An ideal place to take the family is Fort Lauderdale, with its sunny skies, sandy beaches, and rich cultural history.
Whether you’re a local planning a weekend outing or a visitor on vacation there are plenty of things to do with family in Fort Lauderdale that will ensure kids are kept entertained and parents happy.
Fort Lauderdale has it all: nature filled adventures to hands on learning experiences. Well then, let’s take a look at the top things to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids and see how you can make moments to remember last forever. Check out this link for more: https://theplanetd.com/things-to-do-in-fort-lauderdale/.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a hidden gem to connect with nature and do so outside. This sprawling green space, often called Fort Lauderdale's Central Park, is perfect for families. Parents can appreciate the serene views of lush trees and the Intracoastal Waterway, while kids can bike, hike, or rollerblade along scenic trails.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard to get a hands-on experience with the park’s waterways. It’s also a great place for a family picnic, with lots of shaded areas and picnic tables. So, don’t forget to explore the park’s nature trails where kids can spot native wildlife like turtles, birds and even iguanas!
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Discover Marine Life at the Museum of Discovery and Science
If you have curious little angels, you need to check out the Museum of Discovery and Science. It’s a huge interactive museum, full of hands-on exhibit that make learning fun. The list of things to see from an airboat ride through the Everglades to exhibits about space exploration and physics is endless, there's something for kids of all ages.
One of the bright lights is the EcoDiscovery Center, a small facility where kids have the opportunity to get up close and personal with native Florida animals including otters, turtles, and snakes. In addition, the museum also a state-of-the-art IMAX theater where you can watch interesting documentaries or entertaining family films. This is the perfect place to pique a child's interest and keep them entertained for longer.
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Relax on Fort Lauderdale Beach
The family friendly Fort Lauderdale Beach is a beach destination favorite. This beach with the calm waves and pristine sands suits kids as there are activities like building sandcastles, swimming or just running on the sand. Under an umbrella, parents can relax, or join in the fun.
Paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis can all be rented out for the families who love watersports. Head down the beach front promenade, shop around, grab an ice cream, eat out in one of the numerous family friendly restaurants after a day in the sun.
Take a Thrilling Ride at Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tours and Rides
A visit to Fort Lauderdale isn’t complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring Everglades, and there’s no better way to do it than with Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tours and Rides, for sure. This family-friendly adventure lets you explore the unique ecosystem of the Florida Everglades on an exciting airboat ride.
Kids will be thrilled as the airboat glides over the water, offering close-up views of the wildlife, including alligators, wading birds, and other native species.
The fun doesn’t stop with the airboat ride—Everglades Holiday Park also offers live alligator shows that educate and entertain. The kids will love seeing these incredible creatures up close, and they’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for Florida’s natural beauty. It’s a perfect mix of adventure and education that will leave your family with unforgettable memories.
Take a Riverboat Cruise on the Jungle Queen
The Jungle Queen Riverboat is a classic in Fort Lauderdale and a fun way for kids to see the area. This tour with a guide takes you along the city's beautiful waterways, where you can see beautiful homes, yachts, and natural scenery. A stop at a private tropical island is the best part of the trip. Kids can see exotic animals, watch live shows, and have refreshments.
The Jungle Queen has trips during the day and at night, but the afternoon cruise is the best for families. It's a calm way to see Fort Lauderdale while keeping kids busy with fun things to do and see. Read more here.
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Get Creative at Young at Art Museum
Kids can follow their dreams at the Young at Art Museum, which is a lively place. There are many hands-on displays in this museum that are meant to encourage creativity and artistic expression. There is something for every aspiring artist, from drawing and sculpting to learning about the cultural themes of different shows.
The “WonderScapes” exhibit is a fun place for younger kids to play that encourages them to explore and tell stories. For older kids, there are classes and hands-on art projects where they can make their own masterpieces. You can spend the day inside doing it, and it will help you be creative and express yourself.
Enjoy a Wildlife Adventure at Flamingo Gardens
Flamingo Gardens is a must-see for families who love animals. Flamingos, alligators, panthers, and otters are just some of the animals that live in this 60-acre wildlife sanctuary and botanical park. The kids will enjoy feeding the birds in the zoo and playing with the hands-on displays.
The gardens also have lovely walking paths with tall trees to provide shade, making it a nice place to visit even on hot days. If you want to see the tropical rainforest and citrus groves on the land, don't miss the guided tram tour. It's a great place for the whole family to enjoy outdoors, wildlife, and relaxation.
Step Back in Time at Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
A trip to the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens will help your children learn about Fort Lauderdale's past. This old estate is an interesting mix of art, building, and nature. Kids will enjoy exploring the well-kept mansion and learning about its past. The gardens are a great place to see animals like monkeys, swans, and many kinds of birds.
Younger guests can also go on interactive tours and scavenger hunts at the estate, making it fun for the whole family. It's a unique way to learn and have fun outside at the same time.
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Cool Off at Castaway Island Water Park
Castaway Island Water Park is a great place to cool off when it gets hot in Florida. This water park is great for families because it has rides that kids can use, a lazy river, and a big splash pad. There is also a big pool area where you can swim and wade.
Parents can relax in cabanas with shade while their kids have a great time in the water for hours. Families will love this park because it's not too big, so you can keep an eye on the kids while you enjoy the day.
Check out Butterfly World
Butterfly World is a beautiful place that both kids and adults will love. This beautiful park is only a short drive from Fort Lauderdale. It has lush tropical grounds where thousands of butterflies fly freely. Children can discover the stages of a butterfly's life, look around the aviaries full of bright birds, and even talk to the friendly parrots.
There are also botanical gardens, rivers, and an insectarium in the park, so there are lots of opportunities to learn and take pictures. It is a peaceful and lovely trip that is great for nature-loving families.
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