Early Care, Lifelong Confidence.
At Dental Healing Arts, Dr. Ilona Fotek gently supports your child’s airway, sleep, and development. Using early growth treatments, we help prevent issues before they start—naturally and holistically. Feel confident in your child’s growth, health, and future—one breath at a time.
Love, Unleashed
“Mum, do you think we’ll get a puppy?” my kids asked, eyes the size of saucers and gleaming with the kind of hope usually reserved for Christmas morning.
We were packing up the car for what I claimed was an innocent one-hour drive to look at a litter of sixteen puppies that had made the front page of our local paper. I gave them a look every parent knows—the one that says, I have zero poker face and replied, “You don’t go to look at puppies unless you’re planning to come home with one.”
This wasn’t some whim. It was a long-overdue promise David had made to our oldest daughter, Jasmine, when she was six: “When we move to Scotland, we’ll get a dog.” Ten years, two more kids, and one international move later, the time had come.
As we arrived, all five of us were swept up in the irresistible magic of puppy-dom: warm fur, wobbly legs, and that unforgettable puppy smell. The “oohing” and “aahing” began immediately.
I glanced at David, who was holding a squirmy little thing enthusiastically nibbling—cute, but no. I mouthed, “Put that one down.” He scooped up another pup who had waddled over curiously. Within minutes, it had curled up and fallen asleep in his arms. David turned to me, eyes brimming, and I smiled and said, “That’s the one.”
Six weeks later, we collected Milo. My mother-in-law came along in a black curly sheepskin coat—an important detail. Milo curled up beside her and was perfectly content… until she left. I’m convinced he thought she was his mother.
Milo grew up alongside our kids—snowman-building, river sprints, postbreakup naps. He loved everyone. We used to say he was “everyone’s dog,” except maybe the postman, whom he loathed with inexplicable passion.
Later came Dino, a regal white poodle, and then Jaxon, a rescued Malinois from L.A. Dino adored Milo. Jaxon, once feral and fearful, is now spoiled, brilliant, and demanding—charming in all the ways he shouldn't be.
Milo passed a few years ago, but his memory lingers. Dino mourned him deeply. Jaxon, of course, took over the couch. Now Dino and Jaxon hold down the fort together in our cozy beach house. (Yes, that’s Jaxon on the cover—he insisted.)
This August, we celebrate the kids and pets who grow up together—and how they shape each other, forever.
With muddy paw prints and warm memories,
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Denise Wood denise.wood@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Arsine Kaloustian arsine.kaloustian@citylifestyle.com
AREA DIRECTOR
David Wood david.wood@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Katie Bode katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Olivia Wood olivia.wood@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Jasmine Johnson
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
DENISE DELAUNAY-WOOD,PUBLISHER @PALMBEACHCITYLIFESTYLE
business monthly
Wellington to Host Back-to-School Bash
Wellington’s annual Back-to-School Party in the Park returns Saturday, August 1st, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater. This free, family-friendly celebration features bounce houses, face painting, food trucks, a trackless train, music, and special appearances. Presented with PBSO and Fire Rescue, the event offers a festive, high-energy sendoff to summer before students head back to class.
New Mobile Mental-Health Unit for Kids
The Center for Child Counseling recently launched a 25-foot mobile mental-health unit to bring care directly into local neighborhoods. Equipped with trauma-informed spaces, toys, games, and room for group sessions, it delivers early intervention, prevention, and therapeutic services across Palm Beach County. This innovative “healing sanctuary on wheels” ensures access isn’t limited by zip code, reaching youths before a crisis unfolds.
