Here, Sebastián Matters Most
At Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, infants like Sebastián find hope through specialized care. Born with a rare condition called Pierre Robin sequence, Sebastián had a small lower jaw and experienced trouble breathing and feeding. After life-changing surgery and comprehensive supportive services from the Nicklaus Children’s Craniofacial Center’s dedicated team, little Sebastián is now breathing and eating easily. With compassion at our core, we provide extraordinary care, because here, your child matters most.
From the
P. 4
Picks - 5 Things We're Loving P. 5 7 Ways to Make the Fourth of July a Blast for Kids P. 6
the Heat: Stay Safe in South Florida's Summer P. 10 15th Annual Beat the Heat Guide P. 12-16
Camp Checklist P. 22 Create a Summer Command Center P.18 Palm Beach County: Events and Things to Do P. 22
THE COVER White linen, warm sand, and one very Palm Beach kind of evening. These twins have summer figured out! Cover photo by Lynn of Lynn Studios. www. lynnstudios1.com.
Letter From The Publisher
Greetings,
It feels like school just let out, and yet somehow, we're already halfway through summer! With just over a month to go before the back-to-school rush begins, I hope your family is soaking up all the sunny moments (preferably with some shade and a popsicle nearby).
In our 15th annual Beat the Heat issue, we've rounded up creative and fun ways to stay cool during South Florida's steamy summer months. From splashy activities to local events and our go-to summer survival tips, this issue is your guide to making the most of the season while keeping the heat at bay.
In true summertime fashion, my kids have been keeping busy with camp and summer adventures, (my oldest even has a summer job!). It's been wonderful to see them active, engaged, and (mostly) off their screens. Summer always seems to fly by, so I'm soaking in these long, sunny days while they last. Whether it's lazy mornings, weekend outings, or spontaneous ice cream runs, these little moments are what make the season so special.
As the countdown to school begins, I encourage you to savor the slower pace and squeeze in a few more memory-making adventures. Whether you're road-tripping, relaxing, or just staying cool at home, may your summer be joyful and refreshing.
Happy Parenting,
Volume 15, Issue 7 |July 2026 PUBLISHER
Felonice Merriman
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Jennifer Preville GRAPHIC DESIGN/PRODUCTION
Felonice Designs, LLC
Stephanie Davis COVER PHOTO BY: Lynn of Lynn Studios www.lynnstudios1.com WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS
Amy Bergman
Felonice Merriman
561-223-9223
PB Picks Publisher's Picks
5 Things We’re Loving This July
A few favorites we are loving around the Palm Beaches this month. Sea Turtle Season!
1. Sea Turtle Walks at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. July is peak loggerhead nesting season, and there is nothing quite like watching a mama turtle come ashore to lay her eggs under the moonlight. Guided walks run Tuesday through Saturday and start at 9 p.m., with a presentation first while scouts patrol the beach for activity. Ages 10 and up, $40 per person, reservations required. marinelife.org.
2. Fresh Florida Mangoes. July is peak Florida mango season and it's a short, glorious window. Grab a case at a local fruit stand, or, if a neighbor's tree is dropping, be the neighbor who says yes to a bagful. (Don't be a fruit thief!) Blend them, grill them, freeze them for smoothies, or just eat them over the sink.
3. A Hurricane Season Starter Kit. Peak season runs August through October, which makes July the perfect window to get squared away. Batteries, a hand-crank radio, gallon jugs, a real flashlight (not just your phone - you will run down your battery), a first-aid kit, and a portable battery pack. About $75 to $100 to build from scratch at Target or Home Depot. Future you will be grateful.
4. Summer Reading at the PBC Library. The Palm Beach County Library System's summer reading program keeps kids logging books all summer for prizes, plus free storytimes, craft nights, and STEM programs at every branch. Free library card, free AC, free everything. Hard to beat.
5. An Electric Shaved Ice Machine. Skip the hand-crank workout and let the motor do the work. The Hawaiian Shaved Ice S900A is the popular pick at around $60, or level up to the Little Snowie Max (HGTV's top-rated pick for that authentic fluffy Hawaiian shaveice texture) for about $200. Kids load the ice, you pour the syrup, everybody wins. Pro tip: a splash of rum in the grown-up cup turns snack time into happy hour. Both available on Amazon.
The 4th of July is a peak kid holiday: it's outside, it's loud, it's got popsicles and watermelon, and nobody has to go to school. With a little planning, you can make it a day your kids remember fondly, instead of one that ends in a sunburn, a sugar crash, or a trip to urgent care.
Here's how to keep it fun and keep it safe.
