The onset of summer in Palm Beach County brings extremely hot and sultry days that might spoil your outdoor activities and also make it challenging to find ways to keep yourself entertained or to occupy the children.
Thankfully,
Palm Beach County
offers numerous entertaining indoor activities to keeps the entire family occupied.
Here’s a selection of enjoyable indoor activities across the region that will help you stay cool and maintain your calm even when keeping the little ones amused.
Johnson History Museum of Richard and Pat
Situated within the “restored” 1916 county courthouse, this museum serves as the primary resource for local history. It houses permanent exhibitions titled People and Places along with rotating displays covering various subjects aimed at engaging a broad range of visitors. Admission is free; however, donations are appreciated. The museum operates from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., open every day except Sunday.
Details:
300 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. 561-832-4164;
pbchistory.org
Norton Museum of Art
Established in 1941, the Norton Museum of Art houses over 8,200 artworks and serves as an excellent venue for learning about art history. Along with its extensive collections, the museum provides various educational activities such as art courses, workshops, talks, discussions, movie showings, exclusive performances, and much more. Every Friday night features the Art After Dark event.
Operating hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays; from 10 AM to 10 PM on Fridays; and from 11 AM to 5 PM on Sundays. The venue is closed on Tuesdays. Entry fees are set at $18 for adults, $15 for those aged 60 and above, and $5 for students presenting a valid ID. Children under 12 can enter without charge. Active U.S. military personnel and veterans also have complimentary entry. Additionally, Palm Beach County residents enjoy free admission every Saturday.
Residents of West Palm Beach can visit the Norton Museum anytime they like without charge every Saturday throughout the year. Educators, as well as active U.S. military personnel and veterans, gain entry at no cost when presenting a valid identification document. Those who hold a Bank of America credit or debit card receive complimentary admission during the initial full weekend of each calendar month.
Details:
1450 South Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. Phone number: 561-832-5196
;
norton.org
Mandel Public Library
Whether it’s a summer reading program, yoga class, watercolor painting course, learning to code, toddler story time or one of their dozens of other offerings, the downtown West Palm Beach library is a great way to celebrate the great indoors when the outdoors is just a bit too ‘warm’ for many.
Address: 411 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach.
wpb.org/Departments/Mandel-Public-Library-of-West-Palm
Cox Science Center and Aquarium
The Science Center serves as an ideal destination for families with children. It offers numerous activities including interactive exhibits, captivating laser shows, tours through their observatory, and visits to their impressive 10,000-gallon Aquariums of the Atlantic, which house many of Florida’s stunning indigenous fish species. Both grown-ups and youngsters can find ample entertainment here along with educational experiences.
From May 9th until September 25th, visitors can explore the centre’s newest exhibit titled “Mission Aerospace.” This showcase invites guests into a comprehensive journey covering the evolution of aviation, significant advancements in aerospace technology, and groundbreaking findings from NASA that continue to influence our daily lives significantly.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Adults $26, seniors $24, ages 3 to 12 $22, members free.
Details:
4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach. Phone: 561-832-1988.
coxsciencecenter.org
Rhythm & Hues
Allow children to unleash their creativity and engage with various artistic activities without worrying about clean-up! This program provides sessions in dancing, visual arts, music, yoga, and even hosts birthday celebrations tailored for kids aged 12 and younger. To enroll your child in our classes or workshops, either call us directly or check out our website for more details.
The hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to noon and 4 to 6 p.m., Monday through Wednesday and Friday. The venue is closed on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Details:
7725 South Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. Phone number: 561-216-1027.
rhythmandhues.com
Palm Beach Ice Works
The full-sized skating rink at Palm Beach Ice Works welcomes visitors during specific times.
The entry fee is $18 and this covers skate rentals. If you bring your own skates, admission costs $15 instead. An ice scooter can be rented for $5; these are designed to help skaters who are 3.5 feet tall or under. Please note that public skating hours vary each day, so make sure to call ahead or visit our website to confirm the schedule.
Details:
1590 North Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach. Phone: 561-656-4046.
pbiw.org
Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
Upon completion in 1902, the New York Herald declared that Whitehall, Henry Flagler’s opulent residence from the Gilded Age located in Palm Beach, surpassed any European palace and stood as a structure more impressive and splendid than any other personal abode globally.
Currently, Whitehall stands as a National Historic Landmark and operates as the Flagler Museum for visitors. It provides self-guided tours along with rotating exhibits and various events. The museum’s hours of operation are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Tuesdays through Saturdays, and from Noon till 5:00 PM on Sundays; it remains closed Mondays. Admission fees include $28 for adults aged 13 years and up, and $14 for children between ages six and twelve.
Details:
561-655-2833; One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach.
flaglermuseum.us
Fun Depot
Featuring more than 200 classic arcade games along with a sprawling 375-square-meter laser tag area, this entertainment hub in Lake Worth Beach provides an excellent choice for indoor recreation. The venue also includes Cordial, a comprehensive dining establishment, as well as a 20-alley bowling setup. It’s ideal for big gatherings.
The operating hours are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; from 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays; from 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturdays; and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays. Entry is free of charge, but there are fees for certain activities.
Details:
2003 10th Avenue North, Lake Worth Beach. Phone: 561-547-0817;
fundepot.com
Palm Beach Skate Zone
An alternative spot for ice skating is Palm Beach Skate Zone, which boasts three rinks spanning 75,000 square feet located near the Florida Turnpike. This venue offers various activities including open skating sessions, summer camps, hockey games, and lessons; they also provide birthday party packages.
