It’s hot. So hot out. And humid too. If you’re new to our area, it’s that time of year where you need to start getting comfortable with sweating on the daily. We still have at least 5-6 months of South Florida summer ahead of us, folks!
Yet, life goes on and we parents still have kids to keep occupied and off of screens. If you’re searching the web for events and things to do with your family this month that still attempt to keep you somewhat cool, we have a few fun ideas.
Here are five unique ways to enjoy June locally with your Boca kids!
See “Dinosaurs in Motion” at the Museum of Discovery & Science in Ft. Lauderdale
Located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Arts and Science District, the Museum of Discovery & Science (MODS) features 120,000 square feet of dynamic science exhibits, learning labs, a café, store and grand atrium. Aligned with their museum mission, MODS’ newest exhibit captures the moment where art, science and dinosaurs meet!
“Dinosaurs in Motion” is an interactive and engaging STEAM display open now through Sept. 5, where visitors have the opportunity to discover 14 magnificent, fully interactive, recycled life-size metal dinosaur sculptures inspired by actual fossils. It’s a hands-on experience where your kids will literally be able to operate the movement and functions of each dinosaur.
If you get hungry, the museum also recently opened a new eatery, Elements Café, which features healthy, grab-and-go options including sandwiches, wraps, salads, snacks and more. The café also has a Starbucks coffee station. “Dinosaurs in Motion” is FREE with museum admission.
401 S.W. 2nd St., Ft. Lauderdale; mods.org
Take advantage of Summer in the City events at Mizner Park
The Mizner Park Amphitheater typically has a cool-ish breeze blowing through during its popular and free seasonal concert series, Summer in the City. “We have curated a diverse and fun-filled schedule of concerts and wellness events that will offer something for everyone,” said Amy DiNorscio, Amphitheater and Community Events Manager for the City of Boca Raton. “We’ve brought back some fan-favorite tribute bands from years past, as well as our own Symphonia Boca Raton and FAU Summer Concert Band.”
Upcoming shows in June kick off at 8:00 p.m. on Friday nights. A perfect local outing for families with older kids!
590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; www.myboca.us/2205/Summer-in-the-City
Get your summer reading started
As parents, we all know how important summer learning is. There will be no “summer slide” in my house! Luckily, the city of Boca Raton agrees. May 31 to July 31 has been designated as 2022 Summer Reading with this year’s theme being “Oceans of Possibilities.”
Enrollment began on May 31 for kids, all ages:
- Children through grade 5 will receive a reading log when they sign up and can pick up weekly prizes at the Downtown Library or Spanish River Library as a reward for reading.
- ’Tweens and teens in grades 6–12 can log the minutes they read online for the chance to win a Nintendo Switch Lite at the end of summer (two winners).
- Adults are eligible for an end-of-summer drawing for book lovers’ gift sets when they log the books they read online (three winners).
Everyone who signs up for Summer Reading on READsquared receives an “Oceans of Possibilities” tote bag (while supplies last)! Sign up through the Boca Raton Public Library website or visit the Downtown or Spanish River Library. Install the READsquared mobile app through Google Play or the Apple Store and look for “Boca Raton Public Library.”
1501 Spanish River Blvd. or 400 N.W. 2nd Ave., Boca Raton; bocalibrary.org
Enjoy a Family Sunday at Dania Pointe
There’s something for every member of the family at Dania Pointe during Family Sundays on the Lawn. Get your Boca crew together and head south and enjoy fun free activities from 2-6 p.m. on their lush lawn.
Sunday celebrations feature family friendly entertainment that includes live music, interactive performances, and numerous life-size games on the lawn such as chess, Connect 4, bag tosses and more. We can’t wait to attend one later this month!
150 Sunset Dr., Dania Beach; daniapointe.com/events
Eat at a new restaurant in Boca’s Town Center
New restaurants are coming pretty regularly to Town Center at Boca Raton! We just found out that Popeye’s will open this summer and Shake Shack will have a new outpost in the Cafes at Boca starting this fall.
Also new, The Blue Dog Cookhouse & Bar is South Florida’s first location of the New York-based restaurant, located by the mall’s main entrance. The restaurant offers a cool atmosphere and flavorful food for locals looking for the ideal date night dinner, cocktails with friends or a celebratory family meal.
Blue Dog’s menu is overflowing with tempting options including plates of pumpkin stuffed French toast, fried chicken and waffles, salad, steak, oysters and grilled octopus. Blue Dog is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.
6000 Glades Rd., Boca Raton; bluedogboca.com
Michelle Olson-Rogers is a mom of one and the founder of Modern Boca Mom, an award-winning lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida Mommy. She can also be found on Instagram at @modernbocamom.
