Often overshadowed by other Florida metropolises, there are plenty of things to do in West Palm Beach with kids. If you are looking for a quiet escapade in a tropical city with tons of unexpected hidden gems, West Palm Beach is an underrated city that you should take into consideration.
Your kids will love the beaches and palm trees here that always shimmer under the perfect weather. Don’t miss out on its unique wildlife habitats, exciting outdoor activities, vibrant neighborhoods, and waterfront hangouts. This city has its own charming way to impress kids of any age, be it curious infants or hard-to-please teenagers.
To save you from the hassle of researching for your next trip, we have compiled some of the best highlights of things to do in West Palm Beach with kids that will help you to uncover some of the best family activities in this South Florida city.
Things to do in West Palm Beach with kids
We know it’s nice to laze on the beaches all day but there are so many things to do in West Palm Beach with kids you’ll hardly want to waste a minute! Find out more about what to do in West Palm Beach with kids below. You’ll be surprised at what this town has to offer for families:
1. Witness the city from the top at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
Towering high on the northside of West Palm Beach is one of the best places to visit in Florida. A bright-red brick lighthouse that was first lit in 1860. This 105-foot-high lighthouse that overlooks the azure harbor is not only a viewpoint to witness West Palm Beach from the top but also a museum that stores 5,000 years of regional history.
Jupiter Inlet not only boasts the oldest house in Palm Beach but also a museum that reflects its storied past. Aside from climbing the lighthouse, you should spend some time exploring the Keeper’s Workshop. It’s a small museum perched just before the lighthouse packed with interesting exhibits.
If you have extra time, try out their History Mystery Scavenger Hunt and discover the hidden secret of this lighthouse. It’s one of the fun things to do in West Palm Beach with kids that you can rarely find elsewhere.
One of the most iconic things to do in West Palm Beach with kids is the Jupiter Lighthouse!
2. Learn about the wildlife at Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is home to more than 500 animals including some endangered species such as Mexican spider monkeys, Malayan tigers, jaguars, and many more. With great care from the zoologists and initiative to educate the public, this 23-acre tropical wildlife park allows you and your kids to observe the animals as they roam freely in their habitats. You’ll also be able to interact with some of the animals, such as the Tortoise Encounter and Sloth Experience.
Your children will love the interactive water fountain and colorful carousel! Especially after a long day of learning about the wildlife. This attraction is often rated as one of the most educational and interesting things for kids to do in Miami.
3. Go beach hopping: Things to do in West Palm Beach with kids
A family getaway to West Palm Beach won’t be complete without a beach hopping trip. West Palm Beach has its own share of tranquil water with white sand beaches that are perfect for sunny adventures and water recreations.
If you are looking for lively beaches to absorb the vibrant atmosphere of West Palm Beach, Singer Island Municipal Beach and DelRay Beach’s picturesque coastline are the locals and tourists’ top choices. For some seclusion, Gulfstream Park and Ocean Cay Park’s serene beaches are recommended to be included in your free things to do in West Palm Beach with kids itinerary.
West Palm Beach is also home to stunning snorkeling spots such as the John D.MacArthur Beach and Coral Cove Park. Here, you can dive into colorful underwater worlds and spot stingrays, giant starfish, and many more.
4. Roam the swampy lands of Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park has always been one of the top places to visit in Florida thanks to its distinctive ecosystem that has become the home of a myriad of exotic wildlife such as the almost-extinct leatherback turtles, Florida panthers, West Indian manatees, and many more.
Tourists normally opt for the airboat tours here that will take them to explore the alligator-infested swamps and witness the ever-changing landscape of this national park. Alternatively, you can also book a helicopter tour of Everglades to see the park in less time. Either way, this is still one of the most exciting things to do in West Palm Beach with kids.
Air boat tour in Florida wetland swamp at Everglades National Park.
5. Meet underwater creatures at Manatee lagoon
Observe manatees basking in the warm-water of their natural habitat in Manatee Lagoon. Local authorities claimed that around 6,300 of these gentle creatures inhabit the ocean of Florida and some of them occasionally stop by this unique West Palm Beach attractions to greet the curious tourists.
The best season to see the Manatee is around the winter season. When the water has chilled, these adorable animals will come to the lagoon for the warmth of the nearby power plant. They often swim right up next to you and roll over in the water so you can pat them on the belly.
Manatee Lagoon provides useful and educational information so visitors can learn about Manatees as well as take part in protecting them. It’s one of the best free things to do in West Palm Beach with kids.
6. Join the crowds at City Place
If you are wondering what to do in West Palm Beach with kids after a long day of adventure and beach lazing, why not drop by City Place that offers something for everyone.
This stunning plaza is located in the bustling yet charming neighborhood of downtown West Palm Beach. With a collection of fancy restaurants, bars, entertainment facilities, and art and culture venues, this is the most happening district of West Palm Beach attractions for you to explore.
7. Embark on a day trip to Bahamas
Embarking on an adventurous and spontaneous Bahamas vacation while in West Palm Beach could probably be the best decision you made while in South Florida. You can easily book your Bahamas flight with Bahamas Air Tours and depart from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. The flights are available every day so it’s one of the best things for kids to do in Miami.
Your children will enjoy seeing Exuma pigs frolicking in the warm waters of Pig Island or plunging into an underwater cave system at Thunderball Grotto. The trip will take you to hidden gems in the Bahamas that remain unknown to most tourists.
One of the best parts is you will depart early in the morning and be back before dinner. This will allow you to explore more things to do in West Palm Beach with kids.
Where to Stay in West Palm Beach: Breaker Hotel
The Breakers Palm Beach will grab your attention with its Renaissance Revival style architecture and further impress you with its luxury amenities, exciting activities, top-notch services, and much more. It’s the perfect choice for families with kids of all ages since this hotel offers everything you ever wanted for the ideal family retreat.
Whether you’re with kids or not, Breakers Hotel is an admirable site of West Palm Beach.
Things to do in West Palm Beach with Kids
There are still many interesting things to do in West Palm Beach with kids. You’ll want to explore all of Florida during your family trip but we would recommend you not to miss out on the highly-rated Exuma day trip with Bahamas Air Tours.
The tour will take you to the Bahamas aboard a private aircraft. Everyone will get a window seat to observe the stunning Bahamas views from above. You can wave goodbye to seasickness, and also enjoy the prime attractions during its off-peak hours.
You’ll explore a lot of exciting attractions such as swimming with sharks at Compass Cay, exotic iguana hikes at Bitter Guana Cay, playing with Exuma Pigs at Big Major Cay, and many more.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact us for more information.
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