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I mean c’mon there is not one reason, look at th I mean c’mon there is not one reason, look at this view from the top of the Kloof Corner hike! The biggest way we’re able to afford traveling so much is by letting the deals dictate where we go. Cape Town has been on our bucket list forever but with flights typically costing $1,200-$1,800 it hasn’t been a priority. But when Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going, I don’t like the new name but that’s besides the point) dropped this Cape Town deal for less than half of what it normally costs we jumped on it!

So often I hear “but there are no deals during school breaks”, YES THERE ARE! We went to Cape Town for Thanksgiving and the girls get the entire week off of school so they missed no days. Plus since there seasons are opposite it was late spring and the weather was amazing. Scott’s emails deals directly to your inbox for the airports you choose (we select our home airport and airports we can easily fly direct to and always have cheap flights because sometimes it’s worth flying to a city for a deal (known as a repositioning flight). They offer a free version but you don’t get all the deals so we have the Premium subscription which costs $49 for a year and you can tap the link in my bio and use code TRAVELINGCHILD20 for 20% off. They have an Elite membership level for business class seats. Because someone always asks, yes they give deals for nonstop flights but please remember you can’t fly everywhere nonstop. Beloved if you’re going to Thailand from the US you’re going to have a layover.

Anyway when in Cape Town you must hike, there are so many amazing ones! This Kloof’s Corner hike is perfect for sunset. It’s not stroller or wheelchair accessible as there are stairs but if Jordyn and Kennedy can hike it in 40mins (one way up) I promise you don’t have to be super fit!

P.S. when booking a flight from the US you have 24 hours to cancel & get a refund (on flights booked 7 days in advance). So many ppl told me they hesitated on this deal because they had to see if they could get off work/what dates worked for their travel partners. Always book first, think second & just cancel within 24hrs if you can’t make it work! What’s the best flight deal you’ve booked?
Hello from Cape Town, South Africa! Here’s every Hello from Cape Town, South Africa! Here’s everything you need to know about getting into South Africa (save + share this post):

1. Your passport must be valid for 30 days after your scheduled date of departure.

2. You must have 2 consecutive empty pages in your passport.

3. There is no visa required for US citizens for visits less than 90 days.

4. There are no shots required to travel to South Africa, unless you are traveling from or transiting through yellow-fever deemed countries, then a yellow fever shot is required. You can find a list of these countries online.

5. South Africa has opposite seasons than the US so our winter is their summer. December to February are peak travel due to the weather but if you visit in November like we did you’ll get good weather and avoid the massive crowds of peak season.

Have you visited South Africa? If so, which part? If not, is it on your list?
Because why do y’all do this to us trip planners Because why do y’all do this to us trip planners? Are you the one in your group that plans the trip or do you just show up? If you’re the planner tag your friends 😅. If you just show up do you look at the itinerary or ask all the questions even though the info was given to you 👀?

Original reel idea credit goes to @kryssedeal, sis really nailed exactly how I feel!!
#sponsored Last year we were able to cross some am #sponsored Last year we were able to cross some amazing places off our bucket list. We want you to do the same so we’ve teamed up with @vrbo to give you the opportunity to win $3,500 and turn your bucket list trip into a book-it-list one! 

Just head over to the giveaway post on @vrbo, make sure you’re following them and tag 3 people you’d want to join you on your trip! 

So what is your book-it list vacation this year?

*T&Cs apply – link in bio

 #VrboTogether #BookItList
Things to do in Istanbul (save and share this post Things to do in Istanbul (save and share this post):

1. Visit the various houses of worship like Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque. Suleymaniye Camii, Ortakoy Mosque, Chora Church and the Camlica Mosque

2. Tour palaces like Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace

3. Climb the Galata Tower for amazing views of Istanbul. You can even enjoy a meal here at the restaurant on the top floor.

4. Take a cruise of the Bosphorus to see both the European and Asia side of Istanbul.

5. Visit the cities Bazaars, the Grand Bazaar where you can shop your heart out and the Spice Bazaar where you can eat your heart out. Don’t leave without trying a Turkish delight!

6. If you want to go shopping Istiklal is the place to do so. They have a wide range of stores including international chains like Zara.

