Exploring Historic Pensacola Village and Pensacola Downtown: The Best Activities for Families
On our trip to Florida, we made our way to Pensacola expecting sun and sand—but we quickly discovered there’s so much more to explore. The Historic Pensacola Village, nestled in the city’s Historic District, became an unexpected highlight. With its beautifully preserved buildings, immersive museums, and interactive exhibits, it’s a must-visit for history lovers and families alike. Walk the America’s First Settlement Trail, dive into hands-on activities at the Pensacola Children’s Museum, and experience a side of Pensacola beyond the beach. Add it to your Pensacola itinerary—you won’t regret it!
Palafox Street
We kicked off our day with a stroll down Palafox Street, one of America’s top 10 streets, known for its shops, restaurants, and galleries. Although most stores open at 10 am, we found a perfect breakfast spot at The Dog House, a local favorite with a casual, family-friendly vibe. We sat outside, enjoying the street scene and watching dogs stop by for treats and water. The kids loved the French toast bites.
Palafox Street is the heart of downtown Pensacola; it blends the city’s rich history with its modern-day energy. Named after General Jose de Palafox y Melzi, it features a mix of Spanish, French, and British architectural influences, creating a European charm right in the heart of Florida. The street is home to boutiques, art galleries like Blue Morning Gallery, and various dining options. Visitors can also enjoy the waterfront views at the southern end, where Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille overlooks Palafox Pier and the Plaza de Luna, a waterfront park perfect for family fun. The street truly represents the spirit of downtown Pensacola.
Historic Pensacola
Historic Pensacola encompasses 8.5 acres of history and culture, with 30 properties that reflect the city’s past. Out of these, 12 properties are open to the public. What truly sets Historic Pensacola apart is how family-friendly the experience is.
You can find the Historic Pensacola map here. It offers a detailed guide to the Historic District, showcasing the properties spread across 8.5 acres. The map is designed to guide visitors through the district in the easiest and most efficient way.
Historic Pensacola Village
Historic Pensacola Village offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of America’s first multi-year European settlement, founded in 1559. It covers the original footprints of Spanish and British forts in downtown Pensacola. Visitors can enjoy self-guided or guided tours of historic homes like the Lavalle House and Old Christ Church, as well as interact with living history interpreters dressed in period attire.
The kids loved the historic village and kitchen, where they got to ride a hand-carved rocking horse and even assist re-enactors with the garden.
Historic Pensacola Village is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.
Pensacola Children’s Museum
For families with young children, the Pensacola Children’s Museum is an absolute must-visit.
This museum is an interactive, educational space designed for children 8 and under, offering two floors of hands-on learning. The first floor, known as the Discovery Gallery, is a miniature version of historic Pensacola, where kids can explore pint-sized houses, trade at the Panton Trading Post, or guard a fort. There’s also a Kiddie Corral for toddlers, providing a safe, age-appropriate area for the youngest visitors.
On the second floor, older children can step into the past with exhibits like the Colonial Classroom, where they can experience what school was like over a hundred years ago. Another popular attraction is the Publix Super Market, a child-sized grocery store where kids can pretend to shop or stock shelves (our kids’ favorite activity in the museum).
The museum’s newest exhibit, Land and Sea: Wonders of the Gulf Coast, teaches children about local wildlife and the connection between land and water through interactive play. The Pensacola Children’s Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and on Sundays from noon to 4:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays.
Museum of Industry
The Museum of Industry in Pensacola offers a glimpse into the industries that were crucial to the city’s growth during the 19th century. Located in the historic 1877 Pensacola Ice Company building, the museum highlights key industries like lumbering, brickmaking, railroads, and commercial fishing. Through a self-guided tour, visitors can see authentic equipment used in these industries, such as timber processing tools, kilns for brickmaking, and an old fishing boat.
