Happy World Ocean Day! In honor of this special day, the creators behind Baby Shark have curated a new playlist for little listeners.
The 40 minute playlist has 27 songs that feature Baby Shark and other sea animals. Designed to education kids on the importance of reducing plastic waste and saving the ocean and sea animals, the fun lineup of songs is just as addicting as the OG ear worm that Baby Shark is known for.
photo: Courtesy of Pinkfong
If your kiddos are looking for more ways to positively impact that ocean, head over to YouTube to see Pinkfong’s World Environment Day Special, Baby Shark vs Waste Monster and ‘No More Single-Use Plastic!, a video that raises awareness about plastic pollution.
Attention cruise lovers! The newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet is now accepting reservations.
The Disney Wish is getting ready for its inaugural season which launches on Jun. 9 2022 from Port Canaveral on a five-night voyage. The first sail will feature two days at sea and stops in Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay, a private Disney island.
After that, guests can make reservations on three- and four-night itineraries for the ultimate family vacation. In typical Disney fashion, cruise passengers get a slew of amenities at their fingertips, such as meals, Broadway-quality shows, access to Disney’s private island, character experiences, kids club, music, world class pools and more.
It’s no deep sea mystery that Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is one of the most popular destinations on the East Coast, with the National Aquarium topping the must-see lists of nearly every visitor. And for good reason—with over 20,000 underwater critters, puffin feedings, a 4D Immersion Theater, and more, the aquarium has something that floats everyone’s boat.
Editor’s Note: The aquarium is operating at reduced capacity. You can reserve a timed-entry ticket here. Masks are required for all guests over 2.
Ready, Set, Go!: The aquarium is smack dab in the middle of the Inner Harbor, so there’s no getting around the fact that nearly every day is buzzing with a crowd. But, don’t let that deter you—if you can, just pack up the kids and visit during the week (Monday-Thursday). Go before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. for the best experience. If your mission is to make it through the whole museum you’ll want to reserve a few hours.
Getting there: You can take the MARC train to the aquarium. For DMV-ers start at Union Station and take either the Camden or Penn line to the Camden Yards or Penn Station MARC train stops respectively. Expect this to be a brisk one hour ride. It’s a one mile walk from the train station to the aquarium; if that’s more than you bargained for, grab a cab for a quick fare. Driving? Expect a 50 minute to one hour trip from D.C. and Northern Virginia.
Parking: While there is lots of street parking around we recommend the convenient parking one block opposite the aquarium at the Lockwood Place Garage. While it is a hefty $20.00 for the 4 hours with the aquarium validation, its worth not worrying about parking tickets or being towed.
What to see: Arrive before 11 a.m. to start the day off right at Blacktip Reef. The animals are just waking up and starting their day too! More of a night owl? A visit after 3 p.m. lets you experience the animals during a less busy time. A bright area can be found at the Dolphin Discovery area where staff works with the dolphins. Leave time to wander around the Jellies Invasion exhibit, a sweet, quiet spot to really enjoy their beauty.
Editor’s Note: The Dolphin Discovery area is currently closed, but you can purchase a private Dolphin Training Session here.
What to skip: If you have smaller kids, they may not be too interested in the guided tours. If you are interested note that they cost extra, and they do sell out quickly.
Possible lunch spots: No outside food, beverages, or gum are permitted. A grab and go cafe and a traditional sandwich and pizza style cafe are located in the building, but there are no sit down and order options available. Our recommendation? Bring a picnic. There are tables and benches (with a view of the harbor!) just outside the Aquarium.
Editor’s Note: Due to COVID, there are no on-site dining options.
Cost: The cost is definitely an investment for a family. Adults 12-64 are $39.95, children 3-12 are $24.95 and infants under 3 are free. Military discounts are available through base ticket offices.
The fine print on wheels: Are you ready to have your salt water bubble bursted? Strollers are NOT permitted in the aquarium. They do however offer the free use of front or back carriers for families with babies and tots.
