So, parents … you’ve finally earned a much-needed break.
No school, no soccer practice, and no strict bedtime routines. Summer is here and, if you’ve pulled off a logistical miracle, maybe the kids are off at camp, staying up way too late at a sleepover, or in the care of a reliable babysitter.
Whatever the case, you’ve earned a date night (or day!). To help you get out of the house, we’ve scoured the South Florida events scene for something better than just the cliché dinner and a movie. You deserve a real experience — one that makes you feel like a kid again yourself.
Our 10 picks run the gamut from learning new skills and laughing away stress to trying bingo, potting bonsais, and hitting a brunch that promises to spice things up.
Of course, while we’re showing a little love to the parents here, these activities are just as fun for any couple and those flying solo, too!
Workshop attendees pick up new skills during a Bonsai Bar workshop at LauderAle Brewery in Fort Lauderdale. (Bonsai Bar/Courtesy)
Bonsai Bar
Popping up at a brewery near you: tiny trees! Five years ago, Bonsai Bar founder and CEO Tim Arsenault started bringing pop-up bonsai workshops to New England breweries. Since then, the workshops have grown nationwide to teach people how to create and care for bonsai. You get a tree of your choice, a ceramic pot, a two-hour workshop and ongoing support. They even guarantee you’ll be able to keep your beginner-friendly tree species alive, or they’ll replace it. Cost ranges from is $70 to $85 per person. Visit bonsaibar.com.
Find classes throughout South Florida, including at:
• LauderAle Brewery, 3305 SE 14th Ave., Fort Lauderdale
• Invasive Species Brewing, 726 NE Second Ave., Fort Lauderdale
• Funky Buddha Brewery, 1201 NE 38th St., Oakland Park
• Tripping Animals Brewing Taproom, 3555 Dixie Highway, Oakland Park
• Block 40 Food Hall, 1818 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
• Buena Vista Farms & Brewery, 14301 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves
• The Brewhouse Gallery, 720 Park Ave., Lake Park
Bingo Loco
“It has to be seen to be believed” — that’s how emcee Scott Rowan describes Bingo Loco in a YouTube promotional video. The viral rave-style event traveling around the country transforms traditional bingo into a three-hour party with drinks, confetti cannons, dance-offs, lip-sync battles and, of course, DJs playing ’90s pop and hip-hop. Prizes include vacations, cars, air fryers and lawnmowers, according to the website. Find events, for age 21 and older, at venues throughout South Florida, including The Banyan Live, 8199 Southern Blvd., Suite B, West Palm Beach, and Club M2, 1235 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Prices range from $33 to $35 per person. Visit us.bingoloco.com.
Immerse yourself in history through multiple virtual reality experiences offered at the South Florida PBS Studios in Boynton Beach. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Immersive experiences
Step back in time together at South Florida PBS Studios, 3401 S. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, which is offering three exhibits through Aug. 2. “Colosseum: The Legendary Arena,” a standing, free-roaming virtual reality experience, transports visitors to ancient Rome with 3D replicas of armor and the arena. Hear the roar of the crowd and walk in the gladiators’ footsteps. Another new experience, “Napoleon: The Immersive Saga,” travels to 1817 on the island of Saint Helena as Napoleon Bonaparte recounts the defining moments of his life. Virtual reality and 3D recreations take visitors through historic events. There’s also “Titanic: An Immersive Voyage,” which opened earlier this year, featuring 3D views, video animations, life-sized reconstructions and narrative storytelling. See artifacts and use virtual reality to go 2.5 miles below sea level in a deep-sea submersible to see the wreck site. The experiences are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. General admission is $35 for the Colosseum and Napoleon exhibits and $45 for the Titanic experience. Visit southfloridapbs.org/immersive.
Visitors try out a virtual reality experience at the “Napoleon: The Immersive Saga” and “Colosseum: The Legendary Arena” exhibits at South Florida PBS in Boynton Beach on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Adam and Juliet Hark, of New Jersey, look at gladiator helmets during a visit to the “Colosseum: The Legendary Arena” exhibit at South Florida PBS in Boynton Beach on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Replicas of Napoleon artifacts sit on display for the “Napoleon: The Immersive Saga” exhibit at South Florida PBS in Boynton Beach on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Peter Hawkins, of Deerfield, uses an interactive hologram of Napoleon during the “Napoleon: The Immersive Saga” virtual reality experience at South Florida PBS in Boynton Beach on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Emily Sheehan, of New York, enjoys a virtual reality experience at the “Napoleon: The Immersive Saga” and “Colosseum: The Legendary Arena” exhibits at South Florida PBS in Boynton Beach on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Immerse yourself in history through multiple virtual reality experiences offered at the South Florida PBS Studios in Boynton Beach. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
A replica of the Colosseum stands on display for the “Colosseum: The Legendary Arena” exhibit at South Florida PBS in Boynton Beach on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Visitors try out a virtual reality experience at the “Napoleon: The Immersive Saga” and “Colosseum: The Legendary Arena” exhibits at South Florida PBS in Boynton Beach on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Fox Observatory
What’s more romantic than stargazing together? The South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association operates the Fox Observatory inside Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise. The nonprofit organization has been working to bring the universe closer to South Floridians since 1965, according to its website. Observe interesting sights in the night sky using telescopes, including a restored Brandon Refractor donated by the observatory’s namesake, Joseph Dennison Fox, a former professor of astronomy and history at the University of Puerto Rico. SFAAA members also bring their own viewing equipment to share. “On a good, clear night, it’s possible to have as many as 15 telescopes or more [set up] in various places around the observatory grounds,” the website states. The facility is open rain or shine on Saturdays, from sunset to 11:30 p.m. during daylight saving time and through 10:30 p.m. during standard time. Free admission. Visit sfaaa.com.
