Party Planning Guide
A HEART DIAGNOSIS CAN'T WAIT. NEITHER DO WE.
Expert pediatric heart care, without the wait. A heart diagnosis brings enough uncertainty without weeks of waiting. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Heart Institute offers same-day and next-day cardiac consultations, plus a dedicated Prenatal Heart Program, so expert answers are close, and soon.
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Contents Letter From the Publisher P. 4 PB Picks - P. 5 "Fall" Events and Things to Do in Palm Beach County P. 6 Less Stuff, More Celebration: Throw a Clutter-Free Party P.12 15th Annual Party Planning Guide P. 14-19 Trick or Treat, Florida Style: Halloween Safety Tips P. 20 Palm Beach County: Events and Things to Do P. 22
ON THE COVER Sunshine, sweet smiles and the start of a Florida-style fall. Cover photo by Lynn of Lynn Studios. www.lynnstudios1.com.
| PBParenting.com | October 2026 3
Letter From The Publisher Greetings,
October is here and we're leaning into "Fall, Floridastyle": sunshine, sandals and iced pumpkin spice lattes in hand. The best part? Palm Beach County is bursting with seasonal fun. This year's lineup includes a two-day HallowMarine, a spooky giant maze at Mounts Botanical Garden and a 65th birthday celebration at the Cox Science Center. There are also two sensory-friendly celebrations, so every family can join in the fun. Flip to page 6 for our can't-miss roundup. It's a month-long celebration! Speaking of celebrations, don't miss our 15th Annual Party Planning Guide! We're big on birthdays, and this year's edition brings together the best local options to make your child's next party a breeze. And remember, our party planning directory is available year-round at www.pbparenting.com. Looking to find your village? Join our Facebook communities, Palm Beach Moms and Palm Beach Parents (co-ed), for trusted recommendations, advice and the scoop on upcoming events. As Halloween approaches, we wish you a safe, joyful celebration. Send us your adorable (or spooky!) costume photos. We love seeing your scary-sweet moments!
PB Parenting Palm Beach County’s Parenting Resource
Volume 15, Issue 10 |October 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 CONTACT PB PARENTING BY MAIL 11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Suite 10A-146 Wellington, FL 33414 To advertise: 561-223-9223 EMAIL - info@pbparenting.com
Happy Parenting!
4 October 2026 | PB Parenting |
PB Parenting Magazine is published monthly in Palm Beach County, Florida. Copyright 2012-2026, all rights reserved by PB Parenting, LLC. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the portion of the advertisement occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.
Publisher's Picks
PB Picks Mini Sessions with Lynn Studios! Perfect for families, couples, and anyone who wants to capture beautiful memories in a short and sweet session. Mini sessions are quick, fun, and stress-free—giving you timeless images without the full-session commitment. Whether you’re updating family portraits, celebrating a milestone, or need photos for holiday cards, Lynn can help (she photographed our cover! Choose from various locations including the beach, Palm Beach Island, or Jupiter with the lighthouse backdrop! Book your spot here www.lynnstudios1.com/local-mini-sessions.
