While sun, surf, and boat rentals are all part of a complete Panama City Beach vacation, planning a day at one of the best water and amusement parks in the area can be the cherry on top of your trip. Whether you are seeking family-friendly water slides or roller coaster thrills, Panama City Beach is a hotspot for creative attractions.
In this guide, we will explore the top-rated amusement and water parks that are just a short walk or drive from your accommodations in Panama City Beach.
1. Shipwreck Island Waterpark
This full-scale water park is conveniently located right in Panama City Beach at 12202 Hutchison Boulevard. Some of the highlights of Shipwreck Island Waterpark include the relaxing lazy river, the wave pool, the Zoom Flume, and Pirate’s Plunge. For smaller vacationers, splash pads and shallow pools are also available.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark is typically open from spring to early fall and is a great option for all ages. A day ticket costs between $47 and $58.
2. Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park offers a unique amusement park experience in Panama City Beach. Located at 9807 Front Beach Road, this lush park is perfect for low-intensity family fun. If you’re traveling with younger kids and grandparents, Coconut Creek is a must-see destination.
This laid-back attraction is primarily known for its lush mini-golf course and giant-sized maze. Choose between two tropical-themed courses and a sea-themed golf course. You can pay $30 for unlimited access to mini-golf and the maze for an entire day. A day in this park pairs perfectly with a visit to nearby Pier Park.
3. Zoo World Panama City Beach
Personal animal encounters make Zoo World Panama City Beach one of the most unique parks on this list. Although it is smaller than a traditional zoo, interactive encounters with various species make it well worth the admission price. You’ll find Zoo World at 9008 Front Beach Road.
Many visitors eagerly await the opportunity to feed giraffes, hold baby kangaroos, and encounter a diverse array of exotic animals, including white tigers and sloths. General admission costs $20 to $25 per person, and the zoo is open year-round.
4. WonderWorks Panama City Beach
WonderWorks is an indoor amusement park that combines education and entertainment with over 100 hands-on exhibits. It all starts with the upside-down building! WonderWorks is located in Pier Park, at 9910 Front Beach Road, so you can plan a visit between shopping and dining excursions.
Some of the exciting adventures that await you at WonderWorks include laser tag, a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, a hurricane simulator, and the famous Space Fury 360°. General admission costs $29-$35, or you can pay $34-$42 to include access to certain rides.
5. SkyWheel Panama City Beach
If you want panoramic views of Panama City Beach and the Emerald Coast, you must take a ride on the iconic SkyWheel. This nearly 200-foot Ferris wheel offers climate-controlled pods and an 18-hole miniature golf course below.
Four revolutions around the SkyWheel cost roughly $19. You can enjoy the attraction during the day or while watching the sunset over the Gulf Coast. The attraction is open year-round and located at 15700 L.C. Hilton Jr. Drive.
6. Race City PCB
If you want a classic amusement park experience, Race City PCB is the place to be. Race City offers thrilling roller coasters, arcade games, bumper boats, and a mini-golf course. It stays open as late as 11 pm, making it the ideal choice for families with older kids. Compete for the most tickets at the Mega arcade or take a ride on the famous Sky Coaster.
The best way to enjoy Race City is with an unlimited armband, which grants you access to all outdoor attractions, except for the Sky Coaster ($45 to $55). Whether you are here for the bumper boats or the Mega arcade, Race City is ideal for high-energy vacationers, located at 9523 Front Beach Road.
7. Cobra Adventure Park
Want to compete with your fellow travelers on a multi-level go-kart track? Cobra Adventure Park is a compact, budget-friendly alternative to Race City, offering a thrilling race track, an arcade, and small roller coasters. It is located near the beach at 9323 Front Beach Road, making it ideal for a half-day visit.
Kiddie rides, a snack shack, and tiered pricing ensure Cobra Adventure Park will offer numerous opportunities for play. Even the little ones will love watching the go-karts racing along the track. The four-story wooden track costs $11.50 for an individual rider.
8. Swampy Jack’s Wongo Adventure
Swampy Jack’s Wongo Adventure combines amusement park attractions with unique storytelling. Every ride immerses you in the fictional world of Swampy Jack, whether it is the spinning coaster, the go-karts, or the interactive splash areas.
This original amusement park often appeals to slightly older kids. You can pay for individual attractions, two-hour tickets ($30), or pay-as-you-go cards. This park is located at 284 Powel Adams Road.
9. Emerald Falls Family Recreation Center
One attraction the whole family will enjoy is the Emerald Falls Family Recreation Center. This throwback-style arcade and go-kart park has been a staple in the community for years. There are multiple race tracks, kiddie rides, and mini-golf courses (featuring cascading waterfalls) to choose from.
For the best experience, wait to visit the Recreation Center until the evening when all the lights come on. It is located at 8602 Thomas Drive and offers tiered pricing. Individual attractions cost between $5 and $17.
10. Kingdom Splash Fest
Kingdom Splash Fest is a floating water park located on Beach Drive in Panama City. It’s just a short drive from PCB and is certainly worth a visit. Spend your time climbing, sliding, and bouncing across the floating platforms for hours of fun.
Kingdom Splash Fest is open from spring to early fall and costs approximately $25 for a one-hour visit. You can also rent a Go Boat for an added dose of fun on the water.
Plan Your Family Fun Day in Panama City Beach
Whether you try out the haunted mansion and bumper boats in Race City or fire the water cannons at Shipwreck Island, the whole family can find something unique to love about these theme parks in Panama City Beach. Plan your ideal vacation based on your group preferences, current energy levels, and weather for the best experience.
Round out your trip to PCB by staying in one of the best vacation rentals near Pier Park. From your comfy accommodations at Pineapple Paradise, you can check operating hours and book tickets for your daytime adventures. Our convenient location ensures you have quick access to all the summer fun you could imagine.