Lifesaving Swim Lessons for Children with Autism Launch in WPB
Small Fish Big Fish swim school in West Palm Beach is offering specialized swim lessons for children with autism, using visual aids, one-on-one instruction, and sensory-friendly techniques. Designed to build confidence and essential water safety skills, the program helps lessen the risk of drowning—especially critical during Florida’s summer months, when unsecured pools and ocean outings pose serious hazards. The classes offer peace of mind for families and joy for young neurodivergent swimmers.
the CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Private School
Palm Beach Day Academy www.pbday.org | 561.655.1188
The Weiss School www.weissschool.org | 561.775.7794
American Heritage School www.ahschool.com/palm-beach-campus | 561.495.7272
The Greene School www.thegreeneschool.com | 561.293.2888
The Benjamin School www.thebenjaminschool.org | 561.626.3747
Kid's Activity
The Girls Strawberry U-Pick www.thegirlsstrawberryupick.com | 561.496.0188
McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary www.mccarthyswildlife.com | 561.790.2116
Shark Wake Park 561 www.sharkwakepark.com | 561.323.3937
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Schoolhouse Children's Museum www.schoolhousemuseum.org | 561.742.6780
The Park West Palm www.theparkwestpalm.com | 561.530.3810
STRONG LOOKS
THE Belgrove
ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE BELGROVE
You’ve only just arrived when a member of staff offers you a chilled mango cocktail—bright, refreshing, and completely unexpected. Moments later, a steel water bottle engraved with your name appears. It’s more than a welcome—it’s a glimpse of what The Belgrove does best: thoughtful details that feel effortless.
Here, nothing is overlooked. Every element has been carefully curated to make your stay feel both indulgent and easy.
At long last, West Palm Beach has a resort that meets the moment for today’s multigenerational traveler— even those who never left town. For locals, it’s that rare staycation that feels like a true escape.
Set along the quiet curve of Lake Mangonia, this refined new arrival is just minutes from downtown, yet feels worlds away. It offers a softer kind of splendor— one rooted in serenity and space. Designed for families who travel well and live well, The Belgrove brings style, warmth, and just the right amount of buzz. And from the very first sip, it invites you to let go.
A POOLSIDE PLAYGROUND FOR ALL GENERATIONS
Families naturally gravitate to the resort’s zero-entry pool, where cobalt-blue umbrellas ripple in the breeze
and pool attendants appear like clockwork with complimentary trays of frosty lemonade. Kids drift between oversized lawn games, while parents lounge in private cabanas outfitted with flat screen TV’s and stocked mini fridges.
The Deep End Bar, just steps away, keeps everyone satisfied with a casual-yet-craveable menu: think poke bowls, ceviche, and Wagyu hot dogs. Want a local favorite? Ask for the Watermelon Mezcalita—smoky, juicy, and kissed with agave.
Just across the path, the adults-only pool is tucked discreetly behind tropical foliage. It’s quieter here—grown-up in all the right ways, made for stolen hours with a novel or a nap on a lounger.
And as evening settles in, the lakeside lawn takes on new life. Chairs are arranged beneath the open sky, fresh popcorn is passed around, and guests gather to watch classic movie favorites on the big screen—it’s one of those rare moments that manages to feel both cinematic and completely real.
SOCIETY 48: A NOD TO THE CITY’S ORIGINS, A CELEBRATION OF THE PRESENT
Inside the jewel-box brasserie that is Society 48, the lighting glows golden against grey and tan banquettes. Named for the original 48 blocks platted by George W. Potter in 1893, the restaurant honors West Palm Beach’s inception with a cosmopolitan menu rooted in Floridian flair.
Start with the Hamachi Crudo, a delicate balance of avocado crema, serrano, and ponzu. Entrées range from land to sea—like a seared filet mignon with green peppercorn sauce or scallops over cauliflower mash, topped with black truffle pearls. For a memorable finish, consider the tiramisu, assembled tableside.
For families with young diners, there’s no stuffy prix fixe. Just gracious hospitality and a menu designed to please all palates.
SPA RITUALS, ROOTED IN THE EARTH
Check-in at the spa begins not with a clipboard, but a mango-ginger wellness shot and a chilled towel. A private locker awaits, alongside a plush blue robe and slippers.
Inside the spa lounge, you’ll find citrus-infused elixirs in crystal carafes, a curated tea menu created exclusively for the resort, and a display of healthy snacks.
The treatments are equally thoughtful. The signature massage combines warm Himalayan salt stones with rhythmic, restorative strokes, followed by a Florida sugarcane-and-honey foot scrub. The eucalyptus steam room, state-of-the-art rainfall showers, and vibro-acoustic loungers turn recovery into ritual.