1. Start with a red, white, and blue breakfast Kick things off with patriotic pancakes, a fruit skewer of strawberries, bananas, and blueberries, or star-shaped waffles cut with a cookie cutter. Kids get invested in a holiday the moment food is involved, and this sets the tone before the real festivities start.
2. Turn the yard into a mini carnival Sack races, water balloon tosses, a chalk-drawn hopscotch course, or a scavenger hunt for red, white, and blue objects around the yard will burn off energy long before anyone asks "is it dark yet?" A slip-n-slide or sprinkler is a great midday cool-down between activities.
3. Make a craft they can wave around later Pool noodle "sparklers" wrapped in red, white,
and blue streamers, DIY flags on popsicle sticks, or a patriotic pinwheel are easy no-mess crafts for toddlers and preschoolers. Bonus: they double as safe alternatives to hold during the evening fireworks show (more on that below).
4. Let them help with the cookout
Kids love feeling useful. Let them brush marinade on veggie skewers, arrange fruit into a flag design on a platter, or hand out napkins. Small jobs make them feel like part of the celebration instead of bystanders waiting for the "kid stuff" to start.
5. Plan a low-key afternoon lull
Between the morning activities and evening fireworks, there's usually a hot, tired stretch. Build in downtime: a movie, a nap, quiet water play, or popsicles in the shade. A meltdown-free evening starts with not overscheduling the middle of the day.
6. Skip home fireworks — go watch a show instead
This is the one place where "fun" and "safety" really do point the same direction. Professional
displays are more spectacular than anything in a driveway, and they're a lot safer. If you can, watch from at least 500 feet away from the launch site, that distance protects little ears too, since fireworks are loud to be startling up close.
On sparklers specifically: they burn at around 2,000°F, hot enough to melt some metals, and cause a large share of fireworks injuries in kids under 5 (nearly half, by some estimates). If sparklers are part of your family tradition, keep them strictly for older kids and adults, supervise closely, and have a bucket of water on hand. For younger kids, swap them out for glow sticks or glow bracelets — same magic glow-in-the-dark effect, zero burn risk.
Other easy, kid-safe stand-ins: confetti poppers, snap pops (the tiny paper-wrapped kind that pop when thrown, not lit), or just letting them wave one of the pool-noodle "sparklers" from earlier.
7. Pack the essentials before you head out
If you're headed to a public fireworks show, bring a blanket, bug spray, water, and a pair of ear protectors or headphones for babies and toddlers who startle easily at loud booms. Scope out your spot early, and have a plan for where to meet if you get separated in a crowd — a quick "if we get split up, go to the big flag" chat with older kids goes a long way.
The takeaway: the best 4th of July with kids is mostly about the small stuff — the popsicles, the sprinkler, the pinwheel craft — with the fireworks left to the professionals. Save the sparklers for the grown-ups, hand the little ones a glow stick instead, and everyone gets the sparkle without the ER visit.
Sources: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
Wow, it is hot out! With temperatures in the mid90s (and higher) for the next several months, keeping cool in South Florida isn't just about comfort, it's critical for your health and safety. Extreme heat can lead to serious illnesses, from heat cramps and heat exhaustion to the lifethreatening condition known as heat stroke.
Know the Signs
Heat exhaustion looks like heavy sweating; cold, pale, clammy skin; a fast, weak pulse; nausea, muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, or fainting. Move to a cool, shaded place, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths, and sip water slowly. Get medical help if vomiting occurs or symptoms last longer than an hour. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Watch for a body temperature of 103°F or higher; hot, red, dry or damp skin; a fast, strong pulse; confusion, or loss of consciousness. Call 911, move the person to a cooler location, and use cool wet cloths or a cool bath to bring their temperature down. Do not give them anything to drink.
Tips to Stay Cool All Summer
• Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late evening, and avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM).
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Breathable fabrics like cotton beat synthetics every time.
Beat the Heat: Staying Safe in South Florida's Summer
• Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich beverages. Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can accelerate dehydration.
• Freeze plastic water bottles ahead of time. Grab one when heading out, and you'll have cold water ready as the ice melts.
• Keep a spray bottle of cold water in the fridge for a quick face mist, and toss lotions or toners in there too for soothing relief on tired feet.
• Use fans to circulate air, even in airconditioned spaces.
• Take cool showers to lower your body temperature and reset.
• Choose lighter, cooler foods like cold fruits, salads, and smoothies. Smaller, more frequent meals help you avoid overheating (and skip the extra heat from cooking).
