Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WEST PALM BEACH FOR CHILDREN
Besides the beach scene, there's a ton of activities laid on for kids in West Palm Beach,
ranging from funparks and bike parks to wildlife reserves and a full scale
safari experien-
ce
.
Blvd; adult/child $18.95/12.95; 9am-5pm; ) The highlight of this compact zoo is the Trop-
ics of the Americas exhibit, a 3-acre recreation of a rainforest, stocked with jaguars, mon-
keys, snakes, macaws and other tropical creatures. Gator feedings occur regularly and
are advertised. The zoo is a brief drive south of downtown.
McCarthys Wildlife Sanctuary
( 561-790-2116.;
www.mccarthyswildlifesanctuary.com
;
12943 61st St N; adult/child $25/15; tours 11am, noon, 1pm Tue-Sat) By reservation only, this
wildlife sanctuary takes unwanted exotics and treats dozens of native animals, and then
releases them back into the wild. On the two-hour guided tour you'll get to see white ti-
gers, panthers and barred owls, all from 3ft away. Children under five are not permitted.
www.sfsm.org
; 4801 Dreher Trail N; adult/child museum $9/6, planetarium plus $4/2; 10am-5pm
Mon-Fri, to 6pm Sat, noon-6pm Sun) A hands-on science center, aquarium and planetarium
with weekend programs, travelling exhibits, a science trail and mini galaxy golf. On the
last Friday of the month the museum stays open until 9pm so you can view the night sky
from the observatory. It's a short drive south of downtown.
Rapids Water Park
( 561-842-8756;
www.rapidswaterpark.com
;
6566 North Military Trail, Rivi-
era Beach; weekday/weekend $39.99/43.99, after 4pm $22; 10am-5pm) This water park fea-
tures 30 action-packed acres of wet and wild rides. Don't let the squeals of fear and de-
light from the Big Thunder funnel put you off. It's a short drive northwest of downtown.
Activities
You'll find several parks around town, many equipped with paved trails suitable for cyc-
ling, blading or running.
National Croquet Center
CROQUET
(
561-478-2300;
www.nationalcroquetclub.com
; 700 Florida Mango Rd;
9am-5pm)