Grownsy Baby Swing - Soothe your baby with motion they love. Not every baby responds to the same movement --- that's why this baby rocker swing offers both front-to-back and side-to-side motion, so you can match your baby's natural preference. Designed to mimic natural parental rocking and swaying, helping create more joyful parenting moments. Adapt to Your Baby's Preferences with 5 Adjustable Speeds and Angles: With 5 adjustable swing speeds and angles, you can easily choose the ideal motion --- from soft, gentle rocking to stronger sway. Our infant swing helps soothe fussiness and provides comforting support when your baby needs it most. Available on Amazon. https://a.co/d/03uuuUix Grownsy Baby Bouncer grows with your little one, featuring a detachable toy bar and kick piano with 4 interactive modes for sensory play, cause-and-effect learning, and fine motor development (batteries not included). It offers 3 recline positions for feeding, relaxing, or playtime, plus a sturdy frame supporting up to 20 lbs with a secure 3-point harness. Full breathable mesh keeps baby cool, and the removable cover is machine washable for easy cleanup. The foldable, lightweight design makes storage and travel simple, creating a cozy, safe spot for a baby while giving parents hands-free ease — making it a perfect gift for new parents. Available on Amazon. https://a.co/d/02TsEZtC | PBParenting.com | October 2026 5
Fall, Florida Style: Family Fun Where Palm Trees Meet Pumpkins With an iced pumpkin spice latte in hand, I'm on a mission to make fall happen "Florida style," even though Palm Beach County still feels like summer. There's a two-day HallowMarine, a 65th birthday bash at the Cox Science Center, a spooky garden maze at Mounts Botantical Garden, pumpkin patches and even a haunted house built by kids at artNEST Studios. Here are fun, family-friendly ways to soak up the season where palm trees meet pumpkins. HOWL-O-WEEN Dogs' Day in the Garden with Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League Mounts' 3rd Annual HOWL-O-WEEN Dogs' Day is back! Dogs and their owners are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy a tail-wagging day exploring the Garden. Don't have a dog, or looking for another? Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is bringing adoptable pets, so you might just meet your newest family member. Sunday, October 11 | 9 AM to 4 PM FREE for Mounts members and children under 6; $20 adults; $18 seniors, college students and military with ID. Dogs are FREE for members and $5 for nonmembers. Friendly reminders: Non-retractable 6 October 2026 | PB Parenting |
leashes only, one dog per adult, and rabies vaccinations must be current. Bring your own water, treats and waste bags. Full Garden "Paw-licies" at mounts.org/pet-policy. Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. FALLoween Festival at The Els Center of Excellence Crowds, costumes and loud noises can make Halloween overwhelming for many children with autism. Els for Autism's free FALLoween Festival offers a sensory-friendly way for families to celebrate together. Activities are spread across the campus to keep crowds and noise down. Families can also choose between a spooky decorated hallway and an undecorated route. The festival is open to all ages and abilities. Saturday, October 10 | 9 AM to 12 PM FREE. The Els Center of Excellence, 18370 Limestone Creek Road, Jupiter. Learn more at falloweenfestival.org. Founders' Day Fall Festival at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is turning 65, and everyone is invited to the
party! Founders' Day celebrates every guest who has ever looked up at the stars or explored the exhibit galleries. The festival features hands-on activities across the Science Center and Aquarium, anniversary exhibits that look back at 65 years of discovery, community vendors and the new Cats & Dogs exhibit. Saturday, October 17 | 10 AM to 3 PM Free with admission. Young artists, take note: Students in grades 2 to 8 are invited to create a poster split into two halves. One half shows a favorite memory at the Science Center, and the other imagines its future. Winning entries will be displayed at the festival. Deadline: October 11. Learn more at coxsciencecenter.org. HallowMarine at Loggerhead Marinelife Center This year, Loggerhead's popular free HallowMarine event expands to two days of
Halloween fun! The fifth annual celebration features sustainable trick-or-treating, a junior vet lab, discovery shows and visits with sea turtle patients. Walk through Haunted Seas, a family-friendly, haunted house-style display that takes guests through the levels of the
ocean. Along the way you'll meet upcycled jellyfish, a leatherback sea turtle, a coral reef and a shipwreck, and learn how plastic pollution reaches every part of the sea. Kids of all ages can join the second annual costume contest and parade, competing for most creative, best ocean theme and most sustainable costume. Bring your candy wrappers, too: LMC's Unwrap the Waves campaign collects them for recycling at the Center and at partner drop-off locations from October 14 to November 14. Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18 | 10 AM to 3 PM. FREE. Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach. Learn more at marinelife. org/hallowmarine. Sensory-Friendly Exploration Day at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum hosts its second Sensory-Friendly Exploration Day.
