Confession time, before we moved to Pensacola, I thought it was a town with nothing to do except for the Naval Museum and a beach. BOY, was I wrong. As we explore our new home, I’m finding there is so much to do here in Pensacola. So I put together this list of 100+ SUPER FUN things to do in Pensacola With Kids in hopes that it will help you find something to do and help us explore our new home more.
Museums and Historic Sites |Indoor Activities | Storytimes |Parks | Nature Trails | Beaches | Water Fun | Zoos and Animal Encounters | Outdoor Activities | Sports | Holiday Events | Festivals
Pensacola Museums and Historic Sites
Pensacola has a diverse and rich history and culture. Discover what makes the City of Five Flags so special by visiting these Pensacola museums and historic sites.
Alger Sullivan Historic District
Located at 610 4th St, Century, FL 32535, and is a replica of the early 20th-century town of Century, FL. Including the Boxcar Museum, the Post Office Museum, and the Leech House. Call for tour hours and prices (850) 256-3980.
Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site
Located at 709 Mill Pond Lane, Milton, FL 32583. It is an archeological site that allows visitors to experience this unique wetland ecosystem.
The Visitor’s Center & Museum and Arcadia Homestead are open Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm. Site grounds, including the boardwalk and pavilion at Arcadia Mill Archeological Site, are open year-round, from sunrise to sunset.
Cost:
- $6 for adults
- $3 for children
- $5 for Seniors +65, Active Military and Dependents, AAA Members, Pensacola Museum of Art Members, and UWF Alumni Association Members
- FREE for EBT cardholders (up to 4 people free) and UWF students
Belmont Art Center (First City Art)
Also known as First City Art, visit the artist gallery from 10 am – 4 pm on Monday – Friday. Gallery tours are FREE.
Located at 1060 N. Guillemard St., Pensacola, Florida; (850) 429-1222.
Fort Barrancas
Fort Barrancas is located inside the Pensacola Naval Air Station. Open Thursday – Monday from 9 am – 4:15 pm.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the fort, Spanish Water Battery, and the outside of the Advanced Roundabout. Ranger Guided tours are also available throughout the year.
Cost is $25 per vehicle, or you can purchase the $45 annual pass that will cover your entrance fees for Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens, and Johnsons Beach for a full year.
Fort Pickens
Located on Santa Rosa Island. Take a self-guided tour of the historic fort from 8 am – sunset daily. Be sure to also visit the Discovery Center to learn more about Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Ft. Pickens from 9 am – 4:30 pm daily.
Fort Pickens is also a great place to watch Blue Angel practices.
Cost is $25 per vehicle, or you can purchase the $45 annual pass that will cover your entrance fees for Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens, and Johnsons Beach for a full year.
Pensacola History Tours
Explore the history of Pensacola with these history tours.
- Pensacola Landmark City Tour
- Pensacola Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Pensacola Civil War History Tour
- North Hill Tour by Go Retro Tours
National Naval Aviation Museum
Step back and time and learn all about Naval Aviation through the years. Located on the Pensacola Naval Air Station.
The museum has an indoor playground, an IMAX theater, simulators, and hands-on exhibits that explore aviation history.
The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Also, on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays from March – November, you can watch the Blue Angels practice and get their autographs at the museum on Wednesdays. FREE
Pensacola Lighthouse
Located on NAS Pensacola, the Pensacola Lighthouse, built in 1859 with only 177 steps to the top, offers one of the Gulf Coast’s most beautiful views.
The lighthouse will be opened daily from 9 am – 5 pm, with the last climb at 4:40 pm. Admission is $8 for Adults | $ 4 for children 12 and under, military, and ages 65 and old. Children under 44 inches are FREE.
Pensacola Museum of Art
Located in Downtown Pensacola at 407 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola, FL 32502.
The Pensacola Museum of Art is currently open Saturdays, and Wednesdays from 10 am – 4 pm. The museum operates at 25% capacity, and tickets are only sold online for $5 each.
West Florida Railroad Museum
Learn the history of the railroad in West Florida at the West Florida Railroad Museum. The museum is located at 5003 Henry St., Milton, and is opened Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 3 pm or by appt. FREE
Pensacola Historic Village
Visiting the Pensacola Historic Village is like taking a step back in time. Located in Downtown Pensacola, the area includes 8 1/2 acres and 28 properties, including the TT Wentworth Museum, Museum of Commerce, Museum of Industry, Julee Cottage, Voices of Pensacola, and more. The “One Ticket, Seven Days to Explore” allows you to pay one price to explore all of the Pensacola Historic Village museums and take 7 days to do it!
