It’s Almost Back-to-School! 5 Places to End Summer Near Westlake, FL

If you’re looking for the perfect South Florida city to call home, you can’t beat Westlake! You can reach the Atlantic Ocean or Lake Okeechobee in less than 45 minutes. Between the two bodies of water lie endless opportunities for fun and education.

While there are many fun, family-friendly activities right here in Westlake, here are 5, pre-back-to-school family excursions near Westlake, Florida you won’t want to miss out on this summer.

5 Pre-Back-to-School Family Day Trips Near Westlake

Lion Country Safari

Only 10 minutes away from Westlake, Lion Country Safari is home to more than 900 animals on nearly 600 acres. Florida’s largest drive-through safari features some of the world’s most iconic species roaming wide-open natural habitats in large herds.

In addition to the drive-through safari, Lion Country Safari has a 55-acre Adventure Park with rides, animal encounters, food, and shopping. Premium experiences like feeding flamingos and more are offered for an additional fee and pre-booking is required.

Norton Museum of Art

Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach has many exhibitions, collections, and programs. The museum’s collections include photography and contemporary, American, European, and Chinese art.

The Norton also offers a variety of programs, including Art After Dark, Talks & Presentations, Art Education, Performance & Film, Families & Teens, and an Artist in Residence Program.

South Florida Science Center and Aquarium

The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium has a wide variety of permanent and temporary exhibits that’ll satisfy both kids and those who are kids at heart alike. 

A few things you’ll find at the Science Center include:

• Journey Through the Human Brain, the world’s most advanced neuroscience exhibit.
• Aquariums of the Atlantic, a 10,000-gallon aquarium featuring fish native to Florida like spadefish, queen angels, stingrays, moray eels, and seahorses as well as some invasive species.
• The Conservation Course, an 18-hole miniature golf course.
• The Marvin Dekelboum Planetarium presents daily shows on a variety of scientific topics using a new state-of-the-art “Digital Sky Skan” full-dome digital video presentation.
• The Observatory features an F/11 refractor, one of the largest in Florida.

Mounts Botanical Garden

Mounts Botanical Garden is a 14-acre tropical oasis hidden behind Palm Beach International Airport. It features a collection of 25 display gardens containing more than 5,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, including Florida native plants, ornamentals, exotic and tropical fruit trees, palms, herbs, roses, bromeliads, cactus, succulents, and more.

Additionally, the garden hosts a variety of events including Qi Gong and sketchbook or watercolor journaling.

The botanical garden is open Tuesdays through Sundays year-round. Admission is only $10 for adults and $5 for kids 5-12.

Rapids Water Park

From kid-friendly Splash Hill to the thrilling Brain Drain, Rapids Water Park in Riviera Beach offers rides for the whole family. South Florida’s largest water park has 35 acres of attractions, including 42 amazing water slides.

In addition to certified lifeguards, the park also provides personal floatation devices (PFD’s) at no additional charge.

Rapids Water Park opens in the middle of March 7 days a week. The park is closed some weekdays in April and May, then open 7 days a week through the beginning of September. It’s open weekends only from early September through the end of November.

Looking for the Perfect Home in Palm Beach?

Whether you want to escape the hectic city life of West Palm Beach or you are moving here from another part of the state or country, you can find the home of your dreams at Sky Cove and Sky Cove South.

Our homes come fully loaded with standard features you may pay extra for at other communities. Additionally, all Sky Cove and Sky Cove South residents have access to Westlake Adventure Park, with 15 acres of resort-style amenities and a 360,000-gallon lagoon pool surrounded by chaise lounges and palm trees.

To find your perfect Westlake home, contact us online or call 561-792-3004.