Bay District Schools spring break is March 15-19, 2027. Things to do in Panama City that week: Shell Island, the bay, museums, arcades and the mural trail.
Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Sources: the Bay District Schools academic calendar, Destination Panama City’s family spring break guide, the Science and Discovery Center and the City of Panama City’s MLK Jr. Recreation Center and programs pages.
Bay District Schools’ spring break is Monday, March 15, through Friday, March 19, 2027. Students are also off on Good Friday, March 26. Below: what the district, the city and local attractions have posted, and what to do that week.
Good to know
- No school: March 15-19 and Friday, March 26 (Good Friday)
- Good Friday trash: garbage runs as normal; no yard trash, under the city’s holiday schedule
- City recreation: Parks, Culture and Recreation, 850-872-3199; MLK Jr. Recreation Center, 850-832-5821
- Visitor information: Destination Panama City, 101 W. Beach Drive, 850-215-1700
School dates
From the district’s 2026-27 student calendar, as listed on our schools guide:
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Monday, Feb. 15 | Presidents Day, no school |
| March 15-19 | Spring break |
| Friday, March 26 | Good Friday, no school |
| Wednesday, May 26 | Last day of school, early release |
Private schools and Gulf Coast State College set their own breaks; check with the school.
Camps
No spring break day camps had been posted for 2027 by the City of Panama City or the Science and Discovery Center when we checked. The city’s MLK Jr. Recreation Center, 705 E. 14th Ct., is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays noon to 5 p.m., with a gym, a STEM lab and an arts and crafts studio. Running a spring break camp in Panama City? Send details to hello@panamacitydaily.com.
Panama City Beach curfew
Panama City Beach, across the Hathaway Bridge, has its own spring rules. In 2026 Bay County, at the sheriff’s request, set a temporary juvenile curfew from March 28 to April 11 inside the beach’s High Impact Period Zone: unaccompanied minors under 18 could not be in the zone between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., according to the county’s announcement. The 2027 dates had not been set when we checked.
Things to do
Destination Panama City’s family spring break guide lists these; follow each link for hours and booking.
- Shell Island and dolphin tours. Charters such as Heritage Excursions and Anchor Charters run dolphin tours and Shell Island trips; Scotty Boat Rentals rents pontoons.
- Bayside beaches. The bay’s calm water suits young children. Papa Joe’s Bayside, 4601 U.S. 98, has sand, yard games and boats leaving from its dock. See our parks and trails guide for Carl Gray Park and other city waterfront parks.
- Paddling. Bayside Rentals rents paddleboards, kayaks and hydro bikes.
- Museums. The Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida, 308 Airport Road, is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; admission is $12 for adults and children 2 to 17, and $11 for military and seniors. Also the Panama City Publishing Museum in St. Andrews and the Bay County History Museum.
- Art. The mural trail downtown and in St. Andrews, and classes at the Panama City Center for the Arts, 19 E. Fourth St.
- Rainy days. Point Break Arcade, 445 Harrison Ave.; board games at The Portal Downtown, 308 Harrison Ave.; and Escape Manor.
- St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach, with trails, jetties and beaches; check Florida State Parks for hours and fees.
More ideas: kids’ activities in Panama City and free things to do.
Easter and Mardi Gras
Easter Sunday 2027 is March 28, the weekend after Good Friday; egg hunts are on our Easter page. Mardi Gras comes earlier, with Fat Tuesday on Feb. 9; see Valentine’s Day in Panama City for the St. Andrews parade.
Frequently asked questions
When is spring break 2027 for Bay District Schools?
Monday, March 15, through Friday, March 19, 2027, on the district’s 2026-27 calendar. Students also have Good Friday, March 26, off.
What is there to do in Panama City for spring break with kids?
Destination Panama City suggests dolphin tours and Shell Island trips, calm bayside beaches, paddling on St. Andrew Bay, the Science and Discovery Center, the Panama City Publishing Museum, arcades and the mural trail.
What are the Science and Discovery Center’s hours?
The Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida, 308 Airport Road, is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults and children ages 2 to 17.
Are there spring break camps in Panama City?
No spring break day camps for 2027 had been posted by the city or the Science and Discovery Center when we checked. We will list them as providers announce them.
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