Family-Friendly Favorites: Best Places to Visit Around Palm Beach County

 

Captain Matt’s Kid-Approved Adventures by Land and Sea –

Whether you’re vacationing with little ones, teens, or just young-at-heart adventurers, Palm Beach County is a goldmine of fun, free, and family-friendly things to do. As the Captain and Operations Manager of Sandhill Charters, I’ve spent years exploring these waters and planning custom itineraries for guests of all ages. Our private, narrated boat tours give families a front-row seat to South Florida’s most beautiful coastal areas—but I also love helping guests plan their full vacation experience, on and off the water. Here’s my personal list of the top family attractions that are educational, fun, and perfect for making memories.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center – Juno Beach

Loggerhead Marinelife Center isn’t just a great place to see sea turtles — it’s a powerful, inspiring stop that helps families connect with marine life on a deeper level. Located just steps from the sand in Juno Beach, this nonprofit sea turtle hospital is a rare mix of education, conservation, and hands-on fun. Kids can peer into recovery tanks where rescued turtles are being cared for, each with a story that’s both heartbreaking and hopeful. Interactive exhibits explain how turtles navigate the oceans, what threats they face, and how your visit helps them heal and return to the wild.

Guests often walk away amazed at how much they learned — and how personally connected they feel to the animals. It’s a place where curiosity comes alive, especially for younger kids, and it sparks great conversations for the ride home. Oh, and it’s FREE to visit, which means you can come back more than once during your trip!

Captain’s Tip: Stop by in the morning and pair it with a beach walk—this stretch is one of the top nesting grounds for sea turtles during the summer.

Manatee Lagoon – Riviera Beach

Manatee Lagoon is one of those rare places where education meets magic. Situated near the warm outflows of the FPL power plant, this eco-discovery center offers one of the best free manatee-viewing opportunities in the entire state. During the cooler months, it’s not uncommon to see dozens of manatees slowly gliding beneath the surface, often with their calves in tow but still plenty to see and experience year round. Indoors, the exhibits are bright, interactive, and kid-friendly — making it a great place to cool down midday.

There’s something humbling about watching these massive, gentle animals up close as their slow, graceful movements and sweet faces tend to quiet the loudest toddlers and stop teenagers in their tracks. As a Captain, I often tell guests: if you want to experience the soul of Florida wildlife, come here — it’s peaceful, beautiful, and completely unforgettable.

Fun fact: We often spot manatees during our narrated boat tours along the Intracoastal Waterway—especially near the Lake Worth Lagoon.

3. Jupiter’s Coastal Beaches

Just north of West Palm Beach lies a trio of stunning beach parks that offer some of the clearest water and best snorkeling in the area:

• DuBois Park: A local favorite for families thanks to its sheltered lagoon, playgrounds, and built-in snorkeling area.
  Best Time to Visit? Two hours before and after peak high tide—this is when visibility is crystal-clear and marine life is most active.

• Coral Cove Park: With its natural limestone rock formations and frequent fish sightings, this is one of the best spots for beginner snorkelers.

• Blowing Rocks Preserve: Nature takes center stage here, where waves crash through ancient rock formations, sending water sky-high. Dramatic and totally kid-approved.

Phil Foster Park & the Snorkel Trail

Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach is one of Florida’s most surprising family-friendly gems. Located under the Blue Heron Bridge, this waterfront park is home to a shallow snorkel trail that attracts tropical fish, rays, starfish, and sometimes even seahorses — all just a few feet from shore. The best time to visit is during slack high tide, when the water is calm and crystal clear, offering some of the best visibility in the area.

It’s a perfect spot for first-time snorkelers and kids, since the reef is easily accessible without a boat, and the depth is manageable. On land, families can enjoy shaded picnic and beach areas, restrooms, a playground, and a clean sandy beach for swimming. It’s easy to spend the day here — part relaxing, part exploring, and all within view of passing boats and the vibrant boating scene.

Before you go, check tide updates or marine sightings from the Blue Heron Bridge Dive Club Facebook group. Whether you come to snorkel, fish, or just unwind with the family, Phil Foster Park is a laid-back, low-cost way to experience South Florida’s incredible marine life without ever leaving shore.

