The Palm Beaches: Outdoor Adventures for the Whole Family

Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee is the first drive-through safari in the United States. Explore the park’s trails on foot or by car, and get close to more than 900 wild animals. For an even more incredible experience, sign up for the VIP tour. A personal tour guide will take you into restricted areas, where you can feed giraffes, pet rhinos and giant tortoises and get even closer – safely, of course – to lions, buffaloes, zebras and other animals.

The Palm Beach Zoo features more than 1,400 animals with multiple animal shows and encounters held throughout the day. You’ll see graceful flamingos, big cats and odd animals, including the bush dog, a rare albino alligator and the quirky Patagonian cavy large rodent. For an extra fee, hang out with gigantic tortoises, feed black bears, pet a two-toed sloth and take photos with a capybara. To cool off, children can splash around in a popular interactive fountain.

Next to the zoo is the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, another fun place to explore with the family. The attractions offer a “Dual Discovery Pass,” which provides a day’s access to both sites. The Science Center is perfect for busy children; lots of interactive activities will keep little hands busy. They can experience a hurricane simulator, explore a real “Tiger Shark” submarine and puzzle over brain teasers. At the aquarium, check out a tank called Shipwreck Cove, which is full of impressive sea predators such as barracudas and a giant eel. At the planetarium, multiple shows throughout the afternoon cover different topics for children of all ages.

At John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, see the best-preserved native environment in the area, so much so that you’ll forget you’re close to downtown. The park deserves to be explored on foot with a pleasant hike along trails lined with several rare and endangered species of plants. At one of several picnic tables, rest and eat a picnic lunch. Rent a canoe or kayak for touring the Intracoastal Waterway and exploring the estuary, looking for manatees, dolphins, great blue herons and ospreys. Relax on the pristine beach, which is an important nesting area for sea turtles.

Near John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is the Sailfish Marina and Resort and its fleet of top-flight fishing boats. Adventurous visitors can experience the excitement of sport fishing. Those who choose to stay on land will be treated to amazing views from the marina and fresh local seafood. If you decide to extend your visit, the marina’s comfortable lodgings will make you feel like you’re on a tropical island.

A fun option for seeing The Palm Beaches is a ride in the DivaDuck amphibious bus. After you and your family ride through the streets and see the area’s attractions, the bus becomes a boat and takes you on a tour of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Looking for a more serene outing? Head out on the water aboard a charter catamaran. Sail through shimmering turquoise waters along Singer Island and past the many impressive villas lining Lake Worth Lagoon.

At the other end of the spectrum is a thrilling airboat ride through the fascinating ecosystem of the Everglades. Soar effortlessly over the watery landscape covered by sea grass, stopping to listen to bullfrogs and see sunbathing alligators up close.