Do this downtown plan today:

1. Open Books Children’s Book Fair — go now
   Open until 5 PM • 1040 N. Guillemard St., Pensacola
   This is the best fit for both: $1 children’s books, with plenty for a 3-year-old to browse and an 8-year-old to choose independently. It’s only a few minutes from the center of downtown. Verified event details

2. Walk/drive to Community Maritime Park afterward
   301 W. Main St., Pensacola
   Let them run off the bookstore energy along the waterfront. For your 3-year-old, stay near the playground/open lawn; for your 8-year-old, bring a scooter, ball, or frisbee if possible. Parking is generally easiest in the park lots rather than circling Palafox.

3. If you want an indoor creative stop instead of the park: Color Me Mine
   10 AM–9 PM today • walk-ins welcome
   Both kids can paint pottery at their own level. Remember that painted pieces are usually fired for pickup about a week later. Today’s listing

One caveat: I’d skip Palafox Market—it runs Saturdays, not Sundays. The downtown organization lists its usual Saturday hours as 9 AM–2 PM. Palafox Market info

👉 Would you rather finish with an easy kid-friendly dinner downtown or keep this a quick afternoon outing?