Unexpected Family Attractions

Journey sky-high and take in views from the top of a lighthouse, scout the Atlantic Ocean for passing ships, or take a safari adventure. Step inside a historic mansion and travel back 100 years, or venture into the wilderness to discover the flora and fauna of the Everglades.

Distinctive family experiences in The Palm Beaches include:

Flagler Museum

Take a trip back in time with a visit to Whitehall, Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age estate in Palm Beach. View exhibits on the history of Henry Flagler’s life and career. Explore Flagler Kenan Pavilion, designed in the style of a 19th-century Beaux Arts railway palace, which houses Henry Flagler’s private railcar. Discover the museum’s temporary exhibit gallery, which features materials on topics related to Florida history and America’s Gilded Age. Guided tours, audio tours, printed self-guided brochures and the Flagler Museum Audio Tour are available, all included with museum admission.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

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.

Hoffman’s Chocolate Factory

Discover your inner chocolatier at Hoffman’s Chocolate Factory. Take a factory tour and learn about the company’s decades-long tradition of producing legendary chocolates. Stroll through the retail store, ice cream shop and gardens while the kids are off creating personalized treats at Children’s Chocolatier Classes.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum

Experience a guided tour of the circa-1860 landmark Jupiter Lighthouse. Wander through the waterfront History Museum located in the restored WWII Naval housing quarters building. Outside, visit the Lighthouse Keeper’s Workshop, Tindall Pioneer Homestead and Seminole Chickee.

Lion Country Safari

See more than 900 wild animals, such as lions, giraffe, zebras, ostrich and rhinos, on a South Florida safari. After taking the four-mile drive safari, explore Safari World Amusement Park with rides, animal shows, giraffe and bird encounters, a water “sprayground” with water slides, and dozens of animal exhibits.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Located adjacent to Juno Beach, one of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the world, Loggerhead Marinelife Center is an ocean conservation organization and sea turtle hospital. The donation-based center features free admission and includes up-close interactions with threatened and endangered sea turtles, plus a variety of aquariums, exhibits and learning programs. Trained staff lead paddle, snorkel and dive eco-excursions into the sea turtles' natural habitat, as well as specialty tours to see these gentle giants coming to nest between April and October each year.

Loxahatchee Everglades Tours

Take an airboat tour into Florida’s iconic Everglades and glide over the “River of Grass” while learning about local flora and fauna along the way. Daily tours depart hourly starting at 10 a.m., and the last tour departs at 4 p.m.

National Croquet Center

Learn to play croquet at the National Croquet Center, the largest croquet complex in the world. Easy to learn, croquet combines friendly competition, strategic planning and teambuilding, providing visitors with all the key ingredients for a good time with their friends, family or colleagues. Free lessons and court time areas are available every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. for beginners, or by reservation daily.

Rapids Water Park

Cool off and make a splash at Rapids Water Park, South Florida’s largest water park. Featuring 30 action-packed acres of attractions, including 35 of the biggest, wettest, most thrilling water slides, this park offers a full day of nonstop fun with something for everyone.

Cox Science Center and Aquarium

Open your mind to science at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, with 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.