WonderWorks is an amusement park for the mind with 29,000 square feet of “edu-tainment”. The upside-down building combines education and entertainment with more than 100 hands on exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination.
This once top-secret laboratory was located in the Bermuda Triangle. An experiment gone awry lifted the laboratory, carrying it to Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach where it landed upside down. Luckily, all of the exhibits remained intact and available for guests to explore.
Explore Wonderworld Panama City Beach – A Mind-Blowing Family Adventure
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable indoor attraction in Panama City Beach, WonderWorks is the ultimate destination. Known as an “amusement park for the mind,” WonderWorks combines education with entertainment in a spectacular way that captivates both kids and adults. With over 29,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, thrilling rides, and optical illusions, it’s a perfect spot for curious minds and families seeking something beyond the beach.
The Story Behind the Upside-Down Building
WonderWorks isn’t just known for its immersive experiences—it’s instantly recognizable by its upside-down building façade on Front Beach Road. According to the whimsical legend, a top-secret science lab hidden in the Bermuda Triangle was swept away by a rogue tornado. That lab crash-landed upside down in Panama City Beach, but miraculously, all of its experiments and interactive exhibits remained intact for guests to explore.
As you walk through the spinning inversion tunnel at the entrance, you’re transported into the world of “edu-tainment”—a blend of science, creativity, and adventure that sparks the imagination.
Themed Wonder Zones – Over 100 Interactive Exhibits
WonderWorks is divided into six immersive Wonder Zones, each filled with unique, hands-on activities that combine fun with fascinating science.
Natural Disasters Zone
Experience nature’s raw power through realistic simulations and experiments:
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Hurricane Shack: Stand in 74-mph winds simulating a real Category 1 hurricane.
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Earthquake Café: Sit at a diner table while a 5.3 magnitude earthquake shakes the ground.
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Tesla Coil: Witness 100,000 volts of electricity arc safely across a Faraday cage.
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Titanic Ice Water Challenge: Dip your hands into 28°F water and feel what Titanic survivors faced.
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Tornado Vortex: Stand in the eye of a simulated tornado and observe the swirling winds around you.
Physical Challenge Zone
Test your strength, creativity, and coordination with hands-on challenges:
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Bed of Nails: Safely lie down on a bed of 3,500 nails to experience the science of pressure distribution.
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Wonder Wall: Create full-body impressions on a wall of moveable pins.
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Bubble Lab: Make giant bubbles, even ones large enough to stand inside.
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Pulley Power: Learn about mechanical advantage by lifting your own body weight.
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Virtual Sports: Compete in simulated athletic games.
Light & Sound Zone
Explore the science behind light and sound in creative ways:
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Speed of Light Game: Measure your reaction speed by racing against flashing lights.
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Shadow Room: Watch your shadow transform into multiple colors and patterns.
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Giant Piano: Walk across a life-sized keyboard and make music with your feet.
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Strike a Pose: Discover how light can be used to create artistic effects.
Space Discovery Zone
Learn about space travel and astronaut training through interactive exhibits:
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Life-Sized Spacesuit: Step into a realistic astronaut suit.
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Mercury Capsule Replica: Climb inside a space capsule used during early NASA missions.
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Space Shuttle Landing Simulator: Try landing a space shuttle using realistic controls.
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Astronaut Gyroscope: Spin in multiple directions to simulate astronaut training. (Height and health restrictions apply.)
Imagination Lab
Unleash creativity and solve challenges in a stimulating environment:
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Wonder Brite Wall: Design images using colored light pegs.
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Alien Stomper: Stomp on virtual aliens to send them back to space.
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Forensics Lab: Learn how forensic scientists solve crimes through interactive investigations.
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Digital Art Studio: Create digital paintings and complete creative tasks.
Far Out Art Gallery
Challenge your mind with optical illusions and artistic trickery:
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Explore artwork that shifts with your movement, hidden images, and portraits with moving eyes.
Additional Attractions Included with Admission
Beyond the Wonder Zones, your admission often includes access to additional thrilling activities:
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Glow-In-The-Dark Ropes Course: Navigate a suspended obstacle course under black lights. Closed-toe shoes are required.
