Pensacola Lighthouse And Museum
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 160-year-old lighthouse has a whole lot of history !
You can climb the 177 steps to the top, and enjoy beautiful views of downtown Pensacola, the Navy yard, and Pensacola Pass where the Pensacola Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico.
On the ground floor, the museum features information on local history and the Civil War.
And since many people believe the lighthouse is haunted, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for anythingout of the ordinary. Open at 10am daily.
Free Things To Do In Pensacola
A trip to Pensacola doesn’t have to hurt your hip pocket. You won’t even need your wallet if you go to:
Bayview Beach Park – Let the kids play or release your own inner child this place was made for fun.
Plaza De Luna – Architecture lover or not, you’re certain to be impressed by this landmark’s modern design.
The Old Quina House Museum – Feel like you’ve traveled back in time while ambling around this historic site.
Seville Square – Amble along the sidewalks and immerse yourself in the charm and character of this bustling local hangout.
Pensacola Scenic Bluffs Highway & Bay Bluffs Park – Kick back and let the rugged natural beauty here ease your soul.
Naval Live Oaks Reservation – Prepare a picnic and enjoy a stroll around the interesting plants.
Edward Ball Nature Trail
Map It:
Enjoy the great outdoors as a family when you embark on adventure at Edward Ball Nature Trail. This amazing, scenic trail is great for seeing all Floridas nature has to offer while doing an easy hike suitable for everyone.
This popular walking trail has a picturesque swamp, stunning scenery and a beautiful wooden boardwalk you wont find anywhere else. Take the whole family and set up a lovely picnic or stroll along the paths of this lovely, breathtaking nature trail, perfect for all ages.
Enjoy the wildlife surrounding you, take plenty of photos and just be when you visit the incredible Edward Ball Nature Trail. Due to the straightforward trails, there is no real challenge involved while hiking so even smaller children will be able to trek along with little effort.
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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.
A post shared by Arcadia Mill on Mar 20, 2018 at 12:54pm PDT
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:
- $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 and UWF students
Stroll The Seville Quarter
The Seville Quarter is one of the fun activities in Pensacola and is located in the historic downtown. Open late into the night, this is the perfect place to head if looking for things to do in Pensacola at night!
First founded over 40 years ago in an abandoned warehouse, you will find Rosie OGradys Goodtime Emporium which is an entertainment home with eight different themed rooms! At Rosie O Gradys, you will find a dueling piano bar.
If you are looking to dance, head to Phineas Phoggs Balloon Works, or if looking for live music and a more relaxed environment head to End othe Alley Bar and Courtyard.
If you want a pub with a WWI theme, head to Lili Marlenes for karaoke and live music. Or Apple Annies is great for lunch!
If playing billiards is more your style, you will want to head to Fast Eddies. If you just want a cozy evening, we suggest heading to Palace Oyster Bar for drinks and dinner! This is one of the best things to do in downtown Pensacola.
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Rent A Beach Scoot Coupe
Oh my gosh, these things are so cute! Cute Scoot Coupes!
Rent a 2-seater scoot coupe from Pensacola Beach Scoot Coupe Rentals and cruise the beach roads along the Gulf of Mexico in style. These things are street legal, and dont require any special license requirements.
Theyre fun and eco-friendly, and renting one starts at $55. DISCOUNT TICKETS!
What Is There To Do In Pensacola For Free
1- Spend time on the Pensacola Beach
2- Watch the Sunrise
5- Walk around downtown Pensacola
6- Walk along the Bay
7- Watch the Sunset
8- Go for a swim in the Gulf of Mexico
9- Take a Historic Walk through Pensacola- With a walk along Americas top 10 streets, Palafox St. Here youll find an array of shops, restaurants, boutiques and galleries.
10- Watch the Blue Angels Practice > more info on time frames here.
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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
Is Pensacola Good For Kids
Pensacola is suitable for kids to visit, as there are beautiful beaches that give scenic views. The activities Pensacola offers attract kids and teenagers. So, you can have a perfect time in Pensacola with your kids.
Pensacola is a beautiful place known for its beautiful beaches. Pensacola is also very educative as you can learn about the history of Pensacola by exploring it and visiting the historic Pensacola village. It is the best place to spend vacations here with family.
If you plan the holiday in Pensacola with family, you think about what to do in Pensacola with kids. Above Ive mentioned some fantastic fun things you can do with your family in Pensacola and have a quality time and memorable moment.
