sands that are appealing, though. St Andrews State Park also has boat tours to Shell Island, camping and glamping, geocaching, and some of the best bird watching in Florida! There’s also a great two-mile biking trail and two short hiking trails to explore.

15. Take a Sunset Sail in Pensacola Beach

One of the prettiest things to do in the Florida Panhandle is to go for a sunset cruise in Pensacola! The Gulf of Mexico is famous for its amazing sunsets, and they’ve never looked so stunning as they do from out on the water. There are several different charters to choose from in the area, with some including dolphin spotting as part of the deal! Most sunset tours last from 1.5 to 2 hours so that you can catch every moment of that glittering “golden hour.” Definitely don’t forget the camera for this activity!

16. Visit the Air Force Armament Museum in Fort Walton Beach

For our budget-minded travelers, we’re happy to report that admission to this attraction is FREE! The Air Force Armament Museum is open to all and showcases some of the fastest aircraft ever built. With several interactive displays, folks from five to five hundred will find this museum fascinating. There are over two dozen aircraft to examine, along with bombs, missiles, rockets, and other artifacts. This museum delves into the history of flight, with a special focus on the Second World War to the present day.

17. Explore the Panama City Beach Conservation Park

For beautiful and laidback outdoor recreation, you can head to Conservation Park in Panama City Beach. This enormous park covers 2,900 acres and has over 24 miles of trails that all lead to natural discoveries. Enjoy the shade of the cypress domes, and keep an eye out for different birds and wildlife! This is the perfect place to get in touch with nature and get away from the big cities during your family vacation.

18. Go on a Zip-Lining Adventure in Navarre

Looking for a woodsy adventure? You can soar alongside birds and skim the treetops of Navarre when you go zip-lining with Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center. There are several zip adventures to choose from: the “Soaring Stream” set of five zips over Coldwater Creek; “A Taste of Tour,” which includes seven zips over Coldwater Creek; and the “Ultimate Double Dip Zip Adventure” that includes twelve platforms and a sky bridge spanning both Coldwater Creek and Wolfe Creek. Be sure to make a reservation in advance if you wish to zip in Navarre!

19. Play Among the Sand Dunes at Grayton Beach State Park

Gorgeous Grayton Beach is worth the visit to this state park all on its own – in fact, it’s one of the most pristine beaches in the US! However, there’s even more natural beauty to take your breath away when you come for a visit; you can paddle across rippling Western Lake or hike along one of the park’s nature trails. These winding paths will lead you through coastal forests where you can view Florida wildlife like deer, gray foxes, and a bevy of different birds. In fact, Grayton Beach State Park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail!

Whether you choose to spend the afternoon here or camp overnight, this state park is one of the most beautiful outdoor things to do in the Florida Panhandle.

20. Visit the Destin History and Fishing Museum in Destin

One of the ultimate family vacation spots in Florida, Destin has so many cool things to do! This includes a visit to the Destin History and Fishing Museum. While the museum has a fintastic focus on fishing, it also details the history of Destin as a city. From the early pioneers to the boats floating in the harbor today, you’ll be able to learn everything there is to know about this premiere Florida town. With over 100 unique fish mounts and several unique exhibits – including a special display on the history of diving – your kiddos might just be inspired to become the next great marine biologists!

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There are so many fun things to do in the Florida Panhandle, but these 20 attractions are some of our personal favorites. We hope your family will enjoy them as much as we do!

What’s your favorite hidden gem in the Florida Panhandle? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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