ROOMS THAT REFLECT YOUR RHYTHM
Upstairs, the Executive Suite—with its wraparound balcony and sweeping views—offers space to unwind, with a king bedroom, dedicated workspace, and a marble bathroom featuring double vanities and dual showers.
Photo by Arsine Kaloustian
“AT LONG LAST, WEST PALM BEACH HAS A RESORT THAT meets THE MOMENT FOR TODAY’S multigenerational TRAVELER.”
Beside the bed, a pillow menu lets you choose your ideal firmness, with options like buckwheat, memory foam, and cooling gel just a call away. In-room dining covers cravings on your schedule. And when it’s time to trade soft sheets for sunshine, The Belgrove makes stepping back into the day feel easy.
FOR THE DISCERNING GOLFER (AND THE JUST-HERE-FOR-THE-VIEW)
If your ideal escape includes nine holes before breakfast, Dutchman’s Pipe—a Jack Nicklaus–designed, members-only course—is your siren call. There’s even a Junior Golf Academy for young players. Prefer to stay off the green? Try tennis, pickleball, lawn yoga, or a golden-hour surrey bike ride. Here,
families reconnect not by obligation, but by desire—because everything here is designed to draw you together.
The Belgrove isn’t just a hotel—it’s a new rhythm. A softer pace. A place where luxury lives in the details and family time unfolds naturally. Pool attendants remember your name. Children feel truly welcome. And every experience—from sunrise to starlight—feels beautifully considered.
At the end of each sun-drenched day, you return to a room that’s cool and still—plush robes waiting, a pillow chosen just for you, and every comfort exactly where it belongs.
It’s the kind of ease that lingers. Which is why the only thing better than arriving at The Belgrove… is knowing you’ll be back.
GIVING YOURSELF SOME GRACE
ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN
HOW TO HOLD ONTO THE BOND BENEATH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CARING FOR AN AGING PARENT
There’s a quiet reckoning that happens in your 30s, 40s, or 50s— when the parent who once packed your lunch or steadied your bicycle now needs you to drive them to the doctor, manage their medications, or gently remind them of the date. These moments arrive softly at first, then all at once, until one day you realize: you’ve become the caregiver.
For many, this life chapter is uncharted terrain—trying to balance careers, kids, and the growing needs of aging parents. The emotions are complex. There’s tenderness, worry, guilt, and sometimes even grief. You want to be there for your loved one, but you also want to show up for your own life.
The weight can be crushing. But there are ways to carry it that allow you to breathe.
FINDING THE BALANCE BETWEEN LOVE AND BURNOUT
According to AARP, nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. are providing unpaid care to an older family member—many while raising children or managing full-time careers. It’s a deeply human balancing act—held together by love, but often frayed by fatigue.
That’s why so many families begin looking for support—not because they’re giving up, but because they want to hold on longer, and more gracefully. For those caring for aging loved ones, that often means exploring in-home care that’s built on more than just checklists.
At Nightingale Private Care - with locations throughout South Florida, including Stuart, Boynton Beach, Coral Springs, and Vero Beach - the focus is on learning who someone is before offering help. Anne Marie Thompson, AVP of Business Development, puts it simply:
“We lead with listening. Before care even begins, we invest time in understanding a client’s story—what makes them feel seen, safe, and respected.”
Care isn’t assigned; it’s matched. Caregivers are selected with intention—based not only on experience, but on personality and shared values. It’s a small shift that makes a big difference: care that feels like continuity, not interruption.
WHEN VISITS CAN FEEL LIKE VISITS AGAIN
One of the hardest things about being a caregiver is how much of the relationship gets consumed by logistics. You walk in the door, and before you can sit down, you’re checking the fridge, sorting the pill organizer, or making a call to the doctor’s office.
That’s exactly what Nightingale aims to relieve. “We step in so families can step back into their natural roles,” Thompson explains.
“With Nightingale, adult children do not have to chase medication refills, coordinate appointments, or worry about daily logistics—we do that.”
And when those things are taken care of—quietly and reliably— what’s left is time. Not just time to be there, but time to enjoy being there. To remember what the relationship felt like before it became a list of responsibilities.
