Discover Delray: 6 Spots for Families to Enjoy

4. Wakhodahatchee Wetlands or Green Cay Nature Center & Wetlands

Wakhodahatchee is the perfect place to have your camera handy because you are almost guaranteed to get excellent shots of the animals that appear almost to be literally posing for the photos. The man-made marsh is actually a filtration system for water from a nearby treatment plant. It was created to be a haven for native wildlife and they have taken to their manmade home like a duck to water.  Wakodahatchee is considered to be bird watching hotspot, and you'll find it easy to see birds, fearlessly feeding right next to the boardwalk. In addition to the ibis, stork, spoonbills, heron, gallinule and other wetland birds, you usually can spot iguana, turtles, marsh rabbits and alligators.  Kids are always delighted to spot one of the alligators...from a safe distance of course.  The boardwalk makes a loop and is very walkable with plenty of shaded pavilions to rest.  Bring snacks and water.  Be sure to remember that the restroom is out by the parking lot.  Best times to visit are early morning (before it gets too hot) and right at sunset when the birds begin to roost.   

Located at the western edge of Delray Beach along Hagen Ranch Road, Green Cay (pronounced Cay or Key) is a popular spot for walkers, photographers and nature lovers.  The Nature Center offers informative films about the area wildlife as well as live animal exhibits made to look like natural habitats.  The baby alligator tank and the turtles in the large central tank always grab attention but don't miss the smaller frog display on the side or the water reclamation displays about the wetlands.  Restrooms are only at the front so be sure to make a pit stop before heading out on the boardwalks.  We recommend taking smaller children on 1 loop of the trail and not trying to undertake the entire system.  Older kids and teens can probably handle a longer hike.  There are plenty of shaded pavilions to stop and enjoy refreshments along the way.   **Highlights for the kids: see through tanks with turtles, frogs and baby gators...running the nature trail...and seeing wildlife up close on the boardwalks**
 

5. The Beach that is Delray Beach

With all these spectacular goodies, it is almost tempting to forget the "beach" part in Delray Beach.  Delray is great because its famed “downtown”  comes with a beach attached! Locals and visitors alike love to soak up the sun on one of the Top Ten beaches in Florida by day, and enjoy the electrifying nightlife found on Delray’s Atlantic Avenue during the night. 

The beach is a 2-Mile long traditional public beach, a destination that drives in roughly one million visitors annually. In 2013 Delray Beach was awarded the “Best Renewed Beach” prize and was declared as a Blue Wave Beach for it’s hygienic and well-managed environment. The City of Delray Beach has contracted a seaside cleaning service company and a cabana lease company to ensure year-round enjoyments for all citizens and visitors.

There are several spots along the beach to choose from for your beach outing.  North beach has metered parallel parking and is much quieter than the rest of the beach generally.  The middle of the main beach has restaurants (great for a snack or shady break from the beach) and public restrooms and showers.  At the southern end you can park at Anchor Park which offers barbecue grills, beach parking, shaded playground, vending machines, showers and public restrooms.  It is possible to hold a family volleyball tournament right here on the beach since there are volleyball nets at the southern end as well. The Atlantic Rescue Division Headquarters is also located at the south end of the beach.

Free except for parking.

**Highlights for the kids: sand play, wave hopping and all around day at the beach fun!**

6. Putt N Around Delray

Located along US 1 in Delray Beach this Delray attraction is listed as one of the top things to do on Trip Advisor.  Try one of the 2 courses, Everglades or Ocean, which are just challenging enough to keep the kids entertained.  Enjoy a beverage or snack delivered to the course while you play.  The grounds are beautifully landscaped with Florida flora that will make you feel like you've entered an oasis.  Its conveniently located just north of the main downtown area and can be reached via the Downtowner or private vehicle.  Putt N Around Delray is easily made a part of your time in Delray as an addition to the beach or other nearby sights.  Allow a couple of hours.

**Highlights for the kids: mini-golf, food and family quality time together.

Delray is a perfect destination for families all year round.  Come see what all the buzz is about. Delray Beach is easily added to any South Florida itinerary since it is situated at the southern end of Palm Beach county.  It is accessible from 2 international airports and within short drives to surrounding towns of Boca Raton and Boynton Beach which also offer children's museums, beaches, malls and more.  With its beautiful parks, beaches, shops, restaurants and attractions, Delray Beach has ample choices to fit any family budget and plenty to do to make family time special.