25 Fun, Free Things to Do in Pensacola
Some of the best things in life are free, and this is certainly true in the Pensacola Bay Area. Here's a list of 25 fun, free things to do in Pensacola.
12 Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions to Experience in Pensacola After Dark
Families come to Pensacola to have fun in the sun, but the good times do not have to end when the sun sets.
Families visiting the Pensacola Bay Area expect to have fun in the sun. With some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and an abundance of outdoor activities, it is an easy place to enjoy during daylight hours. But what happens when the sun sets?
In Pensacola, there are tons of things to do and the good times do not have to end after a day at the beach. Families can enjoy many different activities and attractions after dark. Here are 12 examples:
Take a Stroll Downtown
Downtown Pensacola is twinkling bright this time of year! Take the whole family and head to Palafox to enjoy First City Lights Festival. With so much to see and do, Palafox is fun for all. Whether you're grabbing dinner, a sweet treat, experiencing Gallery Night, attending Winterfest, or just out for a stroll, it's a fun way to get outside, get some fresh air, and spend quality time with loved ones.
Enjoy a Hockey Game
A Pensacola Ice Flyers game at The Hangar? Now that's fun the whole family can enjoy. The Ice Flyers, Pensacola's very own hockey team, play at the Pensacola Bay Center on select dates from October through March. The games also feature exciting theme nights, including small dog races, Mardi Gras, and St. Patrick's Day (just to name a few). Be sure and snag your tickets now, you won't want to miss out!
ADVENTURE PARKS
After a day relaxing on the beach, get ready to accelerate your pace at Fast Eddie’s Fun Center, located west of I-110. Four go-kart tracks include the SuperKart Speedway, for ages 16 and up and featuring computerized scoring and timing, and a track just for kids ages 4-7. Visit the arcade and batting cages, too.
Ready to climb, play, splash and go fast? Pensacola has adventure parks galore. At Pensacola Beach, spend an evening zip lining or climbing high above the Santa Rosa Sound at Laguna’s Adventure Park.
GLOW PADDLE
At Glow Paddle, which has two locations on Pensacola Beach, families will find an unconventional way to explore the Santa Rosa Sound. Book a 45-minute paddling session using Glow Paddle’s clear kayaks and paddleboards outfitted with brightly colored LED lights. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. nightly, when you are likely to see the sunset over the water, until 11:30 p.m. when the night sky is at its darkest, paddle out and enjoy the glow. You may be lucky enough to see fish and other sea life up close through the bottom of your kayak. No experience is necessary. Children weighing less than 30 pounds must have an adult in the same kayak, and you must be age 18 or over to rent a paddleboard.
Bogey’s Golf Suites
Golfing meets virtual technology! Bogey's Golf Suites and Sports Bar is a great outing for the whole family. Who doesn't love a virtual green? If you're not a fan of golf, there are plenty of other virtual games to play. Pro Tip: the food and drinks there makes for the perfect meal + fun combo!
Enjoy A Sweet Treat!
Sweet treats are always a hit. Bubba’s Sweet Spot, founded by professional golfer Bubba Watson, serves homemade fudge, bulk candies, ice cream and milkshakes in the heart of Downtown Pensacola. Acai bowls at Cafe Single Fin hit the spot for sure. For something different, try one of two recent additions to Pensacola’s dessert scene. Seated in the heart of East Hill, Lamonte Gelato is the perfect way to satisfy your craving for a sweet treat, boasting delicious flavor options to choose from.
Mini Golf
Evening is the perfect time to play miniature golf in Pensacola. Enjoy gulf breezes on the 18-hole course at UFOs on Pensacola Beach. Afterwards, cool off indoors at the ice cream bar and arcade. West of Downtown, try Goofy Golf of Pensacola, where you can putt your way through 18 or 36 holes surrounded by larger-than-life sculptures such as a giant cowboy boot, dinosaur and octopus.
AX THROWING
Everyone knows vacation can be a great stress reliever. If you really want to release some tension – in a fun way – head to Grizzly Axes in Uptown area. Parents can bring children ages 12 and up for axe throwing or a demolition session in the Rage Room. A newer attraction, Messy Murals is a paint room open to all ages.
Catch A Sunset
Don’t miss a spectacular sunset view on Florida’s westernmost beaches. Of course, if a family photo shoot is part of your vacation plans, you will want to arrive a little before sunset for optimal lighting. Many families schedule a session with a local photographer during their visit. After your beach time is over, spend the evening shopping for souvenirs.
See The Latest Blockbuster
Just because you’re vacationing at the beach doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the latest blockbuster movie! Pensacola has many movie theaters to choose from. Or, for live theater, check show times at Pensacola Little Theatre. This community theater offers a variety of productions throughout the year.
Try to Escape
Escape on Palafox is fun for the whole family. See if you can crack the code in 60 minutes or less and escape one of their themed rooms! It'll put your relationships to the test but it's a fun way to get creative and spend an hour of fun in the heart of Downtown Pensacola.
Skyzone
Burn some energy and bounce the night away at SkyZone. This indoor trampoline park offers 90-minute sessions or all-day passes for freestyle jumping, as well as a designated toddler zone, foam zone, sky ladder, sky joust and ultimate dodgeball. Special socks, required to participate, are sold on site.
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Is Pensacola good for families?
Yes! Pensacola offers family-friendly fun ranging from free activities such as strolling downtown and catching a sunset at Pensacola Beach, to activities like mini golf, escape rooms, and adventure parks like Fast Eddies.
Are there outdoor activities in Pensacola at night for families?
Pensacola offers a variety of outdoor activities. Explore sugar white-sand beaches, explore historical sites like Fort Pickens, or take a stroll downtown.
Are Pensacola’s nighttime activities seasonal or year-round?
Pensacola has year-round nighttime activities. Catch a Gallery Night, a monthly event exploring arts of all types, book an escape room with Escape on Palafox, or go axe throwing at Grizzly Axes.
What sports are in season?
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos baseball team plays from April-September, The University of West Florida football team plays September-November, The Pensacola Ice Flyers hockey team plays November-March, and Five Flags Speedway has short-track racing from March-December.
What is there to do in Pensacola after the beach?
Grab some food and enjoy a sunset dinner downtown, afterwards, get a sweet treat at Bubba’s Sweet Spot, and then head to Goofy Golf of Pensacola, just west of downtown for some mini golf!
