No longer a clichéd destination for retirees, Boca Raton has become quite the hot spot for local and visiting families. Having grown up here (yep, I’m native!), I’ve seen this city evolve from a place catering primarily to adults and those in their golden years to a vibrant and enviable location to raise a family. A phrase I hear often from Boca residents is “we live where you vacation.” And as a mom, I can see why … there are so many entertaining things to do in Boca Raton with your family!

Think Pink

Boca Raton is famous for its pink architecture courtesy of one of our city’s biggest developers, Addison Mizner. From the upscale The Boca Raton (designed by Mizner in the mid-1920s) to downtown’s Mizner Park, there’s a lot of fun to be had at these pink locations with your family.

You’ll find entertainment almost weekly at the Mizner Park Amphitheater located at the plaza’s north end. Much of it’s free and sponsored by the City of Boca Raton, especially during the summer. Visitors of all ages will enjoy strolling through the Boca Raton Museum of Art (yes, it’s kid-friendly! Ask the front desk about their scavenger hunt) or catching the latest flick at my personal favorite, iPic Theater. iPic features gourmet in-seat dining along with luxury reclining seats. Everyone in your family will love the free popcorn and complimentary pillow and blanket. But I’ll warn you—my daughter hasn’t been able to look at a “regular movie theater” the same way again.

Get Outside

Boca Raton boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, and visitors are always invited to check out the city-owned beach parks for a nominal parking fee; check the daily rate for the beach you plan to visit. Most have beautiful playgrounds, grills, and showers, making them a great location for your family to spend the day.

If you have sea turtle fans in the family, then Gumbo Limbo Nature Center on A1A is a must-visit. Enjoy a walk on the boardwalk, see thousands of tropical fish in their on-site aquariums, relax in a butterfly garden or check out the “patients” in Gumbo Limbo’s sea turtle rehabilitation facility. If you’re really lucky, you might even get to join local spectators at one of Gumbo Limbo’s famous sea turtle releases. It’s quite the sight!

Park It

If taking your littlest swimmer to the beach sounds a little stressful, you can always bring them to one of Boca Raton’s awesome (and free) splash pads. Sugar Sand Park’s Science Playground not only has an ocean-themed water play section but tons of other outdoor entertainment options, including a carousel. If it gets too hot or starts raining, check out the indoor Sugar Sand Park Science Explorium or note when the next children’s show is playing at the Willow Theatre.

However, if your son or daughter is into pirates, then Patch Reef Park’s Pirates Cove Playground is for them, matey! It has a wonderfully themed splash pad, playground and plenty of shade.

Nibbles and Nice Places to Eat

I’m pretty sure I could write an entire article on Boca Raton dining, but there are a few standouts when it comes to taking your family somewhere enjoyable out to eat. Some of our go-to places with killer kids’ menus include Farmer’s Table, Biergarten and Augy’s Restaurant & Pizzeria (a local favorite). What kid can say no to pizza?

Location is Everything

Boca Raton happens to be conveniently nestled between two significant airports: Palm Beach International and Ft. Lauderdale International. Whether you decide to drive 20 minutes north or south, you have two easy options available to fly to our town. There’s also a regional option, Boca Raton Airport, located in the center of town. Private and international travelers should take note; a brand-new U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility just opened at Boca Raton Airport for general aviation use.

What to Wear in Boca Raton

One of the beautiful things about dressing in Boca Raton is that pretty much anything goes. I highly recommend packing for warm temperatures and making sure you bring plenty of swimsuits/sun shirts, hats, and sunscreen for your family. Kids should also have sandals or water shoes they can wear at the beach, pool, or splash pads.

This Boca mom personally loves wearing Lilly Pulitzer around town and matching with my daughter. (I know that won’t last for too much longer!) Bonus? I never have to worry about coordinating with Boca’s pastel architecture for photos!