It's an inclusive community program for people of all abilities, with a special focus on autism and sensory processing needs. Families can enjoy modified, low-capacity lighthouse tours, an adaptive nature trail scavenger hunt, a dedicated sensory room, quiet break areas, refreshments, and connections to local family resources. Educators, therapists, community organizations and accessibility advocates will be on-site. Sunday, October 18 | 12 PM to 4 PM The first 300 tickets are FREE, sponsored by Searcy Law. After that, tickets are $10 adults, $5 kids and FREE for children under 6. Learn more at jupiterlighthouse.org/ sensoryfriendlyexplorationday. Halloween Pop-Ups at artNEST Serving up a month of creative, colorful (and a little bit messy) Halloween fun at both studios. Delray Studio - Pumpkin Patch, Paint & Play: Explore a mini
BIG FUN. All October long. One of the best family deals in town. Explore two floors of hands-on exhibits inspired by Florida’s history — plus seasonal fun, including a Halloween twist on our popular classes Oct. 27–31. Drop-ins welcome!
DON’T MISS: Not-So-Spooky Halloween Party Friday, Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. Halloween Week | Oct. 27–31 Enjoy Halloween-themed classes and playful surprises
FALL CLASS HIGHLIGHTS!
4 Imagine That! 4 Pre-K Prep: ABCs 4 Pre-K Prep: 123s 4 Circle Time with FAU Infant Cognition Lab 4 Tumble Tots 4 Messy Play Classes | $12 members
$15 non-members
129 E Ocean Ave, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 Open Tuesday - Saturday | 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Schoolhousemuseum.org
pumpkin patch in true artNEST style. Thursday, October 15 | 3:30 to 5:30 PM | Ages 3+ - Spooky Sprinkly Cookie Decorating: Turn cookies into Halloween masterpieces with icing, sprinkles and festive toppings. Sunday, October 18 | 3:30 to 4:30 PM | Ages 3+ (drop-off ) - Halloween Tie-Dye: Create a one-of-a-kind tie-dye piece with bold colors and spooky designs. Tuesday, October 20 | 4 to 5 PM | Ages 5+ (drop-off ) - Ghoul & Goo Messy Play: Ooey-gooey textures, creepy creations and sensory art fun. Saturday, October 24 | 10 to 11 AM | Ages 1 to 5 (caregiver stays) Boca Studio - Mystery Blind Box Challenge: A surprise art challenge using mystery boxes of Halloweeninspired materials, characters and prompts. Saturday, October 17 | 10 AM to 12 PM | Ages 4+ (drop-off )
- Squish or Treat: Kids design and make their own spooky squishies. Saturday, October 24 | 11 AM to 12 PM | Ages 4+ (drop-off ) - Haunted House Take Over: Kids work together as artists, builders, designers and hosts to transform the studio into a haunted house. Pizza included, plus 2 Haunted House tickets (extra tickets $5 each). Saturday, October 31 | 10 AM to 1 PM | Ages 5+ (drop-off ) - artNEST Haunted House: Walk through the student-created art haunted house. Saturday, October 31 | 1 to 2 PM | All ages | $5 per ticket Register at artneststudios.com. BOOtanical Garden Bash at Mounts Botanical Garden Get rooted in spooky fun! Mounts' Halloween celebration grows to two full days this year, with food, music and lots of family activities. Come in costume and explore Mounts' 20-acre tropical oasis, decorated for the season.
| PBParenting.com | October 2026 9
Kids can get up close with slithering snakes, majestic lizards, spiders and more at the interactive Reptile Encounter, track down eerie greenery on the Wicked Plants Scavenger Hunt, and find their way through the Spooky Giant Maze. They can also make Wizard Wands and Rattle Your Bones crafts, join a UF/IFAS planting activity, and enjoy storytime and fairy wands with children's author Veronica Green, The Earth Fairy. DJ Bobby G keeps the music going while local vendors serve up tasty food, sweet treats and drinks. Activities run all day both days, and there are plenty of photo ops along the way. All activities are included with Garden admission.Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 | 9 AM to 4 PM. FREE for Mounts members and kids under 6; $20 adults; $18 seniors, college students and military with ID; $13 ages 6 to 17. Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Tickets at tinyurl.com/mbgbootanical-garden-bash.
