Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Wellington, FL

Minutes away from West Palm Beach, Wellington is a village adjacent to the Everglades and is celebrated for its equestrian heritage.

Wellington has earned the title of the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World and hosts the Wellington International complex. This venue is home to the prestigious Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), attracting showjumping competitors from across the globe.

The village is also the location of the National Polo Center, providing ample opportunities for equestrian-related activities throughout the winter months.

One of the appealing aspects of Wellington is the abundance of nature preserves and wildlife rehabilitation centers in the vicinity.

During my visit, I encountered a baby sloth, participated in a Segway tour traversing a section of the Everglades, observed diverse avifauna, and had the privilege of seeing an ocelot receiving rehabilitation.

Here are the 15 most notable activities in Wellington.

1. Panther Ridge Conservation Center

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Operated by a non-profit organization, this conservation center houses a variety of cat species, including caracals and clouded leopards, which were previously injured and rescued from their natural habitats.

During my visit, I observed 20 cats from nine distinct species. I participated in an hour-long tour where I learned the inspiring stories of the center’s residents and the vital work carried out by the conservators.

I also gained insight into the panther population that continues to inhabit the Florida Everglades and discovered the unfortunate decline in their numbers over the past century.

For safety considerations, physical interaction with these magnificent animals is not permitted; however, you will have the opportunity to capture photographs and appreciate their strength and elegance.

2. Wellington International

The world’s largest and longest-running equestrian show occurs in Wellington over 13 weeks, from January to March.

This is the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), which welcomes riders from all 50 states and over 30 nations globally.

The award-winning Wellington International venue for this significant event is expansive, covering more than 150 acres and featuring 18 competition arenas, alongside numerous equine stalls.

During the festival, visitors can enter at no cost to witness top-tier showjumping competitions, engage in purchasing options, and relish excellent food.

I recommend attending the Saturday Night Lights event, which features thrilling competitions, food trucks, live music, face painting, petting zoos, and fairground rides.

3. National Polo Center

Wellington serves as the epicenter for polo in the United States. The National Polo Center ranks among the largest polo clubs worldwide, boasting five fields, a grandstand, restaurants, and a plethora of associated amenities spanning 300 acres.

This facility has been the host for the U.S. Open Polo Championship since 2004 and has welcomed the International Polo Cup multiple times in the past 15 years.

Whether you are a polo enthusiast or merely inquisitive about the sport, there are various public events available during the season, which typically runs from January to May.

4. Palm Beach Museum of Natural History

An exciting attraction in Wellington that may not be widely recognized is this compact paleontology museum located within the Wellington Green Mall.

The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History stands as the sole establishment of its kind in southern Florida and was founded by specialists engaged in ongoing excavations in North and South Dakota.

Although this museum is modest, it represents a significant diversion for families visiting the area. I was particularly impressed by Cheryll, an almost complete triceratops skeleton, the only specimen of its type in the region.

The Expedition Ice Age exhibit blends fossils and replicas showcasing remarkable megafauna, including giant sloths, mammoths, mastodons, and saber-toothed cats.

5. Wellington Conservation Center

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This center is committed to rehabilitating animals that have suffered injuries or have been abandoned, striving to reintroduce many of the animals they assist back into their natural habitats.

Among the center’s more dangerous inhabitants are bears and big cats from various regions across the country.

The center also accommodates numerous bird species; one of its primary focuses is on exotic South American animals that have become rare or endangered due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting.

Among these creatures are capybaras and sloths, including a mother sloth with an adorably clinging baby, which truly warmed my heart.

Facility tours are offered and donations are highly encouraged to support the center’s ongoing efforts.

6. Village Park

Located on Pierson Road in Wellington, Village Park offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities to engage you and your companions.

I personally enjoyed soaking in the fresh air, strolling along the walking trails, and effortlessly covering over a mile without even realizing it.

Active amenities available include basketball and volleyball courts, two roller-hockey rinks, baseball and soccer fields, along with a playground for children.

Many of the park’s facilities are free to access, such as the playgrounds and outdoor pavilions, making them ideal for picnics and birthday celebrations.

The sports facilities can be rented, so it is advisable to check the availability prior to your visit.

7. Take a Painting Lesson

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Aspiring artists seeking professional guidance, inspiration, and motivation can greatly benefit from participating in an art class at the Art Cellar. They also cater to individuals, like myself, who may lack artistic abilities.

Specializing in paint and sip events, Art Cellar employs passionate and creative instructors who will simplify the painting process while ensuring an enjoyable experience.

Various courses with distinct themes are provided throughout the week. Along with all the training and materials required, participants can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine.

For younger participants, KidzArt offers a child-friendly side with a variety of classes and camps designed to nurture children’s artistic development.

8. Wellington Aquatics Complex

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The Wellington Aquatics Complex serves as a community facility that remains accessible to the public and provides amenities for all ages and capabilities.

It includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool, concession stands, showers, and lockers for safeguarding personal belongings while utilizing the facilities.

