So, Floridians are not accustomed to public transit. We go in our cars with all of the things and park as close as possible to the places. Perhaps it is caused by all of the vitamin D. BUT – Brightline can cure almost anyone. The barrier is that first ride… trying something NEW…. So here are our tips to make the most of your first time. We know it won’t be the last!
Brightline Team members are so accommodating!
Playground while we wait – yes please!
Let the fun begin
Seat with a view.
As of this article Brightline offers stops in Orlando, Downtown West Palm Beach, Boca, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale Arts District, and MiamiCentral. All are great locations for walking right out into fun or picking up a ride service.
Download the Brightline app and book your seats ahead of time, super easy to use. We preferred the SMART seats, which are actually the cheap seats instead of Select. The Select Service seats are bigger, have complimentary snacks and beverages, and lounge access. SMART seats were plenty big and comfy for us, and I brought Mommy approved snacks and had just refilled our water bottles at the station while the kids enjoyed the kid lounge area. (We left the Select Lounge in peace for those riders without tots in tow – you’re welcome!)
Parking at their stations can be paid through an app and charges based on time used. Park your big SUV and go enjoy. The trains run on ‘cleaner’ biodiesel, and their locomotives have diesel-electric engines for lower emissions and reduced noise. Pretty cool. (Side note, they are 100% compliant with the American Made regulations so you can feel all warm and patriotic about that.)
Kids are WELCOMED. Seriously. Every team member we encountered was well informed, accommodating and happy to help. Brightline higher ups must have youngsters because they really considered it all – from to the great kids play lounge while you wait, family restrooms, changing tables, room for strollers to maneuver, water bottle refill stations, seats with tables or trays – it is all family friendly. If you require a wheelchair – we found that was an easy accommodation as well.
You will not want to leave the comfortable station but ALL ABOARD!
The Miami Station is extra awesome because you can hop right on the free metro mover train to skedaddle around town.
We just did this day and it was packed with fun of the finest kind – perfect for school aged children:
10:30 SUPERBLUE – this is a total wow. Great for all ages, this is like being IN art. You get to affect the art and how it grows. We saw all ages enjoying this. There is a bubble room add on that is fabulous for the kids. I’d love to bring my hubby back for a date day(but I would skip bubbles for adults.)
12:15 Lunch at Pastis – the cutest French bistro with tasty treats even for picky eaters.
1:30 Wynwood Walls Tour with Street Art experience. Think graffiti art looks easy? Give it a shot with help from some experts. Great photo opps and room to run after sitting at lunch for little legs.
3:15 Paradox Museum. The kids asked for this one and I’m glad they did! You really have a change to let go of reality. We were all holding our bellies laughing.
4:30 Museum of Ice Cream. If your kids have not heard about this one, surprise them with this one. You will get the history of ice cream, lots of treats, carnival style fun, games, and so much more.
The Orlando stop is in Terminal C (mostly Jet Blue) of the Orlando Airport. We love to stay at Evermore if you are looking for an easy getaway.
The Aventura Station is super close to the fabulous Aventura mall (don’t miss the 3 story slide) and has shuttles available to Hard Rock and Dolphins events that you book directly with them.
The Ft Lauderdale Station is an easy walk to the Museum of Discovery and Science with an IMAX theater, outdoor playground, cafe. Easily could spend a day here. The kids loved it and was totally shocked that we had the place to ourselves. Ended up buying the annual pass because it was just so easy and fun we will be back again and again. Lots of good IMAX movies coming soon, perfect for a rainy day.
The West Palm Beach Station Enjoy a family friendly lunch at SweetGreen in CityPlace, dessert at the RH rooftop let the kids play in the fountain, check out a show at the Kravis, stroll the Norton Museum – or check out local happenings here.
Bon Voyage friends! Let us know how your adventures go.
