Pensacola, Florida is a large, picturesque community located on Santa Rosa Island in the Gulf of Mexico. Mild year-round weather, white sand beaches, and emerald green waters make this an attractive haven for travelers. In Panama City, you have access to a variety of outdoor activities, including water sports, hiking, and biking. You’ll also find plenty of attractions and a lively art scene. Find out 10 of the most popular things for families to do while staying in Pensacola Beach, and book a stay at a Pensacola Beach vacation rental today.
1. Explore the Naval Aviation Museum
If you are interested in military history or have a love of flying, the Naval Aviation Museum offers plenty of exhibits to enjoy. Considered the largest Naval Aviation Museum in the world, this popular museum is one of the most visited in Florida. Spend the day walking through over 350,000 square feet of space with the kids and gaze up at 150 beautifully restored aircraft. Learn the history of the Blue Angles, explore artifacts from World War II, and let the kids get a kick out of the interactive test flights.
2. Watch the Pensacola Wahoos Play
Every spring, the Pensacola Wahoos make their first appearance at the Blue Wahoos Stadium. This minor league Double-A team creates the next stars of the Cincinnati Reds Major League baseball team. Keep score in the stands, share a hot dog and cotton candy with the kids, or attend a special event and meet the players.
3. Go Ziplining Through the Trees
Those who love adventure can sign up for a canopy tour with Adventures Unlimited. Spend an afternoon zip lining through the trees to beat the heat of the day. The zip lines also provide another perspective of Pensacola that you wouldn‘t otherwise see. Fly across Coldwater Creek or one of the many other courses that dot the landscape.
4. Race Karts at Fast Eddie’s Fun Center
Escape your vacation rental and spend the day with the family at Fast Eddie‘s Fun Center. Pensacola‘s premiere amusement park, Eddie’s offers kart racing, mini golf, an arcade with all the latest games, and a fun area with water guns. This tropical theme park also has a small restaurant where you can purchase hot dogs, pizza, and soft drinks.
5.Go Crabbing at Big Lagoon State Park
Step away from the crowds and explore the shore at the Big Lagoon State Park. Bring your nets, some folding chairs, and a picnic and spend the day fishing for crabs. You can also bring your fishing pole to catch redfish, trout, and bluefish. Once you are done for the day, you can take your catch back to your vacation rental and fix a feast for the family.
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6. Spend the Day at Gulf Island National Seashore
A trip to Pensacola isn’t complete without spending at least one day lounging on the beach. Let the kids play frisbee, fly a kite, or build a sandcastle while you lay under an umbrella and read. There’s also parasailing, skimboarding, and swimming. Rent some beach bikes and pedal up and down the sand. At the end of the day, watch the sun set over the water, and then take the kids for a bite to eat along the boardwalk.
7. Rent a Kayak
You’ll find that some vacation rentals in Pensacola include kayaks for you to use during your stay, or you can rent one at the Perdido Keys Kayak Rental location. Rent online and have the company deliver the boats to you. Sign up for a trained guide to help you navigate the ocean water, or explore the waters in the Pensacola Bay on your own.
8. Jump the Day Away at Sky Zone
Don’t spend a rainy day cooped up in your vacation rental, instead take the kids to the Sky Zone indoor trampoline park. You’ll find a giant freestyle jump area, ultimate dodgeball, sky slam basketball, and a large foam pit for learning and practicing flips. Toddlers have their own area to jump for safety, and you can turn the teens out on their own. If you get thirsty, you’ll find drinks and snacks at the counter.
9. Climb the Pensacola Lighthouse
Enjoy a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico when you and the family climb to the top of the Pensacola Lighthouse. The lighthouse includes a maritime museum with various exhibits from the surrounding region. At night, you can sign up for a ghost tour of the tall structure, and if you are lucky you can watch the Blue Angels when they practice close by on any given day.
10. Go Bowling
Another way to beat the heat on a hot day or to escape the rain in the afternoon is to take the kids to the DeLuna Lanes Bowling Center. At night, take part in the glow-in-the-dark games or let the kids play a few video games in the arcade area. You’ll also find a snack bar with various foods and a full bar for the adults. Shoe rentals are available for a nominal fee, and if you call ahead, you can take advantage of any weekly specials they have.
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