Feeding a beach-tired crew without meltdowns? We got you. If you’re wondering where locals eat in Panama City Beach with kids, this quick guide rounds up the kid-friendly restaurants in Panama City Beach, FL. Families rave about playgrounds on the sand, high chairs at the ready, and menus that actually get eaten.
You’ll find wait-time hacks, hours, and what to order at each spot, from ribs and shrimp tacos to stuffed flounder.
Where Do Locals Eat in Panama City Beach with Kids?
Pineapple Willy’s (Gulf-front classic)
If your kids can’t sit still after a beach day (who can?), grab a table on Pineapple Willy’s boardwalk, literally over the sand. You’ll get breezy Gulf views and pier history; they’ve even got a live beach cam if the grandparents need FOMO. Little ones score a solid kids’ menu while you tackle the World-Famous BBQ Ribs or a Mahi BLT.
Parents: the frozen cocktails and daiquiris hit the “we made it to vacation” button. It’s walk-in only, so go early to dodge peak waits.
Open daily 11am–10pm at 9875 S Thomas Dr, easy to find, easier to love, and perfectly chaotic in the best family-vacation way.
Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant (Pirate-ship playground = hero move)
On the shortlist of kid-friendly restaurants Panama City Beach families rave about, Sharky’s is a no-brainer. While you wait, send little pirates to the ship-shaped playground in the sand; you kick back under the giant tiki hut with Gulf views and live music most nights.
Menu highlights: fresh Gulf oysters, shrimp tacos, and plenty of kid picks; parents can pair with a frozen drink or an ice-cold lemonade.
Pro move: if there’s a line, grab a buzzer and let the playtime work its magic.
Tables on the sand mean less “are we there yet?” and more seashell spotting. It’s stroller-friendly and casual sandy feet welcome.
Open daily 11am–10pm at 15201 Front Beach Rd—beach, bites, and built-in entertainment.
Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill (Two-story deck + live music)
If you want chill vibes without sacrificing a view, Runaway Island nails it. Think casual beach dining, a solid kids’ menu, and easygoing service that doesn’t blink at sandy feet. Grab a spot on the two-story beachfront deck and let the sunset do the heavy lifting while you tuck into Gulf favorites, such as grouper or crab cakes. Parents can toast with something frosty; kids get lemonades and beach-worthy bites.
Local tip: go early for the quickest seating, and peek at their events page live music nights fill up fast.
Hours: Mon–Thu 11am–9pm; Fri–Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–9pm (brunch some Sundays).
Find it at 14521 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach.
Schooners – The Last Local Beach Club (Sunset cannon!)
Ready for a dinner your kids will actually remember? Schooners fires a sunset cannon every evening, cue wide eyes and happy squeals while beach volleyball and rolling waves provide nonstop distraction.
Grab an open-air deck table right on the sand and keep it simple with seafood gumbo, peel-and-eat shrimp, and other Gulf staples; there’s plenty for picky eaters, too. Service is fast-casual, sandy-feet approved, and the vibe is pure old-school PCB.
Pro tip: Time your meal for sunset, but arrive early to snag a rail table and skip the longest waits.
Open daily at 11 am at 5121 Gulf Dr, Panama City Beach.
Diego’s Burrito Factory (Fast, budget-friendly)
If you’re hunting for a kid-friendly restaurant in Panama City Beach that won’t wreck bedtime, Diego’s is clutch. It’s counter-service, so you order, sit, and food shows up fast, perfect for pre-meltdown mealtimes.
Kids love building their tacos or burritos (rice, beans, chicken…done), and you can keep it simple or sneak in veggies without drama. Not beachfront, but steps from the Front Beach action, with two locations for easy access.
Parents: the margarita list is legit, lots of tequilas while kids sip lemonades and share chips & queso.
Hours: daily 11 am–10 pm.
Where: 15514 Front Beach Rd (plus a Sunset Dr spot).
Wait tip: dinner lines move quickly; hit off-peak lunch for the breeziest experience.
FINNS Island Style Grub + Barista Bar & Snack Shack (Healthy-ish surf-shack feel)
FINNS is the kind of easy, sandy-foot stop that keeps showing up on “best family restaurants Panama City Beach” lists, and for good reason. Picnic tables, a laid-back surf-shop vibe, and food that feels fresh without inviting kid drama.