ALL THE SMALL THINGS
Not every kind of help is helpful. The best care doesn’t just show up—it notices. The favorite chair. The cup that always gets used. The music that brings calm in the late afternoon. These small things form the backbone of a person’s dignity, and when they’re honored, it shows.
Nightingale trains its care professionals to tune into those cues—to observe what’s comforting, what’s familiar, and what matters most. It’s part of a philosophy they call blooming in place—the idea that staying at home should be about living well, not just living longer.
“To us, home care is about thriving, not just getting by,” Thompson says.
“Whether it is dancing to jazz in the kitchen, organizing photo albums, or baking a favorite childhood recipe, we create space for joy and memory.”
These moments may seem small, but they carry enormous weight. They’re how a person stays grounded in who they are.
A GENTLE SHIFT, NOT A SCRAMBLE
Many families wait until there’s a crisis to start looking for help. A fall, a hospitalization, a string of confused phone calls. But by then, stress has already taken hold, and decisions are often rushed.
Starting earlier—when things are still relatively stable—gives everyone time to adjust. Routines form. Trust builds. The transition becomes part of life, not a disruption to it.
As Thompson points out, aging well at home isn’t just about staying out of the hospital. It’s about preserving choice, familiarity, and the comfort of one’s own space—for as long as possible.
THE SPACE TO SIMPLY BE THERE
Caregiving is personal. Emotional. Sometimes isolating. But it’s also full of love. When the right support is in place—someone reliable, kind, and attuned—you gain something invaluable: the chance to show up as yourself.
To visit your parent and simply sit. Or talk. Or laugh. Or do absolutely nothing, and know that everything else is under control.
That kind of presence isn’t a luxury. It’s the whole point.
Pawlished & PAMPERED
THE ULTIMATE ITINERARY FOR YOUR BOUGIE BESTIE
ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN
If your pup’s idea of a good day involves treats, massages, and poolside lounging, Palm Beach delivers. From boutique bakeries to bone-shaped swimming pools, here’s how to treat your four-legged companion like the VIP they are.
1: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming on Palm Beach island pairs salon-style grooming with gourmet, oven-baked treats and tailored nutrition advice. Grab a monogrammed leash while you’re there—because style matters. woofgangbakery.com | (561) 835-9663
2: Very Important Paws (VIP) is a full-on dog resort in West Palm, offering luxury boarding, six play yards, a boneshaped pool, and even aqua-exercise. Yes, your dog can do water aerobics.
veryimportantpaws.com | (561) 366-9000
3: Angel Paws Massage brings the zen to you. This mobile canine massage therapist offers senior, sports, and relaxation sessions that soothe joints and boost mobility—all in your own living room. angelpawsmassage.com | (561) 512-8768
4: Onblonde Pet Spa & Boutique is a full-service pet spa and boutique offering hand-scissored trims, hydrating facials, pawdicures, and de-shedding treatments. Their signature bath packages and detail-obsessed groomers make it feel more like a doggie day at The Breakers. onblondepetspa.com | (561) 653-8140
5: Posh Pet Hotel feels like the Ritz for pets: TVs in every suite, air filtration, acupuncture, and webcam access for you to peek in on the playtime. poshpethotel.com | (561) 536-7821
6: The Pet Taxi® ties it all together—luxury, door-to-door transport with GPS tracking, soft music, and vet-recommended care. From grooming appointments to daycare drop-offs, they handle the ride with style. wedrivepets.com | (877) 873-7299
GOURMUTT PICKS FROM WOOF GANG
Don’t leave without a bag of peanut butter bones or frosted “pupcakes”—made fresh and almost too cute to eat. For picky eaters? Try their freeze-dried duck bites or salmon jerky. Bonus: seasonal treats like pumpkin pies and doggie donuts make snack time feel extra special.
AT HIGHER
Altitude
A fast-flying, air-conditioned antidote to summer meltdowns (yours and theirs)
ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY
ALTITUDE TRAMPOLINE PARK
It happens every summer. The temperature spikes, the skies darken by 3 p.m., and every parent around here finds themselves asking the same desperate question: Where can I take the kids?
