Panama City is the capital and largest city in Panama, situated at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. The city is so much more than the just the Panama Canal though. In this travel guide, you will discover all of the fun things to do in Panama City with kids.
If you don’t know much about Panama City, you might be surprised by its modern skyline, historical landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and cultural diversity. People from all over the world visit Panama City to explore its rich history, indulge in some of the best coffee in the world, experience the bustling atmosphere of the city, and soak up the tropical sunshine on nearby beaches.
We are going to dive deep. We won’t just cover the top Panama City attractions, but also go into which of these activities are worth visiting.
We’ll add in some fun activities for the whole family, top day trip from Panama City, incredibly delicious restaurants to try and the best spots to stay with a family.
All of this with the help from a friend and local living in Panama City.
Are you ready? Let’s get to it!
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Best Time To Go To Panama City, Panama
Panama is always warm. The biggest factors to consider are rainy weather and when the most tourists come which can influence the cost of hotels and flights.
Below I’ll lay out the travel seasons in Panama and you can decide when would be best for you to visit Panama City with kids.
Peak Season (December – April)
The dry season is the best time to visit Panama City for sunny skies and good conditions for exploring Casco Viejo and hiking in Soberania National Park. With perfect weather also comes the crowds and higher prices.
February can be one of the busiest times in Panama City during Carnaval. Although Panama City is never especially crowded. We actually visited in February and we didn’t find the crowds to be overwhelming at all.
Shoulder Season (Mid-December & Mid-April)
The shoulder seasons are short in Panama as far as weather is concerned. They can be great times to travel though as the sun is still out for the most part and the prices aren’t high.
Off Season (May – November)
If you are traveling to Panama City on a budget, consider a visit in the off season. It is the rainy season and that scares a lot of people away. However, the rainy season doesn’t mean that it will rain all day. You can still enjoy yourself.
Expect sunny morning and then pack an umbrella or plan a few indoor activities mid-day. Especially during the months of May through September.
October and November have the heaviest rains, if you want to avoid certain months that are especially rainy.
Meet Cat And Miguel – Our Local Panama City Experts
In 2009, we met Cat, an American from California, when we all joined the Peace Corps. Her husband, Miguel, comes from the Bocas del Toro region of Panama and runs a small tour company called Panama Road Trips.
We returned to Panama and reunited with Cat in 2023. We got to meet her family and enjoy some fun times together again. It was so great to reconnect.
Cat and Miguel have been residing in Panama City for more than 11 years now. They enjoy the city’s intimate atmosphere despite its population of over a million people. The places that people work and spend their leisure time in Panama City are few, so they frequently run into people they know.
Panama Road Trips
Miguel’s tour company, Panama Road Trips, is amazing and a great way to see Panama City and the surrounding areas. I will note which activities you could book with Panama Road Trips as we go along.
What’s great about Panama Road Trips is that all of their professional tour guides are Panamanians. They know their country well and have designed their tours with great intention.
You will find tours unlike anywhere else in Panama. These individualized tours provide authentic experiences in off-the-beaten path locations. You can choose between private tours and small group excursions. This means you will see beautiful parts of Panama without crowds and with knowledgable guides leading the way.
Panama Road Trips also thrives to support local communities, villages and the people of Panama. Now that is what travel should be all about; supporting and uplifting the places you visit.
Top 7 Attractions In Panama City
Like all my local travel guides, I researched multiple blogs and found what are said to be the best things to do in Panama City, Panama. Below are the 7 most popular Panama City attractions with Cat and Miguel’s ratings and tips.
Explore Casco Viejo
In the last decade Casco Viejo has been restored a lot and is full of tasty restaurants, bars, artisan shops, and lots of other things to do. This area of the city is one of the best places to explore in Panama City with kids or without! You could spend the whole day enjoying its city vibes.
Casco Viejo highlights:
- There are so many streets to walk around and explore. It is a pretty small area, but still a lot to see. You should plan to stop at a cafe, see some ruins, check out a rooftop bar and much more.
- Walk around the community garden. It is a smaller green space, but a beautiful spot to see a little nature in the middle of Casco Viejo. It was created when community members came together and cleaned up the space to make something enjoyable.