National Aquarium
501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD
410-576-3800
Online: aqua.org
There are two things every family wants out of a vacation: to have fun and make lasting memories. From jet-ski rentals and parasail operators on the beach to family fun parks, mini golf and pirate cruises when you’re ready to dust off the sand, Panama City Beach is family fun central—and is a great locale for a family vacation they’ll never forget. Keep reading for everything you need to know about a family trip to Panama City Beach, Florida.
In Water & On Sand
S. Massey
Families who long to get out on the water have dozens of options to explore, but our favorites include the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise, where you'll have the opportunity to sword fight, search for treasure and sight various sea creatures along the way, and Island Time Sailing Excursion to Shell Island, where you'll see dolphin by the dozen, paddleboard, play games on deck and dance.
With sugar white sand and gentle turquoise waves, the Gulf of Mexico is paradise for families looking for a doable beach with littles. However, if you want to add a little excitement to your time in the sand, you don't have to look far. Sunshine Water Sports of Panama City offers 30-min jet ski rentals, 1-hour jet ski rentals and the even jet ski dolphin tours in Panama City Beach. And for the true thrill seeker, try soaring through the air in a parasail chute.
Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise 5325 N. Lagoon Dr. 850-234-7400 Online:piratecruise.net
Island Time Sailing Cruises 3605 Thomas Drive 850-234-7377 Online:islandtimesailing.com
If you strike out on the weather, or if perhaps your family just enjoys taking a break from the sun, Panama City Beach is full of fun options. Check out over 400 bizarre exhibits at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium, get your hands dirty with over 100 exhibits at WonderWorks—an amusement park for the mind filled with puzzles, mazes, and exhibits on natural wonders—or try your luck at an 18-hole miniature golf course, the SkyTrail & SkyTykes ropes course, zip-line, and SkyWheel Observation Wheel, all at SkyWheel PCB.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium 9907 Front Beach Rd. PCB, FL 32407 850-230-6113 Online:ripleys.com
Sky Wheel PCB 15700 LC Hilton Jr. Dr. PCB, FL 32413 850-888-0020 Online:skywheelpcb.com
When You're Hungry
S. Massey
Panama City Beach's laid-back vibe means you can take your kid practically anywhere. For a true beach shack experience, check out Schooner's, which sits on the beach and provides the perfect way to keep your littles busy while the kitchen works on your order. Even our 7-year old loved the sauteed crab claws, which were served in a bowl with garlic butter. And don't miss the ceremonial cannon blast at sunset! For a finer dining experience—still casual, but an elevated menu and tablecloths—try the Grand Marlin, and be sure to start with the fried lobster bites and end with either the key lime pie or a chocolate lava cake. And for the freshest lunch on the beach, head to Finns Island Style Grub, where you might never walk away from the original fish tacos.
Grand Marlin 5323 N Lagoon Dr. PCB, FL 32408 850-249-1500 Online:thegrandmarlin.com
Finns Island Grub 7220 Thomas Dr. PCB, FL 32408 850-249-3466 Online:finnsgrub.com
Where to Stay & When to Go
S. Massey
Lodging options in all price points abound in PCB. If you prefer a quiet beach, book a room on the opposite side of the bay near St. Andrew’s State Park—you'll still be able to get to all the attractions in PCB that you won't want to miss. If you're looking for nonstop action, The Holiday Inn Beach Resort—with a lazy river, splash pad, pool and on-site games for families including hula hoop hopscotch, sand art and beach limbo—might be your speed.
The Holiday Inn Beach Resort 111276 Front Beach Rd. PCB, FL 32407 850-234-1111 Online:ihg.com
Panama City Beach is fun no matter the season, and families looking for a beach vacation that goes beyond the beach will find something exciting to keep them busy. PCB also plays host to numerous regional festivals, so be sure to take a peek at the event calendar before you plan you trip if you're looking to avoid a busy weekend.
Disney and Pixar recently released the trailer for the new soon-to-be summer blockbuster Luca! Like other top feature flicks of 2020/2021, you don’t need to head out to the movie theater to catch the animated awesomeness—because this new film will stream exclusively on Disney+.
