Rainy Day in Panama City With a Toddler: How Explora Science Center Saved Us

Moving abroad with a toddler sounds dreamy until reality rains down-literally. 🌧️

Most mornings in Panama City are not rainy, which is when we squeeze in playground time or wander through new neighborhoods. But one specific morning, the sky opened up, pouring rain when we least expected it. So, what are some things to do in Panama City with kids when it rains? Emily, our toddler, was not happy about missing her morning playground run. I needed a backup plan, fast.

That’s when I remembered a place I’d been meaning to check out: Explora Science Center.

Emily ready for adventure outside Panama City’s Explora Science Center - the perfect rainy-day escape for curious toddlers.

It turned out to be the perfect rainy-day activity in Panama City: part play space, part learning hub, and a reminder that family travel works best when you embrace the small wins.

Why We Needed a Rainy-Day Plan

The rain threw off our usual rhythm. Most indoor play areas in Panama City don’t open until noon, which doesn’t work for us since Emily still naps in the afternoons. Explora, however, opens at 9 a.m., which turns this place into the perfect rainy day activity in Panama City.

We grabbed an Uber, got dropped off right at the front door around 10 a.m., and walked in relieved. Relieved that we had somewhere to go, relieved Emily wouldn’t be bouncing off the walls inside all morning, and relieved that we had a new adventure ahead instead of just waiting out the storm.

Emily exploring the giant Earth exhibit at Explora Science Center: a hands-on highlight that turned our rainy morning into a global adventure.

Inside Explora Science Center

Explora reminded me of every children’s science museum we’ve visited, just with one key difference: everything was in Spanish. The exhibits, the videos, the signage. At first I worried it might be too much for Emily (and honestly, for me). But it turned into part of the experience.

Emily’s favorites were:

• The dentist exhibit, where she happily sorted and played with plastic food items.

• The life-sized stuffed animals at the entrance that begged for hugs.

• The echo exhibit, where she played endlessly, giggling every time her voice bounced back at her.

Emily testing out the dentist exhibit with help from a friendly guide.

Giggling at the life-sized bear at Explora Science Center - proof that learning and play go hand in hand.

What surprised me most was the staff. Every family is assigned a guide, and ours spoke English, which was a blessing. She walked us through each exhibit, explained the science in kid-friendly ways, and even managed to keep Emily engaged longer than I thought possible.

By the end, Emily kept asking, “Where is the friend?” and calling her “teacher.” And while Emily was learning about science, I found myself learning alongside her.

Emily listening closely as her guide explains one of the hands-on science exhibits: a reminder that travel days can turn into learning days with the right stop.

Practical perks? The building was air-conditioned (a gift in Panama humidity), and it had ramps for strollers even if we don’t bring one. We spent about three hours inside, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., and Emily took one of her best naps afterward. That alone was worth the ticket.

The Bigger Lesson

Explora was fun, but the real win was realizing this: traveling with kids doesn’t always have to mean chasing the biggest attractions. Toddlers don’t care about skylines or canals. They care about pressing buttons, petting stuffed animals, and laughing at their own echoes.

Sometimes, the best memories are made in small, child-centered spaces that feel ordinary to locals but magical to little ones. For us, Explora was exactly that.

Emily exploring the Banconautas exhibit, where play meets learning as kids practice making choices about needs, wants, and dreams.

🌟 Quick Tips for Visiting Explora Science Center (Panama City)

• Opening Hours: 9 a.m. – perfect for toddlers before nap time

• Ticket Prices: $3 for kids, $4 for adults

• Best For: Ages 4+, but curious toddlers will still enjoy it

• Stroller Access: Ramps + wide paths available

• Language: Exhibits in Spanish; friendly guides often speak English

• Snacks & Water: Bring your own - exploring science works up an appetite

• Pair It With: A stop at the nearby mall just minutes away for lunch or coffee

Emily watching brightly colored balls race down a spiral track with her guide: a playful way to turn science into pure fun.

Final Thoughts

Rainy days abroad don’t have to derail your plans. For us, Explora Science Center in Panama City was more than a way to escape the rain, it was proof that slow travel with kids is about finding joy in the little things.

Explora is definitely one of the best rainy day activities in Panama City for families, especially with toddlers.

Emily left calling her guide “teacher,” we left grateful that we found one of those perfect things to do in Panama City with kids, and very ready for a nap-filled afternoon. We were also reminded that family travel isn’t about doing it all, it’s about doing what matters in the moment.

And honestly? That’s more than enough. 🤍

👉 Have you found a rainy-day lifesaver while traveling with kids? Share it in the comments. I’d love to add it to our family’s list.