Boca Raton is packed with fun, creative, and budget-friendly places for families to play, explore, and try something new together. Whether your crew loves arts and crafts or is searching for splash zones and indoor playgrounds, the area has something to keep every child smiling… rain or shine.
Let’s get to it.
artNEST Boca
When kids want to get messy and creative without the pressure of competition, artNEST Boca is the spot. They offer a “grown-up and me” option for toddlers, so parents can join early sessions, and classes shift to drop-off as kids get older, which means parents actually get to savor a hot coffee.
The studio hosts painting, collaging, comics, fashion design, woodworking, resin art, and sensory play. That spread keeps even the “art is boring” crowd busy with something to glue, sculpt, or splatter.
Groups are kept to about six kids, and the vibe stays supportive and low pressure. There’s no best-in-show contest, just teachers who pay attention and cheer on each child.
Families can pick single pop-up classes or sign up for full camps over school breaks, and there’s no membership or commitment hoops to jump through. Some special events include scholarship spots or t-shirt fundraisers to keep things affordable. If a child learns differently, the instructors adapt, so artNEST welcomes all abilities. The focus is on creative process and building confidence, not just the finished artwork.
Camp Ladybug
For parents hunting a well-rounded summer camp, Camp Ladybug checks off every box. It serves kids from kindergarten through 5th grade (ages 5 to 11 if your child meets the September cut-off) in eight weekly sessions full of arts and crafts, yoga breaks, sports on outdoor fields, drama workshops, and even karate classes.
Groups are sorted by age, so your second grader won’t get trampled by a fifth grader during capture the flag. Themed weeks and dress-up days are built into the schedule, so there’s always something to spark excitement.
Camp runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with before- and after-care options for busy schedules. Tuition is $280 per week, and full-summer or sibling discounts apply. The curriculum emphasizes social-emotional learning, and the staff is trained to support a range of special needs, making sure every camper feels seen and heard.
The founder brings 25 years of experience to the program, and counselors keep the ratio low so no one slips through the cracks. Parents usually stay off-site, but daily photo updates (and the occasional ice cream truck) keep everyone in the loop.
Childrens Science Explorium
If you’re searching for a free way to fuel your kids’ curiosity, the Children’s Science Explorium delivers. It’s geared to 5- to 12-year-olds, and entry is free (they suggest a $5 donation). Inside roughly 4,000 square feet of indoor gallery space, you’ll find interactive exhibits where kids can launch rockets, build molecule models, and tinker with gadgets that light up, spin, or reveal how things work.
The staff actually seems to enjoy sharing science, and that energy shows in programs like Make & Takes, where every child walks out with a completed project. Special events pop up, such as Friday Night at the Museum, but you won’t see live animals here.
For families with sensory-sensitive children, Sensory Friendly Saturdays dial down lights and sound to keep things comfortable. Caregivers stay close by since there’s no drop-off option. When you’re done inside, the playground and carousel outside round out the morning or afternoon.
With hands-on exhibits and welcoming staff, this spot makes budget-friendly science exploration feel anything but basic.
Adventure Vault | Escape Room Boca Raton
When you’re in the mood for an indoor adventure, Adventure Vault in Boca Raton delivers with private escape room sessions. You and your group work through puzzles without sharing the space with strangers, and the climate-controlled rooms keep humidity and weather outside where they belong.
Themes range from murder mysteries to Sherlock Holmes cases, plus a quirky “Death and Breakfast” scenario. They even offer Junior Explorer versions so younger kids can follow along without feeling lost.
Most rooms require at least two people and fit up to eight players. The rate is a flat $99 for up to three guests, plus $30 for each extra person. If you book out the entire room, you get a small discount. Adventure Vault stays open year-round, with afternoon and evening slots on weekdays and longer hours on weekends.
Under-17 players need a parent or guardian on site, but adults are welcome to join the fun. The rooms aren’t truly locked, there’s always a host nearby to pass out clues, and an emergency exit is available in case things get too intense. Safety precautions and friendly hosts make sure every visit is exciting without stress.
The Wick Theatre & Museum Club
At The Wick Theatre & Museum Club, summer camp swaps backyard tag for stage makeup and full-blown costumes. Every June, kids ages 6 through teens gather in the air-conditioned theatre and costume museum to learn acting, set design, and makeup techniques. No auditions or script knowledge are required.
The daily schedule runs from 9 to 4 with drop-off only. Campers rotate through workshops on acting, costume and prop building, and behind-the-scenes work. Lunch and snacks are all included in the $350 fee. The week wraps up with a full Pinocchio production, complete with costumes that look Broadway-ready.
There’s even a real Broadway costume museum on site, so campers can explore authentic stage pieces during breaks. It’s a hands-on, creative dive that gives theater fans a chance to shine in the spotlight.
Boca Raton Museum of Art
If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot in Mizner Park, the Boca Raton Museum of Art fits the bill. You’ll wander through rotating exhibits and a sculpture garden where kids can touch select pieces without a strict “do not touch” rule. Since the displays change regularly, there’s always something new to see.
Beyond the galleries, the Art School offers classes for every age—from preschool paint sessions to high school workshops. Monthly SMART Saturday workshops let you try a single session without committing long term. Summer camp themes like “Manga Madness” keep things fresh and fun.