Luca may look like an average boy. Even though he has two legs, two arms and all the other aesthetics of a human, he’s really a sea monster from another world that lies just below the surface of the ocean.
This coming-of-age tale features the voices of Jacob Tremblay as Luca Paguro, Jack Dylan Grazer as Alberto Scorfano, Emma Berman as Giulia Marcovaldo, Saverio Raimondo as town bully Ercole Visconti, Maya Rudolph as Luca’s mom Daniela, Marco Barricelli as Giulia’s dad Massimo, Jim Gaffigan as Luca’s dad Lorenzo, Sandy Martin as Luca’s grandma and Giacomo Gianniotti as a local fisherman.
Look for Luca and the Italian seaside adventure starting Jun. 18, 2021 on Disney+ and watch the trailer right now!
By now, your kids have perfected all of their indoor daredevil tricks. The couch has officially become a landing pad for adorable human rocket ships. And you can’t get from one room to another without tripping over an elaborate obstacle course. Yep. It’s officially time for a vacation that moves all of that energy to the great outdoors. And there’s nothing better than the sand, sea, and sunshine of Florida’s Panama City Beach. Check out PCB’s awesome outdoor adventures for kids (and kids at heart!):
Ready to start planning your next adventure? Get everything you need at VisitPanamaCityBeach.com
Ride the Waves
Cruise around the Gulf of Mexico on a guided or unguided jet ski tour. This family-friendly activity is a great way to explore the area’s gorgeous emerald green waters— refreshing salt water spray in your face, not optional! Be sure to zip over to Shell Island, a stunning barrier island off the coast. Discover the natural beauty of its sand dunes, wildlife, seashells, and of course, playful dolphins. And if you’re up for trying a new watersport, learn paddleboarding techniques from a skilled instructor.
Set Sail… From the Sky
For a high-flying thrill, take a parasailing ride with your crew—no experience necessary. Soar above the beach with Adventures at Sea for a breathtaking look at the white sandy coastline, pristine waters, marine life and “tiny” beachgoers and boats below. Up to three people can be accommodated, so you can gently glide through the sweeping panoramic views together. Be sure to let the captain know if you want to stay dry or get your feet wet!
Go Off the Beaten Path
Head into the backwaters on an airboat—the only type of boat that can transport you into a remote maze of creeks, islands and marshes. Wild Thang Airboat Tours take you speeding into the wild, where alligators, dolphins, manatees, snakes, stingrays and birds dwell. Keep a lookout for old sunken boats (and anything else that may lurk below!). For an adventure after dark, book an hour long ride for a glimpse of the “red eyes” of alligators under the crew’s spotlights. Children must be at least two years old to ride.
Explore an Underwater World
Get immersed in aquatic life and scuba dive with the Dive Locker. Twelve year olds and up can learn the basics, gear up with a divemaster and head to St. Andrews State Park for an awesome introductory excursion under the water’s surface. Swim with new pals like octopus, hog snappers and plenty of other spectacular tropical fish. Who knows, you may come across some pirate’s treasures, too. Have more time? Ten year olds and up can become certified scuba divers following a three-day course. If you’re not ready to take the plunge (literally), a dolphin tour by boat is another awe-inspiring way to see your favorite sea creatures.
Go Wild at the Waterpark
Slide, splash, swim, float and even relax! A fun-filled tropical setting isn’t just reserved for the beach. Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a family favorite, thanks to the water slides, lazy river, 500,000 gallon wave pool, tipping bucket that dumps tons of water on enthusiastic patrons, and kiddy area with shallow pools galore. Bottom line: there’s something for every age and stage at this action packed theme water park.
It’s All Fun and Games
Head to one of many amusement parks in the area. Check out Cobra Adventure Park for a ride on The Dragon Wagon, a “kids-only” roller coaster. Race go-karts on four levels or play mini golf. Families with little ones love the Kids Kingdom of pint-sized rides (located right next to the beach) at Emerald Falls Family Recreation Center.
