5 kid-friendly Things to do in South Florida

A lot of folks might not realize it, but South Florida is much more than just Miami. The tri-county area (Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach) is one of the most culturally diverse and fun in the country, and there are endless things to do. It's also where my American hometown is. Earlier this month I went back for one of my oldest friend's wedding, and I realized how much I miss my beachy state! Since we were only in town for a long weekend, we decided to avoid traffic and crowds and skip Miami. Instead we stayed in and around southern Palm Beach County. We packed a lot in those five days, and our little man was a total champ. Between my friends and my in-laws who came to meet us, I had a lot of helping hands, which made traveling with a baby a lot easier.


Five kid-friendly activities in South Florida

1. Delray Beach

There are endless beaches to choose from, but proximity played a big role for us that weekend. Even though the city of Delray Beach has grown a lot in the last few years, it's still a charmingly quaint beach destination. The beach is not as packed as some other more popular Florida ones (which is ideal for us traveling parents), but the downtown area is hip and fun, with tons of restaurants, bars, lounges and a historic feel. Some of the eateries we visited and recommend in Delray Beach are Cabana El Rey, Boston's on the Beach & Sand Bar, and Pizza Rustica.

Grandparents soaking up every second with Baby Boy!

2. Boca Raton Museum of Art at Mizner Park

This is where my friend's wedding took place; the ceremony was intimate, beautiful and classy, and the setting just gorgeous! The Boca Raton Museum of Art is located in Mizner Park, a swanky (think valet parking available everywhere) yet family and dog-friendly entertainment and dining center in the heart of Boca Raton. Mizner also houses an amphitheater and a really fancy movie theater, as well as my favorite ice cream shop, Sloan's.

Before the ceremony in the museum atrium

3. Butterfly World - Coconut Creek

In the 10+ years i lived in South Florida, I hadn't visited this one until now. I'm glad my first time was with my son - it was really neat to see his reactions! (Though he slept through most of it in his comfy carrier, {affiliate} he woke up in time to turn around and catch some butterfly and bird action). I highly recommend Butterfly World and its main park Tradewinds Park and Stables, although the hot temperatures and high humidity might be things to consider depending on when you go.

4. Shake ShackI spent my entire pregnancy here in Arizona craving their deep-fried, cheese-stuffed mushroom burger (yah), fries and shake combo. I was willing to drive to California if there was a Shack there (one opening in West Hollywood in 2016!) . If you've eaten at Shake Shack, you know what I mean. For now there are only a handful of locations, Boca being one of them. I'm not even ashamed to admit we went there twice, and none of the food survived long enough to be photographed.

5. Deerfield Beach PierMuch of my Laguna Beach worthy teenage years were spent in Deerfield Beach, having luaus and beach bumming with my friends. Going back there as a new mom was a trip! Plus, the city revamped the whole area: there's a newly renovated pier and more parking, but still the same quaint beach-town-laid-back feeling. It's worth mentioning that Deerfield is THE go-to beach for the hordes of Brazilians who live in the area (yes, that means teeny tiny Brazilian bikinis everywhere).

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Visiting South Florida was a fun and nostalgic trip down memory lane. Nothing beats spending quality time with old friends and family at the beach.

What are your favorite places to visit in Florida?