Panama City Beach may be well known for its annual Spring Break party marathon, but it's also the perfect destination for a family vacation, especially for a family on a budget. There are all kinds of activities in Panama City available for children, teens, and adults, and finding some that won't break the bank isn't too difficult.

First of all, there's the beach. If you've never visited the area, you will be absolutely amazed by the sand. Often referred to as "sugar white," the description is apt. While most beaches can scorch the soles of your feet on a hot summer afternoon, Panama City's beach remains cool because the sun's rays are reflected instead of absorbed. The water is so clear that you'd swear you were in the Caribbean. This combination makes for a lot of great beach activities that don't cost a cent, like sandcastle building, kite flying, beach volleyball or frisbee, and sand sculpting. Fishing in the surf is a great activity for all ages, and summer catches include whiting, flounder, trout, pompano, red bass, drum, and sharks. A favorite activity for my young grandchildren is catching small fish and minnows in the tidal pools with their dip nets. I've seen them spend hours chasing their quarry. The cost? $1 for the net at the dollar store.

For a break from the beach, take the family to Coconut Creek Family Fun Park. With two 18-hole miniature golf courses set in a tropical paradise with waterfalls and lagoons, a maze the size of a football field, and bumper boats, a two-day pass is a real bargain at $16, and kids under 6 play free.

For educational fun for the whole family, make the short drive to Florida Caverns State Park. At $4 per vehicle, this is a real bargain. Pack a picnic and snacks and plan to spend the whole day. Kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the limestone caves, hiking the nature trails and seeing sinkholes and a variety of plants and animals, and swimming in the 100-ft deep "Blue Hole." The picnic area includes restrooms and a playground, too.

ZooWorld is a non-profit educational facility that the entire family will enjoy, with over 200 animals, including exotic and endangered species. Daily shows include presentations like "Bengal tigers of India," "parrots of the world," and "wolf encounter," where kids can have their picture taken with Montana, a grey wolf. "Going wild" allows visitors to interact with several reptiles and small mammals - a truly unique experience at $14.95 for adults, $9.95 for children 4-11, and $12.95 for seniors - worth every penny! Kids 3 and under get in free.

For kids of any age, check out the Junior Museum of Bay County. At $3 per person, the facility offers a lot of "bang for the buck." Kids will enjoy "hands on" science experiments, nature plays, puppet shows, an authentic pioneer homestead, and "Body Works," which allows visitors to put on a lab coat and explore a model of a human body. It's easy to spend several hours at the museum, so for the ticket price, it's a great value. This is also a wonderful rainy-day activity.

If you have teenagers, drop them off at Club La Vela. The "Darkroom" allows only teens under 18 and feautures a large dance floor with huge 3-D graphics, hip-hop and top 40 music. Teens will be thrilled to discover this amazing venue that caters just to them, and it will give them a chance to have some fun, away from mom and dad.

Vacationing in Panama City doesn't have to be expensive, even when taking the whole family. There are many activities for all ages that won't cost an arm and a leg. 

This real travel advice was provided by our veteran family vacation planner, Holle Abee. 

A well known way to save on any family vacation is to rent a condo in a family friendly resort or beach house in Panama City. With a full kitchen, you can stock up on groceries and make your own meals, pack a lunch for the beach, and crash in your own bedroom when you need a break from the kids.