10 Best Family Parks in Palm Beach County + Neighborhoods Nearby

Updated September 23, 2026 with current admission prices, Palm Beach County's decision to keep beach parking free and the latest closures at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

When families ask me what it's like to live in Palm Beach County, I usually start with the outdoors. From Boca Raton to Jupiter, the county is packed with parks, and many of the best ones are free. Here are 10 family favorites, plus the neighborhoods nearby if you're thinking about making the move.

Know Before You Go

• Most county parks are free. Wakodahatchee, John Prince, Okeeheelee, Carlin and DuBois don't charge admission.
• The 12 proposed beach-parking fees were dropped for FY2027. Palm Beach County removed proposed fees at 12 county beach parks from the FY2027 budget; check signs for the rules at each beach.
• Paid spots: Lion Country Safari and Morikami charge admission, and Jonathan Dickinson State Park is $6 per vehicle.

1. Wakodahatchee Wetlands (Delray Beach)

13270 Jog Rd. A free, three-quarter-mile boardwalk over wetlands where you'll see herons, wood storks, roseate spoonbills and alligators, often just a few feet away. It's stroller-friendly and best early in the morning. Pair it with Green Cay Wetlands in Boynton Beach, a few miles away and also free.

Living nearby: West Delray and west Boynton Beach, home to many of the county's master-planned communities.

2. Sugar Sand Park (Boca Raton)

300 S. Military Trail. A huge three-story wooden playground with a splash pad built in, a carousel, nature trails and the Children's Science Explorium, a free hands-on science center for kids 5 to 12. It is a favorite for families in Boca.

Living nearby: Central Boca Raton, close to downtown, Mizner Park and the beach.

3. John Prince Memorial Park (Lake Worth Beach)

2700 6th Ave. S. More than 700 acres around Lake Osborne, with the Picower Super Park, a fenced, fully accessible playground and splash area built for kids of all abilities. There's also a 7-mile fitness trail, kayak launches, a big dog park and camping.

Living nearby: Lake Worth Beach, Lantana and suburban Lake Worth. Compare current listings to see what fits your budget.

4. Okeeheelee Park (West Palm Beach)

7715 Forest Hill Blvd. About 1,700 acres of lakes and pine flatwoods with a nature center, trails, a BMX track, fishing, disc golf and a playground. It's a great place to show kids what South Florida looked like before the suburbs.

Living nearby: Suburban West Palm Beach, Greenacres and Wellington.

5. Lion Country Safari (Loxahatchee)

2003 Lion Country Safari Rd. Drive your own car past giraffes, rhinos and zebras, then walk the gardens and animal areas. General admission is $54.99 for ages 10 and up and $43.99 for kids 3 to 9 (plus tax), and kids 2 and under are free. Weekday rates are lower Monday through Thursday.

Living nearby: Loxahatchee, The Acreage and Westlake, where you'll find larger lots and newer homes.

6. Carlin Park (Jupiter)

400 S. A1A. An oceanfront park with a big playground, covered pavilions, tennis courts and a lifeguarded beach. Free admission and free parking make it a go-to for families in north county.

Living nearby: Jupiter, Tequesta and Juno Beach.

7. Riverbend Park (Jupiter)

9060 Indiantown Rd. Nearly 10 miles of trails and several miles of paddling on the Loxahatchee River, where you may spot manatees, otters and wading birds. It's a quieter, nature-first park that older kids love.

8. DuBois Park (Jupiter)

19075 DuBois Rd. A calm, shallow lagoon at the Jupiter Inlet that's perfect for little swimmers and first-time snorkelers. The historic DuBois Pioneer Home, built in 1898, sits right in the park. Admission is free.

Living nearby: Jupiter Inlet Colony and the neighborhoods around downtown Jupiter.

9. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens (Delray Beach)

4000 Morikami Park Rd. Peaceful Japanese gardens with koi ponds, bridges and a museum. Admission is $18 for adults and $12 for kids 6 to 17, and kids 5 and under are free. Daily tickets are sold at the door only.

Living nearby: West Delray Beach and Boca Raton.

10. Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Hobe Sound)

16450 SE Federal Hwy. Just over the county line in Martin County, this is one of the biggest state parks in Southeast Florida, with trails, camping and the Loxahatchee River. Heads up for fall 2026: all concessions, including kayak and bike rentals and boat tours, have been unavailable since June 30. The Hobe Mountain observation tower is closed, though its boardwalk remains open. The park says its 11 cabins close for renovations beginning October 18. Trails and picnic areas remain available; check campground reservations before visiting. Entry is $6 per vehicle with two to eight people (other entrance categories vary).

Why Parks Matter When You Buy a Home

For a lot of the families I work with, being close to a good park is right up there with commute time. It's where your kids play on weekends and where you meet your neighbors. When you're comparing neighborhoods, visit the nearest park on a Saturday morning. It tells you a lot about the community.

Looking for a Home Near a Great Park?

I'd love to help you find the right Palm Beach County neighborhood for your family. Call or text me at (561) 289-9305 or email chris@homesbycusi.com.

Sources: Lion Country Safari (lioncountrysafari.com); Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens (morikami.org); Florida State Parks (floridastateparks.org); Explore the Palm Beaches (2026); WPTV (September 15, 2026); City of Boca Raton (myboca.us); Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation (discover.pbc.gov); The Friendly Scoop, "The 10 Best Parks in Palm Beach County for Families" (thefriendlyscoop.com/news/best-parks-palm-beach-county-families-2026).