We made it! 2021 is officially here, temperatures are glorious and we can finally spend weekends outside in the fresh air without melting. I’m the first to admit that family events are extremely limited right now due to COVID-19, but I’ve found a few outdoor gems for families who are itching to get out of the house. Here are three unique ways to enjoy January locally with your Boca kids!
Visit the South Florida Mini Fair
Through January 31st, the South Florida Mini Fair is in full swing for families with younger children. This year will feature some of the Fair’s traditional favorites such as Dennis Lee, the Racing Pigs and the Sand Sculpture. The icing on the cake is most of the Fair’s traditional vendors will be there, not to mention the Fair food, as well as kiddie rides galore.
The decision to eliminate the major rides for this year was made so that the Fair can easily spread out its activities and allow attendees to socially distance. But there’s a bonus! Guests will be able to see what really makes the Fair each year– the farm animals, agricultural displays, and the 9-acre historic Yesteryear Village will be open for everyone to enjoy.
Safety measures will be enforced and include mandatory mask wearing by everyone, safety protocols for all vendors and a revamped site layout. There are also hand sanitizing stations throughout the fairgrounds. See you where? At the South Florida Mini Fair!
9067 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach.
Swing by a Cirque du Soleil Drive-In Movie Night
Come one, come all, because Legacy Place in Palm Beach Gardens is channeling the “greatest show on earth” at the end of the month! They’ll be hosting a drive-in movie night featuring the awe-inspiring Cirque du Soleil on the top level of their parking garage at dusk on Saturday, January 30th. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and cars must be in place by 5:30 p.m. The movie will start promptly at 6:00 p.m.
Plan to arrive early with your family and be “wowed” by an improvisational aerial performance by Andrea from 5:00- 5:45 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all families must stay in parked cars. The PG film features the stars of Cirque du Soleil, who artistically tell the story of a young woman entranced by an aerialist. When they fall into the dreamlike world of Cirque du Soleil and are separated, they travel through the different tent worlds trying to find each other.
Admission is $15 per car load (non-refundable) payable via online reservation. Upon arrival at the event, attendees will also receive a $10 gift card (one per vehicle) redeemable at a Legacy Place restaurant such as: Five Guys, The Great Greek, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Sal’s Italian Ristorante, Chili’s Bar and Grill, and Cool’a Fish Bar.
11290 Legacy Ave #200, Palm Beach Gardens; 561/776-0241
Weekend Walkabouts at Animal EDventure Park
If your child, age 2+, happens to be obsessed with animals, then this walking tour is for you! Head to Animal EDventure Park in west Boynton Beach for a guided tour of their private farm from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. during upcoming January weekends. Advanced reservations are required.
Your kids will safely meet, pet, feed and learn about the Park’s amazing animals, not to mention have sloth and kangaroo encounters. Tours encompass about 15-20 people, but each household will have a separate feeding area. Tours last approximately one hour and masks are mandatory while feeding and petting the animals.
Michelle Olson-Rogers is a mom of one and the founder of Modern Boca Mom, a lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida Mommy. She can also be found on Instagram at @modernbocamom.
