Why Palm Beach County is One of the Best Spring Break Destinations for Families
While Palm Beach might have made a name for itself as America’s first resort town, the surrounding cities and towns have grown over the years to make the county one of the best spring break destinations for families, offering a harmonious blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural enrichment without the crazy crowds of Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Here's why this slice of Florida should be at the top of your family's vacation list:
Perfect Spring Break Weather and Pristine Beaches
During spring, The Palm Beaches enjoy warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, creating an almost irresistible environment for a perfect week of beach days and outdoor activities.
The Palm Beaches boast over 47 miles of Atlantic coastline, and there are a ton of phenomenal, family-friendly beaches. Palm Beach is the most famous, but probably the most beloved-by-families beaches are in Jupiter and Juno. From the Juno Beach Pier to the Jupiter Dog Beach, to Carlin Park, DuBois Park, and Jupiter Beach Park, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better-taken-care-of stretch of coast in the country.
Throughout most of the Jupiter/Juno area, there is no beachfront development. All beach accesses are through small boardwalks or sandy paths through the green sea grape trees (that also provide some pretty cool clearings where natural shade can be found). This area is renowned for clear waters and mostly gentle surf, making the beaches ideal for children. These beaches have the most free parking out of anywhere in the county, and many stretches are far less crowded than the sands of neighboring Palm Beach, offering a more relaxed environment, making the Jupiter area an underrated pick for one of the best spring break destinations for families in the country. ​
Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities
- Snorkeling: The Phil Foster Park snorkeling trail has been called one of the best places to snorkel in all of Florida! Nearby Peanut Island also has an area that makes for outstanding snorkeling, and making a day trip to peanut island is a very uniquely Palm Beach County experience that you just won’t find in most parts of the state. (Also, if your family is a SCUBA family, then this is actually a very popular dive spot as well since there are nice deep spots at high tide.)
- Surfing: If the waves and conditions are right, the shores of Lake Worth, Palm Beach, and Jupiter/Juno provide a great place to learn to surf. Look into a lesson or rental from a local surf shop!
- Paddleboarding/Kayaking: Almost anywhere in the Intracoastal or Loxahatchee River makes for a great paddle. There are many companies with experienced local tour guides that will help you appreciate everything you’re seeing.
- Fishing: whether it be from the canals, beaches, or piers, to the Loxahatchee River, in the Intracoastal, or offshore, Palm Beach County is a great place to take your kids fishing or to book a family charter.
- Mini Golf: Another reason why Jupiter makes for the best spring break destination for families is it has not one but two mini golf courses that are perfect for families of all ages. Both are right near great restaurants, play areas for kids, and ice cream shops!
- Also, if your kids are a little older and want to try some real golf, many courses have practice areas with hourly/daily clinics/lessons, and in Lake Worth, there’s the John Prince Golf Learning Center complete with more than 16,000 square feet of practice putting and chipping greens as well as three regulation practice holes.
- Parks: Palm Beach County has one of the best public park systems. No matter which city or town you’re in, there are places for the kids to enjoy. From playgrounds to sports courts and fields, there’s no shortage of free ways for kids to expel some energy.
- For a little extra adventure, there is Rapids Water Park, Shark Wake Park, and the Adrenaline Entertainment Center.
- Spring Training Baseball: The Palm Beaches have two stadiums to catch a game: Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter (Spring home of the Marlins and Cardinals and CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm (Spring home to the Astros and Nationals).
Engaging Wildlife Encounters
If you want to spend every second of every day of your vacation at the beach or on the water, we wouldn’t blame you. But if you’re looking to sprinkle in some fun outings, there are some wildlife centers that help make Palm Beach County one of the best spring break destinations for families.​
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach: Dedicated to the conservation of ocean ecosystems, this center offers insights into sea turtle rehabilitation and marine life education. ​
- Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter: This sanctuary provides a haven for native Floridian animals, allowing visitors to learn about local species in their natural habitats. ​
- Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee: Florida's largest drive-through safari park offers families the chance to observe a variety of animals up close from the comfort of their vehicles.
- Manatee Lagoon in Riviera Beach: If the temperatures dip down a little during your Spring Break, that actually makes for the best chance to see manatees! They congregate to the slightly warmer waters of Manatee Lagoon and can frequently be seen from the observation decks. Inside the building, you’ll find a little exhibit all about these fascinating Floridians.
- Cox Science Center and Aquarium: Located in West Palm Beach, this center features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an aquarium, making science both fun and educational.
- Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society: A 23-acre zoo in West Palm Beach dedicated to wildlife conservation and education, it houses over 500 animals, including rare and endangered species, in lush, tropical habitats. The zoo offers interactive experiences like animal encounters, a play fountain for kids, and conservation programs that support global wildlife initiatives.
- The River Center in Jupiter: The River Center is an environmental education facility that showcases the Loxahatchee River’s diverse ecosystems through interactive exhibits and live aquatic tanks. It offers hands-on learning experiences, guided nature walks, and educational programs focused on local wildlife, water conservation, and marine habitats.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
The Palm Beaches cater to families with a range of accommodation options:​
- Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa: not only is it right on one of the best beaches in Florida, but there is so much else to do within walking distance or a short drive!
- The Breakers Palm Beach: This historic resort offers family-centric amenities, including kids' camps, family entertainment centers, and tailored programs to ensure an enjoyable stay for all ages. ​
- Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa: Located on a tranquil island, this resort provides spacious suites, a kids club, and direct beach access, making it a convenient choice for families.
- PGA National Resort & Spa: If some of the adults in your party want to get in a round (or multiple rounds) of golf at some of the best courses in the state, then this is a win-win for you and the kids. The pool area at the resort is excellent, and if you need a safe place for the smaller kids in your family to hang out under supervision while the adults go to dinner down the hall, then the Banyan Buddies program is for you!
Planning Your Trip?
The Palm Beaches offer a diverse array of activities and experiences that truly make this area one of the absolute best spring break destinations for families. From beautiful beaches and wildlife encounters to cultural sites and outstanding parks, there's something for every member of your family to enjoy.
Considering making this family-friendly part of Florida home? Check out the currently available homes for sale.​
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