From animal sanctuaries and museums to small-scale theme parks and outdoor adventures, you’ll find plenty in The Palm Beaches to keep the whole family entertained whether you’re planning a short staycation or a weeks-long getaway. Discover even more family fun in The Palm Beaches!

Animal Sanctuaries & Attractions

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jupiter 

View furry, feathered, and scaly creatures at this local family favorite dedicated to the protection and conservation of Florida’s wildlife and natural resources. See Florida panthers, bobcats, black bears, and other native wildlife, and walk through various Florida habitats such as pine flat-woods, oak hammocks and cypress wetlands.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC), Juno Beach

Fans of the ocean can’t miss this stop, which houses rescued sea turtles, as well as engaging exhibits on the marine environment. LMC promotes the conservation of ocean ecosystems with a special focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sea turtles back to the wild. It’s steps away from some of the most densely nested loggerhead sea turtle beaches in the world, so plan to enjoy the beach pre- or post-visit.

Lion Country Safari, Loxahatchee

Roam in the comfort of your own vehicle through Florida’s largest drive-through Safari Park and view hundreds of animals. There is also a walk-through safari area with a petting zoo, giraffe feeding experience, amusement rides, gift shops and food and beverage options.

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Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, West Palm Beach 

Home to hundreds of animals and several different species, many of which are endangered, this zoo likely has at least one animal you’ve never seen before. Popular animal exhibits include the tigers exhibit and the Aldabra tortoise exhibit. The Fountain Plaza splash pad is also a super-fun activity for small children.

Sandoway Discovery Center, Delray Beach

Here, you can learn about Florida’s fragile marine and freshwater environments through educational outdoor and indoor animal encounters. Open since 1998, the center is most recognized for its shark, stingray and alligator feedings, as well as Southeast Florida’s largest private shell collection.

Manatee Lagoon, Riviera Beach

Go see the famous Florida’s manatees at Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center. This wonderful facility is a free educational attraction dedicated to educating kids and grownups about manatees and Lake Worth Lagoon, and inspiring communities to preserve and protect Florida’s environment and wildlife for future generations. 

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Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

This joint project between the City of Boca Raton, Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Friends of Gumbo Limbo hosts environmental programs for all ages, as well as sea turtle-themed activities and events: sea turtle summer camps, turtle walks, hatchling release observations and free outdoor marine feedings, to name a few.

*The Sea Turtle Rehab Program and its related facility areas are temporarily closed.

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Museums & Historic Sites

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, Jupiter 

Explore the grounds and take in the view from atop of the landmark lighthouse, a guiding light in The Palm Beaches since 1860. Listen to audio tours from your phone via the Jupiter Lighthouse Tours smartphone app in English, French or Spanish. Wear comfortable shoes for the 105-step climb to the top, and marvel at one of best vistas in The Palm Beaches. The lighthouse museum also offers several educational programs for kids and families, such as the Lighthouse Explorers’ Club, or Lighthouse Story Time & Crafts for Kids. Children must be a minimum of 48″ tall to climb the Lighthouse.

Cox Science Center & Aquarium, West Palm Beach 

This is not your typical science museum. This highly educational but fully fun attraction features over 50 hands-on educational exhibits, an 8,000-gallon fresh- and saltwater aquarium, a digital planetarium, Conservation Research Station, Florida Exhibit Hall and an interactive Everglades Exhibit. Weekend programs, concerts and mini galaxy golf are also available for visitors of all ages.

The Silverball Museum, Delray Beach 

This retro museum features a collection of nearly 200 classic pinball machines and arcade games. Not only are the machines on display available for play, but each includes an informational card noting the year it was made and quantity produced. The museum also has a bar and restaurant as well as live music on select nights.

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Thrill Rides & Fun Games

Boomers, Boca Raton 

This mini amusement park may be small, but it’s big on excitement and outdoor attractions. Go for a spin in the disco-themed bumper cars, race go-karts, tackle the climbing wall, play mini golf, float around in the bumper boats and take a swing in the batting cages.

Drive Shack, West Palm Beach 

The whole family can enjoy golf in a new way at Drive Shack. From your open-air, temperature-controlled bay, you can virtually play courses from all over the globe as well as interactive games, while enjoying delicious food and refreshing drinks.

Fun Depot, Lake Worth 

Feel the breeze through your hair as you enjoy the half-mile go-kart track, or opt for a fog-filled, black-lit laser tag adventure. Play an abundance of arcade games, ranging from old classics to new favorites. If you work up an appetite, grab a bite at the on-site café.

Rapids Water Park, West Palm Beach 

Founded in 1979, this local staple offers dozens o water attractions, including a variety of slides, a FlowRider wave machine and lazy river. Tickets and parking passes are available for purchase online to make it even easier for your whole family to stay cool this summer.

Boca Ice & Fine Arts Center, Boca Raton 

This “cool” place in Boca Raton features twin NHL-size Hockey rinks, elite figure skating, NHL coaches and best in class Hockey Programs, professional ice shows, real snow, and performing arts dance, music, ballet). You can even organize your kid’s birthday party here!

 

Outdoor Wonderlands

Riverbend Park, Jupiter 

This lush, green paradise has nearly 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, 7 miles of equestrian trails and 5 miles of canoeing and kayaking trails. This site is also home to the Loxahatchee Battlefield, a site of two battles during the Second Seminole War, and the Loxahatchee River, one of only two nationally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in Florida. Learn more on Wild & Scenic Loxahatchee River Tour offered at the park through Jupiter Outdoor Center. Canoe, kayak, and bicycle rentals are available.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, North Palm Beach 

At Palm Beach County’s only state park, nearly 2 miles of pristine beaches and warm waters beckon for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, mullet and bird species as you paddle the park’s estuary waters. Prefer dry land? Hike nature trails through this preserved subtropical coastal habitat. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available.

Snorkel Trail at Phil Foster Park, Riviera Beach 

Snorkelers may spot a unique variety of marine life, including sea turtles, tropical fish, sailfish, goliath grouper and dolphin, along this 800-foot stretch of limestone boulders and artificial reef. Manatee sightings are frequent, especially in the winter months. Sea turtle sightings are common year-round.

*Due to a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project, from March 20 – October 29, 2023, the portion of the beach located underneath the bridge will be closed to the public. The southeast portion of the beach will remain open, access to the beach will be across Blue Heron Blvd.

Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation, The Palm Beaches 

Days of outdoor recreation await at Palm Beach County’s park facilities. At more than 80 parks, you’ll find ample space and outdoor activities including kayak and canoe rentals, disc golf, basketball, volleyball, racquetball, tennis, water skiing, dog parks and equestrian trails. Some favorite spots include John Prince Golf Learning Center, Okeeheelee Golf Course, Osprey Point Golf Course, and Shark Wake Park.

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