Spring break is around the corner, and if you are anything like I am, you’re scrambling to figure out what to do with the kids! Luckily there are so many places to go and experiences here in South Florida. These things are great to do for Florida residents as well as Spring Break visitors from other states!
PALM BEACH ZOO
If I told you that I went to the zoo EVERY weekend for years on end, I would not be exaggerating. We could never get bored of that place! The zoo is so beautifully designed (and nicely shaded for the most part) and well-appointed. My boys, to this day, love the carousel and water feature. We walk the zoo, maybe hit a show or two, grab a bite at the restaurant on site and then the boys have at it at the water feature. R and I find a bench to park ourselves, and watch the boys have a blast. Find out more about the zoo at palmbeachzoo.org
LION COUNTRY SAFARI
Lion Country Safari is such a cool concept. The first portion is a drive-thru safari. Yes, you drive along a road, passing wild animals such as rhinoceros, emus, deer, lions, and more. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait as a rhino crosses the road (and they aren’t that fast…) or an emu comes right up to your car window.
Once you drive through the safari (approximately 45 minutes long), you park and more fun awaits! Play putt-putt, go on carnival rides, feed a giraffe, play in the water park area…there are so many things to do! Find out all the details at lioncountrysafari.com.
BEACH DAY
Florida is synonymous with the beach. Grab some chairs, towels, and an umbrella and head east! Make sure to pack water and sunblock and be prepared to relax OR play in the waves with your little ones. We love the Juno Dog Beach, believe it or not, because we can bring Sadie along with us! (FYI – there are no lifeguards there.) Here’s a great guide to the beaches in South Florida.
SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER & AQUARIUM
Located right next to the Palm Beach Zoo is the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium. If you’re looking to get out of the sun for a bit, this is the place to be! Check out the latest exhibit, learn about the aquatic life of South Florida, and catch a show at the planetarium. Oh, and don’t forget to play putt-putt at their GORGEOUS mini golf course in the back. It is a legit mini golf course – my absolute favorite. Learn more about what’s exhibiting and more here.
MIAMI CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
We have yet to go to the Miami Children’s Museum but it is on our list of things to do this coming Spring Break! We are super excited to check out the newest exhibit, The Lion Guard! I am a huge Lion King fan, so it’s going to be AWESOME. Learn all about the museum’s other exhibits, times, etc. here!
MOUNTS BOTANICAL GARDENS
The amazing programs that are offered for kids alone make me a HUGE fan of the Botanical Gardens. I’m looking forward to checking out the new marine-inspired sculptures! Check out the full scope of exhibits and things to do at the Gardens!
A DAY AT THE PARK
I didn’t realize how many parks are in Palm Beach County alone! There’s bound to be at least one gorgeous day during Spring Break to visit one (or a few) of these! One of our favorites is Okeeheelee Park, located on Forest Hill Blvd. just east of the Turnpike overpass.
Aside from the multiple playgrounds that will keep your little ones active for hours, they offer kayaking, paddle boats, fishing, bike trails, dog park, and so much more.
There are also many fun water parks nearby such as Calypso Bay and Rapids to name a couple!
RED REEF PARK
If you like snorkeling or fishing, this is the oceanfront park for you. Red Reef is also home to Gumbo Limbo Nature Center – a fun place for kids of all ages to learn about the nature that surrounds them in South Florida. For more information, go to mybocaparks.org.
SPRING BREAK IN SOUTH FLORIDA
I hope this list was helpful in creating your staycation Spring Break plans! Where are you headed for Spring Break?
Joan Cajic says
Love going on safaris, never been to Florida but hopefully one day I will get to visit.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
Sounds like south Florida is a great place to visit for spring break. I know that there is a lot to do here in north west Florida as well, however since we are a tourist destination we always visit elsewhere.
Amber says
I would like to do all of these! Especially relax on a beach. I wish we could go somewhere for Spring Break, but alas, we’re staying put this year.
Brittany says
Wow! What a great list! Sounds like we need to make a trip to Florida soon! We were there in August for Disney World….but looks like there is SO MUCH MORE to Florida! Awesome.
vian says
Wow the place is awesome the pool isn’t crowded plus the Zoo! Thumbs up. Kids will definitely enjoy swimming!
Anreeba says
What a great list and amazing place. I too wanna visit Florida.
Dana says
Thank you, Anreeba!
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
This is so cool! I love the Zoo! This sounds like an amazing list of things to do over spring break! Have tons of fun.
Dana says
Thanks, Nancy!
Ashley | Honey & Pine says
I used to live in South Florida and a beach day happened almost every weekend but it was a definite must-do during spring break! We usually ended up on Siesta Key in Sarasota.
Dana says
I have been dying to go to Siesta Key!
Hannah Marie says
These are wonderful ideas! The science center and aquarium adventure sounds perfect for me!
Holly Hood says
I love Florida, especially South Florida. Each attraction that you referenced sounds like to the place to visit. There is so much to do in Florida.
Jenifer says
So beautiful. Would love to visit! Lovely pictures too!
Dee at My Dee Dees Diary says
I have never been to South Florida before. These are all wonderful ideas for when I do
Dana says
You’ll love any of them, Dee!
What Corinne Did says
too bad i live so far away from south florida because i would love a day at the beach! it’s so cold in the UK! All wonderful ideas! i love zoo too!
Dana says
I would love to visit the UK one day! Any recommendations for families?
Hey Sharonoox says
We had a great Spring break last week. But this sounds like a fun idea for kids and parents to do. I’m going to bookmark this maybe for our summer plan. I’ve always wanted to visit Florida someday.
Dana says
I’m glad to hear you had a great Spring Break! If you are ever in my neck of the woods in FL, I’d love to meet up with you 🙂
Kiwi says
S.Florida is lucky they have so many options for kids for spring break. I am sure my Atlanta parenting friends will be roadtripping there and visiting so great options.
Lisa says
Love all your ideas! Staycations are the best especially when you ar in a city that offers so much!
Drew Brown says
When I’m in Florida I love going to Rapids Water Park, which is not too far away from the Fort Lauderdale and Miami area. I’ve heard some good things about Lion Country Safari, might be my next stop with the family. Thank you for the great ideas.
Dana says
Rapids is a must-go place, especially if you have kids! Definitely, check out Lion Country Safari. It has a lot to offer between the safari, rides, water park, and shows!
Augustus says
South Florida is an awesome place to be during the spring break. Had so much fun the last time we had a road trip there during the spring break couple of years ago.
Thanks for sharing this.
Dana says
So glad you had fun here, Augustus!
Dean Cloud says
You had so much fun at Lion Country Safari, I can see that in your video. Would love to go with my children at Palm Beach Zoo because they love to go to the zoo as well as Museum. Continue sharing the good article!
Dana says
Thanks Dean!