Jamess A. Rutherford Park

600 NE 24th St, Boca Raton, FL · 561-997-0791

BOCA RATON. This community park borders the water, promising a bucolic setting and a leisurely respite from workday cares. A host of facilities is available, including a playground, picnic tables, and grills. Boat access makes the park ideal for those who want to cruise the waters for a while, and folks can even rent canoes and other watercraft to take in the scenery and cool off from the heat

Red Reef Park

1111 N Ocean Blvd (A1A), Boca Raton, FL 33432 · 561-393-7810

Description: BOCA RATON. Occupying 67 acres of oceanfront terrain, this popular park offers a wealth of diversions. For swimmers, there's plenty of beach, watched over by lifeguards, and snorkelers are pleased by shallow waters and offshore reefs. A picnic area, complete with grills, accommodates visitors who want to barbecue, and golf and fishing are also favorite pastimes. Restrooms with showers are available, as is a playground and paid parking

South Beach Park

400 N Ocean Blvd (A1A), Boca Raton, FL 33432 · 561-393-7810

BOCA RATON. A popular beach that doesn't always get the traffic more developed beaches do, South Beach offers a lovely, lifeguard-patrolled coastline. Swimming attracts most folks, but you'll find opportunity for snorkeling as well. Picnic areas are available, and you'll also find restrooms with showers.

Spanish River Park

3001 N Ocean Blvd (A1A), Boca Raton, FL 33431 · 561-393-7810

BOCA RATON. One of the area's largest parks, Spanish River guarantees plenty of room to spread out and enough diversions to please any visitor. Swimming and sunbathing satisfy plenty of folks, and picnic tables and grills make outdoor dining a no-brainer. If you're the more active type, biking paths and nature trails offer the opportunity for exertion, and pick-up volleyball games are frequent occurrences. Other Spanish River perks include an observation tower and restrooms.

Delray Beach Public Beach

Ocean Blvd and Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483

Description: DELRAY BEACH. The beach at Delray is busy and well-frequented by people of all ages and persuasions. You'll see families on vacation, young people playing volleyball, and older folks basking in the warm sun. Parking is available nearby, as is a good supply of restaurants and eateries to take care of hunger pangs that inevitably spring up. The waters are ideal for swimming, and lifeguards posted along the shore guarantee that everyone is protected and safe. A good hang-out year-round.   

Butterfly World

3600 W Sample Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33073 · 954-977-4400

Description: COCONUT CREEK. This amazing facility regales visitors with thousands of stunningly beautiful butterflies. In the tropical rain forest aviary, lush vegetation and water features provide a delightful environment for more than 80 species of winged insects, and outside, free-flying native butterflies take advantage of vibrant, nectar-producing plants. A number of gorgeous gardens invites folks to marvel at the natural beauty, and a lake with suspension bridge provides punctuation feature in the environment. Two additional aviaries are devoted to hummingbirds and to lorikeets. Visitors can also view butterflies hatching from pupae and are invited to take photographs throughout the compound.