Things to Do with Kids in Wellington FL: Playgrounds, Indoor Fun and More

Looking for things to do with kids in Wellington, Florida? Between free playgrounds, a lakefront Town Center, splash time at the pool, nature walks with real alligators and a drive-through safari just up the road, Wellington is one of the best places in Palm Beach County to raise kids. This local guide covers the best kid-friendly activities in and around Wellington, from free rainy-day ideas to birthday party spots.

Quick picks for Wellington families

Best free playground: Scott's Place at Town Center
Best for little kids: Tiger Shark Cove, with separate fenced areas by age
Best rainy day: Urban Air or the play area at The Mall at Wellington Green
Best hot-day option: The Wellington Aquatics Complex
Best day trip: Lion Country Safari, minutes away in Loxahatchee

Free playgrounds in Wellington

Scott's Place Barrier-Free Playground

Scott's Place is the playground most Wellington parents know by heart. Built by the community in 2010 so children of every ability can play together, it has a horse theme, wheelchair ramps, sensory equipment, swings, slides and a reading corner, all inside a fence. There are restrooms and a covered pavilion, and it sits right next to the Wellington Amphitheater, so you can combine playtime with a free concert or movie night. It is free and open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Address: 12190 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414

Tiger Shark Cove Park

Tiger Shark Cove is an ocean-themed playground with a submarine play structure, obstacle courses, swings and shade. It has separate fenced areas for younger and older kids, which makes it a favorite for parents of toddlers.

Address: 13800 Greenbriar Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414

Village Park and neighborhood parks

Village Park on Pierson Road is home base for youth sports in Wellington, with fields, courts, a gym and playgrounds. Wellington also has dozens of smaller neighborhood parks, so there is likely a playground within a few minutes of your house. See our guide to the best parks in Wellington.

Pools and water fun

When it is 95 degrees in July, water is the answer. The Wellington Aquatics Complex at Town Center has pools for lap swimming, family swim time and lessons, and it is one of the easiest ways to cool off without leaving the village. Check the village's website for current hours, swim lesson sessions and fees.

For a bigger splash, Palm Beach County runs Calypso Bay Waterpark in nearby Royal Palm Beach, open seasonally, and Lion Country Safari has a sprayground in its walk-through park.

Nature, animals and outdoor adventures

Peaceful Waters Sanctuary: an easy boardwalk over a restored wetland where kids can spot herons, egrets, turtles and the occasional alligator. Free, short and stroller friendly.
Wellington Environmental Preserve: wide-open trails on the western edge of the village, good for bike rides with older kids.
Lion Country Safari: a drive-through safari where you see giraffes, rhinos and lions from your car, plus a walk-through park with rides, mini golf and animal feedings. The number one day out for Wellington families.
Okeeheelee Park: a huge county park about 15 minutes east with lakes, trails, playgrounds and a nature center.
Mounts Botanical Garden: themed gardens and an elevated walkway that kids love to explore.

Indoor and rainy-day activities

Florida afternoon storms are a daily summer event, so it helps to have indoor backups.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park at 10560 Forest Hill Blvd is the go-to for burning off energy indoors.
The Mall at Wellington Green has an indoor kids' play area, plus food and air conditioning.
The Wellington Branch Library on Royal Fern Drive offers free story times, reading programs and activities for kids. Check the Palm Beach County Library System calendar for times.

Free family events at Town Center

The Wellington Amphitheater at Town Center hosts free family events throughout the year, including movie nights, concerts and food truck nights, plus seasonal favorites around Halloween, the holidays and the Fourth of July. Bring a blanket, grab dinner from a food truck and let the kids run around the lawn. Keep an eye on our Wellington events calendar for what is coming up.

In winter, the Winter Equestrian Festival and Sunday polo are surprisingly fun with kids, especially the big Saturday night show jumping events.

Youth sports, camps and lessons

Wellington is a youth sports town. Village Park and other village fields host leagues for soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, flag football, lacrosse and more, run by local clubs and the village's parks and recreation department. Registration usually opens a few months before each season, so check early.

For summer, the village and many local organizations run day camps, and there are sports, art, science and equestrian camps throughout the western communities. Spots fill fast, so start looking in early spring. For swim lessons, start with the Aquatics Complex.

Birthday party ideas in Wellington

Indoor parks: Urban Air offers party packages with jump time and a party room.
Park pavilions: pavilions at Scott's Place and other village parks can be rented for a budget-friendly outdoor party.
Pool parties: ask the Aquatics Complex about party options.
Animal adventures: Lion Country Safari is a memorable birthday outing.
Pizza parties: browse our Wellington restaurants for family-friendly spots.

Easy day trips from Wellington

Within about 30 minutes you can reach the Palm Beach Zoo, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach, and the beaches in Palm Beach and Lake Worth Beach. The South Florida Fairgrounds, home of Yesteryear Village and the South Florida Fair each January, is about 15 minutes away.

Tips for Wellington parents

Go early in summer. Playgrounds are much more comfortable before 11 a.m.
Plan around afternoon storms from June through September, and keep an indoor backup in mind.
Watch for alligators near any lake or canal, and keep kids and pets back from the water's edge.
Season changes everything. From January to April, weekends get busy and traffic picks up near the showgrounds.

Looking for schools too? Read our guide to schools in Wellington, or browse all things to do in Wellington.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do with kids in Wellington, FL?

Popular options include the free Scott's Place and Tiger Shark Cove playgrounds, the Wellington Aquatics Complex, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, free events at the Wellington Amphitheater, Urban Air trampoline park for rainy days, and nearby Lion Country Safari.

Where is Scott's Place playground in Wellington?

Scott's Place Barrier-Free Playground is at 12190 Forest Hill Blvd in Wellington, next to the Wellington Amphitheater at Town Center. It is free and open daily from sunrise to sunset.

What are good rainy-day activities for kids in Wellington?

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park on Forest Hill Blvd, the kids' play area at The Mall at Wellington Green, and story times at the Wellington Branch Library are all good indoor options.

Are there free things to do with kids in Wellington?

Yes. Village playgrounds like Scott's Place and Tiger Shark Cove, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, the Wellington Environmental Preserve, library programs and many Wellington Amphitheater events are free.