As summer approaches, parents often find themselves scrambling to keep their kids entertained during South Florida’s hot, humid, and frequently rainy months. With the relentless heat, it can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, we’ve got some fantastic suggestions to help ensure your children of all ages have a blast while staying safe (and mostly cool) this summer—from Fort Lauderdale all the way up to Palm Beach!
Take a Trip to Space
Attention all adventure seekers and space enthusiasts! Get ready to embark on a one-of-a-kind immersive odyssey into the cosmos with Space Explorers: THE INFINITE. This highly-acclaimed experience at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach will transport you to new heights, virtually, as you explore a state-of-the-art 3D replica of the International Space Station, float alongside astronauts, and marvel at the breathtaking views of Earth that only a few have ever witnessed—all without leaving the ground. Thank you modern technology!
Based on the Primetime EMMY®-Award winning series Space Explorers: The ISS Experience, this groundbreaking adventure is the largest media project ever filmed in space. The journey begins June 4 and runs through Sept. 2, 2024. Tickets start at $35 and are available online. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 561/651-4438.
Splash Around
Splash pads are a parent’s best friend when your child is little. The risk of water-related injury is super low AND you get to cool off a bit as you’re chasing your kid around! In Florida, this is a BENEFIT during the summer too—trust me!
These are a few of our local favorites to take note of for the season:
- Sugar Sand Park Science Playground
- Patch Reef Park Pirates Cove Playground
- Sullivan Park Deerfield Beach
- Boca Raton Swim Center
- Catherine Strong Splash Park
Have a “Turtley” Awesome Time
If your children are into Florida’s sea creatures, Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) in Juno Beach is offering a range of FREE immersive and educational sea turtle experiences from May to August. With the active turtle nesting season in full swing, visitors can enjoy unique encounters with sea turtles only available at LMC.
Summer sea turtle adventures include the Hatchling Discovery Program, where guests can witness a live sea turtle nest excavation and release any healthy hatchlings found. The Guided Turtle Walk allows participants to observe loggerhead sea turtles’ nesting and egg-laying process. Evening Guided Tours offer an exclusive after-hours look at LMC’s current sea turtle patients and their nesting behavior. Lastly, the Hatchling Release program provides a rare opportunity to see hatchlings make their way to the ocean using night-vision technology. All activities are designed to educate and inspire, making it a perfect summer outing for families.
Registration is now open, giving guests of all ages the chance to participate in fun and interactive free programs that highlight sea turtle rehabilitation and ocean conservation.
P.S. We just heard that Loggerhead was nominated to USA Today’s 2024 10Best List for ‘Best Free Attraction’! Other nominees include some of the country’s most famous landmarks such as Central Park, the Golden Gate Bridge and The Alamo.
Be sure to vote through Monday, June 17 to help LMC become the No. 1 free attraction in the country! Voting is open to the public and entries can be submitted once a day. The 10 winning attractions will be announced on Wednesday, June 26 at noon.
Build a Masterpiece out of MAGNA-TILES®
Your at home MAGNA-TILES® collection can’t touch this… Step into a world of endless creativity at the first-ever MAGNA-TILES® Studio, now open at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This vibrant play space features over 10,000 colorful magnetic shapes designed to spark your kiddos’ imaginations! The MAGNA-TILES® Studio offers an immersive educational experience, enhancing early cognitive skills, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and even early literacy and math exploration—all through the fun of meaningful (air conditioned) play.
At MODS’ new MAGNA-TILES® Studio, kids can explore various creation stations like Magnetic Marvels, where they’ll learn about magnetic forces while creating art. Colorful Discoveries lets them dive into the vivid world of primary colors, while Engineering Excellence encourages budding engineers to build and explore physics principles. The 3D Build Extravaganza offers unlimited possibilities for constructing imaginative structures, and the “Garage” Shop inspires tactile creativity in everyday spaces. It’s a must-visit destination for little builders and their families!
Bonus points if you ride the Brightline down and take advantage of their summer “Adults at Kid Prices” promo…
Happy summer everyone!
