Real FaceTime Family Vacation

By Discover the Palm Beaches May 3, 2017 10:24am

Families looking to leave the devices behind for a vacation with a focus on each other should think nontraditional activities when making plans for their summer trips. Go beyond a theme park and sitting on a beach, and get out there and experience the world in a new and different way. It’s time to test limits and do it in a family-friendly comfortable setting.

Water Fun

Underwater beauty awaits families who explore the 800-foot long Snorkel Trail, located south of Phil Foster Park in Lake Worth Lagoon, Florida. Easily accessible from the park’s shoreline, the artificial reef is located in six to 10 feet of water ideal for snorkeling. The trail features concrete modules, boulders, shark sculptures and smaller rocks that help guide snorkelers between the larger features. Before families head into the water, they should spend some time at the informational kiosk on the shoreline to help them spot the sea life they may encounter, including pipefish, spotted eagle rays, banded coral shrimp and sea stars. Phil Foster Park is also a good choice for renting kayaks, paddleboards and even snorkeling gear. For those who want more of a challenge on the water, Pura Vida Surf offers private and group surfing lessons on Singer Island, Fla.

On Land

There’s much to explore and discover about nature and animals at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, a 20-acre barrier island in Boca Raton, Fla. Highlights include a one-quarter mile Boardwalk Trail through a preserved Hardwood Hammock, a Nature Center featuring sea turtles and butterflies, and outdoor marine aquariums. The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach, Fla. offers more opportunities to find out about nature including a new interactive “Amazing Butterflies” exhibit taking place through September that allows visitors to “shrink down” and truly understand these beauties. The Science Center is also home to a 10,000 gallon aquarium, nature trail, 61-seat planetarium, and lots of other fun that does not require a smartphone.

Old Time “Gaming”

The Silverball Museum in Delray Beach, Fla. brings gaming back in time with more than classic arcade games and pinball machines. All games are set for free play so it’s unlimited nostalgic fun for the cost of admission. You can also grab a bite to eat while there. Get on the track at Jupiter’s Palm Beach Karting for a 10-minute race that includes all equipment such as helmets, neck braces and race jackets/suits. Drivers must be at least 13 years old and 5 feet tall and must be accompanied by an adult. Teens are sure to forget about their smartphones during this adrenaline rush.