Emma and I had the best time in Panama City Beach! We were invited to their Preschoolers in Paradise event and it was a BLAST!
Emma experienced so many firsts on this trip! From her first airplane ride, to her first time on an airboat and a Pirate Ship, she seriously had the BEST time and STILL talks about our trip.
She cannot wait to go back! 🙂
We had a really busy trip while in Panama City Beach, but oh boy did we have so much fun!
I was so happy to be able to experience so many fun family friendly things there!
Kid Friendly Activities in Panama City Beach
Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Shipwreck Island Waterpark has been entertaining families for over thirty-three years on Panama City Beach.
The tropical theme water park is filled with attractions that are super family friendly!
Emma LOVED the Tadpole Hole so much, which is their Toddler/Kid Area- that’s where we spent most of our time!
We did get to do the White Knuckle River Tube Ride which was sooooooo fun!!!
Emma screamed the whole time but had a BLAST!
We had burgers, chicken fingers and fries for lunch, and we even got ice cream cones – YUM!
After having so much fun in the water, a yummy lunch was much needed!
I love that the food they provided was good, I feel like that’s not always the case at waterparks, so I was pleasantly surprised!
Admission to Shipwreck Island Waterpark is $37.98 for those over 50″ tall and $29.98 for those under 50″ – I love that they charge this way instead of by age because my kids are short and sometimes they can’t ride or enjoy everything a park offers, so it’s frustrating to have to pay a certain price just because of their age!
Airboat Ride with Wild Thang Airboat Tours
Although we live close to the Everglades, Emma had never gone on an airboat ride before!
She was so excited to go with her new friends!
We didn’t get to see any alligators out in the water, but we got to see baby crabs and a dolphin!
All the kids (and moms) were so excited!!! We followed the dolphin around for a bit and watched it swim around and show off – it was amazing!
At the end of the ride Emma got to hold a Baby Alligator!
She was so brave! 🙂
The Wild Thang Airboat ride costs $34 for adults and $22 for a child.
Sand Castle Building Lessons with Beach Sand Sculptures
Ok, so you think Sand Castle Building Lessons and you think some buckets and pails and that’s it..
Oh no! You are wrong! It takes much more than just that!
I was so excited to learn how to make PROPER Sand Castles!
Your Sand Castle Coach brings all the tools and equipment you need to create your sand sculptures to your beach.
They demonstrate how to use all the tools, how much water to add, and mentor you through the process of creating a unique sand castle.
We each got to make our own little sand castle to add to the big sand castle sculpture – Emma chose to be unique and make a Sand Unicorn instead of a castle – haha!
Her favorite part though was getting to knock down all the sand castles before we left the beach, lol!
Lessons pricing starts at $220 for up to 5 people with kids four and under being free.
Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise
We got to go on a Pirate Ship adventure and it was so much FUN!
Emma wanted to wear a mermaid dress, but when we got to the Sea Dragon Pirate Ship she was happy to wear a Pirate Hat.
I didn’t read anything about this Pirate Cruise experience before boarding because I wanted to be surprised, and I was DEFINITELY surprised!!!
I assumed we would board the ship, watch the Pirates be silly, maybe get some treasures and go back on land, but I was wrong! They had SO MUCH for the kids to do!
The Pirates aboard the Sea Dragon kept all the kids entertained the whole entire time!
From face painting, to water gun fights, swabbing the deck, sword fighting and more, the kids were having the best time the entire time!
This was such a fun experience and I highly recommend it! I love that as a parent I just got to sit back and watch my kiddo have fun! 🙂
There are a lot more things to do for kids at Panama City Beach in addition to all the fun I mentioned above like Wonderworks, Dave and Busters, and their amazing Pier Park!
Thank you SO MUCH Visit Panama City Beach for hosting Emma and I!
We made the best memories and we cannot wait to go back and visit!