Admission is $8 for adults | $7 for ages 65 and older, active duty military and their dependents, AAA members, Pensacola Museum of Art members, and UWF Alumni Association Members | $4 for ages 3 to 14 | FREE for UWF students and EBT cardholders (4 family members free per EBT card). On Sundays, admission to the TT Wentworth Museum and the Pensacola Children’s Museum is $5 for adults | $3 for children ages 3 to 14 | FREE for EBT cardholders and UWF students with Nautilus card.
Things To Do In Pensacola Indoors
Bounce House Pensacola
Bounce House Pensacola offers bounce houses, inflatable slides, a creative area, sports games, video games, and a toddler area. Located at 6241-D N. Davis Hwy, they are open Monday – Thursday from 10 am- 6 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9 am -7 pm, and Sunday from 9 am-5 pm. Admission costs are infants – FREE| Crawlers – $5 | Ages 1-3 – $10 | Ages 4-12 – $12| Ages 13-17 – $10 — must be accompanying a younger sibling | guardians – FREE — two adults for every child additional adults are $4.
Bowling
Take the kids bowling at either Cordova Lanes, DeLuna Lanes. or Oops Alley.
Escape on Palafox
Solve the puzzles, crack the codes, and find the clues to see if you can escape in 60 minutes or less from one of the escape rooms at Escape on Palafox. A great activity to do with teens. Located at 28 Palafox Place, the cost is $24 per person.
An adult must accompany children 14 and under. Children 5 and under are only allowed if you rent the entire room (all 8 sections), and children 2 and under are not allowed under any circumstances.
Exithis Pensacola
Escape your jail cell and the wardens’ office, save the President and the country, or save an ancient Mayan idol at Exitthis Pensacola.
Pensacola Children’s Museum
A historical museum geared to children celebrating 450 of Pensacola history with two floors of hands-on learning. Located at 115 East Zaragoza Street, Pensacola, FL 32502. The children’s museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm and on Sunday from noon – 4 pm. As part of the Historic Village, the Pensacola Children’s Museum is included in their “One Ticket, Seven Days to Explore” pricing.
Admission is $8 for adults | $7 for ages 65 and older, active duty military and their dependents, AAA members, Pensacola Museum of Art members, and UWF Alumni Association Members | $4 for ages 3 to 14 | FREE for UWF students and EBT cardholders (4 family members free per EBT card). On Sundays, admission to the TT Wentworth Museum and the Pensacola Children’s Museum is $5 for adults | $3 for children ages 3 to 14 | FREE for EBT cardholders and UWF students with Nautilus card.
Pensacola Kids Place
Pensacola Kids Place is an indoor playground for kids ages infant to 8, offering play tunnels, slides, a ball pit, educational toys and activities, an infant play area, and more.
Open Monday – Wednesday from 9 am-5 pm, Thursday and Friday from 9 am -7 pm, Saturday from 10 am-8 pm (Saturdays are reserved for birthday parties, open play is only available if there is no party scheduled), Sunday from NOON-3pm.
Cost is $10 + tax for ages 1-8 | $6 + tax for under 1 | Monthly Memberships available. Socks are required for play and can be purchased for $2.
Located at 875 E. Nine Mile Rd. Suite 6.
Pensacola Mess Hall
Located in Downtown Pensacola at 116 N. Tarragona St. At the Pensacola MESS Hall, children learn science hands on by experimenting and engaging through tinkering.
Admission is $8 per person.
Pensacola Mess Hall open from 1-5 pm on Tuesday – Friday and 10 am – 5 pm on Saturday during the school year and summer hours are 10 am – 5 pm Monday through Saturday and 1 pm – 5 pm on Sunday.
Skyzone
Jump your heart out at Skyzone, Pensacola’s indoor trampoline park located at 5007 N. Davis Hwy. Hours are 10am – 7pm.
Theater
Experience the magic of live theater by seeing a show at the Pensacola Little Theater or the Saenger Theater in Downtown Pensacola. During the summer, the Saenger also has kids movies and a classic movie series.
Waterboyz Skatepark
5000 Sq Ft air-conditioned skate park located inside Waterboyz Surf and Skate headquarters at 380 N. 9th Ave. Call (850) 433-2929 for hours and prices.