7. See a Dervish show at Hodjapasha.

8. Walk across the Galata Bridge to see fisherman at work and then walk under it to taste their fresh catches.

9. Take a day trip to the Princes’ Islands.

10. Experience a Turkish Hammam.

11. Explore the neighborhood of Balet, enjoying the colorful building and have some traditional Turkish tea or my favorite Apple Tea.

12. Turkey has some amazing food so go on a food tour or take a cooking class. If you don’t do either just make sure not to leave without having a traditional Turkish breakfast!

I recommend at least 5 days in Istanbul but you can easily spend a week or more exploring the city.

Have you been to Istanbul? If not is it on your list? For those that have been what was your favorite thing to do?

#istanbul #bucketlistadventures
Our Egypt Itinerary (save + share this post): 3 n Our Egypt Itinerary (save + share this post):

3 nights Siwa: Shali Fortress, 4x4 safari in the Great Sand Sea, sunset on Fatnas Island, emple of Amun and Temple of the Oracle, take a look or a dip into Cleopatra Spring, Mountain of the Dead, House of Siwa Museum, float in the salt lakes.

5 nights Cairo: Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx,  Egyptian Museum, Saqqara, Khal Al Khalil, Old and Coptic Cairo: Hanging Church, Mohamed Ali Mosque, Al Azhar Mosque and the Fortress of Babylon, see an Al Tannoura Egyptian Dance Heritage Show at Wekalet El Ghouri. For a break from the historical things with kids spend a day at Dreamland Park, Kidzania, or Ski Egypt. Stay at Marriott Mena House.

3 nights Luxor: Hot air balloon ride, Luxor Museum, Mummification museum, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Temple of Karnak, Temple of Luxor, Colossi Statue of Memnon and Hatshpsut

3 nights Aswan: High Dam, Temple of Philae, Nubian Villages, Sail on the Nile by Felucca, Nubian Museum, Abu Simbel

On the way to Aswan from Luxor you can also stop to see the Temple of Horus and Kim Ombo Temple. If you have extra time visit Alexandria, Bahariya Oasis, and White Desert National Park to see the White Desert.

Have you been to Egypt? Is it on your list? There is so much to see outside of Cairo! 

#bucketlisttravel #cairoegypt #luxoregypt #aswan
OUR MOROCCO ITINERARY (save + share this post):

🇲🇦2 nights Chefchaouen- painting class, hiking, enjoying the Blue City and more.

🇲🇦3 nights Fes- Royal palaces, Moroccan dance class, visit the tannery and more

🇲🇦6 nights Marrakech- Majorelle Gardens, explore the Medina, explore the various mosques, stay in a riad, take a Moroccan cooking class and more.

🇲🇦3 nights Sahara Desert- ATV tour, sand boarding, Bedouin experience and more.

For all the details of each trip tap the link in my bio for the itineraries of each city. Have you been to Morocco? Is it on your list?

P.S. the girls were 3 and 5 on this trip

#moroccotrip #thisisafrica #travellingwithkids

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Things to Do in Panama City Beach With Kids

August 11, 2019      Destinations, Florida, North America

This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more information. All opinions are my own.

Each year I take each of my daughters on a trip with just the two of us. This allows me to give my undivided attention to them and cater to the trip specifically to their wants. Since my eldest was starting kindergarten it was only right we went on her last hurrah before she’s limited to mostly traveling on school breaks. Thanks to our partnership with Visit Panama City Beach Florida we were able to have the most amazing time. Here are the best things to do in Panama City Beach with kids.

Like our mommy and me matching swimsuits? Purchase this specific suit here and see the many other options here. We love matching on vacation and have gotten outfits for other trips including to Kenya, Door County, WI, and Chicago.

Things to Do in Panama City Beach with Kids When the Sun is Out

Shipwreck Island Waterpark

Shipwreck Island is rated one of the best water parks in Florida so it’s a no brainer to include it on your itinerary when visiting Panama City Beach with kids. There is fun for everyone regardless of age with thrilling water slides, a wave pool and a kiddie section that even babies can enjoy splashing in the water.  

I love that you won’t feel cheated here bringing kids that can’t enjoy the water slides as those under 35” are free. Admission at Shipwreck Island Waterpark is $37.98 those over 50” tall, $29.98 for those under 50” and seniors 62+ are $24.98. 