South Florida comedian Brian Coronado brings the laughs during a Don’t Tell Comedy show in an airplane hangar in Pompano Beach. (DART Vision/Courtesy)
Secret comedy shows
Yes, the locations of these pop-up comedy shows are a secret, but chances are you’ll be telling everyone how hard you laughed over the weekend. In more than 250 cities throughout the country, Don’t Tell Comedy puts comics on makeshift stages in some unexpected places. Shows in Palm Beach, Broward and Martin counties, which are overseen by South Florida comedy veteran Minda Long, have taken place in an airplane hangar, museums and small businesses, from salons and gyms to cafes and comic book shops, to name a few recent spots. The lineup and location remain a mystery until 8 a.m. on show day, which is part of the fun. They typically last 70 to 90 minutes and feature five to seven comedians. There’s no drink minimum required. In fact, some venues allow attendees to bring their own food or drinks. Tickets are $30 per person. Visit donttellcomedy.com.
Burlesque Brunch takes place at Revelry in Pompano Beach every Saturday. (Larry Marano/Courtesy)
Burlesque Brunch
A rotating cast of performers from all over Florida and the United States sashay over to Burlesque Brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday at Revelry, 227 S. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach. While alluring entertainers entice you with the art of the tease, indulge in signature food items, a brunch menu, specialty cocktails and bottomless mimosas. “No two shows are exactly the same, which is part of what makes it such a fun afternoon out,” said Brando Garcia, who co-owns the cocktail bar and live music lounge with Zena Tarantino (also known as performer Jezebelle Red). Reservations are recommended. Revelry’s events lineup also inspires a slew of other date ideas such as the Revelry-Diculous Comedy Show (July 19); a Spelling Buzz with Roast Host Ryan Panucci (last Wednesdays of the month); karaoke (Wednesdays); and Bring Your Own Vinyl Night (every third Thursday). Visit revelryfla.com.
Get on the Tiki Taxi at one of five stops in Palm Beach County for $10. (Tiki Taxi & Cruises/Courtesy)
Tiki Taxi & Cruises
The concept is simple: $10 cruises, no reservations, with waterfront sights plus a bar and music on board. Just hop on the Tiki Taxi, available at five stops in Palm Beach County from Thursdays through Sundays:
• Boynton Harbor Marina, 735 Casa Loma Blvd., Boynton Beach (next to Two Georges Waterfront Grille)
• Plaza Down Under on the Riverwalk, 25 S. Coastal Way, Jupiter (next to Harbourside Place)
• Guanabanas Restaurant, 960 N. State Road A1A, Jupiter
• Waterway Café, 2300 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens
• Seasons 52, 11611 Ellison Wilson Road, Palm Beach Gardens.
You can take one trip or ride all day for one price. The operator will stamp your hand for re-entry.
Don’t miss Ladies Night from 3 to 11 p.m. Thursdays in Boynton Beach and Jupiter, when women age 21 and older ride for free (one-drink minimum). Snacks are available for purchase.
For a full schedule, visit tikitaxiandcruises.com.
Art After Dark at The Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach offers a night of gallery viewing, music and other pop-up interactive activities on Fridays. (Norton Museum of Art/Courtesy)
Art After Dark
Head out for a night of art and entertainment during the Norton Museum of Art’s signature event from 5 to 10 p.m. every Friday. Stroll the galleries at the museum, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, or take a tour. Get creative together during Open Studio art workshops from 6 to 9 p.m. Special events include Jazz Friday on the first Friday of the month and artist tours at 8 p.m. the third Friday of the month. Themed nights will feature classical guitarist Collin Holloway (July 10); Disabilities Pride Month with the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, short films and an adaptive design fashion show (July 17); Florida Roots night with local films and the Low Key duo (July 24); and Improv Night with Sick Puppies Comedy (July 31). Admission is $10 for adults and seniors, $5 for students. Dining is available at The Restaurant at The Norton with indoor and outdoor seating. Visit norton.org.
Muse Paintbar
And speaking of art … Bring out your inner Picasso — or just drink, eat and get creative — during the guided paint-and-sip experiences at Muse Paintbar, 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Unit 1111, Palm Beach Gardens. Art sessions for couples cost $47 to $52 and take place throughout the month with different themes: cosmic tides, moonlit seas, paradise glow and pier bliss, among others. They offer a full menu of drinks, bar bites (chips and dip, boneless wings, flatbread pizza, mozzarella sticks and more) and desserts while you paint away. Visit musepaintbar.com.
Party in the wave pool at the adults-only Rapids After Hours event at Rapid Waterpark in Riviera Beach on select nights. (Rapids Waterpark/Courtesy)
Rapids After Hours
When the sun goes down, Rapids Water Park heats up for the adults — age 21 and older only. Swimsuit up for a night of splashing around at the waterpark, 6566 N. Military Trail, Riviera Beach. Partygoers can enjoy the Big Surf Wave Pool and Mega Mayhem Foam parties, plus bars, drink specials, DJ music and other attractions from 7 to 10 p.m. on select Fridays through Sept. 4. Tickets start at $30. Cabana packages are available for purchase. Visit rapidswaterpark.com.