Summer guide: 9 fun and family-friendly things to do in Wellington
Though it may not have the immediate proximity to the beach that some other Palm Beach County municipalities can boast, Wellington has more than its share of fun things to do.
If you love horses, this might be one of the best spots in the state and, in fact, it is actually known as the "winter equestrian capital of the world."
And if you have kids who love the outdoors or animals, there's an environmental preserve and one of the top safari parks in the country just a few miles away.
More: On a budget this summer? 11 fun things to do for free or under $20 in Palm Beach County
Here are some of the top family-friendly things to do in Wellington:
Get wet and wild at the Wellington Aquatics Complex
Their state of the art Olympic size pool is designed to meet competitive standards and features electronic touch pads connecting to a scoreboard. Though complex offers lots of great ways to get in shape, including lap swimming, swim clubs, swim meets and water aerobics, it is also designed for fun with two massive slides, diving boards, a sprayground, baby pool area and more. Want a have a party at the facility? You can do that to.
Information: 12072 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. wellingtonfl.gov
Spend a day at the National Polo Center
The National Polo Center is home to eight fields, a stadium, restaurants, social club and more. The center enables the United States Polo Association to showcase tournaments and also help develop American players. Some of the larger tournaments include the U.S. Open Polo Championship, the National President's Cup and the NPC 16-Goal Championships. The center has been a draw for the royal family, from King Charles to Prince Harry. It is also a popular venue for weddings, engagement parties and corporate events.
Information: 3667 120th Ave. S., Wellington. nationalpolocenter.com
Find your inner Tarzan or Jane at Lion Country Safari
Let's just say Lion Country Safari is Wellington-adjacent, or just down the road. But the park that actually sits in Loxahatchee is worth the trip. Once again named one of the top 10 safari parks in the country, Lion Country Safari is home to over 1,000 animals roaming wide open, natural habitats in large herds, prides and troops. These include alpacas, Brazilian tapirs, greater kudus, impalas, ostriches, gemsbok, wildebeest, Asiatic water buffaloes, African lions, common elands, impalas, giraffes, zebras, southern white rhinoceros and many more. Opened in 1967 and situated on 600 acres, this is not one to miss.
Information: 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee. lioncountrysafari.com
More: How great is Lion Country Safari? Zoo made this USA top 10 list for the seventh time!
See exotic animals up close at the Wellington Conservation Center
Caring for all unwanted and abandoned animals along with orphaned birds and mammals, they also specialize in the conservation of exotic animals under the threat of habitat loss and poaching. They feature tours guided by knowledgeable staff and offer unique interactions with exotic animals. Appointments required.
Information: 14990 Palm Beach Point Blvd., Wellington. wellingtonconservationcenter.org
Get a view from above at Wellington Environmental Preserve
The Wellington Environmental Preserve at 3491 Flying Cow Ranch Road reopened Wednesday after being closed due to the coronavirus outbreak April 29, 2020. [ALLEN EYESTONE/palmbeachpost.com]
This preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat is a 365-acre rainwater storage area with nature trails and learning centers. It features interior uplands and native landscaping that provide an exhibition of natural Florida from the paved pedestrian path and boardwalk to seven designated learning areas. There is a six story observation tower located at two of these areas. The preserve also includes a 3.6 mile perimeter equestrian trail that is an extension of the approximately 65-mile Wellington bridle trail system. The Preserve was named the 2010 'Project of the Year' by the Palm Beach County Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Information: 3491 Flying Cow Ranch Road, Wellington. wellingtonfl.gov/Facilities
Take the kids to The Mall at Wellington Green
Kaitlyn Tama and Kim Jioia, both from Wellington, watch fireworks viewed from the Mall at Wellington Green July 4, 2020 in Wellington.
When you need to beat the summer heat, head to this double decker mall. It is a shopper's paradise and includes stores like Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Apple, Champs, Foot Locker, Gamestop, Hollister, Hot Topic and more. There are also plenty of places to grab a bite like Chick-Fil-A, California Pizza Kitchen, Cinnabon and The Madre's Mexican Fresh. In addition, the mall hosts regular events like Zumba with Jaime, fashion shows and more.
Information: 10300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. shopwellingtongreen.com
Stroll through Swank Farm's Market
Swank Farmers Market is typically open from October to May and features their own fantastic produce along with goods from dozens of other vendors.
Running October through May each season, this Loxahatchee Groves market features live music and a variety of exceptional goods from over two dozen vendors. Shop under their 8,500 square-foot, open-air pole barn and stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, savor a breakfast sandwich, or enjoy fresh coffee and a pastry. A few of their vendors include: Caribbean Plants and Produce, Paulie's Pasta, Trinity Ranch Custom Beef, Gratitude Garden Farms, Dirty Bird Hot Sauce, Parce Cofee Roasters, Alonso Apiaries, Pork-etta, Palm Beach Plant Depot and Little Jon's Breakfast Sandwiches.
Lifestyle and food star Martha Stewart shares a snapshot with farmers Darrin and Jodi Swank at their Swank Farm in Loxahatchee Groves in December 2023.
Information: 14311 North Road, Loxahatchee Groves. swankspecialtyproduce.com
Get creative at Jan's Finest Painting crafts and jewelry
Jan's Finest Painting Crafts and Jewelry offers fun, family-friendly art classes where participants can paint, craft, or make custom jewelry with step-by-step guidance. Held at their Loxahatchee studio, all supplies are provided—just bring your creativity. The studio hosts private events for groups of 8 or more and even offers mobile paint parties for 10 or more. Perfect for kids, families, and beginners alike. Book online and take home your own handmade creation.
Information: 16379 66th Court, North Loxahatchee, Fl. jansfinest.com
Unwind and explore at 21 Karat Ranch
24 Karat Ranch offers a peaceful retreat with wellness events for the whole family. The 10-acre property features scenic nature trails, friendly farm animals, and a lineup of events designed to promote relaxation and connection. Popular happenings include goat yoga, full moon cacao ceremonies, meditation circles, and seasonal gatherings like the Spring Fling Festival and Harvest Celebration. The ranch also hosts special kid-friendly days with pony rides and animal encounters, making it an ideal weekend escape for all ages.
information: 3765 E Road, Loxahatchee Groves 24karatranch.com
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Top attractions in Wellington, Florida: Horses, nature, drive-thru zoo
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