15 Best Things to Do in Boynton Beach (Florida)

Located on Florida’s southern Atlantic coast between Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Boynton Beach is home to some of the state’s most scenic stretches of coastland and is close enough to many historical, cultural, and natural attractions to make day trips a great option for those with their own set of wheels.

Though it’s technically part of the ritzy and exclusive Miami metropolitan area, Boynton Beach is far enough removed from that scene to make it seem like it’s in another world altogether.

A perfect family-friendly destination, it is home to a variety of attractions that are perfect for children, and many of them are relatively inexpensive.

Below are 15 things to do in Boynton Beach.

Table of Contents

1. Oceanfront Park

Vacations can be notoriously expensive, especially when visiting beautiful states like Florida that draw sun, sand, and beach seekers from all over the country.

Located on North Ocean Boulevard in Boynton Beach, Oceanfront Park is popular with visitors of all ages. Though it’s not free like many parks, it is inexpensive considering the wide variety of amenities.

The park features impressive ocean views and beach access, and there’s a wheelchair accessible boardwalk for those who’d like to take a casual stroll.

Kids love the playground and sea turtle sculpture, and it’s possible to rent lounge chairs and umbrellas, which are a necessity if you plan on making a day of it without being burned to a crisp by the intense Florida sun.

2. Schoolhouse Children’s Museum and Learning Center

With admission that’s less expensive than a burger and fries, The Schoolhouse Children’s Museum and Learning Center is another south Florida gem for those traveling to the Sunshine State with children.

Not just another look-but-don’t-touch museum, the learning center’s exhibits and displays encourage thinking and interaction and touch on a variety of interesting topics – like history, science, and art.

The center’s staff also offer a scheduled children’s story time and other guided programs, so check out their website for their schedule and calendar of events.

The center is located just a few blocks from Interstate 95 on East Ocean Avenue.

3. The Links at Boynton Beach Golf Course

Florida is one of the country’s premier golf destinations; for diehard links fanatics, no visit is complete without a round or two on one of the state’s 1,000-plus golf courses.

Featuring two courses, the Links at Boynton Beach Golf Course facility has you covered, whether you’re capable of 300-yard drives or struggle just to make contact with the ball.

The facility’s flagship is the 18-hole, par 71 championship course that’s both scenic and challenging. For those who’d rather not commit to three or four hours, there’s a popular nine-hole course as well.

Tee times go quickly during the peak season, so book your spot in advance if that’s when you’ll be playing.

4. Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge

Florida is home to some of the most amazing wild environments and natural habitats in the region. For those who’ve never explored swamps and Everglades up close, it’s one of those things that shouldn’t be missed.

Featuring a variety of activity options including hiking, wildlife observation, biking and fishing, the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge is a place that could occupy a family for an entire day.

It’s a good idea to stop at the visitor center on Lee Road first, as it’ll give you the lay of the land and a thorough overview of all the park’s amenities.

5. Haunted Pirate Fest and Mermaid Splash

Taking place over two days at the end of October, the Haunted Pirate Fest and Mermaid Splash is a family-friendly event so chockfull of fun activities that it’ll probably be one of the most memorable things you experience on your trip to Florida.

Including parades, treasure hunts, costume competitions, and a variety of live entertainment on multiple stages, finding ways to fill your time won’t be a problem.

It all takes place on NE 4th Street in Boynton Beach, and for those who’d like to have their voice heard before the show, it’s possible to vote for your favorite music on their website.

6. Wakodahatchee Wetlands

Located on Jog Road in nearby Delray Beach, the Wakodahatchee Wetlands is comprised of nearly 50 acres of naturally restored public utility land and is free to visit year-round.

The preserved area is home a variety of more than 100 native bird species and some other iconic Florida animals, like turtles, raccoons, and alligators.

The best way to see the park’s wetlands and animals is via the raised boardwalk that winds nearly a mile over its ponds and marshes.

The park lies at the southern end of the famous Great Florida Birding Trail and has been open since the mid-’90s.

7. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach are a unique area attraction that are a must-see, especially for those who’ve had their fill of beaches and cypress swamps.

Perhaps more than any other culture, the Japanese have nearly perfected the art of melding the manmade and natural worlds in a way that promotes serenity and harmony.

