One of the joys of a fun family vacation is introducing children to new, exciting places. Watching a toddler discovering the wonders of a warm, sunny beach makes memories for a lifetime. Choosing just the right beach is easy in The Palm Beaches, with 47 miles of golden sand to pick from. Here are some beach suggestions from a group of locals, specifically chosen for their kid and family friendliness.

Dubois Park

19075 Dubois Rd., Jupiter, Florida

Lined with palm trees and protected waters, Dubois Park is located on the southern edge of the Jupiter Inlet. Pull into the ample parking lot and you’ll notice the park doesn’t face the ocean, but rather the beautiful and historic Jupiter Inlet.

Look west and you’ll see the Jupiter Lighthouse. Look east and you’ll see the mouth of the inlet leading into the shimmering ocean. A man-made barrier of natural rock and concrete shelters a pool of water, perfect for bathers of all ages.

The water is replenished and cleaned by the natural currents of the inlet, and access to the swimming area is easy and well-marked. There are public bathrooms available, as well as small grills for cooking. Best of all, the calm swimming area is great for kids, and parents will appreciate how easy it is to keep track of little ones.

Coral Cove Park

19450 County Hwy. 707, Tequesta, Florida

If little adventurers want to see some marine life up close, then Tequesta’s Coral Cove Park is an excellent choice.

Located at the northern tip of The Palm Beaches, Coral Cove looks out over the blue Atlantic Ocean. Finding a parking space is easy on all but the busiest holidays, and families will be delighted to discover picnic benches, grills, and a small playscape.

Freshwater showers and restrooms are available, but the best part of this lush, well-kept park is the ocean itself. Just a few feet offshore and in just a few inches of water are water-carved rock formations, shaped by countless seasons of wave action. There in the rocks are all types of tiny fish and crustaceans, darting back and forth. A simple snorkeling face mask can unlock hours of fun and learning. For very small visitors, parents will have fun playing in natural tidepools that form in the tide.

Across the street, the calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway provide excellent swimming conditions, and depths for little ones – while still allowing beach-goers to enjoy the amenities at Coral Cove Park.

Phil Foster Park

900 Blue Heron Blvd., Riviera Beach, Florida

Phil Foster Park is a 14.7-acre beach park nestled along the Lake Worth Lagoon, just north of the Palm Beach Inlet. The park is well known as a great fishing spot and has a nice playground. What Phil Foster is best known for is a man-made snorkeling trail that winds around the south end of the island and near the pilings of the Blue Heron Bridge.

While the full trail is intended for stronger swimmers, the beach access is great for kids wanting to wade around closer to shore. Families can play on the sandy beach, while enjoying the fully protected water of the Lagoon (also known as the Intracoastal Waterway).

Red Reef Park

1400 N Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton, Florida

Red Reef Park is located on the southern end of The Palm Beaches, in Boca Raton. Snorkeling and beach play is great here, and there’s so much more. The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is part of the 67-acre park, with well-equipped grills and restrooms.

Gumbo Limbo will delight nature lovers of every age, with educational programs about sea-turtles, nature, conservation and the area’s ecology. The programs are tailored for children as well as adults, so children can enjoy learning about endangered sea turtles.

Ocean Inlet Park

6990 N Ocean Blvd., Ocean Ridge, Florida

Ocean Inlet Park is located in the southern end of The Palm Beaches. It has beachfront on both the Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, and it boasts a seating pavilion, snack bar, family picnic shelters, grills, showers and restrooms, and parking. Our locals give it a “thumbs up” because little waders can play in the Intracoastal Waterway, while stronger swimmers can have fun in the waves.

Delray Beach Municipal Beach

400 S Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, Florida

This two-mile-long scenic beach sits comfortably between Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. It offers easy accessibility and a tranquil experience for kids, thanks to the beach’s calm waves and warm waters. After your beach trip, families can explore one of the many Atlantic Avenue restaurants just a short walk from the sand.

If you are looking for a place to stay nearby, Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa is a great option. The resort offers a Kids Club with one dedicated instructor per seven kids. Parents will be able to relax and enjoy their vacation knowing that their children are happy and safe!

Lake Worth Municipal Beach

10 S Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth Beach, Florida

This beach is ideal for soaking up the sun and taking in scenic views. Popular for its cleanliness and relaxed atmosphere, this beach is ideal for taking a stroll along its golden sand or pier, while soaking up the sun. The beach features showers and restrooms, and it’s steps away from restaurants and an ice cream vendor.

A popular dining destination is Benny’s On The Beach, an oceanfront restaurant right on the pier with diverse cuisine that will satisfy both children and adults!

These are just a few of the many great spots you’ll find in The Palm Beaches. Kids will have a wonderful time and parents will find keeping an eye on the children is downright entertaining. As with every trip to the beach, stay near lifeguards and follow the beach rules to maximize the fun you will have on the golden sands.