What could be a better way to celebrate the official start of summer than participating in Memorial Day weekend activities? There is long weekend ahead for all of us, (especially those with kids in Broward Schools — no school Friday or Monday)! This is the perfect opportunity to plan a weekend of fun! Below we have shared some of our favorite things to do. We hope we inspire you to try something new or revisit an old favorite. Have something amazing that we may have missed? As always, we ask that you share it in the comments so we have the opportunity to check it out.
Best Pools and Waterparks
Nothing says summer more than pools and waterparks. Let’s face it, Florida can get HOT, especially during the summer months! Check out some of these places where we know you can stay cool! There are way too many pools and waterparks list here; these are just a few of our favorites!
Castaway Island: Located in T.Y. Park in Hollywood, this water park and playground is the perfect place to spend the day with young children. First, there are two playgrounds, one for older children and one for younger ones, as well as a zero entry pool complete with a waterfall. And, you can buy lunch at the concession stand and even rent a large umbrella (a “funbrella”) to keep cool in the shade. With both daily and season passes available, this is a popular destination for many local families.
Paradise Cover Water Park: As Broward County Park’s largest aquatics facility, this park has everything from large corkscrew water slides to a splash playground. A lagoon and a “lazy river” round out the water features at this Pembroke Pines location. Also, you can bring a cooler and spend the day, or just stop by for a quick dip! With both daily and annual passes available, this waterpark promises hours of fun throughout the summer months.
Rapids Water Park: Located in Palm Beach, this is definitely a day long destination (and what better day than Memorial Day)! With over 40 water features, including thrill rides, family rides and kids rides, there is plenty to do for everyone in your family. Additionally, multiple concession stands and a picnic area make this the perfect place to celebrate the holiday while staying cool!
Venetian Pool: Coral Gables is the site of this well-known, historical pool. Made from a coral quarry, this magnificent pool is filled with 820,000 gallons of water from an underground spring. In fact, it’s accented with grottos and waterfalls. Plan to spend the day with your family (children under three NOT admitted) at this beautiful location. Concession stands are on property for lunch. This pool is truly unlike anything you have ever seen and is the perfect holiday destination.
Grapeland Water Park: Also in Miami, this local favorite is fantastic place for families to celebrate this holiday weekend. Shipwreck Island is perfect for children under 48″ while Pirates Plunge is the site for bigger kids. Additionally, the park has a swimming pool and a lazy river; who can ask for more? Concessions are available, so grab some lunch and enjoy the day!
Coconut Cove: This long time family favorite site, located in Boca Raton (west of the Turnpike), is simply lots of fun. There are pools, four story slides, a lazy river and a kids splash zone. The concession stand offers lunch and snacks and there are plenty of chairs for simply relaxing. Finally, locals have been enjoying this park for years; consider spending part of your holiday weekend enjoying all they have to offer.
Splash Adventure: Located in the fabulous Quiet Waters Park, Splash Adventure is truly an wonderful place for smaller children. This water playground’s deepest point is 12 inches. Additionally, the interactive area includes slides, tunnels, water buckets and curtains. Spend a morning, an afternoon or the whole day enjoying the outdoors.
Memorial Day Weekend Activities
A long holiday weekend means you can visit one of the amazing pools or waterparks on one day, and still have time to participate in more holiday activities on another. Here at the Wilson Group, we LOVE a holiday weekend. Take a look a some of these special holiday events.
Great American Beach Party: On May 26th head over to the beach at the intersection of A1A and Las Olas Blvd. for a day long celebration featuring everything from music to a sand castle contest to a movie on the beach. Talk about a great way to start the holiday weekend!
Kidz Fest at Flamingo Gardens: This magnificent park is hosting a weekend long holiday celebration for the whole family. Bounce houses, crafts and activities for the kids are complemented by the Borowski Art Glass exhibit. So, bring the family and spend the day enjoying all they have to offer.
National Salute to America’s Heroes: Visit Miami Beach from May 26th-27th and enjoy this holiday event. There will be an air show, sea shows and tons of interactive activities in addition to some fabulous music. With so many options, you may need to spend both days in Miami celebrating.
Flotopia: Visit Fort Lauderdale Beach in front of RokBar on Sunday, May 27th for this special holiday celebration. There is one catch; it’s BYOF (Bring Your Own Float). So grab your favorite float and spend the day in the water enjoying the holiday!
Memorial Day Concert: Finally, take a drive to Mizner Park in Boca Raton on Monday for a free holiday concert in the park. Bring your blankets and chairs, and make sure to look for “Forgotten Soldiers Outreach” and write a letter to a service man or woman on this very special holiday. Doors open at 5:30; the concert begins at 6:00.
Memorial Day Ceremonies and Parades
Pools, parks and celebrations are a traditional part of Memorial Day weekend; however, we must all remember the true meaning of this holiday: to remember the men and women who lost their lives serving in our armed forces. Across South Florida, cities are hosting a broad range of ceremonies and parades for just this reason. Please consider spending some time at one of these events and remember how lucky we are.
City of Coconut Creek Memorial Day Celebration: From 9:00-10:00am the City of Coconut Creek will hold their event at Veterans’ Park. It will be hosted by the American Legion and include guest speakers.
City of Coral Springs: Their celebration will begin at 9:00am at Veterans’ Park on Royal Palm Blvd. in Coral Springs. The event will feature guest speaker LTC Steven M. Bettner (Ret).
Town of Davie: Residents and visitors are encouraged to wear red, white and blue to the town’s celebration of Memorial Day, which includes both a ceremony and a parade.
City of Pembroke Pines: Gather at Fletcher Memorial Park at 9:00am to honor and remember those who gave their lives for our country.
City of Plantation: Join city officials as they honor our military at 9:30am at Plantation Veterans’ Park.
City of Tamarac: Visit Veterans’ Memorial Park at 10:30am to share in this Memorial Day event. There will be music, guest speakers and light refreshments.
Celebrating Memorial Day in South Florida
As you can see, there is no shortage of things to do this holiday weekend. We suggest you check the weather and make your plans accordingly! Also, don’t forget to check the websites for these activities to confirm time, admissions fees and locations. Take advantage of the long weekend and enjoy all that South Florida has to offer. Please remember to take some time to celebrate and appreciate those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms.
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