13 Fun Things to Do in Panama City, FL When It Rains ☔️

ByRebecca Schwartz

If you’re vacationing in Panama City, Florida, and the weather turns soggy, don’t panic. Just because the skies open up doesn’t mean your family fun has to come to a halt. I’ve spent countless summers and school breaks on the Gulf Coast, and I can promise you this: some of our best family memories were made after the rain started falling.

Whether you’re watching a thunderstorm roll across the ocean from your balcony, playing cards while the kids giggle under a beach blanket fort, or discovering a quirky roadside attraction—there are plenty of ways to turn a rainy day into something special.

In this post, I’ll share 13 tried-and-true activities that will keep the kids entertained and the adults sane when sunshine takes a break. Plus, I’ll include a few of our favorite rainy-day travel essentials—because a good beach chair and some oversized towels can go a long way when you’re stuck inside.

Best Beach Supplies

Florida Gulf Coast, photo credit: R. Schwartz

Indoor Family Activities in Panama City FL

Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean your beach trip has to be boring. Panama City has a surprising number of indoor attractions that are perfect for families—especially when your crew needs to burn off some energy or escape a downpour. Here are a few of our go-to spots:

1. Visit WonderWorks Panama City Beach

This indoor “amusement park for the mind” is one of our favorite rainy-day stops. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, a ropes course, and laser tag, WonderWorks is perfect for school-aged kids who love to explore and get hands-on. The upside-down building is a hit from the moment you pull into the parking lot—and trust me, the inside is just as fun.

Tip: Go early in the day to beat the crowds and grab tickets online to save a little money.

2. Explore Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Right across the street from WonderWorks, this quirky little museum is full of oddities and unexpected surprises. Kids love the mirror maze and 7D Moving Theater. It’s not an all-day event, but it’s a great hour or two when you need a break from the rain—and it’s an easy pairing with WonderWorks if you’re already in the area.

⭐Click HERE to buy your ticket NOW!⭐

3. Hit the Arcade at Pier Park

When in doubt, head to Pier Park. Grab a slice of pizza and let the kids loose in one of the arcades or game centers. It’s low-key and fun—and there’s enough to do nearby that you can stretch this into a full afternoon if needed. Bonus: the adults can sneak in a little shopping, too.

4. Watch the Storm from Your Balcony

This one’s totally free and often unforgettable. There’s something magical about sitting on a covered porch or balcony and watching a storm roll across the Gulf. Grab a book, a board game, or just a cozy towel and soak it in. Some of our favorite vacation moments have come from huddling together, laughing at how wild the wind is, or spotting lightning out at sea.

If you’re planning ahead, I highly recommend packing a comfy portable chair like the GCI Beach Chair It makes porch lounging 10x better.

views of Panama City

5. Enjoy a Game Day Indoors

Don’t underestimate the power of a good game stash. We always pack a deck of cards, a few compact board games, and some puzzle books “just in case.” Rainy days are perfect for a little family competition, especially if you bring snacks and make it a tournament.

Pro Tip: Look for travel-size versions of your favorites so they don’t take up much space in your beach bag.

Here are some of our families’ favorite games-

Rainy Day Shopping + Exploring

A little rain is the perfect excuse to explore beyond the beach. Panama City and its nearby communities offer some charming (and dry!) spots to browse, dine, and discover. Here are a few low-key ways to enjoy your day when you don’t feel like staying cooped up.


6. Head to Pier Park for Shopping & Dining

Pier Park is more than just a shopping center—it’s a destination in itself. When it rains, it’s the perfect place to wander through big-name stores, grab an ice cream or pretzel, and pop into some fun boutiques.

You can spend hours here just exploring, letting the kids pick out souvenirs, or treating ourselves to a family lunch when we’re craving air conditioning and dry clothes.

Pier Park

7. Browse Local Bookstores or Souvenir Shops

There’s something cozy about walking into a little bookstore or souvenir shop on a rainy afternoon. Let the kids each pick a book or postcard, then grab a coffee or treat from a local café.

If you’re in need of a change of scenery without committing to a big outing, this is a great way to break up the day. Seaside and Rosemary Beach are home to some of the quaintest local bookshops.

8. Explore 30A

Seaside is one of the best beaches on 30a

Seaside, photo credit: R. Schwartz

If the rain isn’t too intense, take a drive over to nearby 30A. The stretch of beach towns like Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Alys Beach are beautiful even under cloudy skies.

You can window shop, grab lunch, or explore somewhere new without needing your beach bag. 30A also has some stunning state parks to explore, as well as delicious seafood.

Gear That Makes Rainy Days Better

Rainy days at the beach don’t have to mean boredom or chaos—if you’re prepared. Here are a few of our favorite items that help make the most of wet weather, whether you’re hunkering down indoors or heading out for an adventure anyway.

9. Bring Cozy Blankets for Lounging Indoors

Trust me, a cozy towel or blanket goes a long way when everyone’s a little soggy and chilled from running in and out. We keep a stack ready for porch reading, movie watching, or post-swim snuggles. My kids and I love these cozy blankets.

10. Pack Stylish & Functional Hats

Rainy skies still mean UV exposure—and if the clouds clear, you’ll want something cute and protective. My go-to picks are baseball hats or the Hemlock Straw Hat for added coverage on your shoulders.

11. Don’t Forget Sunscreen — Even on Cloudy Days

It’s easy to skip sunscreen when the sun’s not blazing, but UV rays still get through. We always pack:

12. Keep Bug Spray Handy for Post-Rain Walks

Rain often brings mosquitoes, especially near the dunes or marshy areas. I keep a bug spray in our beach bag and car so we’re ready after a storm. Bugs are common, especially in the late afternoon, along the Florida beaches, regardless of the weather.

13. Use a Compact Beach Umbrella or Sun Shade

If the rain lightens up, you can squeeze in some beach time. A quick-deploy beach umbrella or pop-up sun shade makes a world of difference on a cloudy day. They’re also great for shelter if the kids insist on playing in the sand, especially in light rain, and you want some coverage.

⭐Check out my extensive beach packing list by clicking HERE!⭐

30A Resources
Best 30A Beaches
Best 30A Tours
Breakfast in 30A
Ice cream in 30A
Best Seafood on 30A
30A State Parks
30A Winter
30A Fall
Christmas in 30A
Spring Break on 30A
30A When it Rains
4th of July at 30A
How to Vacation at 30A on a Budget
Vacation Rentals on 30A for Families
Beach Packing List for Families
The Best Review of Seaside vs Watercolor, Florida
Ultimate Guide to Watercolor, Florida
Is Watercolor, Florida, Worth it? 12 Reasons why I love it
Best Things to do in Rosemary Beach
Which 30A beach is right for you?
Best things to do in Seaside

Rebecca is a wife, mom of 3, and avid traveler. She loves to plan trips for her family to exciting places in the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe. In addition, she loves to help family and friends plan their next great adventure. Most hate the planning and research process, and that is her passion. When she isn't traveling, she's a high school US History teacher in an Atlanta suburb.