WSRE Imagination Station
Free hands-on learning venue with a strong focus on early literacy and digital media use using educational resources from WSRE and PBS Kids, featuring your child’s favorite PBS Kids characters. Located at Blue Wahoos Stadium, Imagination Station is open Monday – Saturday from 9 am – NOON. FREE
Storytimes In Pensacola
Barnes and Noble
Barnes and Noble offers themed storytimes on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 am plus addition storytime and special kid events throughout the month. Check the calendar for more information. FREE
Santa Rosa County Library
Throughout the week, various storytimes at different library locations in Milton, Jay, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre. Check the library calendar for more information. FREE
Story Spouts
Preschool storytime at Ever’ Man Cooperative Grocery and Cafe located at 315 West Garden Street. Children listen to stories, sing songs, try healthy snacks, make a craft, and sometimes play in the garden. From 10 am -NOON on Tuesdays, space is limited, so call (850) 438-0402 to reserve your spot. FREE
West Florida Public Library
Various storytimes throughout the week at different library locations around Pensacola. Check the library calendar for more information. FREE
Parks In Pensacola
Pensacola Parks and Playgrounds are a great place to run off that energy, meet up with friends, play, and have fun. And Pensacola is full of awesome parks to play in. You can find a list of them at Play Pensacola and My Escambia. Since we couldn’t list them all, here are seven Pensacola parks we think you should explore.
Aviation Discovery Park
Do you have a plane lover? Then this is the perfect park for you, even my 16 yr old thinks it’s cool. Aviation Discovery Park is not your typical park or playground. This one is located next to the Pensacola International Airport and has a mini control tower where you can watch the planes take off and land and listen to the real control tower talk to the pilots. Located at 4200 Jerry L. Maygarden Rd, between Pensacola Aviation Center and the commercial hangar facilities and accessible from either Spanish Trail Rd. or Summit Blvd. FREE
Beach Playground on Ft. Pickens Road
I came across this adorable Beach Playground on Ft. Pickens Road a few years ago and fell in love. The playground is a pirate ship and perfect for kids to imagine they are sailing the high seas and because it’s located on the Sound Side, it’s a great place to play for younger children.
Big Lagoon State Park
Located off Gulf Beach Hwy along the Intracoastal Waterway, the park offers beaches, swimming, hiking, boating, fishing, and a playground with a water view. There is also stargazing on select nights of the year. The park is open daily from 8 am to sunset. The cost of admission is $4 for single-occupant vehicles | $6 for vehicles with 2-8 people | $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, and passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Blackwater River State Park
Located at 7720 Deaton Beach Rd, Milton, the park offers white sand beaches along the river for swimming plus fishing, canoeing, tubing, hiking trails, and more. The park is open daily from 8 am to sundown. Cost of admission is $4 per vehicle up to 8 passengers | $2 for National Guard Admission for Active Florida National Guard members, EBT Cardholders, pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, and passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Things you can do on the Blackwater River:
Community Maritime Park
Located behind Blue Wahoo Stadium, Community Maritime Park is a multi-use waterfront park in Historic Downtown Pensacola and includes an inclusive playground with unique play structures, shade trees, and a covered picnic area. FREE
Naval Live Oaks
Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, located off Hwy 98 in Gulf Breeze. The park has hiking trails, a picnic area, and swimming in the Santa Rosa Sound and is opened daily from 8 am to Sunset. There are also exhibits in the Headquarters Building that visitors can view Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. FREE
Navarre Children’s Park
Located on Navarre Pkwy right before you get to the bridge that takes you to Navarre Beach and opened from 7 am-10 pm daily, the park has a great play area with swings that face the water, a nature trail with turtles, and more. My kids love flying their kites here! FREE
Perdido Kids Park
Located off Gulf Beach Hwy, Perdido Kids Park has one of the most unique play structures of all the local parks. Pretend your a princess or prince in the castle play structure, or a Blue Angel pilot in the Blue Angel flyers, or climb the rock wall. There is something for kids of all ages, and they will never want to leave. There is also a nature trail at the park. The park is open from 7 am – sunset. FREE
Pensacola Nature Trails
Explore the natural beauty of Northwest Florida via these Pensacola Nature Trails.
Bay Bluffs Park
Located at 3400 Scenic Hwy., Bay Bluffs offers boardwalks and nature trails down the cliffs to the water with vistas and close up views of the bluffs. FREE
Blackwater Heritage State Trails
Nine miles of paved trail great for biking, running, walking, skating, and more that runs through the town of Milton.
Open 8 am -sundown daily. The Milton trailhead is located at State Road 87 and US Hwy 90. A visitor’s center is one mile from the trailhead that offers parking, restrooms, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and a playground. FREE
Colonial Archaeological Trail
Located in Downtown Pensacola, this trail highlights colonial history and archaeology and is a collection of outdoor exhibits that showcase the Spanish, British and American influences that shaped Pensacola.
Coldwater Creek Paddling Trail
This 20-mile spring fed shallow water creek that runs through the Blackwater Forrest is a great place for canoeing and kayaking while exploring the natural beauty of NW Florida.
