Palm Beach, Florida is in Palm Beach County, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Parents living in or planning a visit to the area can find a variety of activities for kids in the city and the neighboring community of West Palm Beach. Among these things to do are both outdoor and indoor activities, providing options for all types of weather.
The Palm Beach County Library System operates 17 branches in the Palm Beach area. The Main Library branch is on Summit Boulevard in West Palm Beach, approximately six miles from Palm Beach. The library system began in 1967 and has more than 1.7 million items in its collections.
The branches of the Palm Beach County Library System offer a variety of programs for kids. Toddlers and preschoolers can attend special story times to hear a story read aloud and participate in sing-a-longs and other activities related to these stories. Many of these story times feature creative themes like international stories. Others incorporate a specific type of play, such as a special boys' story time that culminates in building with blocks. Bilingual story times are held at select locations as well. Some branches have movement and music classes for toddlers or for toddlers and their caregivers. Older children and teens can participate in chess clubs and game days.
The schedule for the children's programs at the Palm Beach County Library System varies from location to location. The library publishes a calendar online and in print form. The children's programs are free to attend for anyone; a library card or membership is not required. Some classes require advanced registration.
The Palm Beach Zoo is on Summit Boulevard at Dreher Park in West Palm Beach, about five miles from Palm Beach. The zoo covers 23 acres of land and serves as home to more than 1,400 animals from 100 different species.
Kids can take a ride on the Palm Beach Zoo carousel or splash in the zoo's interactive fountain during nice weather. In the children's zoo, they can pet domesticated farm animals like sheep and llamas. A special wild animal exhibit is the Malayan tigers; the museum owns a pair of these wild cats, which are rarely featured in zoos in the United States, according to Frommers.
The Palm Beach Zoo is open seven days per week, year round, closing only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The zoo requires at least two hours to fully tour. Children and senior citizens enjoy discounted admission rates. Double and single strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent. The zoo has free, on-site parking.
Rapids Water Park is on North Military Trail in West Palm Beach, less than 10 miles from Palm Beach. The park covers around 25 acres of land, making it the largest water park South of the city of Orlando.
Rapids Water Park has more than 15 water slides with different runs suitable for children of different ages. The park also has a wading pool; a kids-only water slide; a play zone with water cannons, floating animals and a shipwreck climbing apparatus; and a miniature golf course.
Rapids Water Park is open daily from mid-March to September. The attraction offers reduced prices on weekdays. Lockers are available for rent. The water park has an on-site pay parking facility for visitors.
