For months you've been planning to give your family the perfect beach vacation. Now you find yourself three days into your trip to Panama City, Florida and you're running out of things to do. Yesterday at the beach, little Suzy's inflatable octopus was caught in a gust of wind and blown out to sea. Junior forgot his sun block, causing a nasty sunburn and the whole family has collected enough seashells to open their own souvenir stand when they get back home. Now what? The kids are already bored and if you don't get out of the cramped hotel room soon, things are going to start getting ugly.
Don't worry. You can find lots to do in Panama City Beach. Shake the sand out of your shorts and head out to the Coconut Creek Family Fun Park. The tropical island theme with cascading waterfalls creates the perfect atmosphere for their two 18-hole mini golf courses and the Gran Maze. The maze is a giant labyrinth, close to the size of a football field. Solve the puzzle individually or divide into teams for a little friendly family competition. The park is open year round and admission prices are budget friendly.
If you want to experience the great outdoors, but away from the cheesy stores selling plastic sharks and rubber flip-flops, check out Saint Andrew Park. Just a short trip across the bay from Panama City, you'll find natural coastal dunes, forests and wetlands with swimming, camping, hiking and fishing. The entry fee is just $2 per person or $4 per car, prices that fit anyone's wallet.
To entertain the teenagers in your brood, try Rock It Lanes, a huge family entertainment complex. At Rock It Lanes they have more than 130 games, including old favorites like Skee Ball and Virtual Reality Helmet Games for more advanced players. A 7,500 square foot synthetic roller skating rink with a high-tech light show lets you show off your disco moves right on the beach. The complex also includes an arcade and bowling alley. The prices are reasonable and there's something for everyone at Rock It Lanes.
When it's time for lunch, don't bother dragging the kids to a high end eatery. If they're going to order burgers anyway, take them somewhere known for serving the best. At Funland you'll find the best burgers, corn dogs and ice cream in the area, with the best value. Home to the oldest arcade in Northwest Florida, at Funland the kids can play for prizes and have a great time.
Even the best laid vacation plans can go topsy turvy. Just relax and go with the flow, vacations are supposed to relieve stress, not make more. You'll never run out of ways to keep your family entertained in Panama City Beach, Florida.
This real travel advice for parents provided by Mahala Davis.
Rather than cram the family into a boring hotel room, look for a beachfront condo to rent or a family-sized vacation home rental in Panama City. With additional space and amenities, you may not have to go very far to find family fun. A word to the wise parent: just avoid those wild spring break weeks.