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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:

Chillin' with the Ice Flyers: Pensacola's Coolest Hockey Game!

Pensacola is home to the Ice Flyers - a bundle of frozen fun for the whole family. Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or just looking for a fun night out, Ice Flyers games offer a great blend of sports and entertainment that's second to none in Pensacola.

Check out the Ice Flyers Schedule for the season

Go for a stroll in Downtown

The holiday season is the perfect time to get out and explore after dark. Downtown Pensacola is decked out with tons of festive lights to go and enjoy. Take a stroll, stop into some local shops, grab a bite to eat. This is the perfect way to get out, be festive, and get some steps in. On November 8th, Downtown Pensacola will illuminate with over half a MILLION lights. Don't forget to stop by.

ADVENTURE PARKS

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. You’ll find delicious options for dinner and drinks, here, too. Splash City Adventures (formerly known as Sam’s Fun City), just south of Interstate 10 on U.S. Hwy. 29, is the place for water slides and amusement park rides, including a Ferris wheel, tilt-a-whirl and scrambler, as well as go-karts, mini golf, an arcade and laser tag. 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.

Virtual Reality Adventure

VR Adventure Zone is a different and fun way to spend your night! This is the perfect activity for the family or for anyone who just wants to escape... reality!

Go Bowling

Whether you're aiming for a strike or simply enjoying the company of friends, the sense of achievement and fun in bowling is undeniable. Go check out Deluna Lanes in North Pensacola - quite the perfect option to spend quality time with your family and friends.

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.

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.

Ice Skating Fun for All

At the Pensacola Bay Center, public ice skate sessions are open for all to enjoy. Ice skating is the perfect way to spend your night during the cooler months. Sessions usually take place during the weekends and following Ice Flyers home games. Since each session has limited capacity, we recommend securing your tickets in advance to ensure you don't miss out! Click here for more information on public skate sessions.

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. There is not much that is better on a hot Pensacola day than New Orleans-style shaved ice. At Bam Snoballs in West Pensacola, add toppings and ice cream to your favorite flavored ice or order a superhero-themed specialty treat. At Pensacola Beach, Bamboo Willies is a short walk from Casino Beach and nearby hotels when you are craving a frozen treat on that hot summer day. Lucy's in the Square has a delicious champagne sangria pop - not a bad choice for a brunch day, right? Looking for a bushwacker? Head over to the Flora-Bama, you won't regret it! 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. Crumbl Cookies in North Pensacola features six weekly flavors, customizable boxes and late-night hours. 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.

Catch A Sunset


Don’t miss a spectacular sunset view on Florida’s westernmost beaches at Perdido Key. 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. Surf Style Perdido Key, Paradise Island Souvenirs and Perdido Key Trading Co. are some of the stores you will find offering clothing and gifts for every member of the family.

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.

Climb Rocks!

Weatherford’s, located on Cervantes and open until 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, welcomes visitors to its indoor rock-climbing facility. With numerous climbing routes, the walls are designed to prepare climbers for real rock climbing experiences, but they are open to anyone who wants to try the sport or just wants an alternative workout activity. No experience is necessary, but safety waivers and an introductory course are required. Groups of more five or more must make a group reservation.

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Amy Minchin

Author

Amy Minchin

Amy Minchin has vacationed in Northwest Florida since she was a young child. Despite a few sunburns and freckles picked up along the way, she’s been proud to call the Pensacola area home for the last seven years. She and her husband enjoy sharing Pensacola’s natural beauty, history and culture with their three daughters. An award-winning writer, Amy left a career in corporate communications and marketing to pursue freelance writing and consulting opportunities. Her writing has been published in the Pensacola News Journal, Pensacola Today, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Birmingham Magazine, Lakeland Ledger, UAB Magazine and UWF Connection. Amy shares her family’s adventures and helps others discover ways to enjoy all that the Gulf Coast has to offer through her blog, Sand in My Minivan.
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