Halloween Week at Schoolhouse Children's Museum & Learning Center Big fun, all October long! Schoolhouse is one of the best family deals in town, with two floors of hands-on exhibits inspired by Florida's history. Halloween Week brings a Halloween twist on their popular classes, plus playful surprises, and drop-ins are welcome. Fall class highlights include Imagine That!, Pre-K Prep: ABCs, Pre-K Prep: 123s, Circle Time with the FAU Infant Cognition Lab, Tumble Tots and Messy Play ($12 members, $15 non-members). Don't miss the Not-So-Spooky Halloween Party on Friday, October 30 at 11 AM! Halloween Week: Tuesday, October 27 to Saturday, October 31 Open Tuesday to Saturday | 9 AM to 4:30 PM 129 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach. Learn more at schoolhousemuseum.org. 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!
October 10, 2026 to April 16, 2027
4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 CoxScienceCenter.org | (561) 832-1988 CREATED BY:
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
PRODUCED BY:
The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System at the Kravis Center Based on the Scholastic book series, this musical follows Ms. Frizzle's class when a trip to the planetarium turns into an unexpected interplanetary adventure. As rivalries threaten the group, the students learn that teamwork is the only way to keep from getting lost in space for good. Part of the Kravis Center's Family Fare Series. Wednesday, October 28 | 6:30 PM | Rinker Playhouse | Ages 4+. Tickets at kravis. org/events/the-magic-school-bus-lost-in-thesolar-system. Cats & Dogs at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium Calling all pet lovers! The Cox Science Center's newest traveling exhibit invites families to step into the paws of our favorite four-legged friends. The exhibit is organized into three areas: In Their Skin: How cats and dogs move, how agile they are, and how hundreds of
breeds came to look so different. In Their Heads: How cats and dogs see, hear, smell and communicate, which helps decode those puzzling pet behaviors. In Our Society: The history of the human-animal bond, from myths and art to modern-day therapy pets. Kids can test their skills with hands-on challenges like a speed slalom, a jump test and size comparisons, along with games, videos and touchable objects. Recommended for ages 6 and up and accessible to all visitors. October 10, 2026 to April 16, 2027. Cox Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach. Learn more at coxsciencecenter.org. No matter how warm it is outside, there are countless ways to spark that fall feeling in Palm Beach County. Grab your costumes, your candy wrappers and your sunscreen, and savor a Florida-style fall!
FAMILY FARE
SENSORY-INCLUSIVE PERFORMANCES • AGES 4+
THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: LOST IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Wednesday, October 28 at 6:30pm • Rinker Playhouse
VELVETEEN, A NEW MUSICAL Saturday, December 5 at 10am • Persson Hall
For tickets, visit kravis.org • Group sales: 561.651.4304
| PBParenting.com | October 2026 11
All programs, artists, dates, prices and seating are subject to change.