When the beach feels like a blow dryer and even your pool has turned to bathwater, the newly opened Altitude Trampoline Park in West Palm might just be your family’s new favorite go-to.
If the address feels familiar, it should. This was once Launch—but Altitude didn’t just slap on a new logo and call it a day. The entire space has been gutted and reimagined: new trampolines, new floors, better lighting. It’s brighter, cleaner, cooler—and designed with the whole family in mind.
“There are plenty of indoor spots to park your kids,” says General Manager Liz Thompson, “but Altitude is built for active family fun. We want families to actually jump in and play together, not sit in a corner scrolling through their phones.”
Inside, there’s no shortage of diversions: trampolines (of course), dodgeball courts, a battle beam for foam-filled jousts, four giant slides, sport courts for soccer and basketball, and a brand-new arcade in the space where laser tag once lived. The ropes course is the newest and boldest addition—perfect for thrill-seekers tall enough to meet the 52-inch requirement (and wearing closed-toe shoes).
They even offer a $10 monthly membership (per child, 90-day minimum) that gets you two hours of jump time every day. No blackout dates, no drama—just an easy way to break the “I’m boooooored” cycle.
And if you’re party planning? Altitude has four dedicated rooms and a team that actually helps. “We’ve got great sightlines, friendly staff, and party attendants who help every step of the way,” Thompson says. “You show up. We run the timeline. You leave. No cleanup. Kids are happy, and so are you.”
Rainy afternoon? Heat index of 112? Monday meltdown? Doesn’t matter. This indoor gem lets you keep the kids moving, the screens off, and your sanity intact. So bring your energy (and your grip socks). Everything else is handled.
With over 19 years of experience, Jonathan Duerr offers unmatched expertise in Palm Beach County real estate. Specializing in residential resale and new construction, he has a proven record of creating and closing deals from Jupiter to Miami.
Jonathan is also a dedicated community leader, supporting organizations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Place of Hope, and Cancer Alliance. As President-Elect of the PB Board of Realtors and host of the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival, his commitment to the region is unparalleled.
Combining traditional strategies with cutting-edge marketing, Jonathan delivers expert guidance, market insights, and successful negotiations.
A SMART CHECKLIST FOR CALM, COMFORT, AND CONTINUITY
THE HURRICANE HANDBOOK
(PET EDITION)
ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN
Hurricane prep in Palm Beach typically includes the usual suspects: water, batteries, tequila. But if your household includes four legs and a tail, it’s time to expand the list. Because whether you’re evacuating or staying put, storm safety doesn’t stop with people.
PET PREP ISN’T JUST ABOUT PACKING
Storms can be disorienting for animals: changes in pressure, unfamiliar noise, a flurry of human activity. To minimize stress, create a dedicated “safe space” for your pet now. A quiet, interior room with their bed and soft lighting can serve as their calm zone before, during, and after the storm.
Toss in their favorite toy or blanket for comfort. Trust us—nothing soothes a stressed-out shih tzu like a slobbered-on squeaky duck.
Don’t wait until the forecast changes to stock up on essentials. Veterinary offices may close for days, and delivery services will be delayed. If your pet takes medications, request refills early. And be sure all ID tags and microchip info are current—in a chaotic moment, that one detail could reunite you.
KNOW WHERE YOU'RE HEADED
If evacuation becomes necessary, you have options. Palm Beach County offers a pet-friendly shelter at the West Boynton Recreation Center, available to residents in mandatory evacuation zones. It’s first come, first served, and requires pre-registration, proof of residency, and up-todate vaccinations. Dogs and cats only.
Prefer not to share space with strangers and their schnauzers? Several local luxury boarding facilities offer hurricane-ready plans with generators, medical supervision, and climate-controlled suites. Some even provide daily photo updates and private pet concierge services—but space is limited, and regular clients are often prioritized.
BECAUSE YOU’RE THE ADULT IN THE ROOM
A pet’s calm often mirrors their owner’s. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed they’ll be—whether you're weathering the storm together or sending them off to a plush suite with turn-down service and paw balm. Either way, readiness is the real luxury.