For younger visitors, there is a water park and splash pad. For those preferring a calmer swimming experience away from children, designated areas are available for lap swimming.

If you seek a large, family-friendly event during the summer, I recommend the Patriotic Pool Party held on July 4th, featuring a full afternoon of activities and contests.

The facility also provides swimming lessons and courses for CPR and lifeguard certification, so it is advisable to check their website for availability and pricing.

9. Peaceful Waters Sanctuary

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This tranquil wetlands sanctuary, located within the Village Park Athletic Complex, is an oasis of natural beauty.

Spanning 30 acres, the sanctuary has been preserved to showcase its natural allure and maintain an undeveloped state.

The park features indigenous flora and fauna, complete with well-marked trails and informative signage. Visitors can explore 1,500 feet of elevated boardwalks that navigate around various wetland ponds.

This sanctuary is particularly popular among bird enthusiasts and nature photographers; during my visit, I was fortunate to observe various egrets, cranes, and spoonbills.

10. Okeeheelee Nature Center and Trail

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The Okeeheelee Nature Center, with its two-mile loop trail filled with avifauna and wildflowers, is ideally situated between Wellington and West Palm Beach, and is typically not very crowded.

The path traverses through flatwoods and wetlands, making it accessible for nearly everyone; however, due to Florida’s hot and humid summers, it is most enjoyable from September to May.

The center encompasses a diverse array of ponds and wetlands; with some patience, visitors may catch sight of tortoises, deer, and a remarkable variety of native bird species.

I was intrigued to discover the site’s history; the ponds originally served as rock pits that have reverted to nature. The indoor exhibits are equally fascinating, with an array of public nature programs available year-round.

The trails can sometimes be wet and muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended. Additionally, bringing along a camera and binoculars is advisable for nature enthusiasts.

11. Green Motion Segway Tours

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Segways provide a fun and innovative mode of transportation, allowing individuals to explore numerous sights without extensive exertion.

In my view, they serve as the ideal means of transport for the flat terrains surrounding Wellington, producing no emissions while enabling visitors to appreciate the Everglades’ natural beauty.

Green Motion Segway Tours operates from the Wellington Environmental Preserve, in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat (Section 24).

This area spans 365 acres, characterized by rainwater restoration zones and interconnected paved nature trails, complemented by a six-story observation tower.

Tour groups are limited to six individuals, and comprehensive training is provided prior to departure.

12. Play a Few Rounds of Golf

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During the winter months, while most golf courses across the United States remain inactive, Florida’s climate provides an attractive opportunity for avid golfers.

The region attracts numerous so-called snowbirds, with Palm Beach and Wellington emerging as prime destinations for golf.

Numerous courses, ranging from budget-friendly municipal options to prestigious locations often reserved for the affluent, can be found within a half-hour drive of Wellington.

Two of my preferred local choices include Madison Green Country Club on Crestwood Boulevard and Okeeheelee Golf Course on Forest Hill Boulevard; both offer reasonable rates and feature beautiful surroundings, alongside dining and bar options.

13. Tiger Shark Cove Community Park

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This delightful park, made possible through private donations and community collaboration, boasts what I consider to be the finest playground in the village.

The extensive play area features an incredible variety of castle-like structures filled with ladders, slides, and challenging obstacles.

Entry to the outdoor park is free, complete with shaded seating areas well-suited for picnics, birthday gatherings, or simply enjoying a peaceful afternoon reading.

It serves as an excellent venue for those adhering to a budget or for families with energetic young ones eager for outdoor activities.

14. Piquet Entertainment & Race Park

As I compiled this article, this outdoor entertainment park was undergoing a transformation.

The primary attraction at Piquet Entertainment & Race Park is paintball, featuring six fields spread across 20 acres. Each combat zone is adaptable enough to accommodate varying group sizes and battle scenarios.

In addition, a gellyball field is also available, which operates similarly to paintball but ensures a safer experience, suitable for ages five and older.

The facility has recently introduced a newly renovated 18-hole mini-golf course that does not require reservations. Additionally, the park now boasts a brand new asphalt karting track, which is promoted as the largest and fastest in South Florida.

15. South Florida Fairgrounds

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The South Florida Fairgrounds, located nearby in West Palm Beach, hosts one of the state’s most well-attended fairs.

This 17-day festival has been a staple since 1912 and occurs annually in January and February, coinciding with Florida’s optimal weather conditions.

The fair showcases amusement games, shopping opportunities, livestock shows, children’s activities, carnival rides, live entertainment, and a wide array of delicious food.

Delicacies include funnel cakes, curly fries, and deep-fried Oreos, which are a personal guilty pleasure.

The Yesteryear Village features a captivating assortment of structures and artifacts dating from 1895 to 1945; if you visit, this is one of the few attractions on the fairgrounds open year-round.

During the fair, weekends tend to be pricier and more crowded compared to weekdays. Therefore, if you prefer to avoid large crowds, I suggest visiting during the week or arriving early in the morning when the fair opens.