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NINETEEN MINI-STAYCATION IDEAS
- More than just a day at the beach!
Throw on your flip-flops and visit kid-friendly DuBois and Jupiter Beach Parks in Jupiter. Unwind on the sandy beach or cast out a line from the fishing jetty and watch the boats come and go through the Jupiter Inlet. Grab a picnic table and fire up the grill for a barbecue lunch. Snorkel and swim in the lazy lagoon that meanders through this beautiful, tropical setting. The kids can romp in the playground nearby. When you’ve had enough sun, take in a bit of local history with a tour of the DuBois Pioneer Home [External Link].
Beach conditions (North County): (561) 624-0065
DuBois Pioneer Home (not operated by PBC Parks & Recreation): (561) 747-6639
- No need to travel the world to find paradise!
You’ll feel like you’re miles from home at unique, tropical Peanut Island. Grab a spot at one of the many picnic tables for a cookout, then prepare to let go and relax. Visit nearby Palm Beach Maritime Museum and the historic John F. Kennedy Bunker afterwards or snorkel the waters surrounding this special island park and observe the abundant sea life underwater. Not ready to leave? Stay the night at the campground nestled under the palm trees. (Please note: There are no food concessions on the island.)
Peanut Island Campground: (561) 845-4445
Palm Beach Maritime Museum & historic John F. Kennedy Bunker
(not operated by PBC Parks & Recreation - fees may apply): (561) 832-7428
- A real people Getaway! (but the fish won’t)
Watch the sunrise from 990-foot-long Juno Beach Park Fishing Pier as a spectator or a fisherman! Relax under one of two shaded structures as you look out on the Atlantic Ocean. Bring your fishing pole and reel in some fun! Afterwards, make your way to nearby Loggerhead Park and learn more about local sea turtles at Loggerhead Marinelife Center [External Link]. Check out the interactive exhibits at the new Loxahatchee River Environmental Center [External Link] in Burt Reynolds Park
Fishing Pier (nominal fishing and spectator fees apply): (561) 799-0185
Loggerhead Marinelife Center [External Link](not operated by PBC Parks & Recreation): (561) 627-8280
Loxahatchee River Environmental Center [External Link] (not operated by PBC Parks & Recreation): (561) 743-7123
- Give your dog a reason to wag his tail! A playground and picnic make it a triple play!
Let your dog run and play to his heart’s content in fenced-in areas designed especially for off-leash recreation at Canine Cove Dog Park in South County Regional Park west of Boca Raton. Barrier-free fun is nearby for children ages 2–12 in the new, fully accessible playground. Pack your picnic basket and complete the family outing at one of the many picnic tables nearby.
- Cultivate a peaceful spirit at the Morikami
Soak up Japanese culture at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens [External Link] west of Delray Beach. Stroll through a pine forest or bamboo grove, view the rock formations, plant arrangements, and cascading waterfalls. Pause to ponder the quiet surface of the lake and shoreline. Escape your hectic world and gently nurture a more harmonious, universal rhythm at the Japanese gardens. Stay for lunch and enjoy scrumptious Japanese cuisine with an awesome view of the gardens. Museum and garden entry fees apply.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens [External Link]: (561) 495-0233
- Daggerwing– where heaven and nature sing!
Begin your relaxing journey at Daggerwing Nature Center along the boardwalk trails through a swamp in the beautiful confines of South County Regional Park west of Boca Raton. Climb the observation tower to get a bird’s eye view of the abundant plant and animal life. Don’t miss our namesake, the Ruddy Daggerwing butterfly, as it flutters through the trees! Then cool off inside the NEW exhibit hall (FREE admission) with live animals and interactive state-of-the-art exhibits, classroom facilities, laboratory, lobby, and reading area.
Daggerwing Nature Center: (561) 629-8760
- Change the nature of your busy world at Green Cay!
Slow down and enjoy a fantastic journey on a 1.5-mile elevated boardwalk overlooking 100 acres of reclaimed wetland at Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands (FREE admission). The boardwalk features benches, shade structures, and interpretive signs about the habitat. Step inside the Nature Center’s extensive exhibit room that highlights wetland flora and fauna.
Green Cay Nature Center: (561) 966-7000
- Get lost in the Woods…
Explore the 90-acre wooded sanctuary at Okeeheelee Park in suburban West Palm Beach. A 2.5-mile trail meanders through the pine flatwoods and wetlands surrounding Okeeheelee Nature Center. Walk slowly—take your time. You’ll have the opportunity to quietly observe Gopher Tortoises, Wood Ducks, and more along the way. Return to the Nature Center (FREE admission) afterwards and enjoy hands-on exhibits and more unique animal encounters. Touch a live snake or prowl for owls during one of the many seasonal programs offered throughout the year.
Okeeheelee Nature Center: (561) 233-1400
- Take a hike! (...or a bike ride...or a boat ride)
Five miles of waterways and fifteen miles of access roads and trails have been carved into over 680 acres of diverse marsh and subtropical terrain making Riverbend Park in Jupiter a splendid resource for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, canoeing, and kayaking. Canoe and kayak rental concession is available. Pack your binoculars and camera! This park is home to many bird species, including Wild Turkey, Sandhill Crane, and Wood Ducks.
