10 Things to do in Panama City with Kids

Panama City is an excellent place to get in touch with nature from an early age or to experience exciting adventures in the jungle such as zip-lining. I also recommend it for its beaches, which have children's areas and an excellent gentle breeze.

Some of the best things to do in Panama City as a family include: the chocolate route, a visit to Monkey Island, and animal-watching areas for a variety of species. The best thing is that its attraction is not limited to its natural beauty. Here are all the places that will delight the little ones.

A bike ride is one of the most fun adventures you can have as a child, especially if it's through unfamiliar scenery. In Panama City you can stroll through the picturesque streets and pedal along the Cinta Costera, where the sea breeze blows gently and there are outdoor activities for the whole family. In front of the sea you'll find skating rinks, football pitches and playgrounds.

This way, you won't have to walk for hours and you can optimise the itinerary so the little ones don't get tired. You can organise it on your own or join a guided tour that takes you past the National Theatre, Plaza Simón Bolívar and the seafood market, where the food is good. To explore Panama City by bike, it's recommended that children be at least 11 years old and in some cases there may be height restrictions.

If everyone at home is adventurous and not afraid to try new things, then adventures in the Panamanian rainforest are a must on your family itinerary. I suggest you head to the Gamboa Reserve, just forty minutes from downtown, where you'll find an impressive zip-line jumping park with 10 platforms and a 2-kilometre route. Here children will feel safe, as there is a basic introductory lesson and safety equipment is provided.

It's a different and fun way to explore the vastness of the jungle and marvel at the views of Gatun Lake, as you swing through the treetops. The zip line experience is included in some of the best excursions from Panama City and I recommend joining one of them to experience the whole activity in a relaxed way and just worry about enjoying yourself. Bear in mind that you'll be travelling with children, so don't forget to bring sunscreen, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes and insect repellent.

There are usually no age or height restrictions but you should check before booking the activity.

Children's connection with animals and nature is very important as it promotes mental health, creativity and empathy from an early age. Tap into their curiosity and take them to the hidden paradise of Monkey Island, home to crocodiles, sloths and iguanas. Of course, it is home to different types of macaques, including howler monkeys, lemurs and Panamanian tamarins.

The route usually starts at the Panama Canal stops, from where the boats depart along a waterway surrounded by exotic vegetation. In this area you will only hear the sounds of nature and you will be able to interact with the monkeys at a respectful distance. You will also notice that the capuchins are very intelligent, in fact they know how to choose their food, medicines and form nests, being protected species due to their illegal trade

Here also hide the marmosets, which are the smallest monkeys in the world and also take refuge in neighbouring countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Please note that you should bring insect repellent and children or babies should sit on an adult's lap.

Panama City is very popular for its beautiful beaches, in fact it is considered a paradise destination at the navel of the Pacific and Caribbean. The best thing is that they are accessible thanks to the Panama Metro, so it won't be chaos to go with the little ones. It's worth making time for them in your family itinerary, as there are plenty of child-friendly options, including some of the best:

• Veracruz Beach: located in the west, this is a destination where you will find swings in front of the sea, beach bars and an uncluttered landscape, as it is not so touristy. It is perfect because you will be able to keep the children in sight all the time.
• Playa Bonita: Here you will find the most fun and luxurious resorts in Panama City with gardens, spa area for children and adults, water sports and swimming pools overlooking the sea.
• El Palmar: its dark sand makes it attractive and different, plus it is a good destination to teach the little ones how to surf.
• Taboga Island: you'll be away from the hustle and bustle of the city and can spend the day in crystal clear waters glistening in the sun. It's usually reached by boat and on board there are a variety of recreational activities for the whole family. Please note that the whole family must have a passport to travel, and it is not suitable for children under 6 months old or pregnant women.

Panama City is within walking distance of natural sites with a variety of activities for the whole family, as you've already seen. But the best thing is that some of them are within the urban area.

Children are sure to want to explore new places and climb hills, discover animal species and swim in crystal-clear waters.

In the following sections I will tell you which are the best natural places in the city to take the children.

Metropolitan Park

The Metropolitan Park is a space in the heart of Panama City, so you don't even have to leave the urban perimeter. It has 230 hectares of nature with diverse species that coexist in its leafy wooded areas.

In general, you can go up the Santiago Cable Car and take advantage of the areas with games for all ages. You can also fly kites, have a picnic or go hiking along one of the park's 7 trails, where you will encounter a diversity of flora and fauna. If you're travelling with young children, I recommend taking the easy-intensity trails, which are worth it for the views.

