We’re in the thick of summer, and for many parents, that means finding family activities for children to get out of the house and burn off some of their boundless energy. Here’s a guide from fun places to performances that educate and entertain them while allowing you time to relax. Being the dog days of summer, our picks offer air-conditioned or shaded venues as well.
Beyond King Tut
Last year marked the centennial of an archaeologist’s discovery of King Tut’s Egyptian tomb. The National Geographic Society commemorates the momentous occasion with “Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience,” whose U.S. tour stops at Jacksonville’s NoCo Center through September 4. Dive into ancient Egypt through vignettes from his family tree to burial chamber and even sit on a replica of his throne.
beyondkingtut.com
Jacksonville, the largest city geographically in the contiguous U.S., boasts an incredible variety of green spaces and beaches, as well as prime waterfront from the Atlantic Ocean to St. Johns River with its iconic bridges. The city’s vast network of neighborhoods and islands further invites nonstop adventure. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Jacksonville
The Discovery Spot
Fort Lauderdale’s Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) unveils The Discovery Spot on August 4. The STEM-based, interactive exhibition geared toward children ages 0-6 features play areas inspired by the Florida Everglades and native marine life to the Sunshine State’s citrus groves with a juicing factory. For kids ages 6-12, MODS hosts Kids Adventures After Dark with science shows and activities on August 5.
mods.org
Fort Lauderdale, the Venice of America, is a boater’s and beachgoer’s paradise. But it’s also home to a burgeoning art scene that spills over into art-centric neighborhoods and annual events. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Las Olas | Rio Vista
Kennedy Space Center
Along with a sweet summer offer for Florida residents through August 31, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is hosting a cool kids’ event. Treat them to its Galactic Block Party and End of Summer Celebration with the final “Callie & RT’s Mission to the Moon” scavenger hunt, a new, 9-hole mini golf course and dance party with DJ tunes from August 4-6.
kennedyspacecenter.com
Named for the Kennedy Space Center, site of NASA’s SpaceX rocket launches, the Space Coast occupies much of Brevard County. It attracts surfers, cruise passengers (Port Canaveral) and nature lovers looking for pristine white beaches where sea turtles nest. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Melbourne Beach | Merritt Island
SkateBird
Miami’s SkateBird is open daily rain or shine thanks to its covered, 12,000-square-foot skate plaza. Along with an outdoor, 18,000-square-foot pumptrack, the destination welcomes most things on wheels including skateboards, rollerblades, retro quad skates, bikes and scooters. Kids ages 5 and up can take daily classes, while summer camps keep them busy with multiple activities. Thursday nights feature bands and bites.
skatebirdmiami.com
Known as the gateway to Latin America, the dynamic city of Miami is constantly evolving with the influx of new residents, visitors, businesses and brands from all over the world. There’s always something new and exciting to try, whether a starchitect-designed space, museum exhibit or hot restaurant. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Miami Shores | Morningside
Children’s Performances
Kids can watch their contemporaries perform in these lighthearted productions. Vero Beach-based Riverside Theatre’s students are putting on Disney’s “Newsies Jr,” a fully staged, hourlong version of the hit Broadway musical, from July 21-22. The Florida Children’s Theatre Circus Troupe with acrobats and aerial artists presents “The Sweetest Show on Earth” at Boca Raton’s Wick Theatre from July 29-30.
riversidetheatre.com | thewick.org
Vero Beach has blossomed beyond the beach and golf course. Its vibrant lifestyle beckons with fitness, family-friendly events, hip breweries and more. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Vero Beach
Perhaps most famous for its destination mall and namesake luxury resort, Boca Raton also delights snowbirds and locals alike for its arts, entertainment venues and proximity to down-home Delray Beach. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Boca Raton
Japanese Anime
Take a break from summer blockbusters with the 2023 Studio Ghibli Fest. The decades-old Japanese animation giant is screening half of its 22 films through Fathom Events at cinemas nationwide like Regal and AMC. Upcoming screenings for these treasured films that are exquisite works of art include “Princess Mononoke,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” and the 10th anniversary of “The Wind Rises.”
fathomevents.com