PALM BEACH PET STORM PREP CHECKLIST
☐ Sturdy carrier or crate
☐ 2 weeks of food, water & meds (labeled)
☐ Leash, ID tags, vet records & recent photo
☐ Comfort item (toy or blanket)
☐ Reserve early at luxe boarding (if needed)
☐ Confirm on-site vet, backup power & photo updates
The Back-to-School Balancing Act
A Teacher’s Guide to Easing the Transition
Whether you’re counting down the days until the school bell rings again or wishing summer could stretch just a little longer, you’re not alone. As I begin my eighth year as a teacher, I’ve learned that transitioning from summer freedom back into structured routines can feel overwhelming—for both children and parents.
One educator whose work continues to inspire me is Charlotte Mason, a pioneering British teacher and author who described education as “an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.” With that in mind, here are a few triedand-true strategies to help ease your family back into the school year with a bit more peace—and maybe even some joy.
LUNCHES THAT FUEL (WITHOUT FUSS)
Packing lunches doesn’t need to be creative, just consistent. I’ve seen every type of lunch in my classroom—from beautifully curated bento boxes to sandwiches in brown paper bags. The students who thrive? They tend to have lunches that are simple, filling, and familiar.
One parent put it perfectly: “I aim to cover each food group so my child has energy to learn.” That might look like:
• Main: Turkey and cheese wrap, chicken and rice, or pasta with some protein
• Protein snack: Yogurt or a jerky stick
• Healthy fat: Cheese or sunflower butter
ARTICLE BY JASMINE JOHNSON
• Fruit + Veggie: Something crunchy and colorful—think cucumber slices, bell peppers, or apples (pro tip: a little lemon juice squeezed on apples will stop them from browning)
• Treat: A small sweet or salty snack Leftovers work just fine, too. Keep it doable—the goal is nourishment, not Pinterest perfection.
MORNING ROUTINES THAT TEACH RESPONSIBILITY
We all know the morning chaos: getting everyone dressed, fed, and out the door with minimal meltdowns. It can get easier, but it takes practice and— as American education advocate Horace Mann famously observed—habit.
“Habit is a cable; we weave a thread of it each day, and at last we cannot break it,” he mused.
One of the most powerful habits to build? Responsibility. Give your children small, consistent jobs they can own:
• Fill their own water bottle
• Lay out clothes or shoes the night before
• Pack their school bag
The key is to let them do it—and let them experience the natural consequences if it’s forgotten. That’s how real growth happens.
BOOKS THAT BUILD READERS (AND HEARTS)
Reading isn’t just about comprehension—it’s about connection and imagination. I can tell immediately which students read at home: they write more creatively, speak with wider vocabularies, and engage deeply with stories.
The secret? Finding a book your child loves.
Here are a few classroom favorites that turned reluctant readers into proud bookworms:
• Magic Tree House series – Time-travel adventures for early readers
• Imagination Station – Fast-paced historical fiction with a values-based twist
• Ten Boys Who Changed the World / Ten Girls Who Made History
– True, inspiring stories of real kids who made an impact
As the poet Maya Angelou beautifully put it, “Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.”
A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
The return to school doesn’t have to be perfect. Start small. Stick with habits. Find joy in the simple things—like a packed lunch, a helpful morning, or a book that makes your child say, “One more chapter?”
This isn’t just a new season—it’s a fresh opportunity to foster independence, curiosity, and confidence in the days ahead.
Jasmine Johnson is a classically trained educator with an MA (Hons) in Elementary Education and an MTh in Biblical Studies.
Splish SPLASH
THE INSIDE SCOOP ON STAYING COOL WITH THE KIDS
ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN
When the summer heat hits full blast, nothing beats the joy of a midday cooldown. Lucky for local kiddos, many spots don’t just splash—they surprise. From safari-style spray-grounds to lazy rivers, all the squeals, giggles, and soggy shoes a family could want are just a short drive away. Thoughtful extras like shade, seating, and summer programming make them feel a little more Palm Beach, a little less backyard hose. Here are seven standouts worth the drip.
CALYPSO BAY WATERPARK
151 Lamstein Ln, Royal Palm Beach
Lazy river, slides, and colorful play zones give this a resort-like feel.
