Living and retiring in sunny South Florida often means company is coming to YOUR HOUSE to visit! Family members (especially those hailing from the North) descend in droves to enjoy our exceptional weather and pristine beaches. Understandably, this area is transforming into a favorite vacation spot. Family fun adventure beckons and refuses to disappoint. When you find yourself saying "My Grandkids are coming! What can we do together in South Florida?" fear not. Create memorable visits easily and effortlessly by checking out the following places in Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties.

Budget-Friendly Beach Excursions

Regardless of which county in South Florida you wish to visit, there are a multitude of beaches to choose from. Hunt for crabs, chase the gulls and delight in the treasures you will discover when the tide is out. This is an inexpensive day trip that is suitable for all ages. Breathe in the fresh air and have a sandcastle-building contest. Pack a blanket, some chairs and your cooler of refreshments! Hats, sunglasses, water and sunscreen are essential when planning to be outside for extended periods. Get your grandkids to photograph the sunset or head out early to watch the sunrise. This is a great way to explore with tripods and time-lapse photography together.  Browse South Florida beaches here.  Check out our article about the Top 10 beaches with playgrounds.

Occupying Toddlers

Charnow Park in Broward County has lots of water and shade...definite musts for everyone! The phenomenal beach view is serene and welcoming. Located right on the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, this park features a refreshing splash park to beat the heat. Situated mere seconds from sandcastle fun and ocean wave escapades; prepare to have a sweet time. Gazebo rentals can be organized for family reunions and memorable birthday parties. Don't forget your shovels and sand buckets!

*Picnic Areas - Eat, drink and be merry!

*Splash Park - Squeals of delight are guaranteed.

*Beach Access (aka Sandcastle Central) - So wonderful not to have to haul everything back to the car and buckle everyone back in etc. Keep it simple and walk across to the beach when it's time for some sand and surf.

Amelia Earhart Park in Miami-Dade offers a fun petting zoo that will be sure to evoke squeaks of delight from your grandkids. Check out the barn and visit with the resident pig, sheep and goats for some adorable photo opportunities. Need to visit with all your relatives simultaneously but don't want to invite everyone back to your place? No problem! Simply host your potluck BBQ right here and enjoy the following:

*Petting Zoo - Great facial expressions are not to missed! Great photo opportunities here.

*Playground - Being active sets kids up for a lifetime of healthy choices.

*Grills and BBQ's - Who says picnics need to be full of cold salads and sandwiches? Pack all the meats and veggies you grill at home and feast in the park!

*Bicycle Rentals - Nearby trails are available to explore and enjoy.

South Pointe Park located in South Beach, Miami Dade is a favorite contender from the wee to the elderly and everyone in between. The rolling green terraces and perfect pathways contrast the ocean and provide boundless freedom for the kids to re-energize. Cool down and refresh in the splash pool with your sweeties. Pack a picnic supper and take in a waterside sunset for spectacular photos. Stay hydrated and don't lose your cool with the following activities available on-site:

*Splash Park - Bring some paint brushes and the kids can play Picasso and create water masterpieces.

*Waterside Beach Sunset Venue - Plan a supper picnic on the beach to take in the exquisite views.

*Rollerblading, Roller-Skating & Jogging paths - Strap the kids into their strollers and get out there! Or simply enjoy a meandering and leisurely stroll along the winding paths. Or if the little one can peddle a tricycle, bring it along!
 

Toddlers love to explore nature and the outdoors so be sure to browse through our list of great Nature attractions and playgrounds!  All are low-cost or free.
 

Entertaining Young Kids

Grandkids and Grandparents alike will never forget their educational and exciting trip to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Palm Beach County. Prior to heading out, be sure to print off an online scavenger hunt from their website. It will make your journey down the Ashley Trail to the Seminole Chickee on the intracoastal even more awe-inspiring. This trip functions as an outdoor classroom that is entertaining for your little nature lovers' and an ideal way to burn off excess energy. Keep your eyes peeled for the Zebra Longwing, Florida's state butterfly!

*Scavenger Hunt - Perfect for encouraging listening and observational skills.

*Sea Turtle Adoption - Adopt a sea turtle from the Rehabilitation center and instill your love of nature and nurture with your Grandkids. 

