What To Do In Panama City With Teens

Traveling with kids is an adventure in itself. When my kids were small, we always needed a pool close by to break up the day. Now that my kids are teens, we don't need the pool, but there are some things we keep in mind to make the trip a success. 

Panama is really close to a perfect place for a family trip. 

There is history, culture, food, and watering holes. 

The city of Panama can be separated into a few different areas that you will want to check out. There is the Casco Viejo (old city), Panama La Vieja (the ruins of the first European settled community in the Pacific Coast of the Americas), the new area of Panama City and the Amador Causeway. 

The Casco Viejo or old city is about an 8 block area full of parks, restaurants, souvenir shops, boutique hotels, bars, and churches. A couple of interesting sights to check out with teens:

1.  The world's most expensive coffee at $70 per pound, Geisha coffee is available at Bajareque Coffee House.  

The whole family enjoyed trying Geisha coffee

2. Two churches that are interesting for teens include the San Jose Church which features the biggest nativity scene you have ever seen, the Golden Altar and an altar to the patron Saint Hedwig (if you want a home, you create a model and leave it for the patron saint). 

Nativity scene in the basement of the San Jose Church

Altar to the patron Saint Hedwig

3.  My 12 year old loved finding all the cats wandering in the old city. 

Lots of cats lounging in the old city

4. Ceviche and craft items - Be sure to stop at the seafood market where there are half a dozen different ceviche stands. Panama is known for fresh fish and ceviche. You can dine here for about $5. Just across the road from the seafood market is a local crafts market. 

Check out Ceviche Loco at the seafood market

5. Check out the Amador Causeway. You can rent bikes, walk and just burn off some energy. The Causeway also features the giant Panama sign which makes for a great family photo. 

6. The oldest city or Panama La Vieja is located on the other side of downtown from the old city. You will need about 2 hours here. The entrance fee is pretty cheap and there is a trolley to take you from the entrance to the museum and tower. Lots of great history and a nice climb to the top of the tower. 

There is no shortage of things to do and see in Panama city. Combine a few days in the city with some excursions to see the canal and the Indigenous Tribal villages and you have a special family trip. Next post, visiting the tribal villages.