Trust Your Instincts
If the heat feels unbearable, stay indoors and minimize outdoor activity. Avoid hot surfaces like asphalt (especially with little feet or paws in tow). Keep a close eye on those most vulnerable to heat-related illness: the elderly, infants, children, anyone with chronic health conditions, and your pets.
For more resources on extreme heat, visit the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/about/ index.html.
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Beat theHeat guide
Welcome to our 15th annual Beat the Heat Guide. This guide is an excellent resource for the summer when the temperatures outside can reach past 90 degrees and feel like 100. PB Parenting has put together some of our favorite places to visit during the summertime (and year-round). There are also some great indoor options for rainy days or the ever-present afternoon thunderstorms. This resource directory is available online all year at www.pbparenting.com.
Beat the July Heat at The Bunny Hive, the ultimate indoor social club for little ones and their grownups!
Step into our beautiful, air-conditioned studio designed for effortless fun and connection. This summer, we are cranking up the excitement with an incredible lineup of seasonal pop-ups. Parents can stay fit with our MOMalates or Cuddle & Stretch passes, while little ones cool down with hands-on splash and play classes! From sensory exploration and art to ballet and our new Spanish and Pre-K, we keep tiny hands busy and enrich everyone’s heart. Check our July schedule and come be a part! Located in Delray Beach. For more information call 561820-5529 or visit www.thebunnyhive.com.
The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is the perfect destination to beat the heat! Enjoy cool exhibits including Sean Kenney’s Brick Planet: a magical journey made with LEGO® bricks, plus activities at the STEAM Cart, flight simulations through Flight Deck, the observatory, alligator interactions, aquarium feedings, and much more. Located at 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, FL 33405. Call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.coxsciencecenter.org for more information.
Disney On Ice presents Spotlight Magic!
Beat the September heat inside the ice-cold Amerant Bank Arena when Disney On Ice presents
$25 KIDS TICKE T purchase of an Adult ticket through 9/6/26* your imagination in motion with Drawn to Life love letter to the art of Disney animation.
Spotlight Magic! skates into Sunrise September 10 through 13, 2026. This all-new, never-beforeseen production rolls out the red carpet with more than 30 Disney characters, including firsttime appearances by Gazelle and Gary De'Snake from Zootopia 2 and Angel from Lilo & Stitch, plus a thrilling showcase of Disney's most iconic villains. Expect chart-topping hits from Hannah Montana, High School Musical 3, and Descendants 3, alongside classics from Beauty and the Beast, Moana, and Toy Story. Encourage the kids to dress to impress and strut the red carpet before showtime. Where: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise.Tickets: SeatGeek.com, More info:
Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and
Gather the whole family and duck into the air-
conditioned theater at Disney Springs for Drawn to Life, the breathtaking live stage show that blends the artistry of Disney animation with the acrobatic magic of Cirque du Soleil. Follow the story of Julie, a young girl who discovers an unfinished animation left behind by her late father, and watch it come to life through dazzling aerial feats, imaginative choreography, and beloved Disney moments. It's an unforgettable indoor escape from the Florida heat that will leave kids and parents equally wide-eyed. Limited-time offer: Kids' tickets are just $35 with the purchase of an adult ticket, now through September 6, 2026. Restrictions apply. Where: Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista, FL. Tickets & showtimes: disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/ disney-springs/drawn-to-life
Don’t forget to tell them you saw their listing in Beat the Heat Guide
Loggerhead Marinelife
Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit education and ocean conservation facility located right on Juno Beach. The facility houses a variety of exhibits coastal creatures, and live sea turtle and hatchlings being rehabilitated at their sea turtle hospital (the only one between Orlando and the Florida Keys). Exhibits include a massive prehistoric Archelon sea turtle replica, salt water aquaria and displays of local wildlife, as well as educational displays about South Florida's marine environment. Learn more at www.marinelife.org.
PB Skate Zone – Looking to beat the heat? Hit the ice!
Palm Beach Skate Zone offers public ice skating 7 days a week for all ages—perfect for families, friends, or a fun solo activity. No experience
needed—just lace up and glide! Whether you’re trying something new or making it a weekly tradition, public skating is a fun, affordable way to stay active and cool all year long. We also offer ice skating classes, summer camps, figure skating, and youth & adult hockey programs. Check times and plan your visit: www. pbskatezone.com.
