Dana Harvey is a blogger and content creator who runs the blog and social media account Home of the Harveys with her husband Matthew and their two daughters, Penelope, Pia, and son, Simeon. As a modern American family, they aspire to encourage others in all walks of life from parenting, renovating, building relationships, and traveling through transparent and raw content daily.

Staycations were Matthew and I’s thing while we were dating. However, with three kids later, we’re making it a family thing now. Getting away to our local gems to be fully immersed in vacation but not deal with the hassle has been our favorite kind of vacation. We are always looking for a place that would be fun for the whole family, and the Opal Grand Resort in Delray Beach definitely delivered. You might be thinking, sure fun for the kiddos but truly I mean the whole family, mom and dad included. Let me take you through our fun activity packed weekend with our young family of five in our backyard, The Palm Beaches of Florida.

Where to Stay in Delray Beach with Kids: The Opal Grand Resort

Let’s get into the Opal Grand Resort. It’s the epitome of Florida coastal vibes but with the most luxurious feel. It almost looks too nice for kids, but the staff made us feel otherwise. As soon as we arrived, the kids were offered ice cream bars and gave us directions to the pool. We wasted no time and headed to the pool only to be greeted with a parent approved poolside bar to help us relax. The pools, yes more than one, were heated so swimming was welcome any time of the day. The pools were large enough where the kids could jump and splash without bothering any of the other guests lounging in the sun. You could see the beach from the pool on one side and the many shops and restaurants on the other. The resort couldn’t have been built on a more perfect corner.

We reserved this beautiful large cabana which literally fit my entire family, comfortably. We had the option to close the curtains on the cabana which helped me easily put the baby down for a nap. The weather was typical Florida weather so we did get caught in a bit of a rain storm. We made the best of it, and just hung out under the cabana, cozied up in our towels, waiting for it to stop so we could head back in the pool again. I have to make a comment about the staff, because they truly went out of their way to make us feel welcome. Sometimes when traveling with three little kids, we get the side eye, but each staff member took the time to stop us and ask if they could get anything for us or the kids which means so much to parents like us. The service can truly make or break a place, and we felt incredibly well taken care of here.   

The rooms were gorgeously designed and felt so homey yet modern. Our room included an outdoor patio to look over the pool and beach which felt serene. Speaking of serene, I poked my head into the spa and fitness center and wow, I’ll be back to schedule some mommy time. The fact they had mini robes to give the kids, pretty much won me over immediately. The girls were loving the views outside our room so they spent a lot of downtime watching the ocean activities.

Where to Eat with Kids: The Dining Scene in Delray Beach

We ate the majority of the time at the resort because the food was exceptional! We started with Opal’s very own upscale seafood restaurant, Drift. Our table was placed under a beautiful covered terrace with stunning views which was perfect for our loud kids but still giving a serene dinner for us. Kudos to the kid’s menu, because that was more than a menu, it was a full on activity book. This kept the kids entertained as we had a nice three course dinner with the most impeccable seafood dishes. 

There were several places in the resort where we could grab a bite like the Beach Market Cafe. Every morning, Matthew would take the kids and walk down to the lobby for a quick acai bowl, coffee and fresh fruit to start the day. We also grabbed some snacks here before we walked to the beach as well. We ordered room service twice because we loved how they had so many diverse options. Room service is a must when vacationing with young kids because they way these nap times work, we’re not always up and about. We came back to the hotel late one night and I ordered the Deck 84 birria quesadillas to the room and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about them.

There were SO many restaurants within walking distance which makes it so convenient for our family of five. Since we are familiar with the area, we knew a few restaurants on that strip like Elisabetta’s but nothing beats Rocco’s Tacos table side guac so we ended our staycation with a nice lunch over there. The girls loved watching our waiter make it in front of them, that they actually tried the guacamole and liked it! For my parents of picky eaters, you know this is a big feat! There hasn’t been one thing I didn’t fall in love with on that menu. Also very lit kid menus for the mini bosses as well.  

What to Do: Family-Friendly Attractions in Delray Beach

It’s hard to beat a resort right next to a beach, so we already knew our kids had entertainment for days. I love walks and drives around downtown Delray because we get some gorgeous views of the mansions on one side and the beautiful clean beaches on the other. If you’re looking for a spot to take some beautiful family photos, it’s over here! I could drive around this area all day just looking at the architecture and beauty of the old and new homes along the coast, imagining myself living there someday.

We were able to do some fun activities outside of the resort and just walking distance away! Just across the street was the Sandoway Discovery Center. This was an interactive museum so you know the kids were really into it. We watched a bigger fish gobble up a smaller fish, pet some pretty happy looking sting rays, and even talked to a parrot. We spent hours exploring the local marine life and touching some of the animals and insects. Every room had it’s own purpose like the nocturnal section where Matthew proceeded to scare all the kids in the room. All jokes aside, Matthew and I learned a lot in this cute little museum.

It’s safe to assume, the family’s favorite activity was the Silverball Retro Arcade just a 5-minute drive from the resort. It was a giant arcade room full of classic games. I don’t think my kids had ever played pinball before but they were glued to all of the machines lit up. Matthew was living out his childhood dreams, with unlimited games, no coins necessary, and access to all the classics! With some vintage skee ball, our whole family jumped on and had some friendly competitions. Pia was determined to beat everyone, and I don’t know how many times I apologized to people after picking up balls Simi threw the opposite way. At the end of the night we found ourselves upstairs dancing away in their loft dance floor having the absolute best time. With food and drinks available, we could have easily stayed there for hours more.

With another staycation under our belt as a family of five, I’d say we’re getting pretty comfortable with the whole traveling with three kids thing. They love resort life and so do we, so why should you limit yourself to trips to your community park and the occasional Disney trip. Transport your family to feel luxury, be relaxed, and stay entertained all in one hub. The Opal Grand Resort in Downtown Delray is the perfect location for a family vacation this year. Go ahead and book that room, jot down some of my recommended activities, and prepare to make lots of beautiful memories with your special people. 

Related Reads

Accessible Bicycling Locations in The Palm Beaches

Accessible Bicycling Locations in The Palm Beaches These…

6 Ways to Winter in The Palm Beaches

6 Ways to Winter in The Palm Beaches Trade your snow…

6 Things Every Houston Astros Fan Should See in The Palm Beaches

6 Things Every Houston Astros Fan Should See in The…

The Cultural Concierge: A Local Art Insider For Meeting Planners

The Cultural Concierge: A Local Art Insider For Meeting…

3-Day Outdoor Guide to The Palm Beaches

3-Day Outdoor Guide to The Palm Beaches This easy,…

Ultra-Luxury Experiences in The Palm Beaches

Ultra-Luxury Experiences in The Palm Beaches Get a…

View All Posts