- There’s a small park near the waterfront and at the start of Cinta Costera that is nice for small children. Google “Infantile Park” and you will find it! It is also near the fish market (Mercado de Marisco) if you want to combine that with some tasty ceviche.
- If you would like a guided tour around Casco Viejo, you can book one with Panama Road Trips. In this private tour, you will see all of the sights and learn about Panama’s history and culture. Click here for more information and to book a Casco Viejo Walking Tour.
Go To The Panama Canal – Miraflores Locks
If you are interested in the Panama Canal and its history, you will like visiting the Miraflores Locks. If you don’t care too much, it’s okay to skip it. Panama is so much more than the Canal! There are other ways to view it without seeing the locks.
Positives Of Visiting The Panama Canal
You will be able to view the ships passing through the small locks. It is cool to see and our kids were very interested in seeing how it all worked.
NOTE: Ships don’t pass through between 12pm and 3pm, so the best time to visit is right away at 9am when the visitor center opens or around 3pm.
There’s an IMAX film that you can watch that describes the history. It is fairly well done. I would recommend watching the film if you are there. It is included in the price of your admissions ticket.
Negatives To Miraflores Locks
Ships only pass through the Panama Canal at certain times which makes viewing them tricky. Because of the limited times, it can get very crowded in the viewing area.
They also redid the viewing area between the first time we visited Miraflores Locks in 2009 and the second time we went with our kids in 2023. They used to have an area on the roof that was much more spacious making it easier to see the ships pass through. You can see how we were clearly able to see the locks from the pictures above.
Nowadays there is only smaller area with bleacher seats. They claim that it fits 450 people, but that seems impossible. It is at a lower level as well, which I found made it harder to see what was going on.
In addition to this, the very large ships that pass through in the new section of the Panama canal are hidden behind a section of trees. This was the part I was most excited about, so it was a bit of a let down.
You can still see the tops of the ships because they are huge. However, you can’t really see the Canal’s locks work their magic which would be much more interesting in my opinion.
Look For Wildlife In Soberania National Park
Cat and Miguel highly recommend a visit to Soberania National Park! This amazing National Park in Panama is so close to the city (only 16 miles/25 kilometers) making it really easy to visit on a trip to Panama City with kids.
What makes Soberania so special is its abundance of wildlife. It’s a great place to hire a guide for either birding or for a nature walk. One of the best spots for birdwatching is on Pipeline Road trail (Camino del Oleoducto).
Another hiking trail to check out is The Plantation Trail with is a 8.7 mile loop which passes through old colonial coffee and cacao plantations. Keep your eyes peeled for sloths, howler monkeys and other incredible wildlife!
How To Visit Soberania National Park:
- Rent a car and drive yourself!
- Take the bus. From Albrook Terminal, take the bus towards Gamboa. You won’t arrive right at the park entrance, but pretty close. It is the cheapest option, but maybe not the most convenient.
- Contact Miguel’s company, Panama Road Trips, to arrange a guided tour of Soberania National Park. It can be a little confusing to go on your own, so it would be worth the extra cost.
- Another option is to arrange a boat tour from the Chagres river early in the morning to see monkeys in Lake Gatun. It is really fun! The kids would love it!
Hiking At The Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
Right next door to Soberania National Park is the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center. This ecotourism and environmental education project is a great stop on any Panama City itinerary.
It is an easy area to walk around and hike on your own, but be warned that it has a $30 entrance fee. Opening hours are from 7:00am to 4:00pm.
Highlights of the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center:
- It is fun place to visit in Panama City with kids.
- There’s a canopy tower you can climb in Gamboa and multiple opportunities to see different species of birds and other wildlife.
- You can easily walk through the park as the trails are well-marked. If you prefer, you can also request a guided tour through the reserve, reservas@avifauna.org.pa.
- Combine a trip to Pipeline Road and the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center on a small group tour with Panama Road Trips. Click here for the details.
Visit The Biomuseo On The Amador Causeway In Panama City
The Biomuseo in Panama City is a natural history museum located on the Amador Causeway. It is a great option if you are in Panama City with kids.
Its unique design was created by the famous architect Frank Gehry who also created other bold architectural marvels such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilboa and the Dancing House in Prague. It’s a unique building worth visiting even if you don’t go inside.