Class sizes stay around 10 to 15 students, and all instructors are certified educators. Beginners are more than welcome. The museum also offers inclusive programs if you let them know ahead of time. It’s a place that makes parents look creative and organized—no prior art skills required.
Greater Boca Raton Beach District
In the Greater Boca Raton Beach District, you’ll find a mix of outdoor and indoor events that bring the whole community together. Summer camps cover STEM topics, magic classes with an online curriculum, catch-and-release fishing, and Shark-Fest with real shark dissections and a fossil dig. Most programs welcome beginners, so prior experience isn’t needed.
Indoor options include air-conditioned magic sessions and eco art projects where kids turn shells into keepsakes. Free Island Treks and daily aquarium feedings pop up on the schedule, and turtle talks offer a more relaxed afternoon. Certified instructors lead every activity, so learning and safety go hand in hand.
Playgrounds, hammock trails, and ADA-accessible paths round out the mix. Some events are free, while full camps cost a couple hundred dollars. Residents get discounted rates, and camps are drop-off only, giving parents a chance to relax while kids explore marine life and magic tricks.
La-La Land – Fun Indoor Playground!
Walking into La-La Land – Fun Indoor Playground! in Boca Raton feels like hitting the jackpot for busy parents and energetic kids. There are three full levels of soft ramps, bouncy mazes, slides, and obstacle courses, plus a dedicated toddler zone so the little ones don’t get trampled by older siblings.
Admission runs about $15 per child and parents get in free, which is pretty reasonable for the setup. You can sit back on the comfy seating and enjoy a moment of peace while your kid tests out every slide here. It’s all climate-controlled, so no one ends up hot or sunburned, and you can grab socks at the counter if anyone forgets theirs.
The staff here really knows safety, checking that rules are followed without hovering. A snack bar offers quick bites and drinks when energy runs low, and the overall vibe stays surprisingly chill even when the kids are buzzing around. They also cater to kids with different abilities, making it easy to plan a birthday party or group event without extra hassle.
Coconut Cove Waterpark and Community Center
On hot days in Palm Beach County, Coconut Cove Waterpark and Community Center turns into everyone’s favorite hangout. Its outdoor waterpark includes almost 1,000 feet of lazy river, two four-story slides, plus a water playground full of splash zones and a lily pad walk. Little ones under one get in free and toddlers get a water diaper included, so you can leave that extra item at home.
Every pool and attraction has a lifeguard posted, giving parents peace of mind. Swim lessons are available for ages as young as six months up through adulthood, so anyone can brush up on their strokes. A snack bar serves up ICEEs, brownies, and ice cream if you need a quick sugar boost.
The community center area offers indoor meeting rooms with kitchen facilities, making it easy to host group events beyond family days. The park is open every day during summer, then switches to weekends only in spring and fall. Since it gets busy fast, you might want to check the schedule before planning a big outing.
Bricks, Bots, & Beakers – Boca Raton
If your child loves hands-on science and creativity, Bricks, Bots, & Beakers in Boca Raton is the kind of camp they’ll talk about after dropoff. The team puts together activities with LEGO engineering, beginner robotics, and science experiments that fizz, ooze slime, or even feature the occasional bug, so boredom never sneaks in.
Kids get to call the shots on which projects to explore, and while most of the fun is indoors, there are daily breaks outside for fresh air and games. Sessions run weekly, with small groups split by age, classes start at 3 years old and go up through middle school. The 5 to 11 crowd makes up most of the campers.
You’ll see themes like Zany Zoology, where kids adopt a plush animal, Jurassic Jamboree, Gross-Out Chemistry, and live insect investigations. Pricing is around $395 per week for local families, and certified educators staff every group. They support kids of all learning levels and never require a science background. Parents can wave goodbye at dropoff knowing each camper gets plenty of attention.
My Gym Boca Raton
When you step into My Gym Boca Raton, it feels like your childhood dream playground, but with expert-designed padding and age-appropriate classes. They offer sessions for babies who are just sitting up, toddlers in the “Waddlers” phase, and older kids ready to show off their tumbling skills. Spotlight and sensory workshops are part of the mix too.
It’s all indoors and climate-controlled, so no one heads home covered in bruises. The soft mats and low-height equipment keep things safe. Staff members are certified, background-checked, and trained, plus class sizes are small enough that each child gets attention. Between classes, there’s a free-play “Practice & Play” session included in your membership. After a year, memberships go month-to-month, or you can drop in anytime or try a week for ten bucks.
Parents of the littlest gymnasts join in on the fun, so you’re right there for every roll and tumble. The vibe is safe, flexible, and a little quirky—think a quick song before a forward roll. It’s a solid pick for families who want to burn energy and sneak in some enrichment.
We Rock the Spectrum Boca Raton
For families looking for a bright, inclusive indoor play space, We Rock the Spectrum Boca Raton checks all the boxes. This franchise location has its own friendly vibe. Inside, you’ll find swings, a trampoline, a zip line, and a rock wall alongside quieter zones for kids who need a break. Shoes are off, socks are on, and the whole place is cleaned daily with eco-friendly products.
Open play costs $18 per child, with a sibling discount. If you plan to visit often, memberships make sense. There’s no age limit for kids with special needs, and staff members are on hand while parents supervise too. If you snag a few minutes alone, there’s a seating area where you can enjoy a coffee and watch the action.
Specialty programs focus on building social-emotional skills, so it’s more than just playtime. Every kid can find their comfort zone and have fun on their own terms.
