Hello
I was looking at finding a warm place for our February vacation. We usually go to the carribean islands or Mexico. We are usually on the resort / beach, as a lot of the islands don't have much to see. Thus, I was considering Panama so we could have the beach and see some historical cultural things.
we are traveling with our 12 year old boy who loves, music, guitar, soccer .
We have a week

My questions are :

1. Is there more to see in Panama vs other islands like Aruba, Grand Caymen, DR etc... We've been to Costa Rica is it similar?

2. What areas are must sees or recommended? we like cultural things, a bit of history, beach and nature / animals.

3. Any 5 * hotel or resturaunt recommendations?

4. Are the beaches as nice as the GC or Turks and Caicos?

5. I thought the canal is historical and that my son may enjoy it, but I'm reading a lot of negative comments online?

Please let me know, ANY information would be much appreciated.

Thank you.