Inside the Biomuseo you will find exhibits about Panamanian plants and animals and how they have been affected by the people and their unique positioning on the isthmus. It is a fantastic museum to go as a family.
Don’t miss the Birds without Borders exhibit where you can learn about the fascinating migration of species over the isthmus.
There are also temporary exhibits that pop up at the museum. Currently there is a space exhibit and one all about the fossils found in the canal during the expansion from 2011 to 2016.
Learn About Panama’s History At Panama Viejo
Panama Viejo is the original site of Panama City that was attacked and destroyed by pirates in the 1600s. This historic site showcases the ruins of churches and a cathedral and offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial past.
Note: The historical site is only open Tuesday – Sunday from 8:30am – 5:30pm. The ticket office closes at 4:30pm.
Highlights of Panama Viejo:
- In addition to the archaeological site, there is also an interesting history museum which is probably the most exciting part.
- Since there aren’t many ruins, it can feel a little disappointing. One highlight is climbing the old bell tower and seeing a little bit of a view. It is interesting to see the old and the new right next to each other.
Take A Day Trip From Panama City To The Nearby Islands
Day Trip To San Blas Islands
The San Blas Islands are some of the most beautiful islands in Panama. The white sandy beaches and the friendly locals make for an unforgettable experience.
However, going as a day trip is exhausting. You will spend much of your time on the move without being able to enjoy the islands as much as you hoped.
Instead of booking a day trip to San Blas, spend at least one night if not more on the islands.
Day Trip To The Pearl Islands
The Pearl Islands are also a gorgeous set of islands in Panama and should be visited if you have time. They are not visited as often as San Blas, so they are more of a hidden gem.
As a day trip, it can also feel rushed and expensive. The ferry takes about an hour and a half to get there and returns at 3:30pm. This makes for a short day although it is possible. Tickets are between $78 and $98 dollars round trip. You can book your ferry with Sea Las Perlas here.
There are a few islands to explore on Las Perlas, the main ones being Contadora and Saboga, so spending a few nights here is worth it!
Day Trip To Taboga Island
If you truly only have time for a day trip to an island, Taboga Island should be the one you choose. With only a 30 minute ferry ride, your trip is short and will give you more time to explore this beautiful island.
The rates are also more affordable and the schedule is flexible. If you book with Taboga Express, adults are $24 dollars and kids are only $14 for a round trip ticket. They have 4 different times during the day to choose from and an additional time on the weekends.
Highlights of a day trip to Taboga Island:
- This is a great island to visit and can be done as a day trip!
- To avoid crowds of people, go during the week. It is a popular destination on the weekends.
- Sailing Club Panama can you get set up for different water sports.
- Up for a hike? Check out the Cerro de la Cruz hike (1.9 miles) for stunning views. It is best to go in the morning or close to sunset as it can get hot in the middle of the day.
- There are plenty of vacation rentals and hotels there too. Spend a night to enjoy it even more!
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Things To Do In Panama City With Kids
If you are traveling to Panama City with kids, it is nice to have a few options that you know will be a hit with the children. I asked our experts for some things that they like to do with their kiddos and they gave me some great options!
All of these family-friendly Panama City activities are recommended by Cat and Miguel.
Take A Tour To Monkey Island In Lake Gatun
A Monkey Island tour on Lake Gatun in Panama City takes visitors on a boat ride to an island inhabited by several species of monkeys. There are howlers, capuchins, and spider monkeys there.
Visitors can observe and interact with the monkeys while learning about their habitat and behavior from knowledgeable guides. Keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife as well including tropical birds, capybaras, sloths and more.
Kids and adults will both love this activity. Book this tour through Panama Road Trips for a personalized small-group boat tour. They will even pick you up from your hotel! There’s an AM and PM option.
Ziplining In Gamboa
Ziplining in Gamboa offers a thrilling and adrenaline-filled experience as visitors fly through the air high above the rainforest canopy taking in the stunning views. If you are in Panama City with kids that like a thrill, this is a great activity to add to your Panama itinerary.
You will be able to see Soberania National Park, the Panama Canal and the Charges River from a different point of view, high in the trees. The 1.4km circuit includes 10 Iines and 13 different platforms.