BY AMY BERGMAN Whether you're planning a child's birthday party, complements the occasion. A combination of a Halloween gathering, a holiday celebration, a orange, black and white can create a festive shower or a backyard get together, there's one Halloween feel. Red and green can work for a thing many parties have in common: they can holiday gathering, while blue and yellow could create a lot of stuff. From decorations and paper set the tone for a summer celebration. Add a few goods to goody bags and party favors, it's easy to simple touches such as balloons, flowers or fresh buy things that are used once and then end up greenery. Better yet, invest in reusable decorations taking up space in a closet or, worse, someone in colors you love. Solid color tablecloths, fabric else's home. But a memorable celebration doesn't banners, simple vases, string lights and versatile have to come with a pile of stuff. With a little serving pieces can work for countless celebrations. intention, you can create a festive party that focuses more on the experience and less on what everyone 3. Go Digital with Invitations A digital invitation can eliminate quite a bit of paper takes home or what is left in your home. before the party even begins. No envelopes, RSVP 1. Skip the Stuffed Goody Bags cards or printed directions to eventually recycle. Do kids really need to leave a party with a bag filled And why stop with the invitation? Keep the rest with plastic toys, trinkets and candy? Consider of your party communication digital, too. Send giving one thoughtful item instead, such as a book, updates, parking information, reminders, menus sidewalk chalk, a seed packet or a cookie they and even thank you notes electronically instead of decorated at the party. You can also skip the favor creating more paper. altogether. The party itself is the experience, and There are several easy options, including free kids (and adults) don't need a prize for having fun invitations through Evite and free sending options with their friends. through Paperless Post. You can also design a 2. Decorate With Color, not a Theme simple invitation in Canva and share it digitally. You don't need character specific plates, banners, 4. Make the Activity the Favor napkins and tablecloths to make a party feel Instead of purchasing a favor for every guest, make special. Instead, choose a color palette that 12 October 2026 | PB Parenting |
the party activity something they can create, use or to eliminate the things that make a celebration enjoy afterward. special. It's to be intentional about what comes into your home and what you send home with your Decorate cookies, plant a small seedling, create guests. artwork or make a simple craft. The activity becomes part of the celebration, and the Because when the food is gone, the music stops finished product becomes the favor. This can be and everyone heads home, the best thing left especially helpful for children's parties, where the behind should be the memories, not the clutter. excitement of doing something together is often Less stuff. More celebration. More memories. more memorable than another small toy. You XOXO, Amy can even choose an activity that connects to the Transform your home and office into a haven of party theme without requiring you to purchase a serenity and productivity with Amyzing Spaces. As collection of themed favors. a seasoned professional organizer in Palm Beach 5. Plan With the Exit in Mind County, Amy Bergman is dedicated to helping As a professional organizer, I often ask my clients individuals and businesses unlock the full potential a simple question when we're deciding whether of their spaces. With a passion for simplifying and something belongs in their home: “Where will streamlining, Amy creates personalized systems and this go when you're finished with it?” The same solutions that cater to each client's needs, freeing up question can be incredibly useful when planning a time and energy for what matters. Explore her website party. Before purchasing something, ask yourself: http://www.amyzingspaces.com to discover how Can I borrow or rent it? Can I use something I she brings order, clarity, and calm to every space she already own? Will I use it again? Is it something that works with, empowering her clients to achieve even will be consumed rather than stored? The goal isn't greater efficiency, productivity, and peace of mind.
PARTY artNEST Celebrate your kid’s birthday artNEST® style! Birthdays deserve to be special, not stressful. With us you have all the memories with none of the stress. We have different options of celebrations including our Splash parties, customized canvas painting, slime, magic potions, fairy jars, tie dye and more! Let’s talk – we will make it EPIC! Located in Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Coral Springs! For more information visit artNESTstudios.com or call 561562-8897. The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is the ideal setting for your special day! We offer a 28,000 squarefoot facility, featuring a 10,000-gallon aquarium, an outdoor science trail, and more. Available amenities include Wi-Fi, audiovisual equipment, on-site staff, and a 100-seat multipurpose center (200 standing). The on-site multipurpose center is also an ideal location for a unique wedding, with excellent views of Dreher Park, beautiful meadows, and a spacious warming kitchen. 14 October 2026 | PB Parenting |
From professional meetings to whimsical celebrations, the Cox Science Center & Aquarium is the perfect place to make your event extraordinary! For more information, please contact events@coxsciencecenter.org. Genie’s Gymnastics Come and celebrate the fun with us! The basic package includes one hour of gymnastics fun for all your guests; and a half hour of party in our lobby area. Additional time is optional. The cost for a party starts at $275. Call us to check on availability. First come first serve basis, so reserve your day ahead of time. Located in Lake Worth. For more information call 561-868-0288 or visit www. geniesgymnastics.com. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum Host your next celebration at the scenic Palm Pavilion in South Florida’s Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area. This beautiful outdoor space is ideal for birthdays, showers, or small gatherings, combining nature, history, and community for
Party Planning Guide memorable moments with loved ones. This is a 3-hour event experience (includes setup and cleanup time) either morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) or afternoon (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM). Up to 50 guests. Please note: The site remains open to the public during your event. For more information call 561-747-8380 or visit jupiterlighthouse.org.
