Happy summer, Boca parents! Whether you’re hosting out-of-town guests or your kids are simply craving a break from the summer camp grind, there’s no shortage of unique and exciting things to do in our South Florida backyard this season. I’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly activities, organized from north to south, that are just a quick car ride or Brightline stop away. Get ready for easy, affordable, local adventures that the whole family will adore!
West Palm Beach: Free Admission for Kids at Mounts Botanical Garden and Palm Beach Zoo
If it’s for free, it’s for me! Both Mounts Botanical Garden and Palm Beach Zoo are helping parents save some pennies by offering complimentary admission for kids with the purchase of an adult ticket this summer. Mounts’ discount is valid for children under 17 (through the end of July) and the Zoo’s is available for kids under 12 (through Aug. 10).
At Mounts, families are invited to explore their 20-acre “living museum,” where nature meets imagination across tropical landscapes and themed gardens. Kids can enjoy an interactive Treasure Trek scavenger hunt, get lost in the Giant Green Maze, feed koi fish in Lake Orth, and spot butterflies in the beautiful Butterfly Garden—all while learning about the natural world in a hands-on, engaging way.
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mounts Botanical Garden is the perfect destination for families looking to unplug, connect with nature, and make meaningful summer memories together outdoors.
531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach
At Palm Beach Zoo, families can take advantage of its 23 acres of shade packed with exotic wildlife and hands-on experiences this season. New this year is the reimagined Fountain Plaza Splash Pad, offering everyone (and especially kids!) a fun and refreshing way to cool off. Families can also enjoy interactive feedings in the Zoo’s Lorikeet Loft, rides on the Wildlife Carousel, educational encounters with zookeepers, and sweet, refreshing treats like Dippin’ Dots and ice cream.
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Palm Beach Zoo aims to offer families more than just a fun day out. Each visit supports its ongoing mission to inspire respect for nature and foster a lifelong love of wildlife and conservation.
1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach
Boca Raton: Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark
There’s nothing like entering a dark, chilly movie theater during the summer months…can you smell the popcorn? This summer, families can enjoy kid-friendly flicks on the big screen for just $1.75 per ticket—yes, you read that right! Cinemark Boca Raton’s Summer Movie Clubhouse is back and is a great midweek escape for you and your little movie buffs.
Bonus? Get $1 off kids’ snack packs and any size popcorn & drink combos during Summer Movie Clubhouse show times. Movies play on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. through Aug. 7. You can purchase tickets in advance online.
3200 Airport Road, Boca Raton
Fort Lauderdale: Roar and Explore at the Museum of Discovery & Science
The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is turning up the summer heat (figuratively, of course) with extended hours and super-sized, air conditioned adventures for everyone in your family! From June 13 through Aug. 8, MODS will stay open until 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (excluding June 28).
The Museum’s main attraction this summer is Expedition: Dinosaur—Rise of the Mammals, a life-size animatronic exhibit that explores the big extinction event that ended the age of dinosaurs and led to the rise of mammals. The experience also includes interactive paleontology activities and dinosaur-themed IMAX® films like “T. Rex,” “Dinosaurs of Antarctica,” and “Dino Dana: The Movie.” New this summer is the debut of a first-of-its-kind HoloTheater, which uses holographic dinosaur projection and immersive audio to bring prehistoric times to life.
Families can also mark their calendars for Roar and Explore Weekends, featuring hands-on science fun like fossil digs, shark tooth necklace-making, dinosaur egg hatching, and live animal encounters. Admission includes all exhibit experiences and one IMAX® film with special pricing offered to tri-county residents (must have a valid ID).
401 S.W. 2nd St., Fort Lauderdale | Brightline: Fort Lauderdale station
Aventura: Screen-Free Adventures at Aventura Mall
If you’re looking for cool ways to beat the heat with kids, Aventura Mall has families covered with a special lineup of fun, imaginative, and screen-free experiences perfect for little ones.
From interactive Rainbow Valley Story Times every Thursday at 10 a.m. and bilingual book discoveries at Quade Books, to classic and collectible toys at Peppermint Park, there’s something for every interest this summer.
Kids are encouraged to unplug at No-Tech Kids, a hands-on play zone filled with puzzles, games, and art supplies, or explore the mall’s ARTS Aventura Mall Collection on a visual scavenger hunt. After playtime, why not grab a bite at Treats Food Hall or one of the mall’s many family-friendly restaurants? It’s definitely worth the day trip as Aventura Mall is an easy, one-stop destination for summer fun!
19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura | Brightline: Aventura station
Miami: Bug Out at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is “bugging out” in the best way this summer with its massive new outdoor exhibition, Bugging Out: A Bugs World but BIGGER! Running through Sept. 28, guests can explore towering robotic insect sculptures and even wander through a brand-new butterfly pavilion filled with exotic species like the Blue Morpho. Led by entomologist Martin, daily hands-on bug demos will showcase curious creatures such as the Orchid Mantis and Madagascar Cockroaches.
Their summer lineup includes something for everyone—I’m particularly intrigued by their nighttime Wander & Glow walks featuring glowing sculptures and garden lights. Parents (well ok, all grownups) are also invited to enjoy Bug Bites & Brews, a 21+ garden party with insect-inspired cuisine and craft beer. The event name is so clever!
Admission is required for all guests. Tickets start at $11.95 for children and $24.95 for adults.
10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables
Michelle Olson-Rogers is a mom of one and the founder of Modern Boca Mom, an award-winning lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida parent. She can also be found on Instagram at @modernbocamom.
