Biodiversity plus striking architecture.
A visitor centre at the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, with viewing terraces where you can watch huge ships pass through the locks, plus a museum. Fascinating for kids who like ships and engineering.
The ruins of the original Panama City, founded in 1519, now an archaeological site on the city's eastern coast with a visitor centre and the old cathedral tower. Mostly outdoors, so go early and bring water.
Panama City's historic old quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial streets, plazas, churches and waterfront views. Easy to explore on foot at your own pace, with plenty of cafes and ice cream stops.
A Smithsonian nature centre on the Amador Causeway with marine exhibits, touch pools and short trails through dry forest where sloths and other animals may be spotted. Compact and well suited to curious younger kids.
A protected tropical forest park within Panama City, with trails leading up to a lookout over the city and canal. Best for active school-age kids and teens; go early, when it is cooler and wildlife is more active.
A long causeway linking small islands at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, with paths for walking and cycling and views of ships and the city skyline. Bikes can be rented locally, making it a flexible outdoor outing.
A museum in Casco Antiguo, on the main plaza, telling the story of the Panama Canal from the early French attempts to the present. Indoors and compact, it pairs well with a visit to the Miraflores Locks.
A small island in the Bay of Panama, reached by ferry from the city, with a beach, a sleepy village and walking trails. An easy island day for families; bring sun protection and plan around ferry times.
A rainforest area along the Chagres River and the Panama Canal north of the city, where tours offer boat trips, trails and chances to spot monkeys, sloths and birds. Plan it as a half-day or full-day excursion.