Note: Kids must be at least 5 years old. There are only three different times that they run the canopy tours and you must reserve in advance. The adventure lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and is $55 a person.
Book your Ziplining in Gamboa adventure here.
Go To A VIP Movie Theater
- VIP Cinema at Multiplaza Pacific Mall offers movies in English with Spanish subtitles and has comfortable seating, food and beverage service, and other amenities.
- The VIP Theater at Metromall offers English speaking movies with Spanish subtitles and also has luxury amenities such as reclining seats and in-theater dining.
Go For A Walk Or Bike Ride In Panama City
Cinta Costera, Amador Causeway, and Cerro Ancon are some of the best places to walk in Panama City with kids.
For hiking, take to the forested hill of Cerro Ancon. Wander the road up to the top and take in the view of Casco Viejo and the Panama Canal from high above. Look for wildlife as you go. We have climbed this hill a few times and have seen toucans, sloths, monkeys and ñeques.
For biking, choose between the Amador Causeway and Cinta Costera. Although you can also walk these too. These two locations are both very popular with biking for locals and tourists. Both areas have playgrounds to stop at and let the kids play too.
I personally like the Amador Causeway better for biking as there are more places to stop and discover whereas the Cinta Costera is just a half loop that goes out into the ocean. It does have some nice viewpoints though.
Pro Tip: Go in the morning or evening to avoid the mid-day heat!
Let The Kids Run And Play At A Local Park
If you are traveling with little kids, finding a nice park and playground is a nice way to take a break. Here are a couple great parks to check out in Panama City with kids.
- Kiwanis Park in Ciudad del Saber (Near the Canal)
- Parque Omar Torrijos (close to Downtown and has an enjoyable playground)
Unique Things To Do In Panama City
Here are a few hidden gems in Panama City that are recommended by Cat and Miguel.
Visit The Metropolitan Natural Park
Only a 15 minute drive from Casco Viejo, you will find the Metropolitan Natural Park. This beautiful nature sanctuary is a wonderful place to visit in Panama City with kids.
Choose from various trails and viewpoints that lead you through natural forest. Look for animals of all sorts from sloths, to monkeys, frogs to iguanas, and of course the beautiful birds of Panama.
Try Geisha Coffee
Geisha coffee is one of the best and most expensive coffees in the world. The coffee beans are grown up in the highlands of Panama near Boquete and Volcan.
When we were Peace Corps volunteers, most of the Geisha coffee was shipped out of the country. Geisha coffee has now gained a reputation and can be found in a few cafes in Panama.
If you are looking to try some of this delicious specialty coffee, here are a few ways to give it a try.
Join a tour:
- Geisha Coffee Tasting Experience – if you love coffee and want to learn more about the varieties and difference and also taste Geisha coffee, this tour is for you!
Sip a cup at a coffee shop. Here are a few fantastic options throughout the city:
- Cafe Unido – Casco Viejo
- Mentiritas Blancas – Via Argentina
- Brew Coffee Company – Near Parque Omar
Go To The Top Of St. Francis Of Assisi Church
For panoramic views of Casco Viejo, visiting Mirador de San Francisco de Asís is a must. It is $5 dollars to go to the top of the tower and only $2.50 for kids.
You can see beautiful views over the old city, the modern area of Panama City, Cinta Costera, the Pacific Ocean and the entrance to the Panama Canal.
Watch A Free Panamanian Dance Show
Visit Sofitel at 6pm and you can see a free show. Panamanian dancers will wow you with traditional dance as they perform a Candle Ritual ceremony, while you enjoy a cocktail, music and the sunset. The show is held in the Plaza Courtyard at the Mayda bar.
The Sofitel is a beautiful hotel in Casco Viejo that was completely renovated in 2022. When we were in the Peace Corps we used to take visitors to the old Club Union ruins. We loved it as a ruins, but it is now simply stunning! Below is an old photo of us in the ruins.
Enjoy An Event
Panama isn’t known for its festivals and events but they are actually worth going to if you are around during them.
Here are some large and popular events in Panama City:
- Panama Jazz Festival – January 15-17, 2026 – World-class jazz artists performing in various location throughout Panama City.
