In the summertime in South Florida, we are either suffering from the smoldering heat or daily torrential downpours. My motto these days is “Rain, rain, go away…” but, Mother Nature isn’t hearing my calls. We are spending so much time indoors, its hard to keep us occupied and sane, especially since school is out.
Beyond the pools, beaches, and water parks, here are our favorite indoor play places that are perfect to take your kids to burn off energy, get out of the house, and socialize on these hot and rainy South Florida days.
BEST INDOOR PLACES TO TAKE YOUR LITTLE ONES
Young at Art in Davie, Florida
Our favorite indoor place to date is Young of Art in Davie, Florida. We had a Family Membership last summer and it saved us from the days of scorching heat and rainy doldrums. Young at Art is attached to the main branch of the Broward County Library in 55,000 square feet Gold Leed-certified building and located just off 595 in Davie. It has a great toddler room with water play, an outdoor fenced-in playground, a play grocery store, and cozy book corner and dress-up area.
The other five exhibits offer many interactive art experiences from digging like an archeologist, to riding a New York City subway car, playing drums, and sliding down slides. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, YAA offers Play Dates from 11:30-12pm for children 5 and under in the Wonderscape Exhibit. Each day is a different activity from arts, music, and play and the price is included with general admission,and free with the annual membership.
Tickets are per person and can run anywhere from $12-$14 per family member, so if you think you might visit often, a few visits by a family of 4 will make the Family Membership worth while. If you upgrade to the Family Premium Membership you can bring a buddy for free, and also receive great discounts to Museums Nationwide.
Boca Children’s Museum in Downtown Boca Raton
The Boca Children’s Museum is made up of several historical houses and are definitely a hidden gem among their neighborhoods. The Children’s Museum hosts weekly programs geared towards young kids, that range from $10-$15 per family and includes activities such as Musikgarten for Babies and Preschoolers, After-school Yoga and Meditation, Knitting Club, and Sensory Art for Tots. Visit the calendar of events for dates and times. In the main museum house you can make artwork, be a banker, work in a grocery store or go shopping, and even have a puppet show. Kids love the chance to play out life.
Schoolhouse Museum & Learning Center in Boynton Beach
The Schoolhouse Museum & Learning Center in Boynton Beach is similar to the Boca Children’s Museum, but since it is two-stories it has more areas for imaginary play and learning about early life as a Pioneer in South Florida. Highlights for my children included the train table, the Train, and the Family Farm. We didn’t spend as much time upstairs, but the kids did enjoy the Doctors Office and Mangrove Manor – a jungle gym style exhibit that let’s children explore native plants of Florida. The Learning Center also has weekly classes with the $5 per person admission. Classes include Storytime and Yoga. Check the Link of Upcoming Events for details.
The Children’s Science Explorium at Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton
Located inside the community center at the recently renovated Sugar Sand Park, the Children’s Science Explorium is a free, indoor science room. They offer hands-on science exhibits that are geared towards kids ages 5-12. There is plenty for toddlers and pre-schoolers to explore and investigate, as well. Also look for Story and Play with Miss Mij (she is our favorite).
We Rock The Spectrum in West Boca
Open Play Gyms, there are quite a few to pick from , but our favorite is We Rock The Spectrum. It’s small enough that you can keep an eye on your kids and safe enough to have a conversation with your fellow adults. My children love the zipline, trampoline, and swinging on the various hanging apparatuses. I like the air-conditioning.
Other Places We Love and Some On Our List To Check Out
- Local library for story time.
- Nature Programs at your local nature centers offer indoor and outdoor programs for children once a month. You might visit Daggerwing in West Boca, Green Cay in Boynton Beach, and Fern Forest in Margate.
- Bowling is a classic activity for all ages. With bumpers and a ramp, your toddler to teenager will enjoy a little time at the alley.
- Panther’s Ice Den in Coral Springs
- Boca Art Museum
- Open Play at Barrel of Monkeys in Delray, Little Gym, My Gym, Twisters, or Gymnastics Plus
- Funderdome, Sky Zone, Monkey Joe’s, Rebounderz, iFly, and Flippos
- The New Frost Museum of Science in Miami
- Miami Children’s Museum
- Museum of Discovery and Science in Ft. Lauderdale
- South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
- Playmobil Funpark in Palm Beach Gardens- only $1 per person!
- Chalk in Delray or Bees Knees in Boynton Beach
- Art, Paper, Scissors in Parkland
Tell us you favorite Indoor places to take your children on rainy, hot, or cold day? Let us know in the comments below! We are always looking to add to our list.
These are all great choices! One of my old time favorite indoor playground is Cool Beans in Palm Beach Gardens, storytime in downtown Delray with Dr. Hunter, storytime in East and West Boynton branch are great too. I’ve heard ninja lounge in Aventura is great too but haven’t been.
Oh, Ninja Lounge. I am intrigued! Thanks for the recommendations. I will definitely check them out.