Things to do in Panama City Beach with kids Shipwreck Island Waterpark (1)

Go Fishing at Panama City Beach Pier

Fishing is such a great bonding activity with kids. There is a pier right across from Pier Park where you are allowed to fish. You will have to pay $7 to fish on the pier but as the pier costs $3 in general to walk you shouldn’t have the massive crowds you’ll find at other piers.

Wild Thang Airboat Tours

If you’re looking for some wild fun you have to take a Wild Thang Airboat tour. Even though we’ve been on airboats before living in Miami it was different and very unique. We are used to seeing alligators on the airboat rides near our home. Instead we came across dolphins and crabs. We were even able to stop near a sand dune where our guide searched for crabs and brought them onboard for the kids to hold before releasing them back.

The airboat ride was so much fun and you can ask your driver to be as wild or calm as you’d like depending on your thrill level. We did donuts which had the kids laughing so hard! When the ride is over you can hold Zeus who is a baby alligator that was rescued. We really enjoyed our one hour ride which costs $34 for adults and $22 for children.

Things to do in Panama City Beach with kids Wild Thang Airboat Tours

Go Hunting for Shells at Shell Island

What better place to search for shells than Shell Island! It’s a barrier island that is home to one of the largest population of bottle-nosed dolphins and gorgeous shells. You will need to take a boat there from St. Andrews State Park. Most people takes the official Shell Island Shuttle which runs every 30 minutes from 9:00am-5:00pm during the summer and 10:00am-4:00pm during the spring. The basic shuttle costs $19.95 for adults and $10.95 for kids 12 and under. You can upgrade your ticket to include snorkeling or kayaking. 

Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise

The Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise was my daughter’s favorite activity on our trip and easily one of the best things to do in Panama City Beach with kids. I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. The cruise lasts 2 hours and Sea Dragon keeps the kids busy from the time they step foot on the ship until the time they get off.

The first activity was a water gun fight towards the front of the ship. All the kids were having so much fun and it’s early enough in the cruise where they will dry off completely before it gets dark and cool. After spraying each other with water the kids are able to get their face or arm painted in cute pirate themes. They are also crowned with a pirate hat to really get the theme going.

The rest of the evening includes a sword fight (little plastic swords provided), firing cannon balls, pirate stories and going on a treasure hunt. The Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise goes all out for the treasure hunt and the kids literally help to pull a treasure chest from out of the ocean. Of course there is treasure in there that the kids each get a piece of. The cruise costs $27 for ages 15 and up, $19 for children 3-14, and $23 for seniors 60+.

Explore the Pier Park SkyWheel & More

Pier Park is an outdoor shopping area with restaurants and tons of activities. One of the main attractions is the SkyWheel, a massive ferris wheel that is 100% enclosed and air conditioned. It gives you amazing views of Panama City Beach. If you’re really adventurous you can even request the enclosure with a glass bottom. In addition to the wheel there is also an SkyTrail which is a ropes course you can complete. The wheel is open until 9:00pm but going in the day will give you better views of the city. Tickets for adults 12 and up are $15, children 3-11 are $10 and kids 2 and under are free. 

Zoo World

If your kids love animals you have to make a stop at Zoo World. Here they can hold lemurs or feed giraffes. The zoo has over 200 animals so while they’re guaranteed to spot quite a few they know, they’ll most likely learn about some new ones as well. The zoo is open daily from 9:30 am – 5:00 pm. Admission prices for adults are $19.95 while children 2-12 are $13.95, seniors 65+ are $18.95 and kids under two are free.

Learn How to Make a Real Sand Castle with Beach Sand Sculptures

I know this post is about things to do in Panama City Beach with kids but can I just say this was my favorite activity! After years of making sand castles on the beach and wondering why ours didn’t look the beautiful ones we saw on our trip to Rio de Janeiro I finally realized we’d been doing it wrong all along. Beach Sand Sculptures showed us the right way and while our carving skills need a little work we now know how to make a  solid structure!

Beach Sand Sculptures bring everything you need to make a proper sand castle right to the beach you’d like to do this activity at. They taught us step by step how to construct our castle towers and how to make doors, windows, and even stairs on our castle. Literally everyone near us was watching and so many people walking by stopped to see the magic we were making! Lessons start at $220 but cover a minimum of five people with kids four and under free.

