Our readers’ favorite people and places in South Florida
Published: March 23, 2023
The nominations are in! Thanks to all who shared their favorite family-friendly places and professionals throughout South Florida. We’ve compiled the nominees by county, in categories ranging from best beaches, parks and restaurants to valued pediatricians, specialists, programs and more.
Now it’s time to vote for your Family Favorites. CLICK HERE from April 15 through May 1, 2023 to cast your ballot.
The best in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties will be announced in the July issue of South Florida Family Life magazine.
Family Fun
Favorite Beach
Broward
Dania Beach
Deerfield Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Hollywood Beach
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Pompano Beach
Miami-Dade
Crandon Park
Haulover Park
Key Biscayne
North Shore on Miami Beach
South Beach
South Pointe Beach
Sunny Isles
Palm Beach
Delray Beach
Juno Beach
Jupiter Beach Park
Red Reef Park
Favorite Place to Swim & Splash
Broward
Castaway Island at T.Y. Park
Cypress Pool, Coral Springs
David Posnack JCC
Miramar Pineland Splash Pad
Paradise Cove at C.B. Smith Park
Splash Adventure at
Quiet Waters Park
Sullivan Park, Deerfield Beach
Miami-Dade
Grapeland Water Park
Michael-Ann Russell JCC Pool
Normandy Isles Park and Pool
Scott Rakow Youth Center
Swim with the Dolphins at
Miami Seaquarium
Tidal Cove Waterpark
Venetian Pool
Palm Beach
Calypso Bay Waterpark
Rapids Water Park
Sugar Sand Park Splash Pad
Favorite South Florida Attraction
African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
Butterfly World
Deering Estate
Everglades
Everglades Holiday Park
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Flagler Museum
Flamingo Gardens
Lion Country Safari
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Miami Seaquarium
Museum of Discovery & Science
Palm Beach Zoo
Pérez Art Museum Miami
Phillip and Patricia Frost
Museum of Science
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Tidal Cove
Vizcaya
Xtreme Action Park
Zoo Miami
Favorite Local Museum
Broward
African-American Research Library
and Cultural Center
Art and Culture Center
of Hollywood
Bonnet House
Coral Springs Museum of Art
Holocaust Documentation and
Education Center
Museum of Discovery & Science
NSU Art Museum
Old Davie School Historical Museum
Stranahan House Museum
Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts
Young At Art Museum
Miami-Dade
Gold Coast Railroad Museum
History Miami Museum
Jewish Museum of Florida at FIU
Miami Children’s Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art
Pérez Art Museum Miami
Phillip and Patricia Frost
Museum of Science
The Bass Museum
The Wolfsonian Museum
UM Lowe Art Museum
Palm Beach
Boca Raton Museum of Art
Cox Science Center and Aquarium
Flagler Museum
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Norton Museum of Art
Silverball Retro Arcade and Museum
Favorite Park or Playground
Broward
Bamford Sports Complex &
Pine Island Park
Betti Stradling Park
C.B. Smith Park
Central Broward Regional Park
Dan Witt Park
Dottie Mancini Park
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Long Key Nature Center
Markham Park
Mullins Park
Peace Mound Park
Pine Trails Park
Plantation Woods
Secret Woods Nature Center
Timberlake Park
Tradewinds Park
Tree Tops Park
T.Y. Park
Vista View Park
Volunteer Park
Winston Park Nature Center
Miami-Dade
Amelia Earhart Park
Flamingo Park
Greynolds Park
Homestead Bayfront Park
Matheson Hammock Park & Marina
Oleta River State Park
Tropical Park
Palm Beach
