Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens offers families a unique blend of art, nature, and wildlife exploration in a stunning historic estate. Kids will be thrilled to spot playful monkeys swinging through the trees, graceful swans gliding across lagoons, and colorful tropical gardens filled with butterflies, making this much more than a typical museum visit.

• ✓Squirrel monkeys roaming freely through the property
• ✓Black Australian swans and colorful koi fish in tropical lagoons
• ✓Whimsical art collections including carousel animals and shell collections
• ✓Lush tropical gardens with orchids, bamboo groves, and mangrove wetlands
• ✓Interactive scavenger hunt activities available for kids to stay engaged during tours

1. 1.Join a guided tour to learn the entertaining stories about the Bonnet family and get the best wildlife spotting tips from knowledgeable docents
2. 2.Bring a camera - kids love photographing the monkeys, but remind them to stay quiet and patient for the best wildlife sightings
3. 3.Visit on a weekday morning right at opening (11 AM) for smaller crowds and more active wildlife
4. 4.Pack water bottles and sun protection - much of the tour is outdoors in Florida sun with limited shade
5. 5.Check out the second-floor art studio and Shell Museum, which kids often find more engaging than the formal rooms downstairs

Visit Tuesday through Thursday mornings right at 11 AM opening for the smallest crowds and most active wildlife. The cooler months (November-April) offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the outdoor gardens, and animals tend to be more visible during these milder temperatures.

Admission includes a guided house tour (check website for current pricing; children under 6 are typically free). Free on-site parking is available. No food is sold on-site, but you can picnic in designated areas before or after your tour.

The estate is closed Mondays year-round. Winter months (December-March) offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor exploration. Special holiday events and workshops are occasionally offered - check their calendar for family programming during school breaks.

Head to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea (5 minutes north) for family-friendly beachfront dining at Aruba Beach Cafe, which offers casual fare and ocean views. For quick bites, The Foxy Brown nearby serves fresh, healthy bowls and sandwiches that appeal to kids and adults alike.