A Kid-friendly Guide To Panama

Panama is a perfect family-friendly destination with plenty of parks, beaches, museums, and restaurants that welcome kids. Here are some of the best options for kid-friendly fun in Panama.

Canal at Miraflores Locks

A visit to Panama City is not complete with a visit to the famous Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal. Luckily, this is located very close to Clayton. Watch as the Panama Canal feeds into the Pacific Ocean, with the opening directly in front of the Miraflores Locks for viewers to watch in awe as the Canal works its wonders.

Cinta Costera

Quite possibly the most gorgeous seaside walk in Panama City is the majestic Cinta Costera, and it is completely free. Grab a seat on a park bench or let the kids have fun in the playground while catching the sunset over the ocean. The Cinta Costera runs along the ever-trendy, upscale Avenida Balboa, so when you’re ready to pull your wallet out, head over for a bite to eat on a balcony overlooking the city if you wish to.

Metropolitan Natural Park

Panama City is the only metropolis to have a jungle within its city center. Hike through the many trails on offer in Metropolitan Natural Park. Explore the gorgeous scenery and exciting chance to see the exotic wildlife that calls Panama home. With trail names like Motmots, Mahoganies, Oak, Titi Monkey, and Small Swamp, the guides can help with which path is best, based on your preference of difficulty.

Amador Causeway

Built from excavated rocks from the construction of the Panama Canal is the six kilometers that connect three islands known as the Amador Causeway. Popular among local Panamanians, it is less so with visitors. Lined with restaurants and shops, locals love to bike along the Causeway, and you can too, with plenty of bike rentals available there. The Amador Causeway boasts an outstanding view of Panama City from one side, and a view of the Panama Canal on the other.

View of Casco Viejo from above, Panama City

1. Roadsters

This 50s-style American diner is a staple in San Francisco with milkshakes as their bread and butter. However, come with an appetite and find breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the menu, too, similar to that of a traditional diner in America. Roadsters’ décor feels like something out of the film, Grease, with records and mementos reminiscent of the 1950s. Waitresses dress the part in poodle skirts, offering a unique, nostalgic dining experience, and a favorite for visitors and locals alike.

Roadsters, Vía Israel, Panamá, Panama

2. Biomuseo

Museum

An incredible, interactive museum dedicated to the evolution of biodiversity as we know it, this Frank Gehry-designed museum is a spectacle not to be missed. Dedicate an afternoon to exploring its many, wonder-filled exhibits and learn a thing or two about how the world came to be all that it is today. It is fascinating.

Biomuseo, Edificio 136, Calzada de Amador, Calz. de Amador 136, Panamá, Panama

View from above of the Biomuseo in Amador, Panama City |© Visit Panama

Playa Coronado

Another super low-key beach on the Pacific side of Panama is Playa Coronado. A quick bus ride from Panama City, Coronado used to be an incredibly popular hotspot full of beach goers, but it’s since seen fewer visitors, which makes it a much more luxurious, seemingly private beach for those looking to have a romantic, peaceful beach trip away from the bustle of the lively city.

3. Ay Mi Negra

This sweetery is a staple for ice cream lovers. Experience ice cream like you never have before with this divine luxurious rolled ice cream joint where they craft the most beautiful creations right before your eyes.

Ay Mi Negra, Av. B 7, Panamá, Panama

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