Details:
8125 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth Beach. Phone: 561-963-5900;
pbskatezone.com
Sky Zone
Previously known as DEFY and now called Sky Zone, this entertainment venue offers trampolines, dodgeball, a ninja obstacle course, parkour training, free jumping areas, slides, and much more. Ideal for those seeking aerial thrills, this indoor athletic facility caters to adventurous youth. The operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and extended hours of 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. apply on Fridays and Saturdays. A single-day pass costs $39.99, whereas a 90-minute session is priced at $26.99. Additionally, they offer both monthly and seasonal membership options.
Details:
964 South Congress Avenue, Palm Springs. 561-234-4514;
defy.com
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
This expansive family playground features trampolines, wall climbing, dodgeball, a ropes course, battle beam, tube slides, virtual reality experiences, and much more. The height restrictions differ according to each activity.
The operating hours are from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 3 to 9 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday. For details on pricing, please contact the park.
Details:
10560 Forest Hill Boulevard, Wellington. Phone: 561-408-0809.
urbanair.com
Children’s Museum and Learning Centre at Schoolhouse
This facility boasts two levels of engaging, interactive displays along with various additional learning opportunities. It’s an ideal spot to bring young children and infants. Among the exhibitions, there’s one where kids can explore how Florida’s pioneering families lived through scaled-down models of tools they used. Check out the schedule for details on classes tailored to different ages, as well as specific dates, timings, and costs.
The operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The admission fee for children aged 1 and above as well as adults is $7, and seniors pay $6. It is highly advisable to make reservations beforehand.
Details:
129 East Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach. Phone: 561-742-6780;
schoolhousemuseum.org
Silverball Retro Arcade
If you believe “I’ve covered everything from Soho right down to Brighton,” perhaps you’re correct; however, in Delray Beach, there might be quite a number of pinball machines you’ve yet to encounter. The Silverball Retro Arcade boasts an impressive collection including over 150 retro and contemporary pinball machines as well as numerous classic arcade titles such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Frogger, Space Invaders, and much more. Additionally, they offer authentic Coney Island Skee-Ball, shuffleboards, alongside a dining area complete with a fully stocked bar.
The operating hours are from 11 a.m. to midnight on Sundays through Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission starts at $15 for one hour of play, which includes a free-play pass.
Details:
19 NE Third Avenue, Delray Beach. Phone: 561-266-3294;
silverballmuseum.com
IPIC Theaters
Enjoy films at their dine-in cinemas located in Delray Beach and Boca Raton. Catch the newest releases while savoring specially-prepared meals and distinctive beverages, all served directly to your comfortable seating. Check the theater sites for showtimes and pricing details.
Details:
25 SE Fourth Avenue, Delray Beach.
iPic Delray Beach
; 301 Plaza Real, Boca Raton.
iPic at Mizner Park in Boca Raton
BOOMERS
Although they offer outdoor activities, let’s concentrate on Boomers’ indoor entertainment options instead.
Step into a black-lighted arena (thankfully cooled by air conditioning) for an intense laser tag battle against rival squads. Afterward, explore their gaming area which boasts an extensive collection of video games and skill-based activities such as basketball tosses, virtual snowboarding, dancing competitions, and much more.
The operating hours are from 2 to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays; 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Visit our website for information regarding ticket costs.
Details:
3100 Airport Road, Boca Raton. Phone number: 561-347-1888;
boomersparks.com
The Bulk Candy Store
Should you desire an experience that stimulates the senses,
visiting the Bulk Candy Store for a tour
In West Palm Beach, this could be your ideal way to spend a wet and gloomy afternoon.
The striking purple and yellow structure near Palm Beach International Airport offers a delightful array of treats such as popcorn, nuts, and chocolates, along with a fantastic selection of retro and world candies waiting for you to enjoy them. They stock items like Smarties, Dad’s Root Beer Barrels, Bit O’Honey, Laffy Taffy, Necco wafers, Pop Rocks, and many others. The facility also provides guided tours highlighting the heritage and manufacturing processes behind these sweet delights.
Address: 235 North Jog Road, West Palm Beach.
561-540-1600;
bulkcandystore.com
Escape rooms
You and your group find yourselves locked inside a room for 60 minutes. Uncover hidden hints, crack codes, and secure your release! The area boasts multiple themed chambers, typically costing around $35 per person. Take your pick among these options:
The Escape SoFlo:
10800 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens; 561-318-8973
West Palm Beach Escaperooms:
209 South Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach; 561-660-5120
Master Escape Room:
1700 North Dixie Highway, Boca Raton; 561-571-5381
Bowling alleys
And of course there’s that classic, so-retro-its-cool pastime, bowling. It’s a great way to have some indoor competitive fun. Palm Beach County is graced with numerous bowling centers, including:
Lucky Strike
,
350 Maplewood Drive, Jupiter. Phone: 561-743-9200
Greenacres Bowl
, 6126 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres. Phone: 561-968-0100
AMF Boynton Beach Lanes
, 1190 Boynton Beach Boulevard, Boynton Beach. 561-734-1500
Penny Lanes
, 14775 Lyons Road, Delray Beach. 561-865-9487 (Please note: It’s associated with the EVO cinema, offering a double dose of enjoyable indoor activities.)
Strike 10 Bowling
, 449 Plaza Real (located in Mizner Park), Boca Raton. Phone number: 561-300-6530
Michele Kelley and Lianna Norman from the Palm Beach Post were contributors to this report.
Eddie Ritz is a reporter working for
The Palm Beach Post
, which is part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You may contact him at
eritz@pbpost.com
. Support our journalistic efforts.
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The article initially appeared in The Palm Beach Post.
Stay cool indoors this summer in Palm Beach County with these enjoyable activities.