Barrier Free Park
Pirates Cove Playground
Sugar Sand Park
Favorite Local Adventure
Broward
AllGolf at C.B. Smith
Anne Kolb Nature Center
Bluefoot Pirate Adventures
Butterfly World
Everglades
Everglades Holiday Park
Flamingo Gardens
Fox Observatory at Markham Park
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Ski Rixen USA
Water Taxi
Xtreme Action Park
Miami-Dade
Airboat Rides Miami
Everglades Alligator Farm
Jungle Island
Marjory Stoneman Douglas
Biscayne Nature Center
Miccosukee Indian Village
Oleta River State Park
Phillip and Patricia Frost
Museum of Science
Shark Valley at Everglades
National Park
Topgolf
Treetop Trekking Miami
Zoo Miami
Palm Beach
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Lion Country Safari
Palm Beach Zoo
Rapids Water Park
Activities For Kids
Favorite Indoor Playground
Broward
Flippo’s
Flying Squirrel
Kids Hideout
Off The Wall
Sky Zone
Sol Playce
Urban Air Trampoline and
Adventure Park
Xtreme Action Park
Miami-Dade
Aventura Mall Playground
Kubo Play + Party
Marina Kids
Mega Jump Doral Trampoline Park
Ninja Lounge
Planet Kids Indoor Playground & Cafe
Scott Rakow Youth Center
Silly Monkeys Playhouse
Sky Zone
Trampoline High
Palm Beach
La-La Land
Little Town Play
Favorite Party Place
Broward
Bowlero
Broward County Humane Society
Chuck E. Cheese
Claire’s at Pembroke Lakes Mall
Flippo’s
Florida Panthers Ice Den
Flying Squirrel
In The Game
Off The Wall
Pines Ice Arena
PlugIn Karaoke
Sip and Sparkle
Sky Zone
SpareZ
Urban Air Adventure Park
Xtreme Action Park
Miami-Dade
Dezerland Park
Fun Dimension
GameTime
K1 Speed
Marina Kids
Miami Children’s Museum
My Gym
Phillip and Patricia Frost
Museum of Science
Silly Monkeys Playhouse
Zoo Miami
Palm Beach
Boomers
La-La Land
Launch Trampoline
Little Princess Spa
My Gym
Putt’n Around
Silverball Retro Arcade and Museum
Favorite Arts Program (Dance, Theatre, Art or Music)
Broward
BE Dance Studio
Broadway Kids Studio
Broward Center for the
Performing Arts
Dance Through The Ages
Florida Children’s Theatre
Harris Art Studio
Hip Hop Kidz
Inside Out Theatre Company
Meg Segreto’s Dance Centre
Painting with a Twist
Performance Edge Dance Complex
School of Rock, Coral Springs
Young At Art Museum
Miami-Dade
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
Area Stage Company
Art Box Miami
Aventura Cultural Arts Center
Smart Stage Series
Beaux Arts – UM Lowe Art Museum
Fantasy Theatre Factory
Florida Youth Orchestra
International School of Music
Miami Children’s Chorus
Miami Children’s Museum
Michael-Ann Russell JCC
Pérez Art Museum Miami
School of Rock
Wynwood School of Music
Palm Beach
Adolph & Rose Levis JCC
Boca Raton Museum of Art
Kravis Center for the
Performing Arts
Favorite After School Program or Activity
Broward
Bright & Smart
Broadway Kids Studio
Code Ninjas
Community After School (CAS)
Coral Reef Gymnastics
David Posnack JCC
Florida Children’s Theatre
Girl Scouts
Gravity Gymnastics
i9 Sports
Kidokinetics
Park Avenue Gymnastics
Rotary Park baseball
School of Rock
SpareZ Bowling
YMCA
Young At Art Museum
Miami-Dade
Boys and Girls Club of Miami-Dade
Bricks 4 Kidz, Kendall
Dave & Mary Alper JCC
Girl Scouts
Miami Beach JCC
Michael-Ann Russell JCC
Minds of Tomorrow
Phillip and Patricia Frost
Museum of Science
Scott Rakow Youth Center
Palm Beach
Adolph & Rose Levis JCC
Boca Hoops (City of Boca Raton)
Girl Scouts
Peter Blum Family YMCA of Boca Raton
Favorite Academic Enrichment/Tutoring Program
Broward
Brain Balance Coral Springs
Bright & Smart
Code Ninjas
David Posnack JCC
Davie PAL (Police Athletic League)
Huntington Learning Center
International College Counselors
