The Boca Raton area has many free and low-cost family-friendly activities for visitors to the area. I visit the area frequently to see family. Palm Beach County and surrounding areas offer several options for bargain hunters and nature lovers.
Green Cay Nature Center
Green Cay Nature Center is a free attraction. With miles of sturdy boardwalk-style paths, guests can safely walk around the Everglades. This is a great place to bring a camera, especially if you have a telephoto lens.
Many guests enjoy the nature center alone, however bicycles and jogging are prohibited. If you’re looking to see an alligator and don’t want to pay for an expensive fan boat tour, this is the place to find one.
Green Cay offers several nature path options. This provides variety and works for those looking for walks of varying distances and difficulties.
Signs along the paths describe wildlife and explain how to identify it. You can also find more information in the indoor nature center. Public water fountains are available there, too. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and rain gear.
Green Cay Nature Center
12800 Hagen Ranch Rd.,
Boynton Beach, Florida 33437
561-966-7000
Hours: Boardwalk opens daily 7 a.m. to sunset; nature center open Wed. – Sat. 9 a.m – 3 p.m. but vary by season (check website first)
Cost: Free
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
The Morikami Museum commemorates the story of an immigrant who created a Japanese farming colony in Florida. The grounds feature a museum complete with education area about living in Japan as well as extensive gardens.
The gardens include a bamboo forest, a garden of peace, and rock gardens. Set aside several hours to tour the grounds. Morikami also houses a Japanese restaurant on site. For an inexpensive meal, order sushi a la carte.
This is a wonderful site to visit with others or alone. Bring a pencil and paper if you’re a poet or artist; don’t forget a camera.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
4000 Morikami Park Rd.,
Delray Beach, Forida 33446
561-495-0233
Hours: Tues. – Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: $8 (children and students), $12 seniors, $13 adults
The Boynton Beach area is great for flea markets. Aside from scoring the best items, it’s usually free to window shop-and people watch. The three main flea markets in Palm Beach County include Carnival Flea Market, Festival Flea Market, and Sunshine Flea Market.
The Sunshine Flea Market lists valuable coupons and a rewards card info on their website. If you’re looking to spend hours in one place, check out Sunshine-it’s the largest in the area.
Carnival is the most family-friendly flea market, featuring an arcade popular with teens. It’s also wheelchair accessible and has wide aisles, making it friendly for many seniors.
Festival Flea Market is a bit closer to a shopping mall and well-maintained. Festival also offers valuable coupons accessible online.
Flea market hours vary by location. If you want to avoid the crowds and the heat, it’s best to arrive at market when it opens.
