If you’re looking for things to do in Panama City with kids, you’ll be happy to know that there is no shortage of activities! From exploring the city’s vibrant culture to spending a day at the beach, Panama City has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will outline 10 fun things to do in Panama City with your little ones.
#1 – Explore Historic Casco Viejo
One of the best things to do in Panama City with kids is to explore the historic district of Casco Viejo. This UNESCO World Heritage site is full of beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, charming streets, and lively plazas. Plus, there are plenty of fun shops and restaurants to explore. This was a great first-day thing to do with our kids to introduce them to Panama’s culture and history.
#2 – Go on the Monkey Island Tour
Our kids are animal lovers, and if yours are too, they will have a blast on the Monkey Island tour & Indigenous Villages tour with New Leaf Panama Adventures. This tour takes you to an island full of adorable capuchin monkeys, where you can watch them play and feed them bananas. It’s a great opportunity to learn about Panama’s diverse range of flora and fauna. We also got visited the Wounaan and Emberá communities and learned more about Panama’s Indigenous peoples.
#3 – Swim in the Hotel Pool
We stayed at The American Trade Hotel, a beautiful boutique hotel located in the heart of Panama City. It’s the perfect place to stay with kids, as it offers a variety of family-friendly amenities, such as a heated, rooftop pool. The kids loved splashing around after our walk around the city and it was the perfect place for us all to chill after 2 big travel days. Plus, the hotel is situated in close proximity to many of the city’s best attractions.
#4 – Visit the Panama Canal
No trip to Panama City would be complete without a visit to the Panama Canal. This engineering marvel is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. Your older kids will be fascinated by the massive ships passing through the locks and will learn about the canal’s history and importance.
We took a boat on the canal with New Leaf Panama Adventures to have a more intimate experience parallel the Canal’s shipping lanes. You can do a full-day Canal Zone tour to really dive into the history and economic importance of this great canal.
#5 – Play at the Beach
Panama City has some of the best beaches in Central America. Soak up the sun, build sandcastles, and splash in the waves at one of the city’s many beautiful beaches. Your kids will have a blast and you’ll get to relax and unwind as well.
Our first beach stop was Playa Veracruz which was just under 30 minutes from downtown Panama City. The kids ran around, searched for sea shells and stretched before our 5-hour drive to Playa Venao.
#6 – Visit the Biomuseo Panama
We didn’t have time to get to The Biomuseo but this is one of Panama City’s most educational attractions and it looks super cool. This museum, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, explores the country’s biodiversity and natural history.
There are interactive exhibits and the chance to learn about Panama’s unique ecosystem. If we had of been in the city when it rained for a week straight, we likely would have visited here multiple times!
#7 – See the Street Art
Panama City is full of incredible street art, and it’s a great way to add some culture to your trip. There are murals and graffiti all over the city, so take some time to explore and find your favourites.
The kids loved spotting the colourful art and taking photos in front of them. Street art isn’t something we see a lot of in rural Canada and it certainly seems to be a strong cultural element of Panama City.
#8 – Ride the Panama Canal Railway
For a unique but full-day experience, your family can ride the Panama Canal Railway from Panama City to Colon. This historic train passes through some of Panama’s most scenic landscapes, and your kids will love the chance to ride in a real locomotive. It’s a great way to learn about Panama’s history and see the beautiful countryside and huge Panama Canal. Our kids are still pretty young (under 10) and this is a big day for them. We opted not to do this excursion on this trip but will certainly consider it on our next visit. If your kids love trains, this is a must-do.
#9 – Eat at a Local Restaurant
Panama City has no shortage of delicious restaurants, so be sure to eat like a local during your trip. Try some of the city’s signature dishes, such as ceviche, plantains, and sancocho. Food is one of the best ways to experience the city’s culture.
Our kids loved the food at Mahalo Kitchen & Garden restaurant, especially the cauliflower bites! As a plant-based family, we seek out a unique blend of local and plant-first menu options. Owned by Brittany and Emma, Mahalo uses fresh, local ingredients to create healthy options that are also kid-friendly.
#10 – Shop at the Handcrafted Corridor in Old Town
The handcrafted corridor is a cool place to see some indigenous handmade crafts. Shopping here is a great way to support local businesses and artisans directly and bring home a special, one-of-a-kind souvenir from your trip. Plus it is a most picturesque place, with the presence of artisans and a view of the bay of Panama.
Conclusion
Panama City is a vibrant and exciting city that offers something for every family to do. These are the top 10 things we did or would like to do in Panama City with our family.