Pensacola, Florida has it all. Pensacola is over 40 miles of wildlife-protected sugar sand beaches, incredible food, welcoming locals, a historical village to rival Plimoth Plantation or Colonial Williamsburg, and a booming foodie and local brews scene to rival Seattle or Portland.

It’s a fabulous family vacation spot where you can visit wildlife, take part in all kinds of water sports, see the Blue Angels or Blue Wahoos, and spend time on Pensacola Beach—one of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen.

Read on for an itinerary of things to do in Pensacola that will appeal to kids of all ages and interests, and parents, too! For more places to visit along the Gulf Coast, check out our guide to the best things to do in Panama City Beach; Destin; Orange Beach, Alabama; and more fabulous Florida family vacations.

Locals say that Panama City Beach has the most beautiful beaches in the world, and after days spent walking them, you won’t get an argument from my family. Whether you call it the Florida Pan Handle, the Emerald Coast (for its sparkling, emerald-green water), or the Sugar Coast (for its fine white sandy beaches), the northern Gulf Coast of Florida is a gem of a family vacation spot.

No need to choose between walks on white sand beaches and action-packed days at family-friendly attractions, Panama City Beach has it all. Plus, my daughter’s personal favorite: loads of animal interactions (Peanut, the cuddly baby capybara, we miss you!). All that, plus incredible seafood, welcoming locals, and totally reasonable rates. What are you waiting for?

For more places to visit along the Gulf Coast, check out our guide to the best things to do in Destin; Orange Beach, Alabama; and more fabulous Florida family vacations.

Looking for the best trampoline parks in Los Angeles and Orange County where kids can safely bounce off the walls? We found 'em, and they're perfect for rainy days, team activities, and birthday parties!

Bounce, flip, repeat. Big kids, little kids—they all like to jump. Even Mom and Dad enjoy some trampoline park exercise (though they might just prefer the trampoline park below that offers massage chairs on the sidelines). Bring a pack of kids for a birthday party, and they'll all sleep well afterward; bring an antsy one on a rainy day, and watch the mood change for the better. With sections for everything from raucous dodgeball games for big kids to tiny tot gentle bouncing play; there's a little something for every kid of every age.

For more indoor active activities, check out our roundups of the best indoor rock climbing gyms and extreme sports centers in the Los Angeles Guide To Sports Centers and Fun Zones.