Are you bummed because it’s a rainy day at the beach and you're on vacation? You will be happy to find there is still plenty to keep your group entertained in the rain. Panama City Beach, 30A, and Destin, Florida have so many activities to enjoy that the rain won’t slow your vacation down. Arcades, adventure parks, movies, bowling, and museums are just a few of the exciting things to do when the skies turn cloudy and rainy. We have picked a few rainy day activities to keep in mind when your beach trip is sidelined by rain.
What are some rainy day activities in Panama City Beach?
Dave and Busters
Located in Pier Park in PCB
Eat, drink, and play at one of the country’s favorite entertainment playgrounds, Dave and Buster's. Everyone is sure to be a winner at the brightly lit arcade with over 200 new games. Dave and Buster’s has something for all ages to enjoy. Arcade games, go kart races, skee ball and so much more awaits you inside. For the sports enthusiast, the sports bar has several big screens to watch live games. They also serve up a variety of tasty bites and unique cocktails. Panhandle Getaways guests will enjoy one free adult $20 power card per stay.
Rockit Lanes
513 N Richard Jackson Blvd
Rock the good times at Rockit Lanes bowling alley featuring a roller skating rink, and arcade, all under one roof. The arcade offers 16,000 square feet of state-of-the-art arcade games. For a special treat, they provide 24 lanes of glow-in-the-dark bowling or test your skills on wheels on the roller skating rink. There is a snack bar with a full mom-approved menu or a sports bar with good eats and cold brews.
Wonderworks
9910 Front Beach Rd
A perfect place to take the kids when it’s raining! The experience begins when you enter an upside-down building and step in the inversion tunnel to be turned right side up. This famed indoor attraction has over 100 hands-on science exhibits, laser tag, rope obstacle courses, and a 6D motion ride. Wonderworks will take you on a journey with severe weather simulations, light and sound zones, space discovery zones, and more.
Ripleys Believe it or Not
9907 Front Beach Rd
Experience the extraordinary when you enter this ship with hundreds of unbelievable but true artifacts and interactive games. Discover Titanic artifacts, including actual coal from the unsinkable ship. There is even a 7D moving movie theater and Ripleys’s mirror maze to keep you entertained for hours.
Funland Arcade and Snack Bar
14510 Front Beach Rd
This iconic arcade is one of the original attractions in Panama City Beach. Opened in 1953 and located just across the street from the beach, it offers over 100 updated arcade games and original pinball machines. You earn tickets for every game you win, and everyone loves redeeming their tickets and picking out their prizes at the end of a long day of play. The snack bar serves yummy treats, refreshing beverages, and delicious ice cream. Funland has been a favorite for locals and visitors for generations.
The Grand Movie Theater, Pier Park
500 S Pier Park Dr.
If the rain is heavy, step in for a few hours and enjoy the latest movie releases. The theater is equipped with comfortable reclining chairs as seats. You can select your seat by booking online before you go, or just drop in and get a good seat, too. The theater has multiple concession stands with popcorn, your favorite snacks, and your refreshing drinks. Choose from 16 theaters, including 3D options. Don’t forget, there is plenty of shopping and delicious restaurants in Pier Park.
Gulf World Marine Park
15412 Front Beach Rd.
Swimming with dolphins is on a lot of bucket lists, so take some time to book your own swim. This marine park is home to various animal species including bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, harbor seals, penguins, tropical birds, stingrays, and African penguins. Gulf World offers interactive programs, daily shows, stingray feeding opportunities, animal meet and greets, and a chance to swim with the dolphins. The aquarium is open daily, rain or shine.
Museum of the Man and the Sea
17314 Panama City Beach Parkway
Discover the underwater world by exploring the Man in the Sea Museum. The museum brings you treasures recovered from sunken ships dating back to the 1500s along with recent commercial and naval equipment, habitats, and vehicles. The exhibits showcase early diving equipment, early submarines, the first underwater living facility, and wonders of the sea.
Just Jump Trampoline Park
11220 Hutchinson Blvd
Jump into clean, safe fun at this 30,000-square-foot facility. Just Jump takes family fun to another level with a large open jump area, a tumble track, TWO Soc-Air courts, dodgeball, basketball, a double trapeze, and a Gladiator Pit. The kids will love soaring to new heights with this action-packed fun zone.