The museum is a popular stop for families and history enthusiasts. Our kids particularly enjoy the interactive displays, including a detailed train model that showcases how railroads played a key role in transporting goods. The museum’s exhibits offer a well-rounded look at how these industries transformed Pensacola into a commercial center.
The Museum of Industry Pensacola is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Historic Pensacola Village Tickets
With a “One Ticket, Seven Days to Explore” system, you can visit the Pensacola Children’s Museum, the Pensacola Museum of Industry, Historic Pensacola Village, and all the museums and sites within the district.
Admission Prices
- Adults: $12
- Children (3-14): $7
- Seniors, Military, AAA Members: $11
- EBT Cardholders: Free (up to four individuals per card)
- UWF students and members: Free
Tickets can be purchased online or at the Tivoli High House and are valid for seven days.
Historic Pensacola Village Tours
When planning a visit to Historic Pensacola Village, there are several ways to experience the district. Self-guided tours allow families to explore at their own pace, perfect for those with younger children who may need breaks or naps. If you’re looking for more in-depth information, consider joining a guided tour, where a knowledgeable docent will provide historical context and answer any questions.
Additionally, the district offers seasonal special events, such as historical reenactments and hands-on workshops, which are often geared toward families. These events typically run during the holiday season or in special anniversaries related to Pensacola’s history.
There is also a Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola that might be a good option for those interested in seeing all the city’s most important places.
More to Do in Downtown Pensacola
There is so much more to do in downtown Pensacola than we had time for, but here are some of the attractions on our list for our next visit:
America’s First Settlement Trail: This three-mile path takes you through Pensacola’s 260-year history with 20 stops and over 70 points of interest. Along the trail, you can see landmarks from as early as 1756, when the Spanish built Fort San Miguel. The trail offers a fantastic self-guided way to dive into Pensacola’s past at your own pace.
Pensacola M.E.S.S. Hall: Unlike typical science museums, the M.E.S.S. Hall focuses on hands-on experimentation. Visitors of all ages can think like real scientists, developing questions, conducting experiments, and exploring through interactive play. This makes it an ideal spot for families, encouraging curiosity and learning through science in a fun, engaging way. The Pensacola M.E.S.S. Hall offers a reciprocal admission program with the Pensacola Children’s Museum. Ask us for the code during your visit to receive 50% off Children’s Museum admission.
Tips from a Parent
- Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing quite a bit of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable footwear.
- Pack snacks and water: While there are plenty of places to stop and eat, it’s a good idea to have snacks and water on hand, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Our family prefers these reusable water bottles:
- Bring a stroller: If you have little ones who might tire easily, a stroller can be a lifesaver during the long day, especially with all of the walking involved. This is our go-to light double stroller
- Sunscreen and hats: Pensacola is sunny year-round, so it’s important to bring sun protection. This is our favorite sunscreen
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a trip to Pensacola, I highly recommend visiting Historic Pensacola Village. It offers an engaging experience for families, especially with kids. From hands-on Children’s Museum to further exploration at the Museum of Industry Pensacola, there’s plenty for children and adults to enjoy.
Don’t forget to take photos and share your experiences with me on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions or need further advice, feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help make your family’s adventures as enjoyable as possible.
If you’re exploring Pensacola, don’t forget to make time for the Blue Angels Practice at the National Naval Aviation Museum.
Incredible Blue Angels Practice at the National Naval Aviation Museum
If you’re planning a visit to Pensacola, Florida, one of the top attractions you absolutely can’t miss is the Blue Angels practice at the National Naval Aviation Museum. After watching this thrilling show, I highly recommend taking time to see the live show and visit the museum. Let’s dive in!
Pensacola Family Fun: A Perfect 4-day Trip Itinerary
Pensacola, located on Northwest Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, is one of the most family-friendly destinations for a vacation. From relaxing on the beautiful sugar-fine sand beaches next to the gentle waves of the Gulf to learning about the oldest settlement in the U.S. to high-flying adventure at the National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola has it all! Copy our itinerary for the ideal family vacation.
