Panama City With a Toddler: Our First Week of Family Slow Travel.
- Anca
- Sep 16
- 5 min read
When we boarded our one-way flight from St. Pete to Panama City with a toddler and what felt like too many suitcases, I thought the hardest part would be saying goodbye. Instead, our first real challenge came the moment we touched down in Panama City.
A Twist at Customs
We followed the crowd and accidentally slipped into Terminal 1 customs, the one meant for Panamanians and foreign residents. The officer stamped us through without a word of English. By the time we realized our mistake, our luggage was trapped in Terminal 2, where foreign visitors are supposed to exit.
Enter Andrew, who earned his “travel hero” badge within minutes of arrival. With help from kind Copa Airlines staff and security, he got clearance to head back in and roll our bags out like a triumphant movie scene.
🛂 Customs Tip
💡 If you’re flying into Tocumen Airport, be sure to exit through Terminal 2 customs , that’s the one for visitors. Terminal 1 is for residents, and if you head that way by mistake, you’ll end up stuck (just like we did!).
Emily’s First Panama Adventure
The flight from Florida was just 3.5 hours, but enough to test toddler patience. Emily surprised us, happily watching her shows, playing peekaboo with a new airplane friend, and skipping her nap without any drama.
✈️ Toddler Flight Hack
💡 Parent tip: Don’t stress about perfect in-flight sleep. Pack distraction tools like snacks, a Yoto Mini, or a new toy, and focus on keeping your toddler engaged.
Once we arrived, we ventured out for groceries. That’s when we learned Panama City’s sidewalks have their own personality: potholes, bumps, and uneven paths. Our Bugaboo Butterfly stroller worked hard that night, loaded with Emily and our groceries. And yet, Emily fell asleep and snoozed right through the whole way back, rocking along busy streets.
🛒 Grocery Survival
💡Pro tip: Panama grocery stores like Riba Smith and Supermercados Rey carry plenty of toddler staples (milk, yogurt, fruit pouches), but go early because evenings are crowded.
💡 Late arrival hack: Pick up a rotisserie chicken from Supermercados Rey, pair it with rice and fresh fruit, and you’ve got a no-fuss family dinner.
🚶 Sidewalks & Strollers
💡 Parent Tip: Bring a sturdy travel stroller with strong wheels (we use the Bugaboo Butterfly). For Casco Viejo and other uneven spots, a baby carrier could also be a lifesaver.
Finding Toddler-Friendly Spaces
At first glance, Panama City looked all concrete and high-rises. I worried Emily wouldn’t find much room to play. But once we slowed down and started walking, playgrounds began revealing themselves- bright, safe, and full of friendly families and nannies caring for kids.
From our balcony, we spotted our favorite discovery yet: the Cinta Costera transforms into a pedestrian haven on Sundays. Runners, bikers, rollerbladers, even parades, all set against the water, with the old city in view on one side and the impressive skyline on the other. Despite the downpour we got caught in, we did not give up until we made our way to the local market and back. Rain-soaked, tired, but smiling.
🌳 Playgrounds & Parks
💡For toddler-friendly play, head to Parque Omar (great shade, best in the morning) or Cinta Costera (closed to cars on Sundays, perfect for scooters and strollers). These two are non-negotiables for families in Panama City.
The Weight of a Big Move
That first week, exhaustion was real. Living on the 18th floor instead of ground level, adjusting to the humidity, sleeping on a bed that felt more like concrete, changing our diet, hearing the pulse of a new city and learning our surroundings, it all added up. Slow travel isn’t just exploring; it’s reshaping your daily life. And that takes time.
🌦 Weather & Rhythm
💡 September in Panama is hot and sticky. Plan outdoor time for early mornings or after 4 PM, and embrace indoor breaks during the midday heat. It’ll save your sanity (and your toddler’s mood).
The Moments That Sparkled
Even in the fog of fatigue, joy found us:
• Celebrating Andrew’s birthday at Kaandela in Casco Viejo, paired with a thoughtful guided tour.
• Climbing our way up Metropolitan Natural Park, only for Emily to sprint the entire way down toward the playground waiting at the bottom.
• Quiet mornings with coffee in hand, Emily pointing at the endless stream of life below us.
Everyday Lessons in the City
Groceries taught us patience. Imported items like Greek yogurt can cost anywhere from $8-14 and locally baked bread can cost $9–11, while local produce is abundant and more affordable. And of course, the further away you get from the city’s center, the more affordable it gets. Shopping happens in small bursts, often on foot, rather than giant weekly hauls like we are used to. We even tested a delivery app, a win on tired days.
And a few surprises I didn’t expect:
• The tap water is safe to drink.
• The U.S. dollar is the official currency.
• My Spanish returned more quickly than I imagined, adding a layer of comfort to daily interactions.
• Business hours don’t mean much.
• It’s hotter and even more humid than Florida.
• Toddler specific spots open late and close early.
Looking Back After a Week: Panama City with a toddler seems to make sense.
We made a great choice by visiting Panama as the first country to slow travel to. By the end of the week, the city’s rhythm started to settle around us. What once felt too wet, too noisy, too difficult, began to feel balanced. Panama City offers space for toddlers to play, flavors for parents to savor, and enough unpredictability to remind you you’re somewhere new.
That’s the gift of slow travel. It doesn’t rush you into highlights, instead, it invites you into real life. And sometimes, real life is where the best stories wait.
🤍 Some Reassurance
💡 If your first week abroad feels messy, you’re not failing, you’re adjusting. Slow travel isn’t about perfect schedules, it’s about building new rhythms as a family.
Have you traveled with little ones to Panama (or anywhere new)? Share your biggest first-week challenges in the comments! 👇
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