Escape Rooms in Panama City Beach
Take the challenge of discovering clues and unlocking puzzles to try and escape your chosen adventure. With three locations in Panama City Beach and several themes to choose from, you are sure to find an activity to suit the whole family. Choose between normal, moderate, or challenging rooms to test your abilities. To book your adventure, visit Royal Escape Rooms.
Rainy Day Activities on 30A
Rainforest Blacklight Golf and Arcade
Two locations: Miramar Beach and Panama City Beach
Escape into Florida’s number one indoor miniature golf course and arcade. This family-friendly 18-hold blacklight miniature golf course is a fun activity for all ages. The indoor rainforest is filled with colorful scenery for a competitive game of putt-putt or enjoy the arcade. There is a location in Panama City Beach and Miramar Beach. For the location near you visit Rainforest Blacklight Golf and Arcade.
Sundog Books and Central Square Records
89 Central Square, Seaside, Florida
For a fun and unique experience visit Sundog Books and explore a world of imagination. This independent bookstore specializes in Florida Books with a great collection to choose from. Venture upstairs and explore one of America’s classic music stores overlooking downtown Seaside.This eclectic shop has a vast selection of vinyl records, cds, cool gifts and more. We can't fail to mention all the other shops and restaurants in Seaside that you can visit on a rainy day, too.
The Shard Shop - 30A
26 Logan Ln, Cottage E, Grayton Beach
Tap into your creative side at this unique make-your-own art boutique located in Grayton Beach. The Shard Shop offers make-your-own art classes with different designs and specialty classes to create a charcuterie board and other unique works of art. You have the option of scheduling private parties as well.
Thrills Laser Tag & Arcade
90 Seascape Dr #105, Miramar Beach
The family will have a blast at this laser tag venue when you step into the Temple of Doom and experience the most immersive and interactive 2-level laser tag arena in the country. Visit the arcade to play state-of-the-art games and win fun prizes. You can also grab a sweet treat like award-winning fudge, a mocha sundae with coffee ice cream, or one of their 24 specialty ice cream flavors.
Emerald Coast Theatre Company
560 Grand Blvd STE 200, Miramar Beach
See what professional performances are on stage at Emerald Coast Theatre Company. This theatre company presents multiple performances throughout the year at its performance space in Grand Boulevard in Sandestin. They perform popular musicals like Mary Poppins and Jersey Boys and also present plays and other special events just for kids. Their version of A Christmas Carol is much loved during the holiday season. Dine before or after your show at one of the delicious restaurants at Grand Boulevard.
Rainy Day Activities in Destin
Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl & Grill
4251 Legendary Dr, Destin Commons
This spacious underwater-themed bowling alley is an entertainment hot spot in the Destin Commons shopping center. The bowling alley features 12 full lanes of bowling and custom bowling balls that look like octopuses, mermaids, and more. The grill serves up delicious foods for a big appetite with all-you-can-eat shrimp and build-your-own burgers. Bowling is on a first-come, first-served basis to capture a lane.
Rock Out Climbing Gym
2001 98 Palms Blvd Ste 5, Destin
This indoor rock climbing adventure is a Bouldering gym with no ropes or harnesses. The terrain is equipped to accommodate various levels of experience from basic to challenging. They will teach you proper falling techniques and classes are available to advance your climbing skills. They even offer a Summer Climbing Club for kids, so it’s truly for all ages.
Urban Air Trampoline Park
14081 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin
This large-scale indoor trampoline center is filled with open jumps, fitness classes, dodgeball, and more. This indoor adventure park caters to any level of adventurer. Urban Air features family obstacle courses, a kid's ninja course, a flash pad, spin zone bumper cars, virtual reality games, a trapeze, and more. You can refuel at the cafe that serves up pizza, burgers, ice cream, and more.
Enjoy your vacation in the Panhandle, Rain or Shine
You never have to let it rain on your parade during vacation. With so much to do and see beyond the beach, you’ll enjoy your stay, rain or shine. As the saying goes, if you don't like the weather in Florida, just wait about fifteen minutes and it will change! Book your stay with Panhandle Getaways today and know no matter the weather forecast you are sure to have a great time.