Learn more about these adventures and all of the other ways you can explore in PCB at VisitPanamaCityBeach.com!
It doesn’t get better than miles of pristine beaches, happy sand-castle building kids and a great book in your hand. (Okay, reading may be a fantasy depending on the age of your children, but a parent can dream, #amiright?). For a much-needed break from the daily grind, plan a family vacation to Panama City Beach. This gorgeous waterfront town in Northwest Florida will make you forget your to-do list even exists. We bet you’re already feeling relaxed…
Keep reading for 10 reasons to plan a family beach trip to this beloved spot in the Sunshine State, and find everything you need to plan the perfect trip at VisitPanamaCityBeach.com!
1. 27 Miles of Beaches
There are nearly a hundred public access points along Panama City Beach. Wherever you choose to hop the waves and feel the sugar-white sand between your toes, there are a variety of experiences to be had down the Emerald Coast. Set up your umbrella at the center of the action, choose a quieter locale or even bring your pup to the Dog Beach at Russell-Fields Pier. St. Andrews State Park, located on a peninsula at the far eastern edge of Panama City Beach, is always a family favorite for beachy adventures.
2. You Will Never Hear the Words "I'm Bored:
Swim with playful dolphins, slice through the waves on jet skis, take in a new perspective via parasail, snorkel by the jetties, scuba alongside shipwrecks, perfect those paddleboard techniques, tour the area by pontoon boat or bike… The list goes on and on... Get more details on all of the top activities for thrill-seeking families!
3. Eco-Adventure Awaits
Whether you’re into nature photography, hiking, kayaking, beachcombing or off-road biking, there are tons of ecologically responsible outings in protected conservation areas. St. Andrew’s State Park has gorgeous trails that wind through coastal plant communities (a prime spot for bird and wildlife-watching!).Gayle's Trails connect Frank Brown Park to Panama City Beach Conservation Park, where boardwalks cross cypress swamps. And be sure to visit Camp Helen State park to explore coastal dunes, salt marshes and freshwater wetlands.
Head to Shell Island, a seven-mile long undeveloped barrier island known for its natural beauty. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, shorebirds and coastal creatures like ghost crabs, green sea turtles and loggerhead sea turtles. It’s a (beachy) breeze to get there by boat rental and tour boats, including the Shell Island Shuttle which runs between St. Andrews State Park and the island. Heads up: there are no concession stands, restrooms, picnic tables, trash bins or pavilions. So come prepared with snacks, water and garbage bags to take the trash out with you when you leave.
5. There's a Perfect Place to Stay
Every family has different needs on a vacation. Good thing there are over 16,000 accommodations to choose from in PCB. There are resorts, hotels, motels, condos, beach house rentals, campgrounds and RV parks galore. Filter the options and search by location and amenities here.
6. The Food Scene Is Awesome
There’s a cuisine for every crew. While Panama City Beach is known for fresh local seafood, the barbecue, Cajun fare and traditional American food is top-notch, too. You’ll be hooked on the fish tacos at Hook’d and the beach view at Schooner’s is best enjoyed with a grouper sandwich. Take in stunning marina views at Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant. Bring the kids to a casual restaurant with live music for a relaxing evening out. Catch up with pirates and mermaids at Sisters of the Sea during a dining experience. Or even whip up your own feast with a fresh daily catch from one of the many seafood markets.
7. Two Words: Beach Sunset
This is the most peaceful, serene way to wind down and experience all the beauty PCP has to offer. From the Skywheel to your favorite restaurant’s deck… these are some photo-worthy spots to soak in the stunning Panama City Beach sunset.
8. Dolphins, Dolphins, and More Dolphins
A large population of bottlenose dolphins call Panama City Beach home. And you can easily spot these charismatic creatures swimming and playing around their natural habitat almost everywhere you look. The jetties at St. Andrews State Park is a dolphin-watching hotspot. Book a small boat or jet-ski tour for up-close, amazing encounters your family will never forget. You’ll also catch glimpses of stingray, seahorses, sea turtles and sand dollars when you snorkel!
