I think you can't go wrong with a trip to Panama City Beach for any reason....of course I am a local and love it here....but if you need an excuse, then Gulf World could be just that. I have not been out to the Gulfarium in Destin, and though I hear its a great place, word is it can't compare to Gulf World!

The have four or five different shows: dolphins, sea lions, shark feedings, trained parrots, underwater coral show...I can't remember it all, below is their web address:

http://www.gulfworldmarinepark.com/

as for hands on...they have a few different programs for kids but i will leave that for the experts...check ou their site and if you have any other questions fire away...it will be fun for you and your family.

OH yeah i forgot, you can look at their marketing video on line at:

http://www.tripsmarter.com/panamacit...ions/index.htm

Randy