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Super Fun Things To Do In Pensacola With Kids
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
Explore Perdido Key State Park
Perdido Key State Park is one of the best things to do in Pensacola. This state park is open 365 days a year and costs a small fee per car to enter. This is the perfect state park if you would also like to visit a less popular beach.
Enter via the beautiful wood boardwalk that will take you over the dunes to the beautiful white sand beach! While you are here, keep an eye out for the Perdido Key beach mouse only found here and sea turtles who use this area for nesting.
There are covered picnic tables located just off the beach perfect for a family beach picnic. The beautiful dunes and large white sandy beach make this the perfect place to sunbathe and swim in the warm gulf water.
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Pensacola Civil War History Tour
If you want to learn more about how the Civil War affected this area, the Pensacola Civil War History Tour is for you. This tour includes a walk through Fort Barrancas, as you learn about how Pensacola was largely destroyed during the war. Youll have an experienced tour guide, and will explore downtown Pensacola too! DISCOUNT TICKETS!
Look Up Its A Blue Angel
Pensacola is home to Naval Air Station Pensacola and the famous Blue Angels, the U.S. Navys Flight Demonstration Squadron. Access to NAS Pensacola and Pensacola Lighthouse is limited to DoD ID card holders. Keep that in mind when making plans.
But you can still look up to see the famous Blue Angels practicing their aerial acrobatics on certain days. Heres how and when to catch these talented pilots in flight.
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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.
Delight In A Pensacola Dolphin Cruise
Finally, no trip to the coast is complete without some ocean life. Hop on board a private boat with H02 Pensacola for a fully-guided tour of where the dolphins like to frolic! They took us out at sunset and treated us to the most epic views, complete with up-close and personal views of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
I personally love being guided by knowledgeable locals, but they also offer pontoon and tritoon boat rentals as well as fishing charters. Their experiences are even pet-friendly, so you can bring Fido along!
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Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Where: 5007 N. Davis Highway Unit 8A,
Sky Zone Trampoline Park is every gravity-defying kids dream playground. Its an indoor trampoline park that lets kids safely fly high in wall-to-wall aerial action. Attractions include freestyle jump, foam zone, SkySlam, SkyJoust, SkyLadder, Parkour Blox and the Ninja Warrior Course.
For more info:
Fun Things To Do In Pensacola With Kids Family Friendly Activities
When you find yourself in the western part of Florida, make sure to visit Pensacola.
This city is known for its beautiful beaches and rich metropolitan area, so youre sure to find fun family things to do while youre here.
Besides attractions for kids and teens, there are also activities you can do when you vacation with a baby.
Often referred to as the City of Five Flags because it changed ownership a lot during its time, Pensacola also has a rich cultural history.
Youll definitely love learning more about it.
Ready your list. Here are some of the fun things to do in Pensacola with kids to help you get started.
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Explore Fort Pickens And The Gulf Islands National Seashore
The history of Pensacola Beach goes back more than 450 years, when Spanish explorer Don Tristán de Luna y Arellano arrived in 1559 and established Pensacola as the first European settlement in North America. Since then, five flags have flown over this region, bringing a wildly impressive diversity of food and design to the area.
Fort Pickens, completed in 1834, takes visitors into the heart of the action. Spain ceded Florida to the United States, and forts were necessary to protect the bay and naval yard from further attacks. The fort was used until WWII, and you can still see some of the cannons pointing out to sea. Meander through the officer’s quarters, see where Geronimo was held captive, and discover why they eventually had to build a fort within a fort.
This is one of many National Parks that has educational Junior Ranger programs. Track down a ranger and ask for a free handbook for each child. Kids of all ages can earn badges by completing activities that teach them about nature and history!
Naval Air Station Pensacola
Interested in military history? The Naval Air Station Pensacola is one of the top points of interest in Pensacola. At the naval station, youll learn more about Americas military history and the people keeping the country safe.
In the complex, the National Naval Aviation Museum is a good pitstop. You can see memorabilia and aircraft, not to mention the fun activity that is VR spaceflight. Its worth timing your trip with a Blue Angels practice too, to see them taking to the skies in formation.
Pensacola Lighthouse is also here, offering a birds-eye view over the area and Pensacola Beach. Seeing the white shores from above offers a new perspective.
Those interested in history might find themselves wanting to learn more about Fort Barrancas. This 19th-century garrison offers a wide range of insight into the past.
