Delray Beach with Kids: The Best Family Activities and Tips

Delray Beach might be known for its nightlife and dining scene, but families are one of the most common visitor groups — and with good reason. The city is genuinely kid-friendly in ways a lot of Florida beach towns aren’t. Here’s how to plan the perfect family trip.

The Beach Itself

Delray Public Beach is calm, wide, and lifeguard-patrolled ideal for young swimmers. You can rent boogie boards, paddle boards, and beach chairs right on the sand. We also provide beach chairs and towels for your convenience. Parking can be tight in season, so plan to arrive by 9am or use the city’s trolley from downtown.

Sandoway Discovery Center

This is a hidden gem that most tourists miss. The Sandoway Discovery Center is a small but fantastic nature center right on the beach featuring live shark and stingray touch tanks, aquarium feedings, and hands-on ocean education programs. Kids love it. Entry is very affordable.

Wakodahatchee Wetlands

A free outdoor boardwalk winding through a protected wetland habitat. You’ll spot alligators, turtles, herons, anhingas, and dozens of bird species from elevated walkways. It’s about 3/4 of a mile round trip perfect for most kids. Bring bug spray and go early in the morning.

The Girls Strawberry Patch

What looks like a strip mall from the outside is actually one of Delray’s most beloved family stops: a U-pick strawberry farm with a petting zoo, exotic birds, hand-dipped strawberries, fresh-baked cookies, and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. A genuinely delightful afternoon.

iPic Theater

Not your typical movie theater. iPic features oversized reclining leather seats, in-theater dining, and a genuinely elevated experience. Tuesday tickets are half price — a great budget-friendly option for a rest-day afternoon.

Old School Square Events

Check the Old School Square calendar before your trip. Free concerts, outdoor festivals, holiday events, and kids’ programming happen throughout the year on this beautiful historic campus in the heart of downtown.

Stay in a Home, Not a Hotel

Traveling with family is so much easier when you have a real kitchen, a laundry machine, and enough space for everyone to spread out. Our 3-bedroom pool home complete with a private saltwater pool, arcade game room, and fully fenced backyard is built for families. Kids will love the pool and arcade; parents will love not sharing a single hotel room.

🏠 See Our Family-Friendly Pool Home at gklistings.com