research, rehabilitation, and conservation programs with a special focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles. Birthday parties are held on Saturdays & Sundays from 10:30am – 12:30pm. Visit marinelife.org/birthday for more information.
Mounts Botanical Loggerhead Marinelife Garden offers Center is the perfect a beautiful and place for your child to unique setting for turn one year older! celebrations, special occasions and memorable Celebrating a birthday photos. Explore the Gardens with a Treasure at Loggerhead Marinelife Center means giving Trek, an interactive way to explore the Garden’s a gift that gives back. The cost of your birthday diverse plant life. Guided by a map and clues, party helps fund the Center’s education, guests uncover species from around the
world while learning the stories and science behind them. The Gardens also welcome photo shoots for quinceañeras, Sweet Sixteens, family portraits with the birthday child and more. Surrounded by lush landscapes and colorful blooms, Mounts provides a one-of-akind backdrop for celebrating milestones and creating lasting memories. Located in West Palm Beach. For more information call 561-2331757 or visit www.mounts.org. Palm Beach Skate Zone Celebrate your next birthday at the COOLEST PLACE IN TOWN! We have fully customizable Ice Skating Party Packages to fit all your party needs. Choose from a wide selection of party platters, add on a private room, fun LED glow necklaces or cotton candy for your guests! Palm Beach Skate Zone is conveniently located just off the Florida Turnpike exit at
Lake Worth Road. For more information email Diana Noethig at skating@pbskatezone. com, visit www.pbskatezone.com or call 561963-5900. Sandoway Discovery Center Sandoway’s shell room is available to rent for birthday parties and special events for up to 25 people. It is a great way to have fun and learn about the local environment at the same time! Choose from many great educational talks including Shark Feeding, Stingray Touch Tank, Tortoise Encounter, Snake and Lizard Encounter, Box Turtle Encounter, Shark Tooth Necklace Craft, Touch Tank, Shell Talk, or Alligator Meet and Greet! For more information call 561-274-7263 or visit www.Sandoway.org/ birthdays.html.
Birthday parties at Sandoway Discovery Center are fun and exciting! Choose from a variety of personalized animal and nature educational encounters such as: Turtles Rays Sharks Snakes & Lizards
Alligators Touch Tank Shark Tooth Crafts Seashells & More!
561.274.7263 • www.sandoway.org 142 South Ocean Blvd. • Delray Beach, FL 33483
Your Amyzing
PARTY PLANNING CHECKLIST Party Date:
month Set Time, Date & Place
Complete putting together any
Choose a Theme/Colors
favors
Create Guest List/Send Invites
Shop for all food & supplies
(digital or paper, RSVP date)
Secure all rental items
Secure Vendors (venue,
Finalize RSVP’s and numbers
entertainment)
weeks
days
Research ideas online & in
Confirm all vendors
magazines for favors, decor, etc.
Clean your home (if in-house
Create all To-Do lists for
party)
shopping/food/decorations
Pick-up last minute items (don’t
Ask for help, assign tasks to
forget the cake!)
others
day
weeks Order decorations & favors Test out any recipes, DIY projects, etc.
Set up party space with furniture, decor & signage Check restrooms and main areas for cleanliness Cook/Bake anything you are
Notes
providing
day of party!