Ed Ball Nature Trail at UWF
Located on the UWF campus, the Ed Ball Nature Trail at UWF offers a 1/2 mile boardwalk through Thompson’s Bayou and a 20-mile bike trail for novice to experienced mountain bikers. The trails are open daily from dawn to midnight. FREE
Florida Trail at Ft. Pickens
This 28.2-mile trail is part of the 1300 mile Florida Scenic Trail. The trail starts at the fort, follows the old oyster shell path through the campground, and then follows the beach to the park entrance. The park is open from 8 am to sunset daily. Cost is $25 per vehicle, or you can purchase the $45 annual pass that will cover your entrance fees for Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens, and Johnsons Beach for a full year.
Footprints in the Santa Eco Trail
Learn the secrets of Pensacola’s white sand beaches, the sea turtles’ journey, how to identify shells, local plant and animal life on this trail through Pensacola Beach via education signs posted across the beach. FREE
Geocaching in Pensacola
Explore Pensacola on the Pensacola Geo Tour. Four trails allow you to explore the beaches, history, and culture of Pensacola. Geocaching is can also be done in the City of Pensacola Parks, Escambia County Parks, and Florida State Parks. FREE except at Florida State Parks.
Jones Swamp Wetland Preserve Greenway Trail
Open sunrise to sunset when complete, this 12-mile trail will allow visitors to experience bottomland forest and wet pine flatwoods. The eastern trail system features boardwalks, while the western trails will provide a more rustic outdoor experience. The eastern trail has 5 locations and trailheads. The trailheads are located at 700 S. Corry Rd., 402 N. Navy Blvd, 198 Patton Drive, 1131 Patton Dr., and 1190 Decatur Ave. FREE
The eastern trail includes:
- Glenn Key Boardwalk – 1/2 mile boardwalk with a 65-foot bridge crossing over Jones Creek.
- Canopy Creek Boardwalk – 3/4 mile boardwalk with scenic creek views that follows a winding stream and has plenty of shade.
- Flatwoods Footpath – 1/2 mile footpath
- Rustic Flatwoods Footpath – 1/2 natural surface trail leads visitors through bottomland and upland forest and ends with a scenic view of a wet gum pond and beaver dams.
- Decatur Boardwalk – 1/2 mile elevated boardwalk through pristine wetlands and beautiful old-growth bottomland forest. When complete, it will be a one-mile accessible walking link to Fairfield Dr.
Perdido Key Discovery Trail at Johnson’s Beach
Located opposite of the big parking lot near the pavilion area of Johnson’s beach close to the entrance, this is a short boardwalk showcasing the park’s ecosystems. You will see a salt marsh, birds, and possibly a snake or a raccoon. The trail can also be accessed from the boat launch area. From March 1st – October 31st, the park is open from 5 am – 10 pm with the last entry at 8 pm, and from November 1st – February 28th, the park is open from 5 am – 6 pm. Cost is $25 per vehicle, or you can purchase the $45 annual pass that will cover your entrance fees for Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens, and Johnsons Beach for a full year.
Perdido River Walk
Adjacent to the Perdido landfill is a 2/3 mile nature trail along the Perdido River through oak-pine uplands and bottomland hardwoods. FREE
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park
Located at 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy, this park is home to the rare carnivorous white-top pitcher plant unique to the Gulf Coast. The park is open from 8 am to sunset and has two trails. The Tarkiln Bayou trail is a .5 mile long boardwalk that ends with a scenic view of the bayou, and the Perdido Bay Trail is a 6.5-mile rugged trail that provides access to the Bayshore beaches.
The park entrance fees are $3 per vehicle up to 8 passengers and$2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, and passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass. Please use the honor box and have exact change.
Yellow Marsh River Preserve State Park
Located at Dickerson City Rd and Garcon Point Road, the hiking area can be accessed from the parking lot area located on Dickerson City Rd. There are no recreational facilities here, and the park is open from 8 am to sundown daily. FREE
Pensacola Beaches and Beach Activities
The best part about living in Pensacola is having the beach close by. The Gulf’s white sands and emerald waters are perfect for a nice day relaxing and playing at the beach. Here are a few beaches in Pensacola and beach activities you should check out.
