If you’re over April showers, and not having May’s finicky weather, why not head south for a family weekend? Palm Beach offers the perfect combination of glamorous destination and fun beachside escape. The town has a rich history, incredible architecture, amazing shopping and a delightful foodie scene, adding just a little bit more oomph to your average beach vacation. If you choose to stay 15 minutes out of town at one of the area’s grand ocean resorts, you’ll hit that coveted sweet spot of a sophisticated yet fun vacation that the kids and adults can enjoy. Another bonus is that direct flights to West Palm Beach airport are often inexpensive and easy to score. Ready to go? Here are the best options to stay, eat, and do with little ones in tow.
Stay
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
This 7-acre beachfront resort boasts one of the happiest room designs we’ve ever seen in a resort hotel and the cheery vibe makes it perfect for families. Design guru Jonathan Adler decked out each of the rooms with his signature furniture, wallpaper, lighting and fabrics in a vibrant blue and yellow palette featuring bold patterns and playful art and accessories. The suites work well for families. The one-bedroom suites feature two bathrooms (one with a giant soaking tub), plus room for a queen-sofa pullout and a cot in the living space. If you can spring for an ocean-front room do, the expansive views and sound of the waves are awesome.
The hotel offers so many lures that you may find yourself wanting to stay put most of the day. Although there is access to a pretty if narrow beach, the pool scene is the heart of the action here. You will have access to poolside cushions set up perfectly under palm trees, loungers and umbrellas, and a pool menu or casual ocean-front dining steps away. AquaNuts is the hotel’s lively kids club for ages 5 through 12. Families with older kids will appreciate the teen programs for ages 13 to 17, including learning how to DJ and use filmmaking software. You have the option to have your child drop in for everything from art, to dress-up, acting, dancing, and games for as little as an hour or as long as a full day, plus some evenings. In the summer, AquaNuts offers a weekly kids camp. While your kids are busy, check out the adults-only pool, or the 42,000 square foot Eau Spa where when you can lounge in the spa garden’s hanging chairs, escape to a private garden villa, or hop into one of the dipping pools. The food at the resort it worth noting as it is a highlight. In particular Temple Orange with its ample breakfast buffet and fabulous Mediterranean-inspired menu. They can even whip up healthy kids options with fish and veggies that everyone will appreciate.
Do
South Florida Science Center
This sparkling science mecca will delight and inspire little ones. Highlights include the permanent Brain Exhibit and the Aquariums of the Atlantic focusing on the diverse ecosystems that Florida boasts including the Everglades, ocean and coral reefs and native fish like Seahorses and Moray Eels. Mini golf fans will love the 18-hole miniature golf course designed by Jim Fazio and Gary Nicklaus.
Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
This charming zoo features over 500 different animals including jaguars, otters, lemurs and howler monkeys. Animal Experiences let you get up close and selfie-ready with a choice of sloths, capybaras, Aldabra tortoises and koalas.
Lake Worth Trail
Don’t miss this stunning five mile path with Lake Worth on one side and PB’s candy-colored mansions on the other. Designed by Palm Beach founder Henry Flagler, it is a perfect place to bike, run or go for a walk with scooters and strollers in tow.
Eat
Pizza Al Fresco
Delicious wood-fired pizzas (with gluten-free crusts available), decadent burratas and bountiful salads are just the start at this lovely restaurant. The outdoor courtyard with trees wrapped in lights offers a magical setting day or night.
Coyo Taco
A spot both grown-ups and kids will love. A lively destination featuring handcrafted tacos, with local veggie and seafood and naturally raised meats. Don’t forget to end the night with Churros and homemade Mexican ice popsicles.
Breeze Ocean Kitchen
Whether you are staying at the Eau or not, this oceanfront outdoor restaurant is worth the trip. The cheery yellow striped umbrellas set a happy vibe at this lovely all day spot set under palm trees and right off of the pool. They have a pretty standard kids menu, but your tots might enjoy sharing the pork or Mahi Mahi tacos, blackened grouper sandwich, and seasonal crudité with the grown-ups.
By Sara Bliss