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Family Friendly Things to Do in Pensacola with Kids Under 3

When we had our son, everyone told us life would change. They weren’t wrong—but we were determined to keep having fun and exploring as a family. Early on, someone gave us great advice: “You can be tired at home, or you can be tired while having fun out and about.”

If you have little ones under three, you know their energy is high, and sleep… well, let’s just say it’s not always on their agenda. Fortunately, Pensacola offers plenty of great options for family-friendly activities that keep everyone entertained.

Parks

Some mornings, the best plan is to simply wake up, grab your gear, and head out to explore one of Pensacola’s many parks.

Hitzman-Optimist Park has something for everyone! It features a 9-hole disc golf course, two playgrounds, covered picnic tables, a soccer field, a dog park, public restrooms, and a walking path. One of the best things is the amount of shade, making it a great spot even during the hotter months. Our son loves climbing on and through the various play structures, and it’s an accessible-friendly park with equipment designed for all ages and abilities.

Bruce Beach offers a playground, walking paths, beautiful water views, and public restrooms. With its natural feel and unique rope-climbing equipment, it’s a great place for adventurous kids. While there are a few play structures for younger toddlers, we’ve found it to be best for ages 2 and up. Park at Blue Wahoos Stadium and grab lunch at Nick’s Boathouse, or check out the food trucks at The Garden at Palafox after you play.

Perdido Key Kids Park is a hidden gem on the west side of Pensacola. The unique rock wall and two separate play sections based on age make it fun for kids at different stages. Plus, it’s fully fenced in, making it a stress-free place for parents to let little ones explore safely.

Speciality Parks

Beyond traditional playgrounds, Pensacola is home to some unique specialty parks that offer interactive and engaging experiences for little ones.

The Early Learning Garden at Bodacious Brew, fuel up on freshly brewed coffee while your little one explores. The sensory garden encourages hands-on play through hopping, digging in the sand, and discovering different plants and flowers.

Veteran’s Memorial Park is more than a place to honor history, this park offers a peaceful setting for family outings. Feed the ducks, spot a turtle, and take a stroll along the scenic walking path—perfect for toddler bikes and scooters. Keep in mind that bread isn’t a healthy option for ducks, so bring frozen peas or bird feed instead. Feeding the ducks was the activity we did for our son’s first birthday party and it was a huge hit! With plenty of benches, this park also makes a great spot for a picnic while soaking in the views.

Splash Pads

As the weather warms up, splash pads become the perfect way to keep little ones entertained while staying cool. Whether you're carrying your baby or watching your toddler run around on their own, these water play areas offer a safe and exciting way to beat the heat. As temperatures rise, be sure to wear something you don’t mind getting wet, and don’t forget the essentials: sunscreen, water shoes, extra clothes for everyone, towels, and a few fun toys like buckets, rubber ducks, or toy cars to add an extra layer of fun. Most splash pads are open mid-March through October.

Plaza De Luna located in the heart of downtown, is the perfect spot to let kids burn off some energy while cooling off. I love visiting on Saturdays after stopping by the Palafox Market. Grab a bench, relax, and treat yourself to some ice cream from Deluna’s Chat and Chew while the kids splash and play.

Legion Field splash pad is part of a larger park that includes a playground and a fitness court, making it a great stop for the whole family. To activate the splash pad, simply press the button on the white pole in the center—easy and fun for little ones to do themselves!

Laguna’s Adventure Park includes an extra level of convenience. I especially love this one because it’s fully fenced in, making it easier to keep track of little ones while they play. It’s a great family-friendly oasis with plenty of ways to stay entertained including rope courses, ziplines and dining.

Lagunas Adventure Park

Gulf Breeze Zoo

Home to over 800 animals, Gulf Breeze Zoo offers an interactive, family-friendly experience. It’s packed with fun activities. Snag an animal feeding package and interact with goats, miniature cows, birds, and giraffes. Before heading to the giraffe exhibit, stop by the mining station to let little ones sift for gold and treasures. The zoo also features a spacious playground with age-specific areas and the Safari Express Train, which departs at the top of every hour for a guided ride through the 30-acre African preserve, home to rhinos, hippos, and gorillas.

Plan your visit for the morning when animals are most active, and consider bringing a stroller with a fan for little ones (wagon rentals are available). Locals may want to invest in an annual pass for unlimited visits while supporting the zoo’s conservation efforts.

Museums for Kids

Museums are a great way to keep little ones entertained while sneaking in some learning—especially on rainy days or when it’s too hot to play outside.

Pensacola Children’s Museum is designed for interactive, play-based learning. Though it’s a smaller museum, it’s packed with engaging exhibits geared for kids under 8. Our son’s favorites include the Publix shopping center, where he can fill a tiny grocery cart, and the Doctor’s Office, where he loves playing pretend.

The National Naval Aviation Museum shows the heart of naval aviation history in Pensacola. Kids can climb into interactive cockpits, explore real aircrafts, and even see the famous Blue Angels. Our son loves pretending to be a pilot! Best of all, the museum is open to the public and free to visit. If you want to catch a Blue Angels practice session, be sure to check their schedule and pack ear protection.

Family-Friendly Lodging

SpringHill Suites Pensacola Beach is a great option, featuring a family pool, splash pad, and complimentary hot breakfast. Enjoy poolside dining or explore nearby restaurants within walking distance.

Hilton Pensacola Beach offers traditional rooms and spacious suites (1-3 bedrooms). Kids will love the three pools, including a kiddie pool with fountains and an indoor pool for rainy days. Check with the front desk for weekly activities, and grab snacks or coffee from Butler’s Pantry.

Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach is a top choice for families, featuring Kidsuites with bunk beds and gaming centers, a lazy river pool, and interactive shows with mermaids and pirates. Kids under 12 eat free at Riptide Grill, making mealtime easier for parents.

Pictured | Hilton Pensacola Beach

At the end of the day, parenting littles is a wild, wonderful adventure – one that’s best enjoyed outside the walls of your home. So, pack the snacks, embrace the chaos, and make those memories – because even the tired moments are worth it.

Now, on to your next adventure!

Katherine Ford

Author

Katherine Ford

Katherine is a proud Pensacolian and lived here her entire life. She has a true love of the outdoors and you can find her playing tennis, boating and camping most weekends with her husband, son and two pups. Katherine leads a communication team at a large financial institution. She finds true joy in showing others how to get outside and add fun to their life.

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