Bands on the Beach
Bring your lawn chair and listen to live music from regional artists every Tuesday at 7 pm from April 3rd through October 30th at the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach during Bands On The Beach. FREE
Casino Beach
Named for the casino that put Pensacola Beach on the map, this public beach is located on Santa Rosa Island on Ft. Picken’s Rd across from the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. A portion of the beach to the pier’s right is an alcohol-free zone, making this a great place for families. FREE
Fort Pickens Beach
Located in the Ft. Pickens area of Gulf Islands National Seashore on Santa Rosa Island. Swim, fish, look for shells, and relax! From March 1st – October 31st, the park is open from 5 am – 10 pm with the last entry at 8 pm, and from November 1st – February 28th, the park is open from 5 am – 6 pm. Cost is $25 per vehicle, or you can purchase the $45 annual pass that will cover your entrance fees for Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens, Opal Beach, and Johnsons Beach for a full year.
Gulf Islands National Seashore Santa Rosa Area
One of the most popular areas along the Gulf Islands Seashore located on Hwy 399 between Pensacola and Navarre. Open 24 hours a day; however, the parking lots are closed from sunset to sunrise. There is no entrance fee for this area of the seashore except for the Opal Beach facilities. FREE
Johnson’s Beach
Located in the Perdido Key Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Johnson’s Beach. You can play and fish on the Gulf side or the calmer Big Lagoon side of the park. This is our favorite spot to visit the beach, and it’s well worth the fees. From March 1st – October 31st, the park is open from 5 am – 10 pm with the last entry at 8 pm, and from November 1st – February 28th, the park is open from 5 am – 6 pm. Cost is $25 per vehicle, or you can purchase the $45 annual pass that will cover your entrance fees for Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens, Opal Beach, and Johnsons Beach for a full year.
Navarre Beach
Just east of Pensacola, this 12 mile stretch of beach has public access points where you can swim, picnic, and even take a bike ride down a scenic bike path. FREE
Navarre Beach Fishing Pier
This 1545 ft long pier in Navarre is popular with local fishers. My kids love just walking on the pier, looking for marine animals that can sometimes be spotted. The pier is open from sunrise to sunset from November-March, 5 am-8 pm March-May, and 5 am-10 pm May-November.
The cost to walk on the pier without fishing is $1 for ages 5 and up and FREE for ages 5 and under. The cost to fish on the pier is $7 for adults | $6 for seniors | $4 for ages 15 and under | FREE for ages 5 and under, disabled veterans, and those who are mobility and visually impaired. The daily pass includes a fishing license. Monthly passes are also available. You can bring your own rod and bait or rent a pole and purchase bait at the shop at the foot of the pier.
Opal Beach
This hidden gem is part of the Gulf Islands Seashore Santa Rosa Area off Hwy 399. It’s open from 8 am to sunset. Cost is $25 per vehicle, or you can purchase the $45 annual pass that will cover your entrance fees for Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens, Opal Beach, and Johnsons Beach for a full year.
Perdido Key State Park
Located at 15301 Perdido Drive, the state park is a favorite destination for visitors to Perdido Key. Swim, sunbathe, fish, picnic, and enjoy the white sand and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Open 8 am to sunset.
The park entrance fees are $3 per vehicle up to 8 passengers and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, and passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass. Please use the honor box and have exact change.
Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
Features open-air bars, restaurants, and shopping on Santa Rosa Island. As well as a shallow water beach area perfect for kids along the Santa Rosa Sound. FREE
Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier
This 1470 foot pier on Pensacola Beach is a great place to watch the sunsets or view marine life. It’s also a great place to fish. Open from 6 am to 7 pm daily, and fishing licenses are not required. The cost is $1. 25 to observe | $7.20 for adults | $4.50 for youth | $6.50 for Seniors and Military | Free for children under 6. Annual passes, as well as rod and cart rentals, are available.
Pensacola Beach Parasailing Adventure
Fly 500 ft above the Emerald Coast waters and see sea turtles and dolphins with this parasailing adventure on Pensacola Beach.
Pensacola Beach Trolley
Explore Santa Rosa Island by trolley. The trolley runs March 3rd – May 21st and September 8th – October 1st on weekends (Friday -Sunday from 5 pm to 1 am). From May 26th – September 4th, the trolley runs 7 days a week from 5 pm – 1 am. FREE
Quietwater Beach
AKA Mommy Beach.
Located on the sound side of Pensacola Beach, this a great area for families of small children to enjoy the beach due to the shallow calm waters of the Santa Rosa Sound. FREE
Stargazing on Pensacola Beach
Take in the beauty of Pensacola beach at night and look at the stars, the moon, and planets. Volunteers will set up telescopes on select Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer at the Gulfside Pavilion or Ft. Picken Battery Park. FREE
Pensacola Water Parks, Splash Pads and Pools
If you’re not a fan of the beach, there are a few pools, splash pads, and water parks you can enjoy to beat the Pensacola summer heat.