Put up any last minute decorations, chill drinks & put out the food! Turn on any music/media Don’t forget $$ to pay vendors
www.amyzingspaces.com
week
Make their next birthday one big adventure at The Schoolhouse Children’s Museum in Boynton Beach! With two floors of colorful, hands-on exhibits, kids can climb aboard a fire truck, milk our famous life-size cow replica, shop and play in a kid-sized shopping store, explore South Florida’s natural environment in our brandnew Mangrove Manor exhibit and so much more…. all while celebrating with their friends. Birthday parties include two hours in a private party room, plus museum playtime for guests to explore all their favorite exhibits. Parties also include birthday balloons, a free return pass for each child and more. Give your child a birthday filled with play, imagination and fun – and take advantage of one of the best party rates in the Palm Beaches, too! Visit schoolhousemuseum. org or call 561-742-6780 for details.
Mommy & Me • Preschoolers Boys Gymnastics • Camps Tumbling • Cheerleading Recreational and Competitive Teams
For more info call Mention 561.868.0288 PB Parenting & receive a FREE 6752 Lantana Rd Ste B • Lake Worth trial class! Between Jog Road & Hagen Ranch Road
www.geniesgymnastics.com
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Protect the Places They Call Home
Adopt-A-Manatee® this holiday season and support protection for all manatees. 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) savethemanatee.org Photo © David Schrichte
Trick or Treat, Florida Style: Halloween Safety Tips for Palm Beach County Families Halloween in Palm Beach County comes with its own twists: costumes in 85-degree heat, trickor-treating under palm trees and the occasional surprise rain shower. With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, expect busy neighborhoods and plenty of excited little ghosts and goblins. A little planning keeps the night fun, safe and sweet. Beat the Heat - Choose breathable, lightweight costumes and skip heavy layers or full-face masks that trap heat. Have kids drink water before heading out and bring bottles along. If your little one looks flushed, dizzy or overly tired, take a break in the shade or call it a night. Be Seen After Dark - According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other night of the year. The sun sets before 7 PM, so: • Add reflective tape to costumes and treat bags. • Give kids glow sticks or flashlights. • Walk on sidewalks, cross at corners and look both ways. 20 October 2026 | PB Parenting |
•
Put phones away while walking.
Many neighborhoods in western communities like The Acreage, Loxahatchee and parts of Wellington don't have sidewalks. That's why The Acreage usually hosts a community trick-or-treat event at the park instead, giving families a safe, well-lit place to celebrate. If you do head out in your neighborhood, walk facing traffic and stay together. Costume Smarts - Make sure hems don't drag, and choose comfortable shoes. Face paint is often safer than masks that block vision, but test it on a small patch of skin first. Look for flameresistant costumes and accessories. Candy Checkpoint - Check the haul at home before anyone digs in. Toss anything unwrapped, torn or homemade from someone you don't know, and watch for choking hazards for toddlers. Be wary of unfamiliar packaging, since cannabis edibles are sometimes made to look like popular candy. If your child eats something suspicious, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Go Teal for Food Allergies - The Teal Pumpkin Project, created by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), encourages families to offer non-food treats like stickers, glow sticks or small toys. Place a teal pumpkin by your door so families know you have allergy-friendly options. Supervision and a Plan - Children under 12 should trick-or-treat with an adult. If older kids head out with friends, agree on a route and check-in time, and make sure they have a charged phone. Florida Extras • Bugs: Mosquitoes love Halloween too. Apply bug spray before you head out. • Rain: Pack a poncho or plan an indoor backup in case of a pop-up shower.
Keep Pets Safe - Give pets a quiet room away from the busy front door, and keep candy out of reach. Chocolate and xylitol, a sugar substitute in some candy and gum, can be dangerous for dogs. Drivers, slow down in neighborhoods and watch for children darting between parked cars. Looking for more ways to celebrate? Flip to our fall events roundup for family-friendly options across Palm Beach County on page 6.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!
