Frank Brown Park is one of the most impressive public parks in the Panama City Beach area — a massive 200-plus-acre complex that genuinely has something for every member of your group, from toddlers to grandparents, athletes to festival-goers.
What to expect during your visit
The sheer variety here is hard to beat. Nine baseball and softball fields, three soccer fields, four multi-purpose football fields, lighted tennis courts, outdoor basketball courts, and batting cages give sports families plenty to work with. The playgrounds are exceptional — we're talking covered turf play areas, a zipline, a climbing wall, and a dedicated Miracle League field for inclusive play. If you just want to relax, lakeside picnic pavilions with grills make for a great afternoon outside.
The on-site Panama City Beach Aquatic Center adds a real bonus: an Olympic-sized outdoor pool, a kids' splash pad, locker rooms, and swim classes. It's the kind of facility that turns a half-day park visit into a full day out. Three fenced dog parks mean your four-legged family members get in on the fun too.
Good to know before you head out
Frank Brown Park also hosts some of the biggest events on the Emerald Coast calendar — the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, car shows, horse shows, and large community gatherings all take place on the park's 20-plus-acre festival grounds, which can hold up to 10,000 people. If a major event is on the schedule during your trip, it's absolutely worth planning around. Parking is plentiful and well-organized throughout the property, so even on busy days getting in and out is straightforward.
Insider Tips
- Check the city's events calendar before your visit — a Gulf Coast Jam or festival weekend transforms the park and is worth building your trip around.
- The aquatic center has its own schedule and fees separate from the rest of the park, so confirm hours on the city's website before making it the centerpiece of your day.
- For younger kids, head straight to the covered turf playground with the zipline and climbing wall — it's the standout spot and stays shaded even in peak summer heat.
- Arrive early on weekends if you want a lakeside pavilion with a grill; they fill up fast with local families.
- The park is open until 11 PM every day, making an evening stroll or a late baseball game a perfectly easy add-on after dinner nearby.