Cecil T. Hunter Pool
Located at 200 East Blount St., the pool is a zero-depth entry pool with water slides and spray features. Admission is $2.25 for adults | $1 for children ages 3-7 | FREE for ages 2 and under. The pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Plaza De. Luna Splash Pad
Located at the south end of Palafox at the end of the Palafox Pier, the splash pad is open from March – October from 11 am-5 pm. The pier also has wifi, concessions, a restroom, and fishing. FREE
Roger Scott Pool
Located at 2030 Summit Blvd., the pool is a zero-depth entry pool with water slides and spray features. Admission is $4. The pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Sam’s Surf City
Located at 6709 Fun City Blvd, Pensacola, the waterpark is adjacent to Sam’s Fun City. Water slides, an endless river, interactive play pools, and more provide hours of water fun for the whole family.
Splash Pad at Navarre Children’s Park
Located in the Navarre Children’s Park at 8513 Navarre Pkwy, the splash pad is open on Tuesday – Sunday from 9 am-5 pm from May 1st to September 15th. FREE
Pensacola Zoos and Animal Encounters
Learn about the animals that make Northwest Florida their home.
Dolphin Cruise
Take a dolphin cruise and see dolphins, birds, and other marine life that call Pensacola Beach home.
Some local dolphin cruises for you to check out:
- The Fun Boats Dolphin Cruise
- Dolphin Tour & Fishing Combo with Coastal Life Charters & Adventures
- Pensacola Beach Jet Sky Dolphin Tour
- Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour
- Daytime Dolphin Cruise with Blue Dolphin Tours at The Flora-Bama
Gulf Breeze Zoo
Feed the giraffes, goats, pigs, and sheep in the petting zoo, take a train ride, or visit the Gulf Breeze Zoo animals. Located at 5701 Gulf Breeze Hwy, Gulf Breeze. Check the website for prices. Daily tickets, as well as memberships, are available.
Navarre Sea Turtle Conservation Center
Visit Sweet Pea the sea turtle and learn more about sea turtles and the marine animals that call NW Florida Home. Located at 8740 Gulf Blvd, Navarre.
The Navarre Sea Turtle Conservation Center is open Tuesday-Saturday from 12-4 pm from November to May, and 10 am -4 pm Tuesday – Saturday from June to October. Admission is $5 per person | $4 for military and seniors 64+ | FREE for children 2 and under.
The house is open Thursday – Saturday from 10 am-3 pm. Please allow 30 minutes to see the house. Admission is free; however, a $5 donation per person is suggested.
Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park
Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park is a parrot rescue and sanctuary. However, they have a variety of birds, including a few peacocks and emus. The park is completely staffed by volunteers and is a non-profit. They only accept cash at Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park. The cost of admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children 7-13, and children 6 and under are FREE. Active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families can receive $1 off admission with their ID.
Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida
Located at 105 North S St. Pensacola, the wildlife sanctuary is home to over 100 animals, including deer, fox, bald eagles, owls, and hawks. Open Wednesday – Saturday from 12-3:30. A small donation is requested for admission.
Things To Do In Pensacola Outdoors
If the parks, nature trails, beaches aren’t enough for you, here are some places you can have fun outdoors in Pensacola.
Adventures Unlimited
Go canoeing, kayaking, tubing, paddle boarding along Coldwater Creek, or have a zipline adventure at Adventures Unlimited. Now adventurous, you can camp or stay in one of the cabins. Located at 8974 Tomahawk Landing Rd., Milton, this is the perfect place for those that love outdoor adventures. Check the website for prices and times.
Blue Angels Practice
When the Blues are in town from March – November, Pensacola gets its own mini air show on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11:30 am as the Blue Angels practice. And on select Wednesdays, visitors can get meet the pilots and get pictures and autographs at the National Naval Aviation Museum.
My kids love sitting in the backyard, watching the Blues fly overhead. It’s one reason we love our house. Can’t watch them from your house. You can watch them from the Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse, and Ft. Pickens. I’ve also heard you can see them from Big Lagoon St. Park, and I’ve seen them while driving down Navy Blvd. FREE
You can also combine your Blue Angels practice watching with a fishing charter trip.
Blues On the Bay
Outdoor concert series on Saturday nights throughout the summer when the Blue Wahoos aren’t playing at home. The concerts start at 6 pm at Community Maritime Park Hunter Amphitheater. Bring your chairs, blankets, and coolers, but please leave pets and glass containers at home. 2018 Line Up and Dates TBA FREE
Fast Eddy’s
Located at 505 Michigan Ave., Fast Eddy’s has go-karts, batting cages, an arcade, mini-golf, and water wars (water balloon fights). Open Monday -Thursday from 3-8:30pm, Friday from 3-10pm, Saturday from 11am-10pm, Sunday from 11am-8:30pm. Prices vary by activity, so see the website for pricing.
