CLOSER TO HOME
Activities and support in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Broward and Miami-Dade. Choose something that fits the person’s interests and the family’s needs.
SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO
Start with one interest: art, wildlife, a library class or time outside. Most options below are general public outings. Loggerhead and Frost offer specific sensory programs; confirm the session before visiting. Arrange any supervision, personal care and transport separately.
Downtown West Palm Beach
Children, teens and adults can explore book groups, art, technology and other library activities. Choose the age-specific calendar listing.
Who it’s for: All ages for general visits; individual programs may have age limits
Cost: Check the selected event for cost and registration.
Details, sources & save to plan →West Palm Beach
Explore tropical gardens at your own pace. The garden lists paved paths, accessible restrooms and sensory backpacks.
Who it’s for: All ages for general visits; individual programs may have age limits
Cost: Paid admission; age and membership discounts apply. Check current rates.
Details, sources & save to plan →West Palm Beach
Explore art and the sculpture garden. The museum offers public tours and accessibility arrangements.
Who it’s for: All ages for general visits; individual programs may have age limits
Cost: Paid admission with specified free-admission categories; verify eligibility and parking separately.
Details, sources & save to plan →West Palm Beach
A waterfront education center with exhibits and manatee-viewing areas. General admission and onsite parking are free.
Who it’s for: All ages for general visits; individual programs may have age limits
Cost: Free general admission and parking; check registration for specific programs.
Details, sources & save to plan →Juno Beach
Sensory Saturdays offer reduced crowds, sounds and lighting before regular opening. Sensory backpacks can also be requested during general visits.
Who it’s for: All ages for general visits; individual programs may have age limits
Cost: General admission is free; confirm pricing and booking for the chosen program.
Details, sources & save to plan →Boca Raton
Visit coastal exhibits, aquariums and nature trails. General admission is free, with donations welcomed.
Who it’s for: All ages for general visits; individual programs may have age limits
Cost: Free general admission; group reservations and some programs have fees.
Details, sources & save to plan →Boynton Beach
Explore wetland exhibits and an elevated boardwalk. A short self-guided visit can focus on birds, photography or nature.
Who it’s for: All ages for general visits; individual programs may have age limits
Cost: Check current program costs with the nature center.
Details, sources & save to plan →Downtown Miami
Just for Me sessions adjust exhibition sound and lighting. Sensory backpacks are available in child and adult sizes, subject to availability.
Who it’s for: All ages for general visits; individual programs may have age limits
Cost: Paid museum admission; limited free tickets may be requested for eligible event days.
Details, sources & save to plan →Check age criteria, registration, support-person requirements and the current calendar with the organizer.
SOMEONE TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR WAY
For Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast, start with FAU CARD. For Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe, use UM-NSU CARD. These organizations offer guidance and connections; their listings do not guarantee an available provider or funded service.
Palm Beach & Treasure Coast
Free consultation, training and support for eligible autistic people, people with related disabilities, families and professionals in Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast.
Who it’s for: All ages
Cost: Free
Details, sources & save to plan →Miami & Davie/Miramar
Free autism support for more than 13,000 families: trainings, social groups for teens and adults, employment training, recreational camps and events.
Who it’s for: All ages
Cost: Free
Details, sources & save to plan →Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast
Caregivers can request a needs assessment, connections to community services and follow-up support.
Who it’s for: Caregivers 18+ supporting another adult, or a child or young adult ages 0–22 with a disability
Cost: Ask about any costs for the referred services.
Details, sources & save to plan →Palm Beach County
Connect with a local family-led council focused on developmental-disability services, family perspectives and local support needs.
Who it’s for: Individuals with developmental disabilities and families; ask about meeting participation
Cost: Confirm current meeting and participation details.
Details, sources & save to plan →HELP WITH THE WORK OF CARING
Start with the actual help needed: supervision, personal care, a companion, transport or a planned break. Services for children and adults can have different eligibility and funding. Contact the organization for an intake conversation.
Riviera Beach & Palm Springs campuses
Early intervention, an inclusive pre-K, children’s education and recreation, and adult career education—its adult campuses include the former Seagull Services (Riviera Beach) and Palm Beach Habilitation Center (Palm Springs).
Who it’s for: Birth through adulthood
Details, sources & save to plan →Miami-Dade, Broward & Palm Beach
Disability supports across South Florida include education, day and community programs, family support and respite. Availability differs by location.
Who it’s for: Infants to adults
Details, sources & save to plan →Royal Palm Beach
A child-focused respite program describes overnight, weekend, emergency and after-school care for children with mild to moderate special needs.
Who it’s for: Birth through age 12; mild to moderate special needs; intake required
Cost: Palm Beach County supports the program; confirm family costs and eligibility during intake.
Details, sources & save to plan →Florida statewide
Official APD search tool using APD iConnect data to locate licensed providers and services by location across Florida.
Who it’s for: APD clients and families
Cost: Free directory
Details, sources & save to plan →Check applicable Florida provider credentials ↗ and confirm the provider’s approved service scope. Directory inclusion is not a quality rating or an availability guarantee.
SUPPORT FOR YOU, TOO
Your private caregiver journal has space for thoughts, support needs, rest and a backup plan.
Open my caregiver journal →New listings and selected updates reviewed against official sources October 28, 2026. Each resource page links its sources and review date. Confirm current hours, admission, eligibility and availability before making plans.