Nature

Atop one of the higher elevations in Boca Raton, Serenoa Glade Preserve is a rare undeveloped piece of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, featuring a transition zone from scrub habitat on the Atlantic Ocean side to pine flatwoods on the Everglades side. What Everglades, you say? Once upon a time, before the early 1900s, a sheet flow of water passed through gaps in the ridge to reach the sea. This land was slated to become yet another office complex near Florida Atlantic University, and was preserved just in time by the city of Boca Raton.

Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department manages the Wakodahatchee Wetlands as a  water reclamation area.  Local highly treated waste water is pumped into the wetlands to be filtered by native vegetation and soil.  The water is then reclaimed for irrigational use.  The entire boardwalk is less than 1 mile long so it is very manageable for families. The wetlands are home to alligators, ibis, great blue heron, limpkin, purple gallinule, marsh rabbits, racoons, all sorts of turtles and iguana.

Take Atlantic Avenue all the way west past State Road 441 and you will find a dirt road before you and pass a USPS office.  West Delray Regional Park is a huge park with over 300 acres, 38 lake acres, that is a local hot spot for RC enthusiasts and fans.  There are mountain bike and equestrian trails as well as walking paths.  Restrooms are located on premises but are only portable toilets.  There are primitive group camping sites and places to engage in Archery and freshwater fishing.

Greenacres Freedom Park is a 51.93 acre park located adjacent to Okeeheelee Park on the southeast side of Forest Hill Blvd.  This park serves up a healthy plate of activity and leisure.  There is a good range of activity for the family with lights for 2 ball fields and 2 soccer fields (2 additional practice fields, not lit), volleyball courts and jogging paths.

Delray Oaks Natural Area on Congress Avenue in Delray Beach contains  examples of native Floridian prairie and xeric hammock ecosystems. The 25-acre site also contains a small wetland and areas of mesic flat woods. The tree canopy includes many live oak trees and sabal palms, with an understory of wild coffee, beauty berry, and saw palmetto. Oak hammocks are rare in Florida and in Palm Beach County due to urban development. The oak hammock community only develops in areas where fires have not occurred for at least 30 years.

This community park is located in the historic Del Ida neighborhood in Delray Beach. Take a rest under the large shade tree or stroll around the nicely landscaped grounds. Park is best accessed on foot or by bike as there is no parking available. This would be a great pit stop while touring around by bike thru this beautiful historic neighborhood. Located on the same location is Lake Ida's "Cool Spot' which consists of a labyrinth, art, native landscaping and is lighted.

Open from 8am to dusk, this park in southeastern Delray Beach is a quiet place for play and exploration. The semi-fenced playground area stays shaded for most of the morning which makes it a nice place to visit in the warmer months for play. This preserve consists of nature trails, a gazebo, playground, and parking lot.

Picower Super Park within John Prince Park is one of the main draws to this central Palm Beach County facility in central Lake Worth. Recently created, the Picower Super park has a large barrier free splash area and multiple ability/age play equipment in a fenced area with restrooms. This county run regional park has about 726.36 acres (includes 338 lake acres). There's a popular campground and everything from walking trails, kayaking, golfing to bocce, basketball, volleyball and tennis.

Burt Aaronson South County Regional is a huge park in northwest Boca Raton maintained by Palm Beach County.   Remember to pay attention driving amongst the attractions because it is easy to get turned around in this massive park. Burt Aaronson Park includes almost 900 acres of recreation.  South County Regional Park is definitely the gem of Palm Beach County's park system and one of the most comprehensive leisure destinations in the State!

The Boynton Inlet is a surf side paradise of sun and sand. A long time spot for fishing and family play. The Boynton Inlet has a 600 ft beach, jetties for fishing, marina, a playground for the kids, a short walking path and a pavilion for the picnickers.

If you visit the inlet in the later part of the year, October, November, its a good chance you'll find fishermen pulling in lots of fish. This draw is great for the kids who like to get close to nature. If the fish aren't biting, walk over to the playground and let the kids burn off some steam.