5 Favorite Family Things To Do In Palm Beach County Fl

Thanks to Nancy Cohen for the photo

School ends at the end of May in PBC. With two weeks before we leave on our extended summer trip, we love being included in the grandkids daily excursions. Yes, it's hot in S. Florida, but that doesn't mean you have to limit activities to indoors. Plan to go out early. Carry rain jackets and umbrellas because it can rain in one place and not another.

#5

There's always the beach.

                  

 Our favorite two beaches, Red Reef and South Beach Pavillion are in Boca Raton. Red Reef has decent snorkeling so don't forget to pack a mask along with sunscreen and lunch. South Beach Pavillion has shaded walking trails for when the kids get hot and tired. Both parking fees are steep for non-Boca residents. However, it's well worth the the $16 which keeps the crowds down.

#4

 Morikami  Museum & Japanese Gardens is another outdoor activity to do before noon. It's a nice escape from the traffic and shopping malls. The bamboo garden and bonsai collection are always a hit with everyone. If you plan ahead there are scheduled family events with entertainment, crafts and demonstrations.  There's an outdoor cafe and indoor museum. Be on the look out for native birds and lizards like the one in the first photo.

#3

Wakodahatchee Wetlands located in Delray Beach is a free trail with plenty of parking. A well maintained boardwalk takes you through the wetlands. One hundred and seventy species of birds have been identified there along with rabbits, alligators and turtles. There are signs along the way identifying the wildlife. 

#2

Pinball Museum in Delray Beach is a fun experience for everyone. We went on a Tuesday and the entrance fee was $10 for the entire day. You can go out and have lunch along Atlantic Blvd. Food and drinks are available at the museum as well. After lunch go back and try to beat your best score. With classic pinball, skeeball and arcade games this is a lot of fun for any age. Call ahead and make sure that there's not a special event that day. Walk around and check out the vintage items. My favorite pinball is an old baseball game with little figures that run the base when get a hit.

#1

Jupiter Lighthouse

           

The lighthouse is our favorite any time of the year. Guided tours leave every 30 minutes from the WWII Naval Housing Building where you purchase your tickets. Admission includes a short tour of the museum. There's a minimum age to climb so if you have young children check before you go. This is not a self guided climb.  The lighthouse is behind a fence on a former Coast Guard base. Either before or after your climb, depending on the tours in front or behind your's, you learn some interesting facts about the Tindall Pioneer House, the Keeper's Cottage and deck with a giant banyan tree. At the top, there's a great view of Jupiter Inlet and Jupiter Island. Bring a blanket or folding chairs and have a picnic lunch on the small beach by the drawbridge.