John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

About

A 438-acre barrier island with a boardwalk through mangroves that leads to an undeveloped beach perfect for long walks and wildlife spotting. Your kids can kayak, paddleboard, or explore the nature center, and a free golf cart shuttle makes getting around manageable. The whole place feels intentionally quiet and less crowded than typical Florida beaches. Best for families who want to slow down and notice things like shorebirds, shells, and changing light on the water. Your kid doesn't need outdoor experience to enjoy it, and amenities are clean and well-maintained. Arrive early for easier parking and bring water and sunscreen.

Florida State Parks is a company that provides recreational opportunities at over 175 state parks, trails, and historic sites in Florida. They offer a variety of activities such as camping, hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. With more than 100 mil

Programs (3)

• Junior Ranger Program

  Class
  · Sunday· Evening· Paid

  So the Junior Ranger Program at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is this cool way to get your kids (ages 4 and up) excited about nature and the beach without it feeling like a field trip. They explore the park, learn about all the wildlife like herons and pelicans, and discover the rare plants and habitats that make this barrier island special. The program runs on Sunday evenings, which is perfect if you want something to do to wind down the weekend. It's just $5 per kid, so it's not going to break the bank. What makes it really stand out is that it's tied to an actual state park where your kids can swim, snorkel, and see real wildlife instead of just hearing about it in a classroom.

• Featured Programs

  Class
  · Sunday· Evening· Paid

  John D. MacArthur Beach State Park offers evening programs on Sundays that are perfect for kids ages 4 and up who want to explore one of Florida's most special natural spaces. Your family will get to experience a real barrier island ecosystem with chances to swim, snorkel, check out the nature center, and spot wildlife like herons, pelicans, and sandpipers depending on what's happening that evening. It's a paid program at just $5 per vehicle, making it an affordable way to get outside and learn about Florida's rare coastal and tropical plants and animals. The park is open year-round and sits right on the beach in North Palm Beach, so you're getting an authentic outdoor experience, not a classroom activity.

• Manatee Educational Program

  Class
  · Sunday· Evening· Paid

  Your kids will learn all about the manatees that live in Florida's waters during this hands-on educational program at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park—it's a great way to get them excited about local wildlife and conservation. The program is designed for kids ages 4 and up, and it runs on Sunday evenings, so it's perfect for a weekend activity. It costs just $5 per person, which is a steal for an evening of learning right at the beach. The park itself is beautiful, with nature trails, a nature center, and tons of opportunities to spot herons, pelicans, and other coastal birds while you're there, so you can easily make a whole afternoon or evening of your visit.