Family Fun

Playgrounds & Plazas

Casco’s plazas double as play zones — with pigeons to chase, shady benches to relax on, and safe, car-free corners perfect for kicking a ball. Families often gather in Plaza Tomás Herrera or the newly renovated Plaza V Centenario to enjoy snacks, strolls, or spontaneous soccer matches. These public spaces are a breath of fresh air, offering kids room to roam while adults soak in the neighborhood vibe. It’s laid-back, local, and full of everyday charm.

Ice Cream, Treats & Cafés

From artisanal gelato at Granclement to quirky waffle cones at local cafés, Casco is packed with family-friendly sweet spots. Grab a cone and stroll the cobblestone streets, where dessert doubles as entertainment and memories are made every scoop. You’ll find chocolate-dipped fun at Benissimo and the perfect pastry-and-gelato combo at Athanasiou. Whether it’s a reward after lunch or a cool-down treat on a hot day,

Walk, Watch, and Wonder

Watch ships pass through the canal from Paseo Esteban Huertas, meet friendly street performers, or let curiosity lead you into bookstores, art corners, or the open-air Sunday markets. Casco’s small size makes it perfect for little feet. Look up and discover murals, churches, and charming balconies. Sit on a bench with a view and let the rhythm of the old city settle in. Every corner brings a new “wow” moment

A Place Where Families and Influencers Come to Shine

Casco Viejo has long been a favorite destination for Panamanian families celebrating life’s special moments—birthday portraits, quinceañeras, and Sunday strolls alike. In recent years, this tradition has blossomed into something even bigger: Casco is now a hotspot for content creators, influencers, and TikTokers looking to capture iconic shots. What makes it all so magical? It’s the perfect mix of charm, color, and accessibility—where sweet shops and local treats are just steps away, making it a true all-day experience for families of every generation.

NOW Ice CREAM
Interactive exhibit at Museo de la Mola in Casco Viejo showcasing traditional Guna Yala dress and Mola textile designs

Museo de la Mola: Panama’s Vibrant Indigenous Textile Legacy

In the heart of Casco Viejo, Museo de la Mola celebrates the Guna culture through vibrant textiles and immersive exhibits. A must-visit for those seeking Panama’s Indigenous heritage through art, tradition, storytelling, identity, and colorful handcrafted design.

Live chocolate-making demo at Casa Coronel Museo del Cacao in Casco Viejo

Chocolate Experiences in Casco Viejo

Family fun in Casco Viejo offers several ways to explore the story of chocolate — from bean to bar. Visitors can learn about cacao’s roots, sample handmade treats, and watch live chocolate-making demonstrations in an intimate, interactive setting. A sweet stop for families, food lovers, and curious travelers.

Front façade of Museo del Canal Interoceánico in Casco Viejo, Panama, with neoclassical design, banners, and green shuttered windows under a red-tiled roof.

Panama Canal Museum: A National Treasure in Casco Viejo

More than a tourist stop, this museum is a rite of passage for every Panamanian student. Set in the heart of Casco Viejo, it brings the story of the Canal to life—perfect for school projects, curious minds, and proud parents. A must-see for locals and visitors alike.

Two Guna women in traditional dress walking along the waterfront promenade in Casco Viejo, Panama

Paseo Esteban Huertas

Paseo Esteban Huertas is one of the most scenic walkways in Casco Viejo, and it’s tucked right along the edge of the old sea wall, between the Presidential Palace (Palacio de las Garzas) and Plaza de Francia.

Here’s what makes it special:

  • Panoramic Views: It runs above the waterfront with sweeping views of the Panama Canal entrance, the Bridge of the Americas, and Amador Causeway — perfect for spotting ships and enjoying golden hour.
  • Lush Canopy: The walkway is shaded by a canopy of bougainvillea-covered trellises, making it a beautiful, breezy path for strolling.
  • Local Wildlife: You’ll often see birds, and sometimes even green parrots, in the trees overhead.
  • Benches & Vendors: Great for taking a break with a raspado (shaved ice) or artisan snack.

It’s ideal for families because it’s flat, car-free, has railings along the edge, and offers both photo ops and room to roam. If you’re guiding a family on where to go next, this is a no-brainer spot for that “let’s stretch our legs and see something cool”

Family fun in Casco Vieje: My Top 3 for Ice Cream & Gelato

This isn’t just a stop for kids — Gelato & Co. and Benissimo are my go-to gelato spots. Tried, tested, and absolutely no regrets. Rich, creamy, handmade gelato with flavors that make you stop and savor. Whether it’s mango sorbet on a hot afternoon or dark chocolate after dinner, it hits every time.
Gelato & Co Italian ice cream shop entrance in Casco Viejo, Panama
Front entrance of Benissimo Gelato Café + Deli in Casco Viejo, Panama, featuring a menu board, potted plants, and a decorative balcony above the door.
La Vasquita Pistachio Cheesecake – Casco Viejo

Benissimo brings bold Italian flavors, while La Vasquita blends café elegance with creamy Cheesecake two irresistible stops where Casco cool meets classic European sweet tooth satisfaction. Families looking for fun in Casco Viejo will find these places perfect for a delightful day out. Exploring the culinary delights in Casco Viejo offers family fun with delicious treats. Moreover, family fun in Casco Viejo can be experienced through these charming cafés and their delectable offerings and also the cool Rooftop Bars and Restaurants .

Family fun in Casco Viejo Q&A 

  • Q: Are Casco’s plazas family-friendly?
    A: Yes! Plazas double as safe play zones where kids can run, kick a ball, or just chase pigeons while adults relax nearby.
  • Q: Where can we get dessert or treats?
    A: Casco is full of family-friendly spots — For Sweets try these 3 great places Gelato & Co, Benissimo Gelato café & Deli for the Family, or La Vasquita Cheesecake Café for amazing Basque Cheesecake.
  • Q: Is Casco good for walking with kids?
    A: Absolutely. It’s flat, compact, and stroller friendly. Just bring comfy shoes for the cobblestones.
  • Q: What are the best times for families to visit?
    A: Mornings and late afternoons are perfect — cooler temperatures, open plazas, and quieter streets make it easy to explore.
  • Q: What else should families look for?
    A: Sunday markets, street performers, and the shaded Paseo Esteban Huertas — where kids love spotting ships and birds along the seawall.

Family Fun Facts 

  • Safe & Playful: Casco’s plazas offer room to roam and local families use them daily.
  • Treat Breaks: Ice cream, gelato, and cafés on every corner keep kids happy look for my top 3.
  • Walkable: Flat streets make it easy for strollers and little legs.
  • Photo-Worthy: Murals, plazas, and waterfront views create perfect family portraits.
  • Community Vibe: Sundays bring markets, music, and a neighborhood feel you can’t miss. – Look for the 4th Sunday Events

Where to Stay in Casco Viejo

Discover the best hotels in Casco for recovery—quiet, stylish, and just minutes from Panama’s top clinics and hospitals.

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Healthy Dining for Recovery

Explore Casco’s best cafes and restaurants with clean, recovery-friendly menus that nourish without sacrificing flavor.

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Gentle Self-Guided Walks

Take a scenic stroll through Casco Viejo’s historic streets—perfect for movement, recovery, and reconnecting with the beauty around you.

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