Palm Beach Family Activities: Engaging Attractions for All Ages
When people think of Palm Beach, Florida, they may imagine beaches, shopping, upscale dining and winter escapes. What many don’t know is that Palm Beach is family-friendly, with parks, interesting sites, and plenty to do. Scroll to learn about the top Palm Beach family activities and play together.
Palm Beach Family Activities to Explore During Vacation
Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society
For fresh air and wildlife encounters, visit Palm Beach Zoo. The zoo aims to protect more than 190 species and encourage guests to do the same. Animals at the zoo include flamingos, koalas, birds of prey, exotic cats, primates and reptiles, to name a few.
In addition to wildlife habitats, families enjoy hands-on play spaces, a splash fountain and carousel. Visitors can also plan special encounters with otters, tortoises, sloths and flamingos.
Rapids Waterpark
Rapids Waterpark opens in the summer and provides a much-needed break from the Florida heat. Families will find rides and slides suitable for all ages. Those with smaller children play at gentle water structures, a wave pool, lazy river, and short slides.
For more action, families have access to double-rider slides, dark chutes, flumes, raft rides. Thrill-seekers can’t miss huge drops and dark tunnels, vortexes, vertical plunges, and high-speed slides. Rapids Waterpark has 35 attractions, dining and a souvenir shop.
Mounts Botanical Garden
As the oldest and largest botanical garden in Palm Beach County, Mounts Botanical Garden is a must for families who enjoy nature. The gardens span 16 acres and include more than 6,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants.
All paths are paved, so everyone has easy access. The Palms of the Garden tour offers a self-guided option through living collections. Guests will also see Art in the Garden, a permanent art collection. While strolling, expect to learn about native plants and flowers, edible plants, butterflies, cactus, roses and other exhibits.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Those searching for more remote Palm Beach family activities should visit John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. The park sits on a barrier island on the Atlantic Ocean with 1.6 miles of beaches. Families come here to swim, fish, snorkel and watch wildlife.
The park is also a popular place for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and exploring nature trails. Those on the water should paddle to Munyon Island, one of the largest wading bird habitats in South Florida. Guests may come in contact with snapper, sting rays and manatees.
Other Parks in Palm Beach
Families also have access to dozens of family-friendly parks in Palm Beach and West Palm Beach. Many have picnic facilities, tennis courts, boat launches and playgrounds. Top spots include Phipps Ocean Park, Flagler Park, Currie Park, Okeeheelee Park and R.G. Kreusler Park.
Manatee Lagoon
Dedicated to protecting and educating the public about manatees, Manatee Lagoon oversees more than 16,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits on Lake Worth Lagoon, where manatees like to gather during colder months.
In addition to watching manatees, families participate in waterfront walks, story times and adult yoga. In March, Manatee Lagoon hosts Manateefest, a free festival with face-painting, kids fun zone, local food and crafts.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Loggerhead Marinelife Center serves as a rehabilitation center and attraction. Popular Palm Beach family activities occur year-round such as sea turtle shows, guided eco tours outdoors and guided tours.
In the winter, families enjoy art classes, junior veterinarian labs, hikes, fishing trips, toddler programs. During summer months, take guided turtle walks, nest excavations, and watch hatchling releases.
Lion Country Safari
This drive-through safari ranks among the top Palm Beach family activities for adventure. The safari offers more than 600 acres of land and 900 animals that roam in open habitats. Visitors will drive through 4 miles of habitats and may see alpaca, ostrich, wildebeest, lions, giraffe, rhinos and zebras.
After driving through the safari, stop by the 55-acre adventure park, which has rides, a small waterpark and animal encounters.
Palm Beach Museum of Natural History
Palm Beach Museum of Natural History is located at the Mall at Wellington Green. This a must for families who enjoy shopping and museums. The museum has exhibits that showcase dinosaurs, fossils, ancient civilizations, and traveling displays. While exploring, families learn about the Ice Age, Native Americans, and meet local excavators.
Attend a Sporting Event
Palm Beach’s climate attracts sports fans. The city serves as a spring training destination for basketball and baseball, but also hosts events in golf, tennis, motorcycle racing, and fitness. Facilities include ice hockey rinks, equestrian centers, polo club, athletic parks and sportsplex.
Want to visit soon? Book a vacation rental in Palm Beach and find more vacation ideas for Palm Beach.