Little ones crush fish tacos or simple rice-and-beans; you snag a few bites of ceviche and call it a win. Early birds, hit the Barista Bar for espresso or cold brew while the kids sip smoothies or kombucha.
Lots of outdoor seating = stroller-friendly.
Hours: typically Tue–Sun, morning to mid-afternoon (~7/8 am–3 pm); closed Mon.
Where: the 7210–7220 Thomas Dr strip.
Dee’s Hang-Out (Hidden-gem Cajun/coastal comfort near Rock’It Lanes)
When the sun (or the kids) needs a timeout, Dee’s is your cozy, kid-friendly refuge. It’s local, no-frills, and wonderfully easy to park in the plaza, slide into a booth, breathe. Little ones go straight for the kids’ menu (tenders, fries, simple sides) while you warm up with the silky she-crab soup or split a steam pot and a Cajun plate.
Indoors = blessed AC on scorcher days and a solid rainy-day plan.
Hours: typically lunch & dinner on weekdays; dinner Sat/Sun (seasonal—peek day-of).
Where: 529 N Richard Jackson Blvd (Shoppes at Edgewater).
J. Michael’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar (True local favorite since 1976)
Looking for a low-key spot where everyone eats well? J. Michael’s is that cozy, old-school family place—funky memorabilia on the walls, relaxed pricing, and hearty portions. Kids can share baskets while you dive into oysters (any style), seafood gumbo, or the crowd-fave Shrimp J. Michael; carnivores, the roast beef supreme hits the spot. It’s one of those hidden gem restaurants that Panama City Beach locals actually recommend.
Hours: usually 11 am–10 pm (double-check day-of).
Where: 3210 Thomas Dr, PCB.
Wait tip: use their call-ahead after 5 pm to hop on the list and keep little ones out of the “how much longer?” spiral.
Bayou Bill’s Crab House (Dinner only—with live alligators out front!)
This is dinner and a show for the kids. Bayou Bill’s serves big seafood platters and a kids’ menu, and yes, there’s a small gator viewing area outside for pre- or post-meal excitement. Inside, it’s a rustic, lodge-style dining room that keeps noise and stroller shuffle stress low. Go classic with chargrilled oysters, blue crab claws, or the house crab feast; warm up with crab & corn bisque if the AC’s cranked.
Hours: often dinner only (around 5–9 pm, seasonal).
Where: 23100 Front Beach Rd, PCB.
Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market (Iconic, dress-casual dinner on Grand Lagoon)
When you want “one nice dinner” that still welcomes kids, this multigenerational landmark delivers. Go a little dress-casual, grab a waterfront table, and let the show start: early diners can watch the fishing fleet unload right on Grand Lagoon catnip for curious kiddos.
The menu’s a love letter to Gulf classics: stuffed flounder, scamp, crab fingers, plus a kids’ menu with simple, crowd-pleasing plates. Save room for dessert; the list is solid and shareable.
Hours: Mon–Sat from 4:30pm; closed Sun (seasonal schedule—peek day-of).
Where: 5551 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach.
Wait tip: book or arrive early for the fleet spectacle and shorter waits. They run a long season, but not 24/7/365, so plan ahead and make it the meal your crew remembers when school starts back up.
Extra Notes for Parents
- High chairs/boosters: Most spots have them, but supply can run thin at peak times. Ask at seating or call ahead if it’s a must-have.
- Strollers: Beachfront decks get tight fold if you can, and request an aisle or corner table.
- Peak waits: Aim for 11–11:30 am lunch or before 5 pm dinner. No-reservation places (Pineapple Willy’s, Sharky’s) queue quickly in season.
- Rainy-day backups: Dee’s Hang-Out or J. Michael’s—easy parking, fully indoors, and kid-friendly menus.
- Local/hidden-gem vibes: J. Michael’s and Dee’s are true local favorites; FINNS draws the surfer crowd and early risers.
- To-go fallback: When lines are long, grab takeout and do a beach or balcony picnic meltdown prevention 101.
- Sunset timing: For waterfront views without chaos, arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset.
Got your eats. Got your stay?
Now that you’ve mapped the best kid-friendly restaurants in Panama City Beach, the next question is… did you book your place yet? Make meals (and meltdowns) easier with a family-ready stay close to the beach, Pier Park, and your favorite spots.
FunStay Homes hosts you and your family for the best time in PCB.
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