What Children Learn from Panama City: Exploring History, Culture, and Social Ethics
How Family Travel in Panama City Can Teach Children About History, Inequality, and the Power of Change
Travelling with children is one of the most enriching experiences a family can share. As parents, we often focus on keeping our kids entertained, but what if the destinations themselves could become classrooms? Panama City offers just that—a vibrant mix of history, culture, and real-world lessons that can help kids see the world through new eyes.
For families travelling to Panama City, the city’s rich history, cultural contrasts, and social dynamics offer invaluable lessons. Here’s how your kids can learn while they explore Panama City’s streets, sites, and stories.
Lessons in History: The Evolution of Casco Viejo
Our exploration began in Casco Viejo, Panama City’s historic district. This 350-year-old neighborhood is a blend of restored colonial buildings, colorful facades, and crumbling ruins—a visible reminder of the city’s turbulent past. As we wandered the cobblestone streets, our guide filled us in on the dramatic history of the area, from pirate raids led by Captain Morgan in 1671 to its rise and fall in the early 20th century.
Standing beside a section of the city’s old wall, we imagined the cannonballs flying and the chaos of pirate invasions. Visiting the Iglesia de San José, we marveled at the Golden Altar that was saved from looting pirates by a clever priest who painted it black to disguise its value. This living history lesson taught our children about the resilience and creativity of those who protected their heritage.
What Children Learn:
- History is Tangible: Kids see history come alive in Casco Viejo, understanding that the past is more than stories in a textbook.
- The Impact of Colonisation: Learning about Panama’s colonial past sparks conversations about how different cultures influence a place.
- Preservation vs. Change: Restoration efforts show kids the importance of preserving history, even as cities grow and change.
Understanding Social Ethics: Gentrification and Inequality
As we walked the streets of Casco Viejo, we couldn’t ignore the contrasts—beautifully restored buildings standing next to dilapidated structures still inhabited by local families. Our guide explained the complex issue of gentrification, where local residents are often displaced as historic areas are redeveloped into tourist hotspots.
The boys noticed the children peeking out from boarded-up windows, some in homes without basic utilities. This visible inequality prompted questions and discussions about why some people have more opportunities than others and the effects of rapid urban development on local communities.
Panama City’s rise has not been without its challenges, including unemployment spikes after the pandemic and a growing gap between the wealthy and the poor. We saw signs of protest against gentrification and discussed how different groups are affected by changes in their city.
What Children Learn:
- The Reality of Inequality: Children witness firsthand the disparities that exist in society, fostering empathy and an understanding of social issues.
- Critical Thinking: Seeing both sides of the gentrification debate encourages kids to think critically about development and its impacts.
- The Importance of Community: Observing the push for community gardens and local initiatives teaches kids about grassroots efforts to make a positive change.
Achieving the Impossible: The Panama Canal’s Legacy
A trip to the Panama Canal is not just about watching ships pass through locks; it’s a journey into one of the greatest engineering feats in history. At the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center, we learned how the canal was built against all odds, overcoming challenges like Yellow Fever, harsh jungle conditions, and the complexities of connecting two oceans.
The boys were fascinated by the story of the canal’s construction, especially after learning that surveyors in the 1500s declared the project impossible. Today, it stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Watching massive ships being lifted by the power of water, they learned about the remarkable use of natural resources and the power of determination.
What Children Learn:
- Innovation and Ingenuity: The Panama Canal teaches kids that no idea is too big if you are determined enough to find a solution.
- Environmental Science: The canal’s reliance on gravity and natural water sources offers lessons in sustainable engineering.
- Global Trade: Understanding the canal’s role in world trade helps children grasp how interconnected our world is.
The Language of Dance and Cultural Exchange: Embera Village Visit
Our day trip to the Embera Village was an opportunity for the kids to engage with a different culture firsthand. Just a short drive from Panama City, the Embera people welcomed us with traditional music, dances, and a warm meal of fish and plantains. The kids instantly connected with local children, swimming in the river and exchanging smiles and laughter despite the language barrier.
The Embera shared their traditions, including a look at their medicinal gardens where plants are used for natural remedies. Our boys were fascinated by the Embera’s deep knowledge of nature, and we all received henna tattoos, each symbolizing an aspect of Embera culture. We ended the day dancing with our hosts, feeling the universal power of music and movement.
What Children Learn:
- Cultural Appreciation: Kids learn to value and respect cultures different from their own, understanding the importance of preserving traditions.
- Connection Beyond Language: Playing and dancing with the Embera children showed our kids that human connection goes beyond words.
- Sustainability: The Embera’s use of natural resources teaches kids about sustainable living and the importance of harmony with nature.
Conclusion: Travel as a Classroom
Panama City is more than a tourist destination; it’s a place where kids can learn about history, ethics, and cultural diversity in an engaging, hands-on way. From the historic streets of Casco Viejo to the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal and the rich traditions of the Embera people, Panama City offers lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. Travel with children is not just about seeing new places; it’s about shaping how they see the world.
Want to learn more about travelling with children? Check out Becs’ website https://www.rebeccaryell.com/ for more help with planning your next family adventure.
