Donnie got both kids both riding and having fun from their very first try. The slack in the rope tightened and off they went, pulled from the dock’s ramp like a rock skipping across the lake to an expectant Donnie who received and stabilized them on the water, and taught them how to navigate the sharp tug of the cable at the four turns on the course. One at a time, my kids received the rope handle from the cable operator, who offered some last-minute encouragement, and then counted “Three, two, one, go!” Getting air off one of the ramps at the Shark Park 561 cable park in West Palm Beach. After some on-land coaching, Donnie left us to take a solo lap around the course. We arranged a lesson with Donnie, a tall sandy-blond-haired, wiry 17-year-old high schooler.ĭonnie started my kids on kneeboards, the easiest way to learn. We quickly navigated through electronic waivers, helmet and life-jacket fittings, and choice of kneeboard, skis, or wakeboard. ![]() It’s among a growing number of wake park facilities that employ a tower and cable system to pull riders around a lake course instead of using a motorboat. (Shark Wake Park)Īfter a short Uber ride north to West Palm Beach, we arrived at Shark Park 561, founded by the son of golf legend Greg “The Shark” Norman. ![]() Water Skiing Without the Boat An instructor gives a child a kneeboarding lesson at the Shark Park 561 cable park in West Palm Beach. Though my wife and I would have been content to do nothing more than read, stroll the beach, cool off in the ocean, and then repeat, our kids were full of energy and ready for action. A mother and child play in the surf at Delray Beach, Fla. The relaxation from sitting on a beach chair under an umbrella with feet in the sand was accentuated by the hypnotic rhythm of crashing waves and the view of the ocean. After entering the handicapped-accessible route to the sand, we were greeted by young friendly attendants eager to help us settle in for the day with a chaise lounge, umbrella, and cabana rental. While strolling the main artery on Atlantic Avenue, w e assimilated into the medley of year-round residents, seasonal “snowbird” retirees, and tourists all moving to Delray’s cheerful pace.Ī pavilion marks the entrance to the beach where Atlantic Avenue intersects the famous A1A, which runs north-south nearly the entire ocean-side of Florida. We enjoyed exploring Delray’s parks, restaurants, bars, galleries, shopping, and attractions on foot. The sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean in Delray Beach. We were attracted to Delray’s location on South Florida’s ocean, and the first thing we noticed upon arrival was the weather-in springtime, it may very well be perfect. The powerful sun tanned our skin while the ocean breeze prevented overheating. With so many vacation-worthy towns to choose from, my family recently traveled to Delray Beach to combine a restful beach trip while mixing in memorable action for our two pre-teen kids. It is off our list for good.Second in length only to Alaska, Florida has a huge coastline when accounting for both the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts. But for an adult experience, speaking for myself and my husband, anyway, if I could reverse time I certainly would have skipped this museum entirely. I'm not sure I would go again even to entertain a kid. If you have children that need to be entertained, and that won't be disappointed by some things that look fun but don't work (about 20-25% in our experience), there are things little kids can enjoy. We did try an iMax while we were there (we ran out of anything else interesting within the hour), and even that was a snooze.Īt any rate, the money we spent seemed a loss, but at least we got out later enjoyed a walk the surrounding River Walk area. Others were do sad (for example, a turtle in a pond about 10 times it's size).Īlso -this is *strictly* a kid-level museum. The Otter area was nice enough (although I am not a a fan of any animals in captivity, but at least that one didn't make my heart hurt for the animals). ![]() They just don't' seem to care once they get you in the door.Īlso - I was saddened to see so many animals in such a small space. ![]() This was true last time as well (years ago) and so we were hoping it was an off time, but no. SO very many of their interactive exhibits are broken, and so many out of date. Well, we were reminded why this place had dropped from our 'stuff to do list'. There was a traveling exhibit that looked interesting and we were looking to go on walkabout, so we decided to try them again. My husband and I live in the area, and hadn't been here is ages.
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