Peanut Island – Only Accessible by Water

There’s a reason Peanut Island shows up on every “must-do” list — it’s not just a beach day, it’s an adventure. The island is surrounded by bright turquoise water, teeming with marine life and perfect for snorkeling. Shady picnic areas, gentle beaches, and wide walking trails make it a great destination for groups of all ages. But what really sets Peanut Island apart is the feeling of escape — once you’re there, it feels like your own private island.

You can get there via the Peanut Island Shuttle, but if you really want the best experience, come with us aboard Sandhill Charters. We’ll time your visit with the tides, provide snorkeling gear if requested, and anchor in a spot that avoids the crowds. Families often tell me this was the highlight of their trip — the kind of experience that turns into a core memory.

Phipps Ocean Park – Palm Beach

Tucked away on Palm Beach Island, Phipps Ocean Park is a bit of a secret spot — and one I’m always happy to share with guests. This beachfront park is clean, quiet, and perfect for families looking to unwind. But what really draws people here is the shark tooth hunting. After a storm or strong tide, it’s not uncommon to find tiny fossilized teeth mixed in with shells, especially if you walk the shoreline at low tide.

The park also carries historic weight: it was donated by the Phipps family, descendants of Henry Phipps (business partner of Andrew Carnegie), and remains one of the most generous land gifts in Palm Beach County history. Today, it’s a peaceful place where kids dig in the sand while parents soak in the view. Simple, classic, and worth the visit.

Jungle Queen Riverboat – Fort Lauderdale

If you’re willing to take a scenic drive about an hour south, the Jungle Queen Riverboat in Fort Lauderdale offers a family-friendly dinner cruise with a dose of old Florida charm. This paddlewheel-style riverboat has been around since 1935, offering narrated tours through “Millionaire’s Row,” live entertainment, and a stop at a private island with a tropical all-you-can-eat barbecue dinner.

Kids love the music, the storytelling, and the feeling of riding a “pirate ship.” Adults enjoy the history, the sunset views, and the carefree atmosphere. It’s kitschy in the best possible way — and a unique way to wrap up your trip and an experience you won’t soon forget!

Lion Country Safari – Florida’s Wildest Drive-Thru Adventure

For a truly unforgettable family outing, Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee brings the African savannah to South Florida — no passport required. This drive-thru safari park is home to over 900 animals, including rhinos, zebras, giraffes, ostriches, wildebeest, and, of course, lions. Guests can experience it all from the comfort of their own vehicle, making it a unique, air-conditioned adventure that’s perfect for younger children or grandparents.

As you slowly drive through themed habitats, animals often come right up to your car — kids will love watching a curious giraffe or an antelope crossing just inches away. After the safari drive, families can park and explore Safari World, a walk-through adventure park featuring rides, splash pads, animal encounters, mini-golf, and a petting zoo. It’s an easy way to turn a half-day drive into a full day of family fun.

Parents often appreciate how safe, shaded, and well-organized the entire experience is — with plenty of picnic spots and amenities for all ages. And since you’re not on a tight schedule, it’s great for kids who like to move at their own pace.

If your family is looking for something wild, educational, and just plain fun, Lion Country Safari is one of the most exciting stops in all of Palm Beach County.

Bonus: More Local Gems for Families

• Rapids Water Park: Over 35 slides and water attractions, from toddler splash zones to giant thrill rides. Variable pricing with many promotions available

• Palm Beach Zoo: Walkable, shaded, and packed with fun animal encounters for younger kids with pricing under $40 per person

• Cox Science Center and Aquarium: Great for rainy days with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and small aquariums with tickets around $30

Come Explore the Water with Sandhill Charters

When you’re ready to explore the coastline, I’ll be here to welcome you aboard. At Sandhill Charters, we offer private, custom-tailored tours built around your pace and your priorities. From scenic sightseeing and snorkeling adventures to quiet sandbar stops and narrated cruises through historic Palm Beach, every charter is designed to give you a personal and unforgettable experience.

As the full-time Captain and Operations Manager, I’ve helped build this family business from the water up, and I take pride in making every trip feel like the highlight of your stay.

📍 Book your next adventure at: www.SandhillCharters.com
📞 Call/Text: 561-316-7528
🛥️ Explore Our Private Charters