We are so lucky to live where so many vacation!  And, Pensacola Beach is full of fun things to do with kids to keep them busy with fun, food and history, and of course plenty of places to put their toes {or bodies} in the sand!

Here is a list of fun and family friendly places, restaurants, adventures and much more that we have found.  Remember, this list is always subject to change and information was collected online and from the venues themselves.  But, if any inaccurate information is posted, please let us know immediately.  We do our best to provide up to date information.

Restaurants

Legend: (D) Dining (N) Nightlife (K) Kid Activities

Fort Pickens

Fort Pickens has a lot of history and plenty of places to explore.  You can get there on foot, by bike and by vehicle.  Passes are weekly or yearly.  Visit HERE to find out more.  Camping, exploring (guided tours available), adventure, boating, watching the Blue Angels, and enjoying the sun are all available.  They also host Star Gazing on the first Friday of each month starting in May and through the summer.  Fort Pickens Website

Margaritaville

Margaritaville is not only a hotel but provides many family friendly activities all throughout the summer. These include dolphin sailing and sunset cruises, beach crafts and games, live music and Sunday Funday brunches.   They also host movies throughout the summer (more information to come).  Visit their calendar of events for dates and times.  Margaritaville Website

Portofino

Portofino has many family friendly activities all throughout the summer even if you don’t live there!

Kids’ Programs at Portofino

At Portofino Island Resort, kids are king! With a variety of adventures and activities designed to engage, entertain and educate, Portofino’s kids programs – High Tides Kids Club, Kids’ Korner or Kids’ Night Out – will leave a lasting impression with the younger set in your family.

High Tide Kids Club

As one of Pensacola’s best kid-friendly resorts, Portofino Island Resort offers a wide array of experiences for our younger visitors. At the High Tide Kids Club, kids ages 5 to 12 will enjoy a full day of adventure. From exploring the Gulf Islands National Seashore and playing games at Adventure Cove Water Park to kayak excursions, scavenger hunts and fun themed crafts, each day the Club offers something new and exciting.

Full day and half day programs are available. Advance reservations must be made by 5pm the day prior, so if you’re planning to use the Kids Club on the first day of your visit, please call our Concierge at 866.849.0223 before you arrive. Lunch is provided for the 9-12pm session and a snack is provided from 12-3pm session. Cost is $35/ half days and $60 for full days and is included in the Spring Sensation and Summer Extreme Adventure Packages.

Kids’ Korner

Calling all kids for creative fun! Kids can create their own craft masterpiece or enjoy face painting and other fun activities at Kids’ Korner. Offered during Spring Break, summer season and most holidays, the cost for Kids’ Korner is included for families with the Spring Sensation and Summer Extreme Adventure Packages. Please see kids flyer for current schedule and pricing.

Kids’ Night Out

Kids ages 5 to 12 can enjoy a break from Mom and Dad at Portofino’s Kids’ Night Out. Go wild with beach games, treasure hunts, Wii battles, pool play, crafts and a pizza party. Kids’ Night Out is offered from 5pm to 8pm during spring and from 5:30 to 9pm on Tuesdays and Fridays during summer season. . Reservations are required and must be made by 4pm the same day. Call the Concierge at 866.849.0223 to reserve your spot. Cost is $30 per child and is included in the Spring Sensation or Summer Extreme Adventure Package.

Scavenger Hunts, fun crafts, creative glitter tattoo designing, tie-dye fun, mermaid swim training and more for the best island vacation a kid can have!

Visit their website for more information.  Portofino Website

Holiday Inn Resort Gulf Front

The Holiday Inn on Pensacola Beach is best known for the fun 250 foot lazy river pool.  Kids and adults can lounge around the river on intertubes, floats or walking!  There is also beach access right from the gate. Holiday Inn Gulf Front Website 

Flounders Chowder House

The perfect place for lunch or dinner with kids.  They have a large playground area, near the dining area, as well as volleyball and beach access to the Sound Side.  Safe, fun and great to enjoy some time while the kids play, but close enough to watch them.  Flounders Website 

Red Fish Blue Fish

They are perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner with the family.  Dining in the open air, right on the water with direct access to the beach.  But most important; fun, jumbo size games to be played by the kids or the family!  Perfect for watching while relaxing in the gulf air!  Red Fish Blue Fish Website

Peg Leg Pete’s

Peg Leg Pete’s is a signature place to go if you live here and especially if you visit.  They have great prices, great food, a play area, boat access and beach access just across the street.  Live music downstairs that allows for plenty of dancing by kids and adults of all ages. Peg Leg Pete’s Website

Swimming, fishing, snorkeling, diving, sailing…

Spending time on Pensacola Beach is not limited to swimming! From fishing off one of our two piers to floating above the water while parasailing, Pensacola Beach has plenty of activities to choose from. Swimming, surfing, diving, snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, mini golf – you name it, Pensacola Beach has it all.

Pensacola Beach Trolley

Free beach trolley service is provided by the Santa Rosa Island Authority.  It’s fun to take the trolley with the kids and enjoy the view! 

Trolleys run May 27 through Labor Day, from 4 p.m. to midnight.

There is even a trolley tracker to find out where it’s at and how far it is to you!  Trolley Tracker

Bands on the Beach

Bands on the Beach is held at Casino Beach every Tuesday from April 5th through October 25th.  Different bands play at the amphitheater on the sand and entertain families from the area.  Watch the sunset and enjoy fantastic local entertainment!  Band on the Beach Website

Other things that our parents love to do with kids on the beach…

Snorkeling, shell collecting, building sand castles, exploring, kayaking, boating, picnicking, adventuring to parking lot beaches past portofino, walking and fishing on the pier,
riding/renting bikes, renting golf carts, playing volleyball and other games in the sand and of course, just enjoying the place we live that is like being on vacation!

Information found on VisitPensacolaBeach.com, VisitPensacola.com, and websites that are all linked above in the post.