Things to do with kids in Wellington: Scott's Place and Tiger Shark Cove playgrounds, the Aquatics Center, the library, nature walks and rainy-day picks.
Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. Sources: the Village of Wellington’s facility pages for Scott’s Place, Tiger Shark Cove, Peaceful Waters and the Aquatics Center; the Palm Beach County Library System; The Mall at Wellington Green; and Wellington International. Parks and Recreation: 561-791-4005.
Most of what Wellington offers kids is free. Start with the two big playgrounds, Scott’s Place by the Amphitheater and Tiger Shark Cove on Greenbriar Boulevard, then the Wellington Aquatics Center for water play. On a rainy day, head for the library or The Mall at Wellington Green.
Who to call
- Parks, playgrounds, camps: Wellington Parks and Recreation, 561-791-4005
- Aquatics Center: 561-791-4770, 3410 120th Ave. S.
- Wellington Branch Library: 561-790-6070, 1951 Royal Fern Drive
Playgrounds
| Playground | Address | What is there | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scott’s Place Barrier-Free Playground | 12190 Forest Hill Blvd., next to the Amphitheater | Playground designed for children of all abilities; pavilion, picnic areas, restrooms | 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sun. |
| Tiger Shark Cove | 13800 Greenbriar Blvd. | Themed playground with a pirate ship slide, conch train, whale, sand castle and bait shack; ballfields, basketball, concessions | Sunrise to sunset |
| Greenbriar Park | 2975 Greenbriar Blvd. | Swing set and play structure, fields; the dog park is here | Sunrise to sunset |
Scott’s Place opened March 1, 2010. Wellington residents Del and Barbara Williamson paid for it in memory of their son Scott, who died at 6, and more than 300 volunteers built it over one weekend, the village says. The village also maintains more than 20 small neighborhood parks; see our parks and trails guide.
Water play
The Wellington Aquatics Center, 3410 120th Ave. S., has a zero-depth entry recreation pool with a play structure (3 feet deep in the leisure area) and Florida’s first NinjaCross retractable obstacle course. NinjaCross and the 3-meter board need a 48-inch height and a 25-yard swim test. Children under 13 must be with an adult. Fall and spring hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday; summer hours run longer. The village lists no stand-alone splash pad.
Nature and wildlife
- Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, inside Village Park off Pierson Road: 1,500 feet of raised boardwalk and a mile of trails through a 30-acre wetland, with signs on South Florida’s plants and animals. Free; closes at dusk. No bikes, scooters or skateboards, and no running on the boardwalk. Alligators live here; never feed them.
- Wellington Environmental Preserve, 3491 Flying Cow Ranch Road: seven learning areas, a butterfly garden and a six-story observation tower. Free.
- Horses: daytime admission to Wellington International is free during the show season, and kids can see hundreds of horses up close, the venue says. During the Winter Equestrian Festival, Saturday Night Lights adds face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo and free carousel rides. See our Wellington International guide.
Story time and the library
The Wellington Branch Library, 1951 Royal Fern Drive, has an active children’s section with activities for all ages, according to the Palm Beach County Library System. Look for kids’ programs on the library system’s children’s page. Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Rainy-day picks
- The Mall at Wellington Green, 10300 Forest Hill Blvd.: a children’s play area and family restrooms, per the mall; its home page also announces a Kids Empire and an expanded Arcade Time now open.
- CMX Cinemas Wellington 10, at the mall: reclining seats and a restaurant-style menu (showtimes).
- The library, above.
Skate park and bikes
The Wellington Skate Park, inside Village Park, has ramps, rails and a half-pipe, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or sunset, whichever is first; bring your own safety gear. Under village rules, bikes, scooters and skateboards are not allowed in neighborhood parks, on playgrounds or on courts, and e-bikes are banned from the bridle trails. More in getting around.
Free village events for kids
- Kids to Parks Day and Bicycle Rodeo, Saturday, May 15, 2027, 9 a.m. to noon at the Amphitheater, with the bike rodeo from 9 to 11 a.m. Free (details).
- Egg Hunt, Saturday, March 27, 2027: see Easter.
- Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic each December at Village Park, ages 15 and under: see holiday events.
- Thursday Nights in Wellington: food trucks and family-friendly concerts at the Amphitheater, next to Scott’s Place.
What this means for you
- Free, all-ages playground with shade and restrooms: Scott’s Place.
- Water play without the beach: the Aquatics Center’s zero-depth pool.
- Rain: library, mall play area, movies.
More: summer camps and pools, free things to do and Halloween events.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best playground in Wellington, Florida?
Wellington has two big ones: Scott’s Place Barrier-Free Playground, built for children of all abilities, next to the Amphitheater on Forest Hill Boulevard, and the themed Tiger Shark Cove playground at 13800 Greenbriar Blvd.
Does Wellington have a splash pad?
The village lists no stand-alone splash pad. The Wellington Aquatics Center has a zero-depth entry pool with a play structure for young children.
What can kids do in Wellington when it rains?
The Wellington Branch Library at 1951 Royal Fern Drive, the children’s play area and Kids Empire at The Mall at Wellington Green, and CMX Cinemas Wellington 10 at the mall.
When is Kids to Parks Day in Wellington?
Saturday, May 15, 2027, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Wellington Amphitheater, with a bicycle rodeo from 9 to 11 a.m. It is free.
Have your say