Sandoway Discovery Center
offers a glimpse into South Florida’s fragile marine and freshwater environments through educational exhibits and programs. Visitors of all ages can get an up-close view of sharks and other fish in our coral reef pool, native and invasive reptiles and amphibians, shells in our world-class shell collection, butterfly garden and native dune, Reggie the skunk and screech owl in
A New Adventure is Waiting
A brand-new interactive exhibit where children can climb, crawl and explore Florida’s incredible mangrove ecosystem through hands-on play.
our nocturnal room and more! Shark and Stingray Feedings daily. Learn a multitude of fun and interesting facts about the ocean’s top predators, while watching them eat their lunch. All ages can touch stingrays in our NEW stingray touch tank. Open Tues.-Fri. from 12 PM – 4 PM, Saturdays 10am-4pm, and Sundays 12 PM – 4 PM. Closed Mondays and all major holidays. Save time and buy your tickets online. www. sandoway.org.
Schoolhouse Children's Museum
Where curiosity grows through hands-on learning and play. Designed for children ages 1-8, the Schoolhouse Children's Museum features two floors of interactive exhibits, including the brand-new Mangrove Manor. Enjoy arts, science and music programs, plus special events, and the most fun birthday
parties (that are also the best deal in town).
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 129 E. Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach. Learn more at www.schoolhousemuseum.org or call 561-742-6780.
CAMP SUMMER DIRECTORY
Keep cool at camp! There are many summer camps that still have immediate openings! Please check out our online camp directory for a complete listing at www.pbparenting.com/ summer-camp/.
Have a Cool and Safe Summer!
Tues - Fri: 12pm-4pm Sat: 10am-4pm Sun: 12pm-4pm
BY AMY BERGMAN
Every summer, I see the same thing happen in family homes. Camp forms pile up on the counter, sunscreen migrates from room to room, and no one can find a clean water bottle when it's time to leave. While summer is often thought of as a more relaxed season, many families find themselves juggling camps, vacations, playdates, sports, and childcare, all while temperatures climb into the 90s.
If you're looking for one organizing project to tackle this summer, consider creating a Summer Command Center. A centralized space can help your family stay organized, reduce stress, and make the transition back to school much smoother. It doesn't need to be elaborate or expensive. Choose a location your family naturally passes every day, such as a kitchen wall, mudroom, laundry room, or a small section of your countertop. The goal is to create one place where important information and frequently used items live.
Here are Five Things Every Summer Command Center Needs:
1. A Family Calendar: Keep track of camp schedules, vacations, appointments, birthday
parties, and family activities in one visible location. When everyone can easily see what's coming up, there are fewer surprises and lastminute scrambles.
2. A Paperwork Station: Use a folder, basket, wall pocket, or binder to corral camp schedules, registration forms, activity information, and other important papers. Having one designated home for paperwork prevents important documents from getting lost in piles around the house.
3. A Grab-and-Go Essentials Basket: Store sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, hats, and reusable water bottles together so they're easy to find before heading out the door. This simple step can save time and frustration on busy mornings.
4. A Family Message Area: Whether it's a dryerase board in the kitchen, a family group text, or a shared digital tool, designate one place for reminders, schedule updates, grocery needs, and important family communications. The key is choosing one system that everyone will actually use.
5. A Charging Station: Create a designated location for phones, tablets, earbuds, and charging cords to reduce clutter and prevent frantic searches when it's time to leave the house.
For families who prefer a digital approach, products like the Skylight Calendar can serve as a modern command center, displaying schedules, assigning chores, and even incorporating rewards.
If your family spends time at the pool, beach, or local parks, consider adding an outing station nearby with towels, goggles, and pool toys ready whenever adventure calls.
As summer winds down, your command center
can easily evolve into a back-to-school hub, with school calendars, permission slips, and homework reminders replacing camp paperwork. Involve your children in maintaining it whenever possible. When family members help keep the system running, they're more likely to use it consistently.
Start small and use what you already have. A basket, a calendar, a few hooks, and a designated space can make a tremendous difference in your daily routine. The best organizing systems aren't the prettiest ones. They're the ones your family actually uses. This summer, beat the heat and the chaos by creating a command center that helps your household stay connected, prepared, and ready for whatever the season brings. After all, the less time you spend searching for what you need,
the more time you can spend making the summer memories that matter most. XOXO, Amy
Transform your home and office into a haven of serenity and productivity with Amyzing Spaces. As a seasoned professional organizer in Palm Beach County, Amy Bergman is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock the full potential of their spaces. With a passion for simplifying and streamlining, Amy creates personalized systems and solutions that cater to each client's unique needs, freeing up time and energy for what truly matters. Explore her website http://www.amyzingspaces.com to discover how she brings order, clarity, and calm to every space she works with, empowering her clients to achieve even greater efficiency, productivity, and peace of mind.