Summer Highlight: Open daily with shaded seating, lockers, and season passes.
PALM BEACH ZOO SPLASH PAD
1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach
Recently refreshed inside Fountain Plaza, this shaded splash zone is ideal for post-zoo cooldowns.
Summer Highlight: Open daily; pair with weekend animal encounters and slushy stops at Latitude 26.
GARDENS NORTH COUNTY DISTRICT PARK
5101 117th Ct N, Palm Beach Gardens
Features two splash pads, shaded seating, trails, and zip-lines.
Summer Highlight: “Summer Splash
Playdates” run weekday mornings through July.
SOUTH OLIVE PARK & COMMUNITY CENTER
345 Summa St, West Palm Beach
A neighborhood favorite with trails, sports courts, and a casual splash zone.
Summer Highlight: Hosts summer camps, sports clinics, and evening family events.
CLEMATIS SPLASH PARK
100 Clematis St, West Palm Beach
A downtown spray pad with palmlined seating—perfect after brunch or a stroll.
Summer Highlight: Pops during “Clematis by Night” concerts and summer events.
LION COUNTRY SAFARI –SAFARI SPLASH
2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee
A safari-themed spray-ground with 23 water features, multi-level slides, and a giant tipping bucket.
Summer Highlight: Included with park entry; go early for feedings, stay to splash.
BURNS ROAD COMMUNITY CENTER SPLASH PAD
4404 Burns Rd, Palm Beach Gardens
Brand-new zero-depth splash area within the city’s aquatic complex.
Summer Highlight: “Splash into Storytime” every Tuesday morning through August.
SPLASH STATS
Best for Toddlers: Burns Road, Gardens District Park (toddler zone)
Has Lifeguards: Barracuda Bay, Calypso Bay, Burns Road
Wildest Setting: Palm Beach Zoo, Lion Country Safari
Best for Evening Fun: Clematis Splash Park
Free Entry: South Olive Park, Clematis Park, Gardens District Park
AUGUST 1ST
Anthony Rodia: Laugh Til It Hurts Tour
The Kravis Center, West Palm Beach | 7:00 PM
Get ready for a night of uproarious comedy with viral sensation Anthony Rodia at the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse. The first-gen Italian–American comedian from Westchester, NY, delivers high-energy routines, Uncle Vinny character bits, and spot-on accents—amassing over 10 million social media views. It’s real-life hilarity you won’t forget. Call the box office at 561-832-7469 to reserve your seat.
AUGUST 17TH
Launch the Lantern Dinner
Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach | 6:30 PM
This exclusive Obon-inspired fundraiser includes sake and whiskey tastings, a seated indoor dinner and dessert, a taiko performance, and a personal lantern to decorate and launch on the lake—honoring loved ones. Tickets are $225 per person, supporting Morikami’s education, exhibitions, well-being programs, and expansion. For tickets, call 561-495-0233.
AUGUST 20TH
Peggy Adams Happy Hour
Meat Market, Palm Beach | 6:00 PM
Sip for a cause at the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League Happy Hour Reception! Join fellow animal lovers at Meat Market on August 20 at 6 p.m. for cocktails, conversation, and community support. A stylish evening with a heartfelt mission—every toast helps support the shelter’s life-saving work. Come raise a glass and make a difference!
AUGUST 28TH
Summer Supper Club: Fusion & Fire
Location TBA, West Palm Beach / 6:00pm
An invitation to escape, indulge, and connect — Fusion & Fire ignites the senses at The Evolved Kitchen, a private dining salon. This one-nightonly culinary celebration explores bold, unexpected flavor pairings in a candlelit, artfully styled setting. With just 40 seats, it’s part dinner, part performance, and all indulgence. Includes welcome cocktail and multi-course feast. Tickets are $250 via https://square.link/u/XQn5hw5c
YOUR HOME, OUR TEAM, PARTNERS IN HEALTHCARE
Discover a new standard in private home care where luxury meets expertise, and your comfort and well-being are our top priorities. Concierge Level Attention and Support by highly trained clinicians and care professionals.
Skilled Nursing | Post Surgical Care | Physical Therapy Assistance With Daily Living Activities
561-349-8204