Canoe Outfitters of Florida [External Link] (not operated by PBC Parks & Recreation): (561) 746-7053
- The best of all worlds– all in one place
Bring your bicycle or skates and explore Okeeheelee Park on eight miles of paved trails. Don’t have a bike? Rent one there, or rent a canoe, kayak, or pedal boat and explore the scenic system of lakes. Pack a fishing pole and picnic basket and plan on spending the whole day at this beautiful regional park in suburban West Palm Beach. And you don’t need to leave your dog at home! Bring him along to enjoy unleashed fun in the fenced-in areas of Pooch Pines Dog Park. There’s something for everyone here. Check out the upcoming events at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center and enjoy a show as a spectator or bring your horse and ride the trails (rider permit fees apply).
Okeeheelee Park Rentals (not operated by PBC Parks & Recreation): (561) 304-1344
Jim Brandon Equestrian Center: (561) 966-7090
- Add a splash of fun to your life!
Re-discover John Prince Park in Lake Worth on five miles of paved trail. Bring your favorite watercraft and explore beautiful Lake Osborne. Children of all abilities will enjoy the BoundlessTM playground and the NEW splashpark (opening Fall 2008)! Have lunch at one of the numerous shaded, picturesque picnic tables and play a few rounds of golf or perfect your swing at the John Prince Golf Learning Center. You could even sign up for a lesson!
John Prince Golf Learning Center: (561) 966-6666
- Discover some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!
Your worries will vanish with the sound of the waves and the ocean breeze on your face at Ocean Ridge Hammock Park in Ocean Ridge. More FREE parking, too. After a short stroll through a maritime hammock you’ll be able to enjoy this secluded (unguarded) beach. Looking for a little more action? Want your kids to play under the watchful eyes of lifeguards? Visit nearby Gulfstream Park in Gulfstream. FREE parking. Tip: Bring your snorkels—there’s a lot going on underwater here, too!
Beach conditions (South County): (561) 276-3990
- Lake Lytal’s water playground—it’s a really COOL place!
Grab your swimsuit and sun protection and head over to the Family Aquatic Center in Lake Lytal Park in West Palm Beach. The kids will love the interactive water playground, as well as the two-story water slide with three flumes! (Big and little kids, that is.) The 50-meter swimming pool and children’s wading pool accommodates swimmers of all levels—all under the watchful eyes of our professional lifeguards. Afterwards, dry off and take in a game of tennis or handball next door.
Family Aquatic Center (admission fees apply): (561) 233-1426
- For the complete family outing, head to Lake Ida West Park west of Delray Beach. Throw a line into Lake Ida and enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery from the fishing pier. Picnic facilities are nearby, as well as a playground for the kids. And don’t forget to bring your dog! You can let him run and play in the fenced-in areas designed especially for off-leash recreation at Lake Ida Dog Park where admission is always FREE!
- Enjoy a relaxing stay on an affordable RV/tent site in John Prince Park Campground in Lake Worth. The wildlife is bountiful. Nature-lovers, in particular, will enjoy bird watching, as well as many other animal sightings. Lots of other leisure opportunities will add variety to your mini-staycation here in this gorgeous, 726-acre park. A lakeside path that stretches for miles is perfect for a scenic bike ride or morning jog. There’s a three-hole golf course and driving range; tennis and basketball courts; fishing—there’s even an exercise trail! The kids will love the colorful 4½-acre playground—including a new splashpark! At the end of the day, be sure to make time for a quiet dinner for two or a group barbecue.
- Grab your board or put on your skates and take a wild ride on the lighted 15,000-square-foot West Boynton Skate Park. Admission is FREE—but don’t forget your helmet. There are modular street and plaza style skating elements, including multiple stairs, benches, skateable tables and highway barriers, transitions, rails, and edges! (Please note: kids under the age of 17 need a permit signed by a parent. Permits and sticker are available at the West Boynton Recreation Center next to the skate park.)
- Don’t let age or ability hold you back! Contact one of our therapeutic recreation staff at the Club Managers of America Therapeutic Recreation Complex in John Prince Park west of Lake Worth. These specialists can get you involved in rehabilitation and fitness programs, advise you about adaptive recreation equipment—there’s even affordable rental equipment available. Prefer the arts? Sign up for a pottery class and take advantage of our state-of-the-art, adapted pottery studio!
- Unwind at South Bay RV Campground in South Bay. Relax and enjoy a quiet, peaceful hike or a bicycle ride along the nearby Lake Okeechobee Scenic and Bird Watching Trail. Access to Lake Okeechobee is quick and easy. Launch your boat from the ramp next to the campground. When the sun begins to set, fire up the grill and enjoy a barbecue dinner or gather around one of the many ground fire rings in this friendly, family-oriented campground. Cool off as you meet your neighbors in the air-conditioned recreation room or hit the sack in your RV or tent for an early start in the morning.
- Grab your sandals and take in the Florida sun on 3,000 feet of beautiful beachfront at Carlin Park in Jupiter. Always FREE—no charge to park! (Don’t forget your sun block!) Take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch or cool off over lunch at the Lazy Loggerhead Cafe. Serve up a game of tennis on another day!
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