*Mangrove Tower - Bolder kids will have a blast climbing the swaying observation tower; however, if you or your grandkids are afraid of heights, best to avoid this one.

Butterfly World and Tradewinds Park in Broward County is the one and only stop you need to make in order to entertain everyone in your entourage. Laugh, explore and discover something new together. It's vital to show our youth that no matter our age, we have the capacity to experience new things each day. Inspire yourself and your grandkids by discovering the following together all at one location!

*Butterfly World is amazing regardless of your age. Become educated and enjoy the delicate beauty these experts and exhibits can share. 

*Model Train Rides are offered on specific weekends. It is hard to say whether the Grandparents or the kids will enjoy this activity more! 

*2 Certified 5k Courses - Ideal for all of your fitness requirements, there is plenty of room for hiking, walking and jogging.

*Fishing-Delve into the world of patience and relaxation. Fishing with your grandkids can be a thrilling and educational opportunity to enjoy some fresh air together.

*Horse back riding and affordable pony rides!

*Educational Farm tour

Daggerwing Nature Center located in Burt Aaronson Park in Palm Beach County, offers answers to all of your bug questions in a visually stimulating and exciting way. Kids can climb into a giant bee and watch a video all about our favorite pollinators. Discover the boardwalk and experience local fauna and wildlife while getting some fresh air exercise. Keep your eyes peeled for the owl when travelling through the back swamp area.The live insect exhibits are equally fascinating.  The park itself has wonderful open play spaces and playgrounds that are worth a visit as well.  Seasonal, the large water park with slides and a water playground is a major attraction for families.

Older Kids and Teenagers

Bahia Honda State Park located centrally within Monroe County in the city of Big Pine Key; these idyllic beaches will inspire you to start your own postcard photo collection. Famous for it's silky soft white sand, Bahia Honda will quickly turn into one of your favorite spots to stay all day. Celebrate a perfect day trip by finishing it with a magnificent sunset. 

*Snorkeling Gear - Rentals are available on the beach. The shallow waters range from 4 to 6 feet along the shore, making it perfect for individuals learning how to scuba dive and snorkel.

*Scuba Diving 

*Boat Excursions- Numerous boats are willing to take guests out to the reef. Launch your own vessel if you prefer to go fishing and swimming offshore. 

*Cabin Rentals - Extend your stay and book on-site accommodation. 

*Campsites

CB Smith Park situated in Broward County is your water park destination. Operating with seasonal hours, the waterslides are one of the most fun activities you can do during the hotter months. Grandparents and grandkids will be able to enjoy an excellent day of cardiovascular excitement! 

*Waterslides - Nothing splashes water in your face better than hurtling down a plastic tube at Mach 1. Laugh at yourself and limber up! It's time to get wet! 

*Tennis Complex- Still got energy to burn? Why not dry off and feel the wind through your hair while enjoying a round with your grandkids?! 

*2 Mini-Golf Courses - Inspire some friendly competitiveness with your kin folk and teach them some tricks along the way.*Driving Range - Show your grandkids positive ways to release stress while exercising simultaneously. Teenagers can be difficult to communicate with at times. Hitting some balls together may be the perfect activity for some silent bonding.

Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park in Palm Beach County is excellent for activity enthusiasts and sports minded individuals. Enjoy a round of golf or take to the trails. This expansive park is home over 900 acres of recreational bliss. Numerous pavilions along with the Daggerwing Nature Center and the Coconut Cove Waterpark promise a myriad of activities to choose from. Grandparents have a variety of options to offer their favorite grandkids here. 

*Hiking and Biking 

*Playgrounds 

*Volleyball and Ball Fields

*Sunset Cove Amphitheater - Excellent venue for outdoor concerts and family picnics. The majority of events held here are free.

*Coconut Cove Waterpark - Of course this is appropriate for all ages thanks to the numerous waterslides, lap pool, lazy river and water playground. Private event rentals are also available. Enjoy a snack bar, restrooms and lockers. Open Seasonally, call ahead.
 

The possibilities of how to entertain your grandkids when they come to visit are endless. Communicate ahead of time to see what piques' everyone's interests. Or, simply surprise them with your exceptional choices. What could possibly be better than spending a sunny day with the ones you love?  Bad weather?  Don't worry.  Check out our Attractions page or these great articles for indoor play in Broward and Palm Beach counties.