Explore the Area

Great for Kids • Teens • Water Fun • Seasonal

A favorite for families because there is something for several different ages.

• Inflatable water obstacle course
• Ropes course
• Pontoon boat rentals
• Waverunners
• Kayaks and paddleboards
• Private beach area

Tip: Water attractions are seasonal, so check availability before heading out.

Great for Kids • Family Favorite • Outdoor Activity • Tickets Recommended

A great family outing with wildlife from around the world and opportunities for up-close animal experiences.

• Safari-style train ride
• Giraffe feeding
• Animal encounters
• Walking paths and exhibits

Tip: Hours vary seasonally; advance tickets are a good idea.

Little Kids • Free • Outdoor Fun • Seasonal

A simple, inexpensive option when younger kids need to burn off some energy.

• Splash pad
• Playground
• Walking areas
• Picnic areas
• Pier and restrooms

Nice to combine with lunch or another quick stop in Navarre.

Kids • Teens • Evening Activity • Good Break from the Beach

A classic family fun center in Pensacola.

• Go-karts
• Mini golf
• Arcade games
• Batting cages

Outdoor Adventure • Older Kids • Teens • Reservations Recommended • Half/Full Day

A great change of scenery from the beach, with outdoor adventures along the Coldwater Creek area.

• Ziplining
• Tubing
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Paddleboarding
• Challenge activities

RJK Pick: A great option for families with older kids and teens.

Kids • Teens • Adventure • Pensacola Beach • Outdoor Fun

Combines Pensacola Beach time with an adventure park.

• Ropes course
• Zip rail
• Go-karts
• Climbing challenges
• Splash areas
• Children’s ropes course

Height and weight restrictions apply to some activities.

Free Admission • Rainy Day • All Ages • History • Must See

One of the area’s standout attractions and an especially good choice for a rainy or very hot day.

• More than 150 restored aircraft
• Thousands of aviation artifacts
• Optional simulators and theater experiences

Important: Adult visitors should review current NAS Pensacola base-access requirements before leaving.

History • Beach + Attraction • Outdoor Activity • Entrance Fee • Half Day

Explore a historic coastal fort at the western end of Santa Rosa Island.

• Historic Fort Pickens
• Historic batteries
• Beaches and trails
• Fishing and birdwatching
• Picnic areas

Tip: Easy to combine with a beach day.

History • Great Views • Older Kids • Active

Climb the historic lighthouse for sweeping views of Pensacola Bay while learning about local maritime history.

Check current climbing requirements before visiting.

History • Downtown • Rainy-Day Option • Walkable

Explore historic homes, museums and exhibits, then combine the visit with downtown shopping, dining or a walk along Palafox Street.

Little Kids • Rainy Day • Indoor • Educational

A hands-on history museum designed especially for children. A strong choice for younger families when beach weather isn’t cooperating.

Kids • STEM • Rainy Day • Indoor

A hands-on science experience where kids can experiment, build and explore.

Great rainy-day choice.

Kids • Wildlife • Educational • Indoor/Weather Backup • Easy Add-On

A wonderful stop for families interested in local marine life and conservation.

• Sea turtle education
• Interactive conservation exhibits
• Native marine-life displays
• Resident turtle ambassador

Tip: Located on Navarre Beach, so it’s easy to add to a beach day.

Nature • Beaches • Hiking • Wildlife • Outdoor Activity

Beyond the beaches, the national seashore offers plenty of ways to explore the coast.

• Hiking
• Birdwatching
• Historic sites
• Fishing
• Kayaking
• Picnic areas
• Protected shoreline

Nearby idea: Naval Live Oaks in Gulf Breeze is convenient for hiking and nature.

All Ages • Family Favorite • Wildlife • Reservations Recommended • Weather Dependent

A dolphin cruise is one of the most Gulf-Coast-specific experiences you can add to your trip.

• Sightseeing cruises through Pensacola Bay and surrounding waters
• Opportunities to spot dolphins and other marine wildlife
• Options for families, couples and mixed-age groups

RJK Pick: One of the easiest activities for a group with different ages.

Adventure • Teens • Adults • Weather Dependent • Reservations Recommended

Pensacola Beach and Navarre both offer plenty of ways to get out on the water.

• Parasailing
• Jet skis
• Pontoon boats
• Paddleboards
• Kayaks
• Snorkeling

Tip: Book ahead during busy summer weeks.

Golf • Gulf Breeze • Scenic • Tee Time Recommended

A convenient Gulf Breeze option with a coastal setting near Santa Rosa Sound.

Good choice when you don’t want golf to become an all-day excursion.

Golf • Navarre • 18 Holes • Tee Time Recommended

A public championship course in the Navarre area with practice facilities and on-site amenities.

Golf • Pensacola • 18 Holes • Tee Time Recommended

A public Pensacola course with a more wooded setting.

Golf • Pensacola • Public Course • Casual

Pensacola’s municipal golf course is another good option for guests looking for a relaxed round.

Full-Day Trip • Kids • Water Park • Indoor + Outdoor • Rainy-Day Backup

A combination amusement and water park that works well as a full family day trip.

The indoor water-park component is especially useful when Gulf Coast weather isn’t cooperating.

Full-Day Trip • Kids • Water Park • Seasonal

A larger traditional water park with slides, pools and family water attractions.

Good for families whose kids specifically want a full water-park day.