Kumon
Mathnasium
Miami-Dade
Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade
International College Counselors
Kumon
Michael-Ann Russell JCC
One on One Learning
TeKniK Labs
Palm Beach
International College Counselors
Huntington Learning Center
Kumon
Favorite Local Camp Program
Broward
American Heritage Summer Camp
Bright & Smart
Broadway Kids
Broward Center for the
Performing Arts
Broward College Camps for
Kids and Teens
Camp Discovery at Museum
of Science and Discovery
Camp Embark
Camp Kadima at Baer Family
Early Childhood Learning Center
Camp Kadima at David Posnack JCC
Camp Lingua
Camp Live Oak
Camp Nova
Camp Simcha at Temple Solel of Hollywood
Camp Sinai at Temple Sinai of Hollywood
Camp Summit-Questa
City of Hollywood S.E.A. Camp
(Science, Education & Adventure)
City of Miramar
Florida Children’s Theatre
German School
Island Water Sports
Pine Crest
School of Rock, Coral Springs
Sunshine Child Programs
YMCA of South Florida
Miami-Dade
Artcademy
Bricks 4 Kidz
Camp Shabbat at Temple Beth Sholom
Camp Sol Taplin at Michael-Ann Russell JCC
Camp Unbeatables
Crandon Golf Academy
Deering Estate
MagiCamp
Miami Beach JCC
Miami Dade College Camps for Kids and Teens
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
The Real Food Academy
UM Frost Young Musician Camp
YMCA of South Florida
Zoo Miami
Palm Beach
American Heritage Summer Camp
Digi-Camp at Young Makers Lab
Levis JCC Marleen Forkas
Summer Camp
Pine Crest School
Pine Tree Camps at Lynn University
St. Andrew’s School Summer Camp
Favorite Infant/Toddler Enrichment Program
Broward
Broward Libraries Storytime
David Posnack JCC – Baer Family Early Childhood Learning Center
David Posnack JCC – Susan & Saul Singer Early Childhood Learning Center
Kidokinetics
LEV Children’s Museum
My Gym
NSU University School Preschool
Temple Sinai – The Kenneth &
Harriet Kasselman Early Childhood Learning Center
WowMoms World
Miami-Dade
Baby Stars
Little Swimmers
Michael-Ann Russell JCC
Mini-Me Science at Phillip and
Patricia Frost Museum of Science
State of Kid
Temple Beth Sholom
Palm Beach
Songs for Seeds
YMCA of the Palm Beaches
Eats & Treats
Favorite Family-Friendly Restaurant
Broward
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
Big Bear Brewing Company
Carolina Ale House
Cheesecake Factory
CJ Blacks
Cooper’s Hawk
Duffy’s Sports Grill
Ichiban Buffet
Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant
Lucille’s American Cafe
Lucky Fish
Outback Steakhouse
Rob’s Family BBQ
Shenanigan’s Sports Pub
Sicilian Oven
Ushio Sushi
Miami-Dade
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
Bulla Gastrobar
Cheesecake Factory
Duffy’s Sports Grill
Flanigan’s
Motek Cafe
Sugar Factory
Tomato & Basil
Yard House
Palm Beach
Carolina Ale House
Cornell Café at Morikami
Original House of Pancakes
Sicilian Oven
Thirsty Turtle Seagrill
TooJays Deli
Yard House
Favorite Healthy Food Spot (Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten Free)
Broward
Diced
First Watch
Goji Juicery and Kitchen
Green Apple Truly Healthy
Parlour Vegan Bakery
Miami-Dade
Carrot Express
First Watch
Jamba Juice
Miami Juice
Planta
Pura Vida
The Last Carrot
Palm Beach
First Watch
Living Green
Plant Based Mafia
True Food Kitchen
Favorite Place for Frozen Treats
Broward
Cherry Smash
Cold Stone Creamery
Frosty Point Ice Cream Parlor
Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor
& Restaurant
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
Lucciano’s
Menchie’s
Midnight Cookies & Cream
Ritchie’s Gourmet Italian Ices
The Magic Cow
Miami-Dade
Ben & Jerry’s
Carvel
Cold Stone Creamery
Jackson Bros.
