Best Outdoor Water Parks in Panama City Beach, Florida
1
Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Address: 12201 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Located in Panama City Beach, Florida, Shipwreck Island Waterpark offers a refreshing escape with its diverse collection of waterslides and attractions suitable for visitors of all ages. The park features a relaxing lazy river, thrilling speed slides, and a massive wave pool that simulates ocean-like waves in a controlled environment. Families can enjoy the dedicated children's play areas while adventure seekers tackle the more intense rides, all within a tropical-themed setting complete with convenient amenities and shaded rest areas.
What People Are Saying
Outdoor: The reviews consistently describe this as an outdoor water park.
Lazy River: Many reviews mention a lazy river, with some praising its relaxing atmosphere while others criticize its cleanliness or the new rule prohibiting drinks.
Wave Pool: Reviewers frequently mention a wave pool, with opinions varying on its intensity and enjoyment.
Splash Pad: Several reviews refer to a splash pad or kiddie area, generally receiving positive feedback as a fun space for young children.
Adults: Reviews confirm the availability of alcohol, but opinions on the adult amenities are mixed, with some enjoying the option while others express concern over certain aspects of the park's management and the resulting atmosphere.
Season Pass: The water park offers season passes; however, opinions on their value have shifted negatively in recent years, with some former pass holders stating that the changes in management, rules and amenities have made the passes less worthwhile.
Party: While the reviews don't explicitly mention birthday parties, a review does mention a company party which was well-received.
Food & Drinks: Reviews on food and drink options are mixed. Some praise the quality and variety, but many others criticize the high prices, small portions, and quality of the food.
Parking: The availability of parking is confirmed in many reviews, although some mention parking challenges such as paid parking and limited spaces.
Not Noted
Diving Boards: There is no mention of diving boards in the provided reviews.
Lifeguards: The quality of lifeguard service is a point of contention among reviewers. Some praise attentive and friendly lifeguards, while others report inattentiveness, insufficient staffing, and even inappropriate behavior from some lifeguards.
Clean: Cleanliness is a recurring topic, with opinions diverging. While some reviewers praise the cleanliness, others describe the park as dirty and poorly maintained in various areas, including restrooms and the lazy river.
Prices: Many reviews express concerns about high prices, especially in comparison to similar parks and considering the amenities offered. The value for money is frequently criticized as poor.
2
Race City Amusement Park
Address: 9523 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Race City Amusement Park in Panama City Beach, Florida offers a vibrant mix of aquatic thrills and family-friendly attractions that keep visitors coming back year after year. The sprawling complex features multiple water slides, a refreshing lazy river, and several splash zones perfect for younger guests to cool off during hot summer days. Beyond the water activities, the park rounds out the experience with go-karts, arcade games, and concession stands serving up classic amusement park treats.
What People Are Saying
Outdoor: The majority of the park is outdoors.
Splash Pad: Reviews mention rides for smaller children, suggesting a kiddie area. Families generally rate it positively.
Party: The park hosts birthday parties and is generally well-reviewed for these events.
Food & Drinks: Reviews mention funnel cakes and mention some issues with concessions, but there's no overall consensus on food and drink quality.
Clean: Many reviewers mention the park's cleanliness, although some note issues with maintenance and upkeep.
Parking: Reviews suggest that parking is available.
Not Noted
Lazy River: Reviews do not mention a lazy river.
Wave Pool: Reviews do not mention a wave pool.
Adults: Reviews do not mention adult amenities such as alcohol, hot tubs, or adult-only areas.
Season Pass: Reviews mention season passes at other parks, but there's no information about this park offering them.
Diving Boards: There is no mention of diving boards in the reviews.
Lifeguards: Reviews are mixed; some praise staff and cleanliness, while others mention issues with staffing levels and maintenance.
Prices: Reviews express mixed opinions; some find the unlimited pass provides good value, while others complain about high prices.
3
Gulf World Marine Park
Address: 15412 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida offers an intimate aquatic experience where visitors can get up close with marine life through interactive shows and exhibits. The facility features daily dolphin performances, sea lion demonstrations, and hands-on encounters with stingrays and tropical birds. While more compact than larger marine parks, the attraction provides educational opportunities and memorable experiences for families looking to learn about ocean wildlife while escaping the beach crowds.
What People Are Saying
Outdoor: Many reviews describe the park as being mostly outdoors.
Splash Pad: One review mentions a kids area, but does not provide a rating.
Season Pass: The park does offer season passes, but reviews are mixed on their value due to system issues with pass printing and customer service challenges.
Parking: Several reviews mention parking but note that it is limited and can be difficult to find.
Not Noted
Lazy River: The reviews do not mention a lazy river.
Wave Pool: There is no mention of a wave pool in the reviews.
Adults: The reviews do not mention adult amenities such as alcohol, hot tubs, or adult-only areas.
Party: The reviews do not mention birthday parties or similar events.
Diving Boards: Diving boards are not mentioned in the reviews.
Food & Drinks: Reviews describe food and drink options as overpriced and suggest bringing your own.
Lifeguards: The reviews do not specifically address lifeguard service or visitor safety ratings.
Clean: Reviews are mixed; some describe the park as clean and well-maintained, while others mention uncleanliness and disrepair.
Prices: Many reviewers felt the prices were too high for what was offered.