Soberania National Park

Another place to take the kids is Soberania National Park, where you can go hiking and explore the area around the Panama Canal. Plus, the little ones will surely be thrilled to join a bird-watching experience at Canopy Tower.

Its trails are home to a variety of monkeys and other animal species that will captivate you. In fact, to enrich this experience of contact and learning, I recommend you visit the Panama Rainforest Discovery Centre, which is located in the treetops and allows you to feed hummingbirds, connect with nature or observe monkeys, frogs and butterflies.

When you arrive in Panama City as a family, the first thing you should do is show the kids the most special places. It can be a fun and educational experience, ideal for introducing them to the legends of Casco Viejo, the continental connection of Calzada de Amador and the enigmas of the Panama Canal. In fact, I suggest stopping at the visitor centres to enjoy the interactive exhibits and see the Miraflores Locks.

Also, at the canal, be prepared to see the boats and learn about the manoeuvres of the pilots, whose work is crucial to the operation of this commercial waterway. You can take part in the best Panama City tours that will take you around the main sites, usually in an air-conditioned vehicle, ideal for protecting the little ones from the city's oppressive sun and heat.

Note that the tour is free for children under 3 years old. In addition, at each stop they usually offer Panamanian snacks, whose flavours will captivate your palate and that of the little ones. The kids will surely be thrilled to taste a handmade ice cream, while the adults try the Panamanian geisha coffee.

Panamanian chocolate is heaven for those who can't live without snack time, as it is delicious and will delight the palate of the whole family. A great way to learn about its history and production process is to join the Panama City chocolate tour, where you can enjoy a tasting of different flavours.

Cocoa is usually harvested in plantations in Boca de Toro and other cities, then processed by hand in factories such as Nomé Chocolate. This is an opportunity to develop children's palates through chocolate bonbons with caramel, ginger, geisha coffee, sea salt, chombo pepper and other exotic blends.

The best thing is that on this tour children can make their own chocolate bar under expert supervision and create unforgettable memories in one of Central America's most charming cities. In the local cafés you can also try chocolate cocadas, mousses, tarts, flan and spicy brown gold bonbons.

If you want to cool off and get to know another side of Panama City, you definitely have to immerse yourself in the adventures of a water park. It is a fun activity for the whole family to participate in, as it combines adrenaline and relaxation in the same space. The most outstanding option is Aquatic Park at the Camping Hotel with tickets from 9 euros.

This place has slides and pools with different intensities, as well as children's games that will keep the little ones entertained. There is no doubt that the kids will enjoy it a lot.

If you plan to spend at least 7 days in Panama City I recommend you consider this visit to refresh yourself and ensure a paradisiacal holiday.

A whale watching adventure is a must on your itinerary during your stay in Panama City if you are travelling with children. It offers a fun and educational perspective where you can see and interact with the lifestyle of these friendly animals. It is possible to see them almost all year round, with the season from July to October and August being the month with the best chances of seeing the popular jumping cetaceans.

From December to February there is also a small migration, when they come in search of warm waters. I recommend joining a whale-watching adventure by boat where you will sail to the best spots for this type of experience.

A curious fact is that they travel approximately 25,000 kilometres to take advantage of the pleasant habitat of the Pacific Ocean. In addition, they usually hunt in groups and feed on smaller fish that lurk in Panamanian waters. They usually frequent Otok, Bona and Coiba, but can also be seen on board a catamaran excursion to Taboga Island from Panama City

Panama City's Biomuseo is another wonderful place for kids where you'll find interactive exhibits revolving around the history, nature, science and art of the area. It has a total of 8 galleries with projections of Panama's ecosystems, informative corridors about local species and an aquarium where you can learn about the ocean that surrounds the city.

Also not to be missed is the Biodiversity Park Gardens, a botanical space with videos of Panamanian flora and fauna, climate change exhibits and a beautiful pond where you can see water lilies and bats. I recommend wearing a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers and a cap, as there are many insects. Repellents are not recommended, to protect the butterflies that roam the place.

• Avoid certain red light areas such as El Chorrillo, Curundú, Santa Ana and San Miguelito, due to their high levels of violence and muggings.
• Take sunscreen on any excursions, as it's a sunny and hot city.
• Be sure to visit beaches that have lifeguards to be safer with children.
• Hire a car or choose private transfers, as walking in Panama City is tiring due to the climate, especially with children.
• Look for interactive experiences so that children can participate and engage with local history.