While it could be exceptionally easy to create a family-friendly road trip through Florida situated around the central part of the state, highlighting all of the best theme parks, we decided to honor a different area of The Sunshine State – the panhandle. This kid-friendly road trip will take you to some of the best spots in the panhandle, offering up a unique, whimsical adventure that the whole family will love. The entire trip takes under three hours in terms of travel time, but you’ll likely want to carve out much more time to stop and enjoy.
You can find the entire family-friendly road trip itinerary here.
Google Maps
- Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park - Fort Walton Beach, FL
Facebook Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park The first place we’re kicking off this adventure is the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach. Kids are able to snorkel with sharks and stingrays, feed the penguins, and watch otters frolicking in the water. Sign up for the classes to receive VIP training from staff regarding proper animal care, too! Click here for more information about this Florida road trip stop. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, USA
- Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park - Destin, FL
Facebook Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park When the weather is right in Florida, there is no better place to be than at a water park. Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park is the ultimate family destination and with one visit you’ll see why. Between the epic water slides, the miniature golf course, and all of the food and fun, this is one place not to be missed. Click here for more information about this Florida road trip stop. Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park, 1007 US-98 East, Destin, FL 32541, USA
- Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill - Destin, FL
Fudpucker’s Beach Bar & Grill By now you’ve probably worked up an appetite so let’s mosey on over to Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill in Destin, Florida. Here, there is never a dull moment, especially once you see the live alligators. Renowned for great food and drinks for the whole family, you’ll also enjoy tons of fun throughout the entire meal. Click here for more information about this Florida road trip stop. Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill, 20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541, USA
- WonderWorks - Panama City Beach, FL
Google WonderWorks Panama City Beach WonderWorks in Florida is the perfect place to snag some education and entertainment for the kiddos. This amusement park for the mind clocks in at 35,000 square feet and is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Come spend a few hours wandering these incredible exhibits, plus the 6D motion ride, the hands-on science set-ups, the ropes course, and more. Click here for more information about this Florida road trip stop. WonderWorks Panama City Beach, 9910 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, USA
- Pink Pelican Ice Cream Bar - Panama City Beach, FL
Google G Time to grab some refreshment after a long day, which means one of the best ice cream spots in the area. Pink Pelican Ice Cream Bar is a homey spot on the panhandle that features a bevy of classic creations. Get the banana split and share in all of the nostalgia. Click here for more information about this Florida road trip stop. Pink Pelican Ice Cream Bar, 543 Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, USA
- Shores of Panama - Panama City Beach, FL
TripAdvisor Management What better way to take a break from this road trip than with a rest at a delightful family-friendly resort in Panama City Beach? This 23-story resort is located right on the gulf and features a nearly 14,000 square foot pool and hot tub, plus a health center, tiki bars, beach activities, and a full kids club. Click here for more information about this Florida road trip stop. Shores of Panama, 9900 S Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408, USA
- Cape San Blas - FL
TripAdvisor management After you’ve rested up at Shores of Panama, let’s head a bit south in order to spend a full day at the beach. Cape San Blas offers so much in terms of outdoor fun, from visiting the lighthouse to simply enjoying the water on a warm Florida day. Plus, there are opportunities to horseback ride on the beach or even spend the day shelling! Click here for more information about this Florida road trip stop.
So, what do you think about this family-friendly road trip in Florida? Have you been to any of these stops before separately? Share with us your experience in the comments section!
Google Maps
Facebook Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
The first place we’re kicking off this adventure is the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach. Kids are able to snorkel with sharks and stingrays, feed the penguins, and watch otters frolicking in the water. Sign up for the classes to receive VIP training from staff regarding proper animal care, too! Click here for more information about this Florida road trip stop.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, USA
Facebook Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
When the weather is right in Florida, there is no better place to be than at a water park. Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park is the ultimate family destination and with one visit you’ll see why. Between the epic water slides, the miniature golf course, and all of the food and fun, this is one place not to be missed. Click here for more information about this Florida road trip stop.
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park, 1007 US-98 East, Destin, FL 32541, USA
Fudpucker’s Beach Bar & Grill
By now you’ve probably worked up an appetite so let’s mosey on over to Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill in Destin, Florida. Here, there is never a dull moment, especially once you see the live alligators. Renowned for great food and drinks for the whole family, you’ll also enjoy tons of fun throughout the entire meal. Click here for more information about this Florida road trip stop.
Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill, 20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541, USA
Google WonderWorks Panama City Beach
WonderWorks in Florida is the perfect place to snag some education and entertainment for the kiddos. This amusement park for the mind clocks in at 35,000 square feet and is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Come spend a few hours wandering these incredible exhibits, plus the 6D motion ride, the hands-on science set-ups, the ropes course, and more. Click here for more information about this Florida road trip stop.
WonderWorks Panama City Beach, 9910 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, USA
Google G
Time to grab some refreshment after a long day, which means one of the best ice cream spots in the area. Pink Pelican Ice Cream Bar is a homey spot on the panhandle that features a bevy of classic creations. Get the banana split and share in all of the nostalgia. Click here for more information about this Florida road trip stop.
Pink Pelican Ice Cream Bar, 543 Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, USA
TripAdvisor Management
What better way to take a break from this road trip than with a rest at a delightful family-friendly resort in Panama City Beach? This 23-story resort is located right on the gulf and features a nearly 14,000 square foot pool and hot tub, plus a health center, tiki bars, beach activities, and a full kids club. Click here for more information about this Florida road trip stop.
Shores of Panama, 9900 S Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408, USA
TripAdvisor management
After you’ve rested up at Shores of Panama, let’s head a bit south in order to spend a full day at the beach. Cape San Blas offers so much in terms of outdoor fun, from visiting the lighthouse to simply enjoying the water on a warm Florida day. Plus, there are opportunities to horseback ride on the beach or even spend the day shelling! Click here for more information about this Florida road trip stop.
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