Five years ago when my husband’s job was transferred from Massachusetts to West Palm Beach, we looked for a family-friendly community to call home. We found that “home” in the Village of Wellington, where there’s so much family fun to be had … practically in our backyard!

Equestrian Activities

Wellington is known as the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World, and for good reason. It’s home to an international equestrian community featuring more than 57 miles of trails. This elaborate trail system provides visitors and locals with plenty of opportunities for recreation, exercise and transportation throughout the village. 

The International Polo Club Palm Beach is the premier polo destination in the world, hosting the largest field of high-goal teams and the most prestigious polo tournaments played in the United States. The local polo season opens on the first Sunday in January and concludes 16 weeks later. Polo matches are open to the public, and tickets start at just $10.  

Our favorite family-friendly horse activity has to be Saturday Night Lights, which is held at the Palm Beach Equestrian Center. The horse-jumping competition happens on Saturday evenings, starting in January and going through April. Jumping starts at 7 p.m., but doors open at 6 for family fun—a carousel, face painting and a petting zoo are just a few of the highlights. Admission is free, but you are charged for self-parking ($20 per carload). 

Wellington Family Events

Horses don’t provide the only fun family around Wellington. The Village of Wellington town center is amazing. Beginning in the fall, food trucks descend upon Wellington, and every Thursday evening we head over to hear the free concerts at the Wellington Amphitheater. Set out your picnic blanket and grab dinner at one of the many food trucks set up for Food Truck Invasion. The food trucks allow for everyone in our family and any visitors who are with us to get whatever they love for dinner. Trucks cover the culinary spectrum, from barbecue, Brazilian and Greek to our sons’ personal favorite, “Cheesezilla!” Our children dance and sing and enjoy being carefree, and we always finish the evening enjoy ice cream from the ice-cream truck.  

On select Friday evenings, there are free family movies at the amphitheater. There’s also the Wellington Green Market on Saturday mornings in front of town hall, where you can get farm-fresh vegetables and locally made treats.

Wellington also organizes some large-scale family-friendly events, like Lakeside Family Fun Days on select Saturdays. Activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, bounce houses, lawn games, costumed characters and entertainment, fishing, face painting, and more. (My sons love the bounce houses!) In addition, there are large seasonal festivals throughout the year, including the Wellington Fall Festival and the Wellington Fourth of July Celebration.

Playground Fun

When a special event isn’t on the calendar, our family loves to visit the amazing playgrounds throughout town. Our favorites are Tiger Shark Cove, an ocean-themed playground, and Scott’s Place, located right next to the amphitheater. The playgrounds are well-maintained by the town (sun shades were recently installed at Scott’s Place) and great for kids of all ages.

Indoor Fun

What to do if it’s raining? We head over to The Mall at Wellington Green. There’s a huge new movie theater and tons of shopping, but make sure to check out the new LIVE360! LIVE360 is designed to host and attend community events, activities, and gatherings, ranging from a toddler dance class to martial arts to a kids’ cooking class.

Time to Eat

One thing we love to do is go out to eat. And when visitors come to visit, we like to take them to local family-run restaurants throughout Wellington. Agliolio’s Italian Bistro serves homemade Italian dishes that everyone enjoys, and the staff makes you feel welcomed and like family. All of the main courses come with Italian chopped salad served family-style. The portions are huge, and you will leave full and happy. If you’re looking for Mexican cuisine, check out Don Chepo’s—on Sundays, kids eat free. 

Take the time and venture out to Wellington to see all it has to offer!