Things to Do in Panama City Beach with Kids When it’s Raining

Florida is Florida which means if you’re visiting during the summer you can expect scattered thunderstorms on most days. Before you get scared, rain in the forecast, even every day, does not mean your Panama City Beach vacation is ruined. It often rains for 10-60 minutes followed by sunshine so bright you won’t even be able to tell it rained later on. Still if the rain causes you to delay an outdoor activity that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Here are things to do in Panama City Beach with kids when it’s raining.

Swim with the Dolphins at Gulf World

While the Gulf World Marine Park has indoor and outdoor exhibits the area to swim with the dolphins is indoors. This makes it the perfect rainy day activity for Panama City Beach especially since it’s open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The park offers three different swim with the dolphin options and the prices varies based on the interaction level.

Dave & Busters

Located inside Pier Park Dave & Busters is the perfect thing to do in Panama City Beach with kids on a rainy day. We actually ended up here every day on our trip because my daughter had so much fun playing the arcade games. Ok I may have had a lot of fun too and low key addicted to the Let’s Bounce game. I’m not sure how long the promotion lasts but while we were there, a sign said games are half off on Wednesdays plus they had a summer promotion of half off games everyday before noon.

girl playing games at arcade

Ripley’s Believe it or Not 

We visited Ripley’s Believe It or Not on a trip to Key West and both my daughters loved it. They were so intrigued by all the real strange things that have happened in this world. Ripley’s Odditorium really gets the imagination running. All indoors it’s perfect for a rainy day.

Best Places to Eat in Panama City Beach with Kids

My daughter is a foodie so when looking at things to do in Panama City Beach with kids finding the best restaurants was on my list. Out of the places we ate here are the restaurants she said were the best.

Schooners

My daughter loves to dance so she loved the live music at Schooners. Schedule your meal around the sunset and you’ll be able to watch/hear the ceremonial blasting of the cannon right at sunset. It’s a really fun experience for kids.

Runaway Island

Runaway Island was my daughter’s favorite restaurant because she loved playing at the beach while we waited for our food. The scenery is beautiful and we sat outside where the restaurants has its own pathway straight to the white sand beach. Don’t worry about your sandy toes as Runaway Island has a water hose you can wash your feet off before returning to your table for your meal.

kids playing on the beach

You May Be Interested in Reading: Tips for Taking Family Vacation Photos

Thomas Donut & Snack Shop

Donuts, need I say more?! Thomas Donut & Snack Shop has such a variety of donuts that are baked fresh daily. My favorite is the red velvet donut and my daughters was the strawberry frosted glazed with sprinkles. Besides donuts there are plenty of snacks you can get like sandwiches and ice cream. It was so good we actually ate here twice on our trip.

Things to Do in Panama City Beach with Kids Eat Donuts

Andy’s Flour Power

If your child has a sweet tooth they will love Andy’s Flour Power. I highly recommend starting your mean off with some fresh baked muffins! The french toast is the best french toast we’ve eaten earns every recommendation it’s gotten.

Staying in Florida for an extended time? Here are our itineraries from some of our other favorite Florida cities: Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers and Sanibel Island, and Key West.

How to Get to Panama City Beach, Florida

Panama City Beach, Florida, not to be confused with Panama City, Panama is in the panhandle of Florida. The closest airport is NW Florida Beaches International Airport. Even though we live in Miami we had to first fly to Atlanta to then get on a 36 minute flight to Panama City Beach. It was still better than driving the 9 hours from home! The airlines that fly here are Delta, Southwest, American and United. If you aren’t driving here from home you will need a rental car to get around and there are several at the airport such as Alamo, Budget, Hertz and all other major brands.

We had an amazing time exploring Panama City Beach, Florida. While the white sand beaches are gorgeous we hope you discovered the city offers much more. Did you find this guide helpful? Please share it so others looking for things to do in Panama City Beach with kids can benefit.

This trip was sponsored by the Panama Beach City Tourism board and our accommodations and activities were provided to us free of charge. All opinions of them are my own and true.

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Comments

  1. Devesh says

    August 30, 2019 at 11:40 am

    Great Post!
    Thanks for sharing..

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Hi! We’re The Hambricks

Hi! We’re The Hambricks

If kids live there, kids can visit! That's our motto and you'll often find us exploring destinations most don't find "kid friendly". We've traveled to 35 countries on 6 continents with our children since they were 10 weeks old and share tips to make it easier and affordable. But mom and dad are people too so we also write about solo travel, baecations and girlfriend getaways.

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