PRO TIP: Save money on admission to several top attractions, including the National Naval Aviation Museum, with the convenient Pensacola Sightseeing Pass!
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See Amazing Aircraft At The National Naval Aviation Museum
National Naval Aviation Museum Source: PNJ
One of the most loved tourist destinations on the Emerald Coast with a perfect rating of 5/5 on TripAdvisor, Pensacolas National Naval Aviation Museum is famous for being the largest naval museum in the world. This 350,000-square-foot wonder displays more than 150 restored, vintage aircraft, so obviously, there is a lot to explore.
Even if you are not a die-hard aviation or military enthusiast, you will come away amazed by these history-drenched flying machines. Admire the very first plane to cross the Atlantic the Curtiss NC4, while your children stand in awe of the majestic Blue Angel planes, single-engine aircraft F8F Bearcat and the R4D-5L named Que Sera Sera, which was the first aircraft to land at the South Pole.
Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
Where: 8740 Gulf Blvd., Navarre
The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center is a conservation and learning center that is open to the public for $5 admission. Visitors will be greeted by a 15,000-gallon saltwater pool, that is home to Sweet Pea, the centers non-releasable green sea turtle and ambassador-in-residence. There are experiences such as the painting tortoise tracks, shark school, a shark tooth treasure hunt and more.
For more info:
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Hike In Tarklin Bayou Preserve State Park
There are several state parks in Florida to visit for outdoor things to do in Pensacola. Tarklin Bayou Preserve is open 365 days a year from 8 am to sunset and costs a few dollars per car. It makes for a great inexpensive outing.
The Bayou Preserve is a wet-prairie on the coast with a bunch of rare plants and animals so keep a lookout! At this 4000-acre preserve, you will have the opportunity to see the endangered pitcher plant that is unique to this area.
Follow the beautiful boardwalk or take one of the nature trails to observe the unique flora and fauna. Or pack a lunch and picnic at one of the picnic benches located along the boardwalk and trails. You will agree this is one of the best Pensacola activities.
Don’t Miss The Pensacola City Sights
On our trip, we barely even touched the multitude of cultural and adventure options over in Pensacola City. We’ll be back to explore downtown Pensacola and the lighthouse, Fort Barrancas, the Pensacola Museum of Art, ghost tours, their epic street market, National Naval Aviation Museum, Naval Air Station and more. I’m told if you time things right, you can even watch the Blue Angels practice overhead.
Do you have more ideas for what to do in Pensacola Beach? Send them our way!
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Best Things To Do In Pensacola With Kids
Brenda Moneghan, Updated September 25, 2022
Disclosure: Town & Tourist may receive a commission for purchases made through links in this article, at no additional cost to you.
Planning a trip to Florida for the whole family? If youre headed to the popular tourist spot in Pensacola, youve got nearly unlimited options for keeping the kiddos busy. From parks to theme parks, bounce house attractions and more, there is endless fun in Pensacola for all ages.
Keep your children occupied, thrilled and excited to be visiting the beautiful state of Florida. Thanks to the fantastic outdoor temperatures, you can be certain to embark on some outdoor fun, witness some wildlife and animals that you wont find anywhere else and enjoy a unique experience.
Whatever you choose to do, one thing is certain- Pensacola is loaded with amazing tourist attractions for children that you will love discovering just as much as they will. This comprehensive list of twenty things to do with kids will help direct you to the ideal destinations for you and your family!
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Map It:Big Lagoon State Park | Website | Phone: 492-1595 | Hours: 24.7 | Entrance: FREE | Age Group: All Ages
You can make a weekend out of it- camp out! With so many open woodland areas, you can set up camp effortlessly and enjoy the surrounding scenery and peaceful quiet of the wilderness.
Things To See In Pensacola
To truly immerse yourself in the history of Pensacola, the University of West Florida Historic Trust offers walking tours through the city’s most historic region. Duck inside saltbox cottages and red-brick buildings that bring the city’s lineage to life. Inside a former jail, the Pensacola Museum of Art brims with European, American, and African art that calls to mind the region’s diverse heritage. Across the street, the Pensacola Little Theatre stages plays inside the oldest continually operating community theater in the Southeastern United States. If it’s music you’re after, pay a visit to the esteemed Pensacola Symphony Orchestra or Vinyl Music Hall for contemporary acts.
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