Photo: Visit Panama City Beach
Photo: Jhannelle Kendall
Photo: Visit Panama City Beach
Frank Brown Park
★4.7(3,117 reviews)FreePark
🕑 3-5 hours👶 Best for ages 1-14. Toddlers love the gentle splash pad areas and smaller playground equipment, while elementary-aged kids enjoy the larger play structures and sports courts. Tweens and teens can take advantage of the tennis courts, basketball courts, and extensive walking trails.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Frank Brown Park is a sprawling 200+ acre family paradise in Panama City Beach that goes way beyond your typical playground. With multiple splash pads, diverse play structures for different age groups, sports facilities, and shaded picnic areas, this park offers a full day of entertainment without the beach sand,making it perfect for mixing up your coastal vacation routine or enjoying a break from the sun.
Highlights
- ✓Multiple splash pad areas with different water features for various ages
- ✓Separate playground zones designed for toddlers, preschoolers, and older children
- ✓Paved walking trails perfect for strollers, bikes, and scooters
- ✓Well-maintained tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts for active families
- ✓Wide open green spaces ideal for frisbee, kite flying, or ball games
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early (7-9 AM) to beat the heat and crowds, especially during summer months when the splash pad gets packed by late morning
- 2.Pack a cooler and claim one of the covered pavilion picnic tables near the playgrounds,they fill up quickly on weekends
- 3.Bring water shoes for the splash pad areas, extra clothes for water play, and sunscreen as shade can be limited in splash zones
- 4.The park hosts numerous youth sports tournaments, so check the event calendar before visiting if you want a quieter experience
- 5.Don't miss the smaller, tucked-away playground near the soccer fields,it's often less crowded and perfect for younger children
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (7-10 AM) for the most peaceful experience, or late afternoon (4-6 PM) when temperatures cool down. Fall through spring (October-April) offers the most comfortable weather, while summer mornings are ideal for splash pad fun before peak heat.
What to Know
Admission and parking are completely free, making this an excellent budget-friendly option for families. There are restrooms and water fountains throughout the park, but no food vendors on-site, so pack snacks and meals.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with splash pads typically operating March through October (weather-dependent). The park hosts special community events throughout the year, including holiday celebrations and youth sports tournaments that can draw large crowds.
Nearby Eats
Head to Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill (5 minutes away) for casual beachside dining with a kids menu, or visit Whataburger just down Panama City Beach Parkway for quick, affordable family meals.
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