Pensacola with Kids: A Fantastic Family Friendly Destination

The National Naval Aviation Museum is one of the world's largest aviation museums. You can see planes, vintage uniforms, historic documents, and dioramas. Our favorite part of the museum is the Cockpit Trainers. You can climb in and out of the cockpits of helicopters and jets while listening to a recording of radio transmissions. There is also a motion flight simulator that you can experience for an additional fee. When you have toured the museum and are ready for a break, stop by the Cubi Bar Cafe for a snack or a drink. After visiting the museum, take a tour of the Pensacola Lighthouse or Ft. Barrancas. The museum, lighthouse and Ft. Barrancas are all located on Pensacola NAS. Be sure to heed speed limits and warning signs.

Address: 1750 Radford Blvd.
Phone: 850-452-3604
Admission: Free with additional fees for the IMAX and simulators
Hours of Operation: Open daily from 9am to 5pm with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's; IMAX, Flight Deck store, and Cubi Bar Cafe have varying hours

On many Tuesdays and Wednesdays from March to November, you can view the Blue Angels Flight Squadron practice their acrobatics. Practices are held on the flight line behind the National Naval Aviation Museum. Check the schedule before you go because there is a chance you might be able to attend a meet and greet and get pilot autographs. Be sure to bring ear plugs and water as well as a chair or blankets to sit on. There are bleachers available but seating is limited.

Address: 1750 Radford Blvd.
Phone: 850-452-3604
Admission: Free
Hours of Operation: Practices begin at 8:30am on scheduled Tuesdays and Wednesdays. They can be cancelled with no notice due to inclement weather, maintenance and other unforeseeable issues.

The T.T. Wentworth Museum is full of Wentworth's eccentric collection of items. When we visit this museum with our young children, we skip the first two floors and head straight up to the Discovery Gallery where children can learn about colonial Pensacola with hands-on activities, dress up and role play. The room is sectioned off into different areas including the Port of Pensacola where children can sail a ship and find treasure, a trading post where they can trade their goods, and more. Before you go, call to make sure they are open because the Discovery Gallery does close when school and camp groups book it. Only a certain number of children are allowed in the Discovery Gallery at one time. Sometimes it can get busy and you will have to wait. When you are finished, walk down the street and learn more about the buildings in Historic Pensacola or grab a gelato at Dolce.

Address: 330 South Jefferson Street
Phone: 850-595-5990
Admission: Free
Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Saturday 10am to 4pm

Plaza de Luna is a waterfront park at the end of Palafox Pier. It offers a splash pad for the kids, a big grassy field to have a picnic, and areas to reel in fish. Grab a sandwich or some ice cream at de Luna's, a full concession stand. During the summer months, head over there on Thursday nights for sunsets at the plaza where you can listen to bands and meet characters from your child's favorite television show.

Address: End of Palafox Street
Phone: 850-435-1603 (City phone number)
Admission: Free
Hours of Operation: Splash pad hours vary by season and events held on the pier

Take a guided tour of Pensacola in an 1880's streetcar replica. This tour highlights different areas of the past 450 years in Pensacola. The tour is just about an hour long and makes one stop at Joe Patti's Fish Market where you will be treated to a taste of gelato or bread (depending on the season). The tour begins and ends at the Pensacola Visitor Center and they only accept cash payments. Reservations are recommended.

Address: 1401 East Gregory Street
Phone: 850-941-4363
Admission: Adults $14; Students, seniors and active military $12; Children 12 and under $7
Hours of Operation: Noon and 1:30pm, seven days a week

When it is time to let the kids run around and just be kids, make a trip to Bayview Park. There is a playground that is suitable for children of all ages. It is on the water where you can watch the kayaks and canoes go by. There is a sidewalk around the park that is great for walking or bike riding. After playing, head to J's Bakery for a smiley face cookie!

Address: 20th Avenue and Blount Street
Phone: 850-436-5670
Admission: Free
Hours of Operation: Daylight to 11pm

Ft. Pickens is located on the Gulf Islands National Seashore. When you are finished with a ranger led or self-guided tour of the largest of four forts built to defend Pensacola Bay, take your cooler and towels out to the beach where you can sit in the sun all day long. Keep an eye out for wildlife and sealife. You can see jellyfish, stingrays, fish and sometimes even dolphins. Along the beach, you can see crawling crabs and many different kinds of birds.

Address: Ft. Pickens Road
Phone: 850-934-2600
Admission: $8.00 a vehicle for a seven day pass
Hours of Operation: Ft. Pickens area is open daily from 7am to 10pm. The fort is open daily from 8am to sunset.

Quietwater Beach is a family friendly stretch of sand on Pensacola Beach. The water is calm and the waves are minimal. Lifeguards are not always on duty so swim with caution and follow all signs and advisories. There are gazebos with picnic tables and plenty of parking if you get there early in the morning. Restrooms are nearby. Quietwater Beach is within walking distance to some shopping and Surf Burger, a burger joint that is a favorite with the locals.

Address: 400 Quietwater Beach
Admission: Free but there is a toll fee of $1 to get on the beach

After a long day playing in the sand, eat an early dinner on the deck at Peg Leg Pete's. Grouper nuggets are always our children's pick from the kid's menu! The kid's meal comes in a bright teal sand bucket that is perfect to take back out to the beach.

Address: 1010 Fort Pickens Road
Phone: 850-932-4139
Hours of Operation: 11am until daily

The Atlas Oyster Bar is a wonderful place for parents looking for a meal that does not include a toy in it but still welcomes children. The children's menu is full of kid friendly choices including chicken fingers and french fries as well as a few choices not typically seen on a kid's menu like sushi! Sit on the deck and watch the sun go down as you enjoy your meal.

Address: 600 South Barracks Street
Phone: 850-437-1961
Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday 5 p.m. till close; Sunday Brunch 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Dinner 2 p.m. till close