EVENTS
& Things to Do Daily Adventures Await at Sandoway 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. Admission is $10 ages 3+ Learn more at www.sandoway.org. Storytime & Crafts for Kids at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Bring the little ones for a story under the light, followed by a hands-on craft. Readings begin at 10:30 a.m. and activities wrap by 11:30 a.m. Ideal for pre-K through kindergarten. October 14 and 17. $5 per child with one accompanying parent; additional children under 6 are free and additional adults pay regular admission. Space is limited to 20 children, so register early www.jupiterlighthouse.org. Weekly Classes at the Schoolhouse Children's Museum. More than just a museum, the Schoolhouse offers an array of educational programming for children ages 18 months to 7 years. Programs are developmentally appropriate and combine hands-on, sensory-based exploration with a literature, art, science, music or dance focus. 22 October 2026 | PB Parenting |
Preschool Science and Tots in Tutus are among the current offerings. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and advance reservations are recommended. Details: https://www. schoolhousemuseum.org/visit/weekly-classes Fall Plant Sale & Family Festival at Mounts Botanical Garden More than 70 plant, food and drink vendors fill the Garden for a weekend of shopping, family activities and fresh air. Browse rare, exotic and hard-to-find tropical and native plants, get expert gardening advice from local growers, and enjoy live music, food and family-friendly activities. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a first-time plant parent, there's something for everyone. Saturday, October 3 | 9 AM to 4 PM (members get early access at 8 AM) Sunday, October 4 | 9 AM to 3 PM FREE for Mounts members and children under 6; $20 adults; $18 seniors 65+, college students and military with ID; $13 ages 6 to 17. 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Learn more at mounts.org. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum Annual Maintenance Closure | Monday, October 5 to Monday, October 12 | The lighthouse tower, grounds, museum and gift shop will be closed for annual maintenance and preservation. Reopens in time
for Sensory-Friendly Exploration Day on October 18. jupiterlighthouse.org
NO SCHOOL MONDAY, OCT. 12 Non-School Day Camps at artNEST. When school is closed, Pediatric Dentistry artNEST is open. Camp days run Specializing in Dentistry forAdolescents Infants, and Children, Adolescents Specializing in Dentistry for Infants, Children, those with Special Health Ca 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for ages 3.5 to 8, and those with Special Health Care needs with lunch and snack included. Michael J. Roseff, DMD, LLC Oct 12 , with November 3 and November 11 Michael J. Roseff, DMD, LLC Pediatric Dentist Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry coming up. Sign up at artneststudios.com. Delicious Town Center Flickr Twitter FL 33472 Retwe Canyon Boynton Beach,
8784 Boynton Beach Blvd, #103, Boynton Beach, FL 33472 561-732-8333 ph# 561-732-8333 fax# 561-732-8375 roseffpediatricdentistry@comc Breakers West day camps are
back during 2026-2027 Palm Beach County school closure dates. Join us for arts & crafts, games, themed activities and outdoor fun. Ages 4 - 12, 8:45 AM - 3 PM | Kids' Club. Members: $130 per camper, per day. Non-members: $135 per camper, per day Upcoming Sessions: October 12, November 3 & 11. Learn more https://www.breakerswestclub.com/ activities
The Mandel JCC’s School’s Out Days offer fun, camp-style programming and special experiences. Children can enjoy many of the same camp activities they love while staying active and making the most of their day off from school. FEATURING: Sports | Arts & Crafts | Swimming | Cooking | Games & Fun | Special Experiences Learn more and register here. GEMS Club: Girls Exploring Math and Science. Girls in grades 3 through 8 dig into science, math, engineering and technology alongside a live educator and a guest speaker working in a STEM field. Sessions run the last Tuesday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m., October 27. $15 per participant, capped at 75 girls, and registration closes at noon the day of or when full. Register at coxsciencecenter.org/gems.
www.roseffpediatricdentistry.com
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