Gallery Night
Once a month, Downtown Pensacola shuts down the streets and comes alive. Enjoy music, art, and cuisine at this perfect chance to explore Pensacola’s downtown and art scene. Gallery night happens on the third Friday of each month.
Pick Blueberries
From May to July, you can pick blueberries are Beulah Berries and Cambridge Farms.
Sam’s Fun City
Pensacola’s only amusement park is located at 6709 Fun City Blvd, Pensacola. The park has amusement park rides, go-carts, bumper boats, mini-golf, an arcade with laser tag, a play zone, inflatables, and more. Tickets start at $8 for the Play Zone and go to $37.99 for all rides and attractions. There are also season passes and waterpark combos for Sam’s Surf City available. Check the website or call (850) 505-0800 for hours.
T & W Flea Market
The flea market with 60 indoor vendors and 400 outdoors vendors selling everything from clothing to furniture, to produce and more every Saturday and Sunday from 7 am-5 pm, this is a place to check out definitely. Located at 1717 N. T Street, Pensacola.
Pensacola Sports
Blue Wahoos
Pensacola’s Minor League Baseball Team. The Blue Wahoos season starts in April and runs through Labor Day. The team hosts special events and promotions like weekly fireworks. Check the website for schedule and ticket prices.
Pensacola Ice Flyers
Pensacola’s Minor League Professional Hockey Team. The Ice Flyers play at the Bay Center, and their season runs from October to April. The team hosts special events and promotions like Wiener Dogs Racing on the ice, 90’s night, Zombie Night, and more. Check the website for schedule and ticket prices.
UWF Argonauts
Football, basketball, soccer, softball, baseball, and more. Cheer on the home team and check out a game. See the website for tickets and schedules. Go Argos!
Five Flags Speedway
Located on Pine Forest Rd, Five Flags Speedway is a 1/2 mile paved racetrack. Visitors can experience the thrill of stock car racing. 2018 season starts March 3rd. See website for tickets and details.
Pensacola Events for the Holidays
Pensacola is the place to be for all the holidays, with lots of fun happening all year round.
Easter In Pensacola:
Egg hunts, Easter Bunny photo-ops, and more. Pensacola is fun of Easter fun in the spring.
Elf Parade
Part of Pensacola Winterfest, this 6 block parade features costumed kids, tumbling snowflakes, an alligator second-line brass band, and of course, Santa himself. The parade ends at the Escambia County Courthouse with the Downtown Pensacola tree lighting ceremony and SNOW! The fun happens the day after Thanksgiving, November 23, 2018. Costume judging starts at 4 pm. The parade starts at 4:45 with lights and snow at 5 pm. FREE
Fourth of July Fireworks on Pensacola Beach
Enjoy fireworks over the Santa Rosa Sound behind the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk at 8:30 pm. FREE
Fourth of July In Pensacola
Daylong family-friendly festival on the Fourth of July in Seville Square. The festival hosts a FREE children’s area with inflatables, pony rides, face painting, and more. There are also food vendors, craft vendors, live entertainment, and a hot dog eating contest. The day ends with fireworks over Pensacola Bay at 9 pm. FREE
Mardi Gras Parades
Celebrate Mardi Gras in Pensacola with two parades in Downtown Pensacola and one on Pensacola Beach, along with other events happening during Carnival Season! FREE
Martin Luther King, Jr Day Parade
Annual Parade in Downtown Pensacola that celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The parade starts on the corner of Spring and Garden Streets at 11 am on Martin Luther King, Jr Day. FREE
New Year’s Eve Fireworks on Pensacola Beach
Ring in the New Year early with fireworks over the Santa Rosa Sound behind the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk at 8:00 pm on New Year’s Eve.
Pensacola Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Fireworks
Lighted boat parade with Santa from Sabine Marina to the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. View the parade from Little Sabine at 6:30 pm and Quietwater Beach at 7:30 pm. Stay after the parade to enjoy Fireworks with Santa at 8 pm in the Santa Rosa Sound behind the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. 2018 Date TBA
Pensacola Christmas Parade
Annual Christmas Parade in Downtown Pensacola. The parade starts at Spring and Garden Streets at 5:15 pm and includes local bands, dance schools, organizations, the Blue Angels, and Santa himself. 2018 Date TBA
Surfing Santa Parade
Annual Christmas Parade on Santa Rosa Island. The parade starts at 2 pm at Avenida 10 down Via De Luna toward Casino Beach and ends at the Gulfside Pavilion. Don’t miss Santa riding atop a Pensacola Beach Firetruck. 2018 Date TBA.
