As a parent who has spent 13 years in Coronado, Panama, and 10 of them raising two energetic kids, I’ve come to appreciate the unique opportunities and experiences this place offers my family.

Here are insights into 10 aspects of life in Coronado that make it a fantastic place for families. My goal is to offer relevant information to help you envision what life might be like for your family here. Have a question? Let me know here. 

1. Coronado, Panama: Safe and Welcoming Community

One of the biggest questions families have is, obviously, is it safe? I can confidently say, Coronado is a safe place for families. Coronado is a private gated community with several guard gates, making it a secure environment. While the area can get busy on long weekends with more traffic, on a regular day, I feel confident letting my kids bike inside the gated community of Coronado. I feel comfortable walking at night here. We play at the beach till dark and walk or drive our ATV home on average a couple of nights a week.  

2. Excellent Educational Opportunities

Coronado offers an International School with project-based learning environments. Ensuring your child receives an education that works for them is often at the top of the list. Coronado International School (CIS) is the perfect combination of academics and lifestyle. They give families in Panama access to a U.S. high school diploma and a pathway to universities globally. Families also gain access to the Coronado Golf & Country Club facilities upon enrollment. This is one of the best things about the Coronado Community! Where else in the world can you get a private school education and a country club membership? 

3. Outdoor Activities and Natural Beauty

With pristine beaches and lush mountain ranges nearby, Coronado is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. This natural playground encourages kids to explore, learn, and develop a love for nature. I still need to pinch myself some evenings when we’re at the beach watching the kids play in the surf with the sunset behind them. Or when we get out to a waterfall with another family for a day trip. After over a decade, there are still hikes we haven’t done yet. Altos del Maria and El Valle are great starting points if you are looking for family-friendly hikes in Panama. 

4. Diverse and Rich Culture

Living in Coronado exposes children to a diverse culture, with a blend of Panamanian traditions and influences from different cultures from around the world. I really feel that this multicultural environment enriches their understanding and acceptance of different worldviews, something that we need right now. Our family loves attending local celebrations. It’s a fantastic way for the kids to learn about Panamanian culture through music, dance, and traditional foods. We encourage our kids to use their Spanish and connect when they can. 

5. After School Activities

Coronado boasts a robust network of after school activites around which communities are formed. From the large pickleball community to the golfers and surfers, each one of the communities has grown through WhatsApp chats and Facebook pages. Over the past five years, Coroando has come to include classes in soccer, karate, gymnastics, dance, swimming, tennis & pickleball, to name just a few. There are homeschool communities, moms groups, and community group chats. While finding these communities isn’t always straightforward, there’s always a helping hand available. Let us know, and we will help connect you with the groups you’re seeking out. Support is crucial for both parents and children to thrive.

6. Health and Wellness Opportunities

Coronado offers us a lot of options for staying healthy. There are many yoga classes, pilates, crossfit, padel, and families can easily maintain a healthy lifestyle. These fitness options in Coronado positively impact both physical and mental health for families. Living at the beach, there is also the option to take an impromptu beach walk or hit up a local market. You won’t find an abundance of organic produce in the grocery store here, so the best thing to do is seek out local, in-season fruit and veg from roadside vendors.  

7. Easy Access to Healthcare Services

Access to quality healthcare is a priority for families, and Coronado does not disappoint. With clinics and hospitals nearby, medical care is both accessible and reliable. The closest 24/7 hospital to Coronado is San Carlos, and I can personally say, the hospital is simple but good. The emergency department is staffed with friendly and knowledgeable doctors who can handle most emergencies. My son has had stitches twice here, both times we were in and out within 2 hours, and the wound was attended to right away. 

8. Proximity to Panama City

Being just an hour’s drive from Panama City, Coronado affords families the tranquility of a coastal lifestyle with the convenience of urban amenities. This proximity allows access to larger hospitals and specialized care nearby. Our kids have needed quite a bit of dental work, and we decided to work with a pediatric dentist in Panama City. Once a month, we head in for the day, and enjoy some of our favorite restaurants and activities like skating on the cinta costera and checking out museums and events. 

9. Family-Friendly Dining and Entertainment

Coronado is home to a variety of family-friendly restaurants and entertainment options. One of our favorite places to eat with the kids is The Bench. With an outdoor park and outdoor seating, the kids can play in the park while we enjoy a drink. There are also a lot of fondas (local food vendors) in the area. This is a great option, since it’s about $5 a plate, you can feed the family for about $20. 

10. Community Events and Activities

There is no shortage of community events in Coronado, from beach clean-ups to holiday parades. These activities are excellent opportunities for families to engage with their neighbors and get involved in the community. One of our favorite Clubs is the Coronado Kidz Club with events each month for Kids. In May they have a puppet show, Origami making class and a Movie night! 

Conclusion

Raising kids in Coronado, Panama, offers families quality education and an environment that supports a thriving family. The community’s proximity to Panama City makes it an ideal place for families to get out of the rat race without completely disconnecting from the real world. As parents, we realize from our time spent together in Coroando how lifestyle and education impact the entire family. Living in Coronado, we see the benefits for ourselves and our children.

What lifestyle changes can enhance your family’s well-being? There are opportunities waiting for you... reach out, and start seeing the groundwork for a change that might change your life. And when parents thrive, kids do too.