9. There’s a Variety of Kid-Approved Attractions
Jumping the waves keeps your kiddos busy for hours… and so can these other attractions. Play a round of mini golf at Barnacle Bay. Splash your way through Shipwreck Island’s water slides designed for all ages. Catch educational animal shows and exhibits at Gulf World Marine Park. Between the beach and the entertainment, everyone will rest easy at the end of the day.
10. Getting There Is Convenient
Many people drive to Panama City Beach from all across the South and Midwest. For those flying into town, the Panama City Beach airport is only about 15 minutes from area beaches. So pack swimsuits in your carry-on bags… because you can dip your toes in the turquoise water soon after you land.
From things to do to where to stay, get everything you need to book your trip at VisitPanamaCityBeach.com.
Theme parks are gradually starting to reopen, but if you’re not comfortable heading to one just yet, that doesn’t mean your kids can’t get the same experience at home.
Courageous fans have uploaded ride experiences on YouTube so your kids can virtually ride their favorites from Disney, Universal and Busch Gardens to name a few!
photo: Disney
Break up your day with a virtual ride on some of these crazy coasters:
Can you believe Starbucks is turning the big 5-0? In honor of the big day, the coffee company is releasing lots of special goodies, especially in the merchandise department.
The special collection is limited edition and is all about Starbucks iconic Siren that celebrates its heritage. We got a sneak peak of some of the upcoming products and you’re going to want them all!
Siren Double Wall Ceramic Tumbler
This dainty ceramic double-wall tumbler comes with a gorgeous limited-edition Siren sketched in a luster finish.
$24.95
Siren Tails Glass Mug
Collectors will love to get their hands on this special anniversary cup that is all about the Starbucks Siren.
$16.95
Tonal Sea Green Siren Stainless Steel Tumbler
Perfect for hot beverages, this Siren double-wall, vacuum-insulated, stainless-steel sea green tumbler will make your friends green with envy.
$22.95
Amber Luster Glass Cold Cup
Not a fan of green? This amber rainbow luster cup does the trick for all your cold drinks.
$16.95
Not pictured are a limited edition Terra Cotta Siren Ceramic Mug with a Siren decal and glossy finish ($14.95) and a special gift card. You can also pick up a bag of special Anniversary Blend while you’re there!
Who lives a pineapple under the sea? Maybe you! Vrbo and Paramount Home Entertainment recently teamed up to re-create SpongeBob SquarePant’s iconic animated abode—80 feet above sea level in Seal Beach, California.
In celebration of the new film The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (available starting Mar. 4 on Premium Video-On-Demand and Paramount+), Vrbo and Paramount Home Entertainment converted a historic water tower into a pineapple-shaped vaycay home.
While the Vrbo rental isn’t in Bikini Bottom, it does have just about everything else SpongeBob’s home does. The IRL version of the animated pineapple has a living room that features SpongeBob’s notable red couch, a Krusty Krab-themed kitchen and a pineapple-shaped entrance.
Lish Kennedy, VP of global brand marketing at Vrbo, said in a press release, “Families can book cabins, condos, castles, treehouses and train cars on Vrbo, but this is the first time we’ve had a gigantic pineapple on our platform.” Kennedy continued, explaining the new-normal way guests can experience this rental, “We’re glad people can tour the Pineapple Over the Sea virtually and enjoy the new movie at home together.”
Michelle Hagen, EVP Worldwide Partnerships, Paramount Pictures, added, “Now everyone can dive into SpongeBob’s world with the new movie and a fun virtual tour of Vrbo’s take on SpongeBob’s iconic home.”
Instead of the typical Vrbo weekend getaway rental, this pineapple creation is currently only available to view online. According to a press release from the brand, “Due to travel restrictions and regional stay-at-home orders in California, the Pineapple Over the Sea will not be available for guests to book.”
To take a virtual tour of the Pineapple Over the Sea rental, visit Vrbo’s website here.