Veterans Day Parade
The annual salute to veterans on Santa Rosa Island on November 11, 2018. Time TBA.
Winterfest
Winterfest runs select nights throughout November and December and nightly the week of Christmas. Play Reindeer Games, see the plaza show and have a visit with Santa. Take the performance tour and be there Christmas Eve for Santa’s Sendoff. Check the website for dates and performance tour prices.
Pensacola Festivals
Pensacola is home to some of the best festivals on the Gulf Coast.
Baby Sea Turtle Shower
This family-friendly event at Landshark Landing in August educates and celebrates Sea Turtles. The afternoon will be filled with games, activities, entertainment, a meet and greet with Meg the Mermaid, and more.
Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show
The last Blue Angel air show of the year is at home in Pensacola at the National Naval Aviation Museum on NAS Pensacola, October 16 and 17, 2020. See the website for times and details. You can also watch the show from Ft. Pickens, and we were able to view some of the show from Big Lagoon State Park. FREE
Fiesta Children’s Treasure Hunt
Bayview Park in May on East Hill, children and families can enjoy a day of fun activities, including a treasure hunt that lets children explore and learn about Pensacola’s history. FREE
Fiesta of Five Flags
The annual celebration of the founding of Pensacola. This 10-day festival has events for all ages and interests, including the Grand Fiesta Parade in Downtown Pensacola and the Centennial Imports Boat Parade from the Bayou Chico Bridge’s mouth to the Quietwater Boardwalk on Pensacola Beach. The Fiesta also hosts other events throughout the year, such as the Crawfish Festival, the Seafood Festival, and a treasure hunt for adults and children.
Gulf Coast Arts Festival
The first weekend in November in Seville Square in Downtown Pensacola. This three-day arts festival has live music, performances by local groups, local and regional foods, and a children’s festival with hands-on art activities. The festival hours are Friday and Saturday from 9 am-5 pm, and Sunday from 9 am-4 pm, and the children’s festival is Saturday and Sunday from 10 am-4 pm.
Interstate Mullet Toss
This family-friendly party with food, fun, and entertainment occurs at the end of April on the beach in Perdido Key at the Florida/Alabama state line. The highlight being the mullet toss, where you can toss a dead mullet from a 10ft circle across the state line from Florida to Alabama.
Pensacola Beach Air Show
The annual air show takes place on Pensacola Beach the week of the 4th of July. Along with other civilian and military aircraft, the Blue Angels perform stunts over the Gulf Of Mexico.
Pensacola Ciclovia (Open Streets)
Ciclovia happens mid-March in Downtown Pensacola streets close to vehicle traffic so that everyone can bike, walk, skate, skateboard, run or play in the streets.
Pensacola Crawfish Festival
Early May Bartram Park, 16000 lbs of crawfish will be cooked along with crawfish po’boys, crawfish bread, and other delicious foods. A children’s area with cost-friendly arts and crafts, face painting, and crawfish races, along with a crawfish eating contest, will be held at the festival. Admission is $5 daily or $10 for a weekend pass. Free admission for kids 12 and under all weekend.
Pensacola Greek Festival
In mid-October experienceGreek culture, heritage, food, traditions, music, and more at the three-day celebration of Greek Culture held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (1720 Garden St.).
Pensacola Seafood Festival
At the end of September in Seville Square, Fountain Park, and Bartram Park in Downtown Pensacola. This three-day festival has seafood from around the region, live cooking demos, live music, huge arts and crafts fair, and more. There is also a children’s area with arts and crafts, face painting, and touch pools for hands-on marine science educational fun.
WOW this is amazing so often when we travel with our grandchildren we are at a loss how to entertain them. This will be perfect for visits to Pensacola. Thank you
This is a great website. We moved here in July 2018 and this is all I need for entertaining my 3 and 7 year old. My husband is from NOLA and I am from Lafayette. Thanks for this great tool!
YAY! Glad you like it we just moved here in May 2017 from New Orleans!
Thank you, Cara, for providing such a detailed list! As a native Pensacolian returning home to retire and looking for fun things to do when my grandgirls visit next week, I now have a running list to work with and all the links I need to participate!
Thank you – you have done an amazing job!
You’re welcome! Glad it will help!
This is an awesome list!! The only other thing I could think of (depending on the age of the children) is the moonlit kayaking tour at bay view park!
OOOO that sounds fun! Thanks for letting me know about that.