In addition to its natural beauty, the garden’s history dates back more than 100 years to a time in the early 20th century when the area was home to a colony of farming immigrants from Yamato Japan.

The garden features an onsite café and gift shop as well.

8. Craft Food Tours

With such diverse cultural influences from around the world, it’s no wonder that Florida is home to one of the country’s hottest food scenes, and there’s no better way to experience it than by guided tour.

Craft Food Tours operates in Delray Beach and Hollywood and specializes in guiding guests to a number of distinct neighborhoods that are known for their tasty food.

A variety of tour packages are available, all of which include a local guide and fellow foodie who’ll not only lead you to some of the area’s best eateries, but will also give you a fascinating historical insight into the people and cultures that make South Florida such a unique melting pot.

9. Boca Raton Museum of Art

Comprised of thousands of works produced in a variety of mediums, The Boca Raton Museum of Art is home to one of the state’s most impressive collections of contemporary art and has been open for nearly two decades.

In addition to their permanent displays – which include a few world-famous pieces – the museum offers a variety of cultural and instructional courses, including art classes, live music, and receptions for new exhibits.

Many of the museum’s events are specifically for children; the best way to learn about the scope of their exhibits and activities is to check out their website.

10. Game of Axes Throwing Bar

For those who’ve finally reached their limit of beaches, alligators, and art museums, spending a few evening hours at Game of Axes on South Military Trail in Boynton Beach would be the perfect way to shake things up and blow off a little steam.

Generally speaking, consuming alcohol and throwing axes involves trips to the emergency room, but in this environment, it’s possible to do both in safety.

Don’t worry if you’re not up to snuff on ax-throwing; visitors get an orientation from an experienced staff member. They offer an impressive variety of microbrews, and though they don’t serve food, guests can bring their own.

11. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Located on North Ocean Boulevard in Boca Raton, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center offers a variety of programs and activities pertaining to the natural world; most of them are led by naturalists and biologists and are appropriate for adults and children.

The facility lies on the inland side of a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway.

Popular activities include paddle boarding, nature walks, animal feedings, and viewing the sea turtle rehabilitation center that is staffed mainly by students and faculty from nearby Florida Atlantic University.

Though admission is free, a $5 donation per person is suggested.

12. The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum

Part community theater and part priceless costume collection, The Wick Theater and Costume Museum was the brainchild of a woman who had the vision of creating a one-of-a-kind cultural attraction that’s a little bit of New York transplanted into beautiful south Florida.

Considered one of the best of its kind in the world, many of the museum’s pieces date back decades, and include costumes from many well-known on-Broadway shows.

Though they aren’t cheap, it’s possible to take a guided tour that includes lunch at the facility’s restaurant called the Tavern Room.

If live entertainment is more your speed, check out their website to see what’s on the schedule for when you’ll be in the area.

13. Saltwater Brewery

Like most parts of the country, South Florida has experienced a beer revolution in recent years, and many beer aficionado’s tastes have switched from largely tasteless national brands to bold, locally-produced ones.

Located on West Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, Saltwater Brewery was one of Delray Beach’s first microbreweries, and their tasting room is a popular destination for local and visiting beer lovers.

Facility tours are offered on Saturdays. In addition to a vast selection of great beer, they also feature onsite food trucks known for their tasty and reasonably priced fare that go great with beer.

14. Sandoway Discovery Center

Delray Beach’s Sandoway Discovery Center is the perfect destination for those looking for a unique insight into the area’s amazing marine habitat and diverse array of life.

The center has been open for more than two decades and in that time, has become one of the state’s premier locales of its kind.

The center’s shark exhibits are among its most popular; most visitors are shocked to learn of the invasive, non-native species of reptiles like pythons and boa constrictors that have overrun large portions of the state in recent years.

Sandoway Discovery Center is open every day except Monday and admission is very inexpensive.

15. Silver Ball Museum

Though it’s technically a museum, you’ll likely think you’re in a classic arcade that time forgot when you step into the Silver Ball Museum in nearby Delray Beach.

Unlike most other museums, here visitors are encouraged to touch and play with the exhibits, making it more fun and stimulating than just strolling through aisles of static displays.

Full of disco balls and pinball machines from ages past, the museum is off the radar for most tourists, making it a unique idea for a date, birthday party, or other special occasion.

They also have football, shuffleboard, and a bar and restaurant with plenty of tasty food and drink options.

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