Kid Friendly Places to Visit This Summer in The
Palm Beaches
Written by: Melanie Stanton
As a stay-at-home mom to two busy boys who doesn’t actually believe in staying home, there is nothing better than being a tourist in our own backyard. We feel so lucky to have so many kid-friendly places in The Palm Beaches!
Here are some of the best local spots to visit with your family:
Cox Science Center & Aquarium
If you need a little break from the heat, The Cox Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach is a great air-conditioned destination. Kids are so busy having fun they don’t realize how much science they’re learning. They truly have something for kids of all ages! Our one-year-old loves looking at the different fish in the aquarium. Our 5-year-old could stay at the “Engineers on a Roll” ball exhibit all day!
Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
There is so much to see at the Palm Beach Zoo! My family loves to feed the lorikeets—they’re so colorful and come right up and drink nectar from a cup in your hand. You can visit some local wildlife like alligators and panthers and some not-local-but-still-adorable animals like koalas and the very popular capybara. Just don’t forget to bring the kids’ bathing suits so they can cool off at the play fountain!
Local Animal Rehabilitation Centers
The Palm Beaches are also home to multiple animal conservation centers that you can visit with your family. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton, Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, and Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter are all free to visit. You can get an up-close look at local rescue animals. Make sure to check their daily schedules for educational programs and guided tours.
Art and Nature
Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach has the most beautiful and peaceful gardens to wander and enjoy. The gardens include a children’s maze and you can feed the koi fish in Lake Orth.
For some hands-on art activities, check out The Norton Museum of Art for family studio tours on specific Saturdays that end with an art workshop. You can also sign your kids up for classes at The Poppet Project in Palm Beach Gardens—I know I love it when my son does a messy craft project anywhere but my house. The Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach has classes and workshops for all ages. And if your kids are a little older, the Lighthouse ArtCenter in Tequesta has workshops you can register for.
Beating the Heat
I think any local would tell you that they spend most of the summer in the water—going to the beach, the pool, splash parks, and water parks. Dubois Park is my favorite beach for little kids—there’s a playground and the water is shallow and calm.
For some all-day fun, you should check out some local waterparks like Rapids and Calypso Bay. Or, for just a little break from the heat, there are a variety of parks that have splash pads and fountains. My kids’ favorite is the Burns Road splash pad. If you’re spending time in downtown West Palm Beach, I would say it’s safe to just keep a bathing suit and towel ready for when you stumble upon some fountains, like in CityPlace or on Clematis Street. Some popular places we plan on checking out this summer are Lion Country Safari, Tiger Shark Cove park, and The Children’s Schoolhouse Museum.
We have been exploring Palm Beach County with kids for almost 5 years, and there are still so many places we want to visit!
About the author:
A proud Jupiter local and mom of two energetic boys, Melanie Stanton shares about life in our vibrant community—sharing mom tips, everyday style, and the joys (and chaos!) of parenting. When she’s not blogging, she’s exploring local parks, supporting small businesses, or soaking up the sun with her family. Follow along on Instagram @_melaniestanton
Explore our events calendar for more arts and culture to explore in The Palm Beaches this summer!