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Panama City Beach, FLA Debuts Family Attractions & Hotel Offers
Panama City Beach, Florida is known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Now, the city is trying to appeal to both beach lovers and families alike. Just in time for spring break and summer vacation, Panama City Beach is debuting several family-friendly attractions.
Starting in mid-June, Circus by the Sea, with performers from the Florida State University (FSU) Flying High Circus, will dazzle audiences with its aerial acts and jaw-dripping stunts. Kids can get in on the fun with Circus by the Sea's weeklong Circus Camp. Children 7 to 12-years old can learn to juggle, balance, and even fly on a trapeze during one-on-one training sessions with FSU performers. At the end of their training, Circus Camp students will have the opportunity to display their newfound talent during Thursday evening performances.
Gulf World Marine Park also delivers high-flying action, but with water. Professional divers flip and twirl in mid-air, finishing with an 80-foot high-dive while magician Noah Wells amazes audiences with his interactive magic show. The park's Trainer for a Day program lets guests study dolphin behavior before stepping on stage to perform during the Dolphin Show.
Kids 7-years-old and up can continue to interact with animals at ZooWorld Zoological & Botanical Park as a part of the Keeper for a Day program. Home to more than 250 animals and set in a lush tropical landscape, ZooWorld promotes wildlife preservation through hands-on activities and personalized animal encounters. Children will enjoy the Going Wild! show where they can discover unique animal facts and pose for pictures with rare mammals, reptiles and exotic birds.
For active children, Shipwreck Island Waterpark, is a perfect place for them to run around. Families no longer have to endure long lines with the water park's new online ticketing service. Full of slides, tubes and swings, the Tadpole Hole is popular with little ones. Older visitors prefer the White Knuckle River, a 660-foot family tube ride, the Great Ship Wreck and the Zoom Flume.
Another family park is the Coconut Creek Family Fun Park, home of two unique attractions. Miniature golf courses that resemble tropical jungle offer golfers a unique playing environment. Young explorers will love Coconut Creek's Gran Maze. Larger than a football field and modeled after South Pacific Islands, kids will pass through Fiji, Tahiti, Samoa and Bali before completing their journey.
After a long day of activity, families can visit Ripley's Moving Theater to watch a 4-D movie. With motion, special effects and action-packed images, kids will really feel as if they were in the movie themselves. Also in the same complex is the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium, which showcases fascinating finds from around the world. With exhibits such as an authentic shrunken head from Ecuador and an 11-foot Eiffel Tower made entirely of matchsticks, there is no doubt kids will be interested.
Finally, there is no better way to tour of Panama City Beach's emerald waters than on the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise. Families board an 85-foot pirate ship, equipped with cannons, swords and, of course, pirates.
Many hotels and resorts in Panama Beach City have special offers for families. The Marriot Bay Point Golf & Spa Resort has a Escape Family Time Package which allows kids to eat free when adults order an entree of the regular menu.
Beachbreak by the Sea offers a Passport to Play program. Present your key card and parking pass to receive discounts at nearby attractions. The special includes 20% off admission at ZooWorld and Gulf World Marine Park as well as discounts off various cruises and tours of the city.
Cited as one of "America's Most Beautiful Beaches" by Conde Nast Traveler in 2006, Panama City Beach is not just a vacation spot for beach lovers. Adults and kids alike will love the city's new family attractions and hands-on entertainment.
For more information, visit the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau's official website.
By Patty Lee