Morelia Gourmet Paletas
Sloan’s
Sugar Factory
The Frieze
Palm Beach
Giano Gelato & Caffe
Menchie’s
Sloan’s
Whit’s Frozen Custard of Boca
Favorite Farmers’ Market
Broward
Brothers Farmers Market
Family Farmers Market
Marando Farms
Parkland Farmers Market
Plantation Farmers Market at Volunteer Park
SW Ranches Farmers Market
Yellow Green Farmers Market
Miami-Dade
Coconut Grove Farmers Market
Coral Gables Farmers Market
Lincoln Road Farmers Market
Pinecrest Gardens Farmers Market
Palm Beach
Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market
Delray Beach GreenMarket
The Gardens Greenmarket
Health & Fitness
Favorite Pediatrician
Broward
Children’s Medical Association
Dr. Ashley Bayer
Dr. Carlos A. Patino
Dr. Iris Silverberg
Dr. Ivette Cubas
Dr. Jackson Belliaminow
Dr. Kenneth Budowsky
Dr. Marshall Ohring
Dr. Michael Morrison
Dr. Mitchell Samuels
Dr. Nazly Montano
Pediatric Associates
Miami-Dade
Dr. Virginia L. Glaser
ECC Medical Group
Gables Pediatrics
Kendall Pediatric Partners
Pediatric Associates
UHealth Pediatrics
Palm Beach
Boca Pediatric Group
Dr. Leon Cohen
Just for Kids Pediatrics
Pediatric Associates
Favorite Pediatric Hospital
Broward
HCA Florida Northwest Hospital
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Memorial Hospital West
Memorial Regional Hospital
Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital at Broward Health
Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital at Broward Health Coral Springs
Miami-Dade
Baptist Children’s Hospital
Holtz Children’s Hospital
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Palm Beach
Boca Raton Regional
West Boca Medical Center
Favorite Urgent Care Center
Broward
After Hours Pediatrics Urgent Care
Baptist Health Urgent Care
CareSpot Urgent Care
MD Now Urgent Care
Memorial Urgent Care Center
Nicklaus Children’s Urgent
Care Center
Miami-Dade
Baptist Health Urgent Care
MD Now Urgent Care
Medi-Station Urgent Care
Miami Urgent Care
UHealth Jackson Urgent Care
Palm Beach
After Hours Pediatrics Urgent Care
MedExpress Urgent Care
Favorite Pediatric Dentist/Orthodontist
Broward
Coral Springs Dental Center
Dr. Amanda Buscemi, Super Smiles
Kids Dental & Orthodontics
Dr. Clara Macias
Dr. James Bennett
Dr. Oscar Padilla
Dr. Sabrina Roberti
Dr. Samira Alempour
Dr. Sandra Brener
Grosman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Jacaranda Smiles
King Pediatric Dentistry
Sage Dental of Cooper
Tooth Tales Pediatric Dentistry
Miami-Dade
American Pediatric Dental Group
Dr. Margo Brilliant
Dr. Margot Jobson
Dr. Michael Brody
Happy Teeth
Kendall Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Miami Children’s Smiles
Petit Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
Palm Beach
Bright Horizons Dental
Dr. Elizabeth Gordon
Dr. Larry Kawa
Kids United Pediatric Dentistry
South Florida Dentistry for Children
Favorite Special Needs Provider
Broward
Ann Stork Center
Arc Broward
Child Development Center
of America
DiverseAbilities Center
Florida Kidcare
JAFCO
Konfetti Kidz Therapy
Nicklaus Children’s Dan Marino Outpatient Center
Miami-Dade
Easterseals South Florida
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Sabrina Cohen Foundation
The Children’s Trust
Palm Beach
Families First of Palm Beach County
Nicklaus Children’s Palm Beach
Gardens Outpatient Center
The Arc Palm Beach County
Favorite Special Needs Program
Broward
3D Learner
Atlantis Academy
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Sensory Inclusive Programs
Broward Children’s Center
Broward County Parks & Recreation
David Posnack JCC
Giborim Program
We Rock the Spectrum
Young At Art Museum
Miami-Dade
Atlantis Academy
Carrie Brazer Center for Autism
Children’s Resources Education Center
Friendship Circle of Miami
Killian Oaks Academy
LEAP South Florida
Miami Learning Experience School
Shake a Leg
S.T.A.R.S. Autism School
The Victory Center
Vanguard School of Coconut Grove
Palm Beach
3D Learner
Sugar Sand Park
We Rock the Spectrum
Favorite Maternity Hospital
Broward
Broward Health Medical Center The Maternity Place
Broward Health Coral Springs The Maternity Place
HCA Florida Northwest Hospital
Memorial Hospital MiramarFamily Birthplace
Memorial Hospital West Family Birthplace
Memorial Regional Hospital Family Birthplace
Miami-Dade
Baptist Health
HCA Florida Mercy Hospital
Jackson South Medical Center
Mount Sinai Medical Center
South Miami Hospital –
Baptist Health
Palm Beach
Bethesda Hospital East
Boca Raton Regional Hospital
West Boca Medical Center