If you and the kids want a great weekend getaway or holiday away from home, then there’s no reason to go anywhere outside the country — some of the best holiday destinations are right here in the United States.
Pensacola is one of the hottest local destinations and worth the trip.
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Here are some of the best things to do in Pensacola with kids.
What is Pensacola Known For?
Pensacola is known as the city of five flags, and it’s known as one of the best locations in Florida for a family vacation — and many local inhabitants would say to live.
One of the first things that Pensacola is known for is the sunny, sandy weather. It’s almost impossible to have a “bad weather day” on this side of Florida. Entry to the beaches here is free, and it’s one of the best day (or night) outings you can have as a family.
Pensacola is friendly and full of new things to experience as a visitor — from Sam’s Fun City to the Historic Pensacola Village.
Pensacola is also known for its great restaurants. Whether you want a traditional beach experience or fine cuisine at a family-friendly restaurant with a great atmosphere, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Pensacola.
Is Pensacola Good for Kids?
Pensacola can be one of the best destinations for a family vacation if you have toddlers, small children, or teens.
Like when you’re on any vacation that takes you anywhere else, how great the vacation will be for the younger ones in the group depends on your chosen list of activities.
There are a lot of kid-friendly activities and family-friendly restaurants located all over Pensacola.
If you have active kids, there are walking trails and beach activities to keep them busy. If your kids would rather spend a day indoors, there are more than enough museums and indoor attractions like the Pensacola Museum of Art.
Sure, some attractions aren’t as kid-friendly, but we have kept the adults-only attractions out of the picture so that you can choose the right places to go for a great family vacation in Pensacola.
Is Pensacola Beach Good for Kids?
Pensacola Beach can be one of the best destinations for young kids, toddlers, and teens who want to spend some time on a quiet, though large beach.
The environment at Pensacola Beach is family-friendly, and there’s a lot that you can do with the family around the beach. Great attractions and restaurants surround it, but you can still choose to go to the beach and drink in the great atmosphere.
For younger children or toddlers, visits are best supervised by an adult, though it’s reassuring to know that there are 24/7 lifeguards at the beach to keep watch in the event of an emergency.
Unique Things to Do in Pensacola, FL with Kids
Sam’s Fun City
One of the best, unique things you can do in Pensacola with kids is visiting Sam’s Fun City. This unique indoor play park is everything toddlers, and younger visitors want to see. Rides and games are thrilling, but without parents having to worry about unsupervised kids or dangerous rides.
Historic Pensacola Village
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
The Historic Pensacola Village is one of the recommended attractions for history buffs and anyone who wants to see a real version of what Pensacola’s architecture and culture were like hundreds of years ago.
Pensacola Museum of Art
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
If you and the kids are artists, then you can’t possibly visit Pensacola without a visit to the great Museum of Art. Some of the best local art from internationally famous artists can be found right here, with guided tours that will tell you everything about the artists behind the work. Admission is affordable, and you can get to see a whole lot.
Pensacola Bay Bridge
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Pensacola Bay Bridge is one of the best free attractions you can visit with the kids, and it gives you the best possible view of almost the whole of Pensacola. If you and the kids don’t mind the walk, seeing the view from Pensacola Bay Bridge is worth it.
Things to Do in Pensacola This Weekend with Kids
Bay Bluffs Park
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If you would like to spend a great day at one of the most beautiful attractions in Pensacola, consider a day out at Bay Bluffs Park. It’s one of the hottest places to go on a family vacation, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s one of the busiest places. For a quiet, relaxed day, Bay Bluffs Park is always great.
T.T. Wentworth Jr Florida State Museum
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If you want to know more about American History and some of the important things that happened in Pensacola, then book a visit to the T.T. Wentworth Jr Florida State Museum, where you can take a guided tour.
Naval Live Oaks Reservation
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The Naval Live Oaks Reservation is one of the best attractions you and the family can visit if you’re looking for a great, easy walking trail with plenty of things to see around it. Reservation visits are affordable, and you can stay as long as you want with camping options not too far away from this spot.
Quayside Art Gallery
Of course, there couldn’t be just one art gallery in this part of Florida. There’s also the Quayside Art Gallery that you and the family can visit, with many local and international art pieces and special events that you should always keep an eye out for if you’re in the area.
Cheap Fun Things to Do in Pensacola, FL with Kids
Bayview Dog Beach
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Bayview Dog Beach is one of the best places to visit in Pensacola if you and the kids want to spend a quiet, relaxed day out in nature. Even if you don’t have pets along on the trip, get to interact with some local dog owners – and see a great view from the beach — all for free.
Blackwater River State Recreation Area
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The Blackwater River State Recreation Area is one of the best places for adults and kids to visit if you don’t mind short walks. This particular recreation area is quite something to see, with plenty of nature, and you’ll want to take pictures of almost everything that crosses your path.
Chimney Park
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Pensacola is home to a whole lot of different parks that are located in the area, including Chimney Park. Parks are a great, friendly day out — and in Pensacola, most parks are safe enough for a quiet stroll or picnic with the family. Going to the park is free, though you might want to have a budget for all the attractions and restaurants you see on the way there.
Coastal Paddle Company
The Coastal Paddle Company is one of the attractions for active kids and parents who are sure they won’t get seasick. If you want to see the beach view from the ocean itself, get in touch with the Coastal Paddle Company and spend your time on the water. It’s affordable and fun at the same time — and for parents’ reassurance, it’s safe and supervised by experts.
Things to Do in Pensacola with Toddlers
T&W Flea Market
Going to the flea market can still be one of the best activities for families with kids, especially if you and the family want to enjoy the rest of your vacation at a more relaxed pace. Pack for at least a few expenditures since you’ll run into many different things to try and buy around here — including unique snacks sold just around the flea market.
Pensacola Children’s Museum
The Pensacola Children’s Museum is a unique, kid-friendly museum that shows the kids the best of local history, with guided tours or the option to go through the museum at your own pace with an entrance ticket.
National Naval Aviation Museum
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The National Naval Aviation Museum is where you should go if you and the kids are fans of things that fly through the air. Guided tours are available, but there are also other attractions that you can enjoy — including a gift shop with unique, affordable memories you can take home with you.
What is There to Do in Pensacola for Teens?
Pensacola Lighthouse
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A view from the Pensacola Lighthouse is one of the most incredible things you can see, especially at sunrise or sunset. Show the teens this great attraction, and they’ll be forever grateful for the number of selfie opportunities that going here can present them with!
Pensacola Beach
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Pensacola Beach isn’t just family-friendly but can also be a great place for teens to see local sights — and they might even meet some lifelong friends along the way. There’s a lot to do and see around the beach, including restaurants for when they want to stop and get a bite to eat.
