Touch-A-Truck 2026: Panama City's Epic Family Event Lets Kids Take the Wheel

Touch-A-Truck 2026 Rolls Into Panama City for a Hands-On Family Adventure

Kids can climb aboard fire trucks, police vehicles, heavy equipment and more at this free community event at Carl Gray Park on October 3.

Frank Gotaas

Sep 24, 2026

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If your child lights up at the sight of a fire truck, construction vehicle or anything with a big engine, Touch-A-Truck 2026 may be one of the most exciting family events of the fall.

Presented by the City of Panama City Parks, Culture & Recreation Department, the annual Touch-A-Truck event returns Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Carl Gray Park in Panama City. Admission is free and open to the public.

Get Up Close With the Big Trucks

Touch-A-Truck gives children something they normally don't get to do: step beyond the sidewalk and get an up-close look at the vehicles they see working around Panama City every day.

The City says this year's lineup will include fire trucks, police vehicles, construction equipment, street sweepers, garbage trucks, SWAT vehicles, school buses, ambulances and more.

Families will also have an opportunity to see vehicles and equipment representing local fire and police departments, public works, emergency services and Tyndall Air Force Base. Children can climb, touch and explore many of the vehicles while meeting some of the people who operate them.

Beyond being fun, Touch-A-Truck offers kids an easy, hands-on way to learn more about the people and equipment that help keep a community running. A garbage truck or street sweeper may suddenly become a lot more interesting when children can see just how large it is from a few feet away. Emergency vehicles also give families a chance to meet first responders in a relaxed community setting.

Make a Morning of It

The event takes place at Carl Gray Park on Collegiate Drive, near Gulf Coast State College. The City's event listing says parking will be available at Gulf Coast State College, making it easier for families to walk over to the event area. Food truck vendors are also scheduled to be on site, so families can grab something to eat while enjoying the morning.

Touch-A-Truck is part of a series of family-focused community events Panama City has planned for early October, including the Panama City Fire Department Open House on October 2 and National Night Out on October 6.