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Laser Tag Arena: Compete in a high-energy laser tag match inside a black-lit arena.
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6D XD Motion Ride: Enjoy a multi-sensory ride with motion seats, wind, and visual effects.
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Grave Digger Virtual Reality Ride: Experience the thrill of monster truck driving through immersive VR technology.
A Perfect Indoor Adventure for Families and Curious Minds
WonderWorks in Panama City Beach offers an exciting escape for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat, escape the rain, or simply enjoy a day filled with science and wonder, this one-of-a-kind attraction delivers an unforgettable experience. With more than 100 exhibits, interactive games, and thrilling add-ons, WonderWorks is a must-visit stop during your Florida Gulf Coast vacation.
FAQs
Q: What is WonderWorks Panama City Beach?
A: WonderWorks Panama City Beach is a one-of-a-kind indoor amusement park that blends education with entertainment, making it a perfect destination for families, students, and curious minds of all ages. Often referred to as an “amusement park for the mind,” WonderWorks offers over 100 hands-on exhibits that explore science, physics, space, and creativity through immersive, interactive experiences. What immediately catches visitors’ attention is the building itself — an upside-down structure that sets the stage for an imaginative journey. The backstory says it was a top-secret laboratory from the Bermuda Triangle that crash-landed, upside down, on Front Beach Road after a tornado experiment went awry. From the moment guests step through the inversion tunnel at the entrance, they’re immersed in a world where science comes to life.
Q: Where is WonderWorks Panama City Beach located?
A: WonderWorks is located at 9910 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32407. Its central location makes it easy to reach from anywhere in Panama City Beach, and its distinctive upside-down building makes it impossible to miss. Positioned near other local attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues, it’s an ideal indoor destination, whether you’re escaping a rainy day or looking for an exciting change of pace from the beach.
Q: What are the operating hours for WonderWorks?
A: WonderWorks Panama City Beach is open every day of the year, offering consistent access to fun and learning regardless of the season. Typical operating hours are from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays through Thursdays, and extended hours from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. However, hours may change during holidays or special events, so it’s always a good idea to check the official WonderWorks website before your visit to confirm the most up-to-date hours of operation.
Q: Is WonderWorks suitable for all ages?
A: Absolutely. WonderWorks is specifically designed to be engaging for both children and adults. The interactive exhibits cover a wide range of topics that appeal to different age groups and learning styles. Young children enjoy sensory experiences like the Bubble Lab, while teens and adults are often drawn to the science-based simulations and virtual reality experiences. It’s a great multi-generational activity for families, and school groups frequently visit for educational field trips.
Q: How long does a typical visit to WonderWorks take?
A: Most visitors spend about 2 to 3 hours at WonderWorks, which is enough time to explore all of the Wonder Zones and enjoy a few of the additional attractions like the ropes course and motion theater. However, guests are encouraged to explore at their own pace. Since there’s so much to see and do, some families choose to stay even longer. Re-entry is often permitted the same day with a valid ticket, allowing for breaks in between.
Q: Is WonderWorks wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, WonderWorks is fully wheelchair accessible. Elevators are available to all levels, and the layout ensures easy movement for guests with mobility challenges. In addition, many exhibits are designed to be tactile and interactive, making them suitable for individuals with visual impairments. Signage and videos help support guests with hearing difficulties as well, ensuring an inclusive experience for everyone.
Q: Is parking available at WonderWorks?
A: Yes, WonderWorks provides complimentary on-site parking for all guests. The parking area is conveniently located adjacent to the entrance, making it easy for families and groups to access the attraction without needing to walk far.
Q: Are there food and drinks available inside WonderWorks?
A: Yes, there is a snack shack or small café located inside WonderWorks that offers a selection of snacks and light meals such as pizza, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and a variety of beverages. While the on-site food options are convenient, please note that outside food and drinks are generally not allowed within the building.
Q: Are there any dress code requirements for certain attractions?
A: Yes, for safety reasons, closed-toe shoes are required for the ropes course and certain rides. Additionally, guests wearing skirts or dresses may be restricted from participating in the ropes course. It’s recommended that visitors wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for active participation in the hands-on exhibits and physical activities.