- Micro Brew Fest Panama – February 6-7, 2026 – Annual craft beer festival with local and international brews held in Cuidad del Saber.
- Comic Con Panama – September 12-21, 2025 – largest pop culture event in Panama with cosplay competitions, gaming tournaments, celebrity guests, collectible displays, and interactive entertainment zones.
- Fiestas Patrias (Independence Celebrations) – November 3, 4, 10 and 28 – check with your hotel to see if there are parades, concerts, street festivals or fireworks happening in your area.
Escape The City And Step Into Nature
Chame
Chame is located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Panama City. The town is situated along the Pacific coast and is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Playa Caracol and Playa Malibu. It’s also a popular destination for surfing, fishing, and other water sports.
A hidden gem nearby is Cajones de Chame which is a natural canyon known for its relaxing pools of water and steep rock walls.
El Valle De Anton
El Valle de Anton is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Panama City. The town is located in the crater of an extinct volcano and is known for its natural beauty, cooler climate, and ecological diversity.
If you are looking for a getaway in the outdoors where you can go hiking, birdwatching, and relaxing in the hot springs, this is the spot to go!
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Panama City Restaurants
Below are Cat and Miguel’s suggestions of where to eat in Panama City, Panama!
Incredible Sunset and Remarkable View
- Azahar – Western European and Asian fusion restaurant on Avenida Balboa
- Tantalo – Rooftop bar experience in Casco Viejo with dinner options served with fresh, seasonal and local ingredients
- Lazotea – Latin American cuisine and views in Casco Viejo
Delicious Local Cuisine
- Fonda Lo Que Hay – Modern take on Panamanian traditional dishes in Casco Viejo
- La Tapa del Coco – Modern take on Afro-Panamanian food in San Francisco
- Cafe Coca-Cola – REAL authentic Panamanian food in Santa Ana
Top Breakfast Joints
- The Dining Room at the American Trade Hotel – Tasty breakfast and Geisha coffee in Casco Viejo
- Pan y Canela – Go for the pastries in Clayton
Best Lunch
- Fonda Donde Francis – Rio Abajo (Please note that this isn’t the safest neighborhood, but a small group for lunch should be fine.)
- La Pulpería – A variety of dishes from burgers, to pasta and octopus of course, in Casco Viejo and San Francisco. Our kids loved the mac n’ cheese.
- Esa Flaca Rica – Burgers and shakes in San Francisco and Via Argentina
Notable Dinner
- La Fisheria Seafood– Delicious seafood with marina views on the Amador Causeway
- Masa Santa Ana – Pizza and pasta to die for in Santa Ana (We went twice on our last trip and we were only there for 3 days. It’s that good! And no, I don’t have any pictures. I guess we ate it too quickly. 🤪)
- La Rana Dorada – Best place to get a tasty brew and pizza in Casco Viejo.
- Brutto Restaurant – Asian and International cuisine and yes they have a tasty sushi bar.
Good Cheap Food
- Mercado de Mariscos – Fresh fish right in the fish market. Get some scrumptious ceviche!
- Sabores del Chorrillo – Panamanian food done right.
- Rincon Afroantillano de Rio Abajo – A cheap authentic meal!
Where To Stay In Panama City With Kids
Below are some recommended places to stay in Panama City that are great for families.
- $$$ Westin at Playa Bonita – This luxurious hotel a short distance away from Panama City is perfect if you are looking for a setting on a private beach with all the amenities. You will find spacious rooms, a pool and a kids club. Perfect for staying near Panama City with kids.
- $$ Hotel Sortis – Beautiful hotel in a central location with a nice pool and friendly staff.
- $$ Hotel La Compania – A unique and stunning hotel right in Casco Viejo with the old colonial style.
- $ Gamboa Rainforest Reserve – If you are looking for some place truly unique, Gamboa Rainforest Reserve is set right next to Soberania National Park and has spacious, beautiful rooms and a pool.
- $ Hyatt Regency Panama City – A beautiful and clean yet affordable option in the Bella Vista neighborhood of Panama City. Nice outdoor swimming pool and comfortable rooms.
- Airbnbs are also affordable and available in Panama.
