As a parent, we know you’re already thinking about what to do this summer. On one hand, summer in South Florida is synonymous with beautiful, long, hot days that are great for hanging out on the beach and catching sunsets. On the other hand, it can be difficult to work around with young children.
If you’re a parent struggling to find suitable summertime stuff to do with your 0-2-year-old (or multiples!), we’ve created a list of fun things to do over the summer that, yes, the whole family can enjoy together.
Keep reading to learn about 7 activities for infants to plan this summer, from gym class and a petting zoo to carousel rides,
1. Tiny Tykes Gym Class
At My Gym in Coral Springs, children as young as 3 months are invited to participate in expertly curated classes designed to work with your infant’s rapidly growing brain. All classes incorporate cognitive activities for healthy development. At Tiny Tykes class, you and your baby will be led through fun stretches, songs, dances, and more.
Other classes for infants at My Gym include the sibling class (open to 12m-5y), waddlers (12m-20m), and open gym play.
2. Butterfly World
Classified as the largest butterfly house in the world, Butterfly World is one of the many perfect activities for infants to enjoy. Young children and babies alike will marvel at the many (over 20,000) colorful butterflies and birds. Butterfly World is easily accessible with strollers and offers an engaging way to spend a summer afternoon or morning walking among nature. Don’t miss the bug zoo or the opportunity to feed the lorikeets! Consider purchasing a package of seeds for butterfly attracting at home or take home your very own live butterfly pupa to observe its transformation into a butterfly.
3. Sugar Sand Park
Among the many perks of living in South Florida are the readily available outdoor spaces and opportunities to take in the sun and nature. Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton offers plenty of space for the whole family. Enjoy a family walk among largely shaded nature trails, take in a show through the family-friendly series at Willow Theatre, or ride the carousel. You can also visit the science playground, a tri-level hands-on experience designed with children in mind, the science playground features wheelchair-accessible swings, slides, sensory walls, and a splash pad with a toddler play area.
4. Applesauce Play Cafe
An exciting and unique concept, Applesauce Play Cafe in Coral Springs was created by a mom in 2022 to be a space for families to learn and play together. The play cafe is an indoor facility that offers enrichment classes for children with available areas for parents to work. Along with a class option, choose from open play, private playdate, or a tiered membership. Applesauce Play Cafe accommodates children ages 0-7y and has tons of seasonal events and even an option to host parties or events. It’s the perfect indoor option with plenty of activities for infants.
5. Coconut Cove Waterpark
No list of activities for infants during the summertime in South Florida would be complete without mentioning a waterpark. It’s the best way to beat the heat while still enjoying the season. Coconut Cove Waterpark in Boca Raton features an oasis for families of all sizes. With a recreational pool, 986-foot lazy river, water slides, lily pad walk and children’s water playground, it’s easy to see why this is a waterpark for everyone.
Coconut Cove Waterpark offers locker rentals, concession snacks, shower facilities, and discounted rates for toddlers (fee includes a water diaper) and is free for infants under 1. Be sure to check into the 2024 Swim Lesson dates for children, beginning at 6 months.
6. Flamingo Gardens
Did you know infant education affects their development for life? Infants learn through interaction, touch, and sound. Located near Fort Lauderdale in Davie, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest, educational botanical gardens in Florida. Founded in 1927 and now home to both rare, exotic and native plants, it’s a great way to spend a summer day.
With 60 acres of walkable botanical gardens, a wildlife sanctuary, and a peak at what life in South Florida was like in the 1930s at the Wray Home Museum, Flamingo Gardens is educational and engaging. See the turtles along the turtle walk, marvel at the brilliant colors of the parrot aviary, watch the otters swim, feed the flamingos, and more.
7. Happi Farm Horse and Petting Pal Interaction
Happi Farm, located in Davie (near Flamingo Gardens), is open to the public and is a non profit Animal Assisted Learning Center. All ages are welcome to the petting farm and will enjoy bunnies, goats, chicks, ducks, pigs, tortoises, guinea pigs, a miniature donkey, lamb, alpaca, llama, hedgehog, and miniature bull. The entrance fee is $10 per person and includes one free horse ride. Bring your carrots, apples, or lettuce to feed the animals, or purchase a bowl of treats for an additional $5. Infants under 1 and seniors over 65 are free. Looking for more? Book a birthday party at Happi Farm.
As a nonprofit organization, Happi Farm supports equine therapy for veterans, youth at risk, substance abuse in recovery, autism spectrum, behavioral disorders, alzheimers and more. Spend the day with your infant and family supporting a great, local cause.
Providence Children’s Academy in Coconut Creek
If you’re searching for activities for infants, you’ve found the right place. At Providence Children’s Academy, we can’t wait to meet you and your family. We offer an inclusive environment specially designed to help children thrive socially, academically, and physically no matter their age. We accommodate infants as young as 6-weeks and provide specialty one, two, and three-year-old classes. .
We’re a family run preschool with options for everything from infant childcare to VPK , after-school care options, and summer camp programs for children from 5 to 12, we have something to meet everyone’s needs. Call 954-570-6914 to schedule a tour of our Coconut Creek Preschool facility.