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You are here: Home / Family Vacation Ideas / Family Vacation Ideas in the Southeast USA / Free Things to Do with Kids in Panama City Beach FL
Free things to do in Panama City Beach Florida - walk on the expansive white sand beach.
The expansive white sands of Panama City Beach Florida. Photo by Cindy Richards

Free Things to Do with Kids in Panama City Beach FL

July 9, 2016 //  by Cindy Richards//  6 Comments

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Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Fun Free Things to Do in Panama City Beach Fl
  • Fun Things to Do: Mardi Gras Festival and Parade, February 
  • Free Things to Do: Kids Fishing Rodeo, April
  • Free Things to Do: Summer Concert Series
  • Fun Things to Do: Star Spangled Spectacular at Pier Park, July 4
  • Fun Things to Do: Pirates of the High Seas Festival, October 
  • Free Things to Do: Annual Jazz by the Bay, October
  • Fun Things to Do: Annual Thunder Beach Rally, May and October
  • Panama City Beach Conservation Park
  • New Year's Eve
  • Bike Scenic 30A

Panama City Beach Fl., not to be confused with Panama City, the next town over, is in northwestern Florida. It offers a welcoming mix of Southern charm and sugar white sand, with plenty of fresh seafood befitting its location on the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you are here for a family getaway or with a group of friends, you will find plenty of fun free things to do in Panama City Beach.

Free things to do in Panama City Beach Fl - take the boardwalk over to the expansive white sand beach.
Free things to do in Panama City Beach Florida – take the boardwalk over to the expansive white sand beach. Photo by Cindy Richards

Fun Free Things to Do in Panama City Beach Fl

Long known for its emerald-green waters and sugar white sandy shores, Panama City Beach is a year-round warm-weather destination. You will find events throughout the year that appeal to visitors of all ages – to be enjoyed on land, sand and sea. Below is an overview of fun free things to do in Panama City Beach all year long.

Fun Things to Do: Mardi Gras Festival and Parade, February 

This family-friendly festival is presented by The Krewe of Dominique Youx. It’s a terrific alternative for travelers hoping to experience the culture and celebration of Mardi Gras while enjoying a seaside vacation. The renowned festivities of Bourbon Street come to Panama City Beach’s Pier Park for two days of fabulous floats, masked performers, colorful costumes, a signature parade and street party complete with Cajun food and fireworks.

Free Things to Do: Kids Fishing Rodeo, April

Every April on a Saturday, Frank Brown Park invites kids ages 16 and under to join a fishing rodeo. Kids get hot dogs, fishing rods, and tackle boxes.

Free Things to Do: Summer Concert Series

Listen to free concerts in June, July and August at the Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater next to Pier Park. Bring your own lawn chairs or blanket. Coolers, pets and food allowed.

Fireworks on the Fourth of July is one of many free things to do in Panama City Beach Fl. Photo taken by Kabir Bakie at Blue Ash Community Fireworks July 2005 via Wiki Commons
Photo taken by Kabir Bakie at Blue Ash Community Fireworks July 2005 via Wiki Commons

Fun Things to Do: Star Spangled Spectacular at Pier Park, July 4

Panama City Beach celebrates Fourth of July in style at Pier Park. Families can enjoy a day filled with live entertainment, children’s activities, tasty food and drinks, as well as a breathtaking fireworks display at 9pm.

Things to do in Panama City Beach Fl in October: Pirate Fest.
The pirates invade Panama City Beach Florida. Photo: Cindy Richards / Empty Nest TravelingMom

Fun Things to Do: Pirates of the High Seas Festival, October 

Columbus Day weekend brings a wave of fun-filled adventures to Panama City Beach with the Pirates of the High Seas Fest. Taking place throughout the coastal community, the festival includes an ensemble of parades and sword-swinging showdowns. It culminates in a dueling fireworks display reenacting The Battle of the Seven Seas.

Free Things to Do: Annual Jazz by the Bay, October

Listen to jazz for free each fall at the Oaks by the Bay Park.

Fun Things to Do: Annual Thunder Beach Rally, May and October

Known as “The Most Biker Friendly FREE Rally in the United States,” the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally is held twice each year in Panama City Beach Fl. Bikers from around the country enjoy scenic rides along the Emerald Coast, live entertainment and local cuisine.

Panama City Beach Conservation Park

Looking for more free fun things to do in Panama City Beach?
Panama City Beach Conservation Park. Credit: PCB Conservation Park

Boardwalks and 24 miles of unpaved trails welcome hikers and bikers to these wetlands. Reclaimed water has helped restore the natural setting. Find local flora and fauna and enjoy the picnic tables.

New Year’s Eve

On December 31, the countdown celebration begins seconds before midnight as an 800-pound glowing beach ball descends, lighting up at the stroke of midnight to signify the New Year. The multi-generational portion of the event is held earlier in the evening with fireworks and a family ball drop, consisting of 10,000 inflatable beach balls dropped from the sky.

Bike Scenic 30A

You’ll find the start of Scenic 30A slightly west of Panama City Beach. This is a great stretch for biking with the family.

Panama City Beach Fl is one of the country's most beautiful beaches. It's affordable, too, but can be an even more budget-friendly family vacation if you do some of the many free things to do in Panama City Beach.

What are your favorite free things to do in Panama City Beach? Share with us in the comment section below.

Category: Family Vacation Ideas in the Southeast USA, Family Vacations in Florida

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6 Comments on “Free Things to Do with Kids in Panama City Beach FL”

  1. Lynne says:
    June 23, 2018 at 5:25 pm

    I loved the dolphin snorkel tours and going on a sunset cruise and used Flippers Dolphin Tours: and Island Time Sailing.. While not free they are great deals and definitely worth it. They were both fantastic trips that I would highly recommend. Thanks for your list.

    Reply
  2. Kely says:
    October 24, 2017 at 9:55 am

    I live here and there are alot of free thungs to do even daily and weekly make sure you check out the craigslist community section, pick up a local sun paper or magazines are all free and have listings of things to do. Best of all.. Have fun but stay safe. Traffic can be rough.

    Reply
  3. Kevin says:
    October 2, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    I just moved here and I have to say I am excited for the humidity to go down in the late Summer/Fall time frame. Not to mention the increase in local activities. Thanks for sharing the events!

    http://www.floridapanhandleseo.com

    Reply
  4. Rachel says:
    August 10, 2016 at 3:59 pm

    Even though the beach will always be my favorite attraction in Panama City Beach, finding fun, free things to do sounds great for a day or night excursion. Thanks for sharing these events!

    Reply
  5. kirsten says:
    July 13, 2016 at 7:03 pm

    This looks like a beautiful place not to be missed in Florida. Putting it on our radar for next time!

    Reply
  6. Panama City Beach Condo Rentals says:
    May 30, 2013 at 6:32 am

    There’s a wealth of new Panama City Beach Florida condos lining our white sands, and they’re setting a new standard for Florida beach accommodations.

    Panama City Beach Condo Rentals

    Reply

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