EVENTS & Things to Do
Daily Adventures
Discovery Center
Every day is a new opportunity for discovery at Sandoway Discovery Center! Check out our program and feeding times to plan your next visit. From fascinating exhibits to interactive experiences, there's always something exciting happening. Don't miss out on the wonders of science and nature – join us for a day filled with exploration and fun! Admission is $10 ages 3+ Learn more at www.sandoway.org.
Discovery Tales is the new story program at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium for preschool through early elementaryaged children and their families. Free with admission, each session features an engaging science-themed story followed by hands-on science learning activity.
Upcoming Dates: OUT OF THIS WORLD
Saturday, July 4, 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 7, 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. (Special Guest: Artist Katherine Hofmann), Tuesday, July 28, 10 a.m.
Discovery Tales will take place at the outdoor amphitheater. Learn more - https://www. coxsciencecenter.org/discovery-tales
Want the latest events?
Sign up at www.pbparenting.com/subscribe to receive our weekly e-newsletter with updates on events and happenings in Palm Beach County!
Palm Beach Skate Zone
July 4th 10 AM - 2 PM
Celebrate the COOLEST 4th of July in South Florida with us! Chill out on the ice and enjoy a day packed with fun for the whole family:
Snow falling on the rink, Patriotic giveaways for the first 50 kids, On-ice games & prizes, Music, laughs & nonstop FUN
Admission: $16 at the door | $19 online Get your tickets early at pbskatezone.com
Every Friday - Looking for a perfect Friday? Come on in! The Schoolhouse Children's Museum always has open museum play and exploration, plus they have two favorite programs: 10 a.m. – Summer Science 11 a.m. – Art Explorations
Details: https://www.schoolhousemuseum.org/ visit/weekly-classes
Wed. July 8 • 10 AM - 2 PM
Moana Ice Skating Party
The ice is calling! Join us for a tropical day of skating, games, and island-inspired fun at their Moana Ice Skating Party. Enjoy a cool summer adventure featuring: Limbo, Scavenger Hunt, Free leis for the first 100 paid admissions. Whether you’re skating across the ice or searching for hidden
treasures, this is the perfect way to keep the summer fun going — without the Florida heat. Get tickets early at pbskatezone.com.
Palm Beach Maritime Academy Open House and Tour July 18th , 2026 at the Elementary Campus at 10:00 am and 11:00 am at the Secondary campus. Sign up here - https:// palmbeachmaritimeacademy.org/Admissions/ Our-Next-Open-House.html To schedule your private tour, call Mrs. Cooper at: 561-547-3775
Saturday, July 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for Plastic Free July
Community Action Day at Loggerhead Marinelife Center!
Pediatric Dentistry
Specializing in Dentistry for Infants, Children, Adolescents and those with Special Health Care
Specializing in Dentistry for Infants, Children, Adolescents and those with Special Health Care needs
• Beach Cleanup: 8:30–11:30 a.m.
• Lunch & Learn: 12:00 p.m.
• Whales in a Plastic Ocean: 12:30 p.m.
• Ocean Discovery Show: 1:30 p.m.
• Jr. Research Lab: 3:30 p.m.
Spend the morning making a difference with a self-guided beach cleanup, connect with local conservation partners, and discover simple ways to reduce plastic waste in your everyday life. Then, stick around for a special Lunch & Learn, Plastic Free with LMC!, followed by a screening of Whales in a Plastic Ocean from Changing Seas. Whether you’re picking up litter, learning something new, or finding inspiration to make small changes at home, every action helps protect the ocean and the animals that call it home.
• Sea Turtles of the Palm Beaches Documentary: 2:30 p.m.
Michael J. Roseff, DMD, LLC
Michael J. Roseff, DMD, LLC
Canyon Town Center Boynton Beach, FL 33472 561-732-8333
Pediatric Dentist Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry 8784 Boynton Beach Blvd, #103, Boynton Beach, FL 33472 ph# 561-732-8333 fax# 561-732-8375 roseffpediatricdentistry@comcast.net
www.roseffpediatricdentistry.com
Get tickets now!
Disney On Ice presents SPOTLIGHT MAGIC!
September 10–13, 2026
Disney On Ice debuts its brand-new production, SPOTLIGHT MAGIC!, at Amerant Bank Arena September 10–13, 2026. Hosted by Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy, this glamorous red carpet celebration takes families through the worlds of Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Tangled, and Moana, with more than 30 Disney characters, aerial stunts, LED staging, and a few first-ever ice debuts (including Angel from Lilo & Stitch and characters from Zootopia 2) more info at disneyonice.com
