Fort Lauderdale, often known for its beautiful beaches and bustling nightlife, is also a fantastic destination for families. With a wide variety of activities and attractions tailored to kids and parents alike, Fort Lauderdale offers endless opportunities for fun, learning, and adventure. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, this guide will highlight the top family-friendly attractions in Fort Lauderdale that your kids will love.
1. Museum of Discovery and Science
One of the premier attractions in Fort Lauderdale for families is the Museum of Discovery and Science. This interactive museum is perfect for children of all ages and offers a hands-on approach to learning about science, technology, and the natural world. The museum features exhibits on everything from space exploration to wildlife conservation, ensuring that kids are entertained while they learn.
What to Do:
- Explore the EcoDiscovery Center: Kids can interact with exhibits about Florida’s diverse ecosystems, including a simulated Everglades airboat ride.
- Watch a Show in the IMAX Theater: The museum’s IMAX theater offers thrilling, educational films that bring science and nature to life on the big screen.
- Participate in Interactive Exhibits: From playing with robotic arms to digging for fossils, there’s no shortage of activities to engage young minds.
Why It’s Trending:
The Museum of Discovery and Science regularly updates its exhibits and introduces new interactive experiences, making it a must-visit for families. The museum’s blend of education and entertainment continues to attract visitors, particularly with the addition of seasonal exhibits and events.
2. Butterfly World
Located in nearby Coconut Creek, Butterfly World is a magical experience for children and adults alike. It’s the largest butterfly park in the world, housing thousands of butterflies in a lush, tropical environment. This attraction is not only beautiful but also educational, offering kids the chance to learn about the life cycle of butterflies and the importance of conservation.
What to Do:
- Walk Through the Butterfly Aviary: Immerse yourself in a vibrant world where thousands of butterflies flutter around you.
- Visit the Lorikeet Encounter: Kids can feed these colorful birds, which are known for their friendly and interactive behavior.
- Explore the Insectarium and Bug Zoo: Learn about other fascinating insects and their role in our ecosystem.
Why It’s Trending:
Butterfly World is a unique experience that combines natural beauty with education. The park’s focus on conservation and its stunning visuals make it a popular destination for families looking for something different.
3. Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
No trip to Fort Lauderdale is complete without a visit to the beach, and Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is the perfect spot for families. With its calm waters, playgrounds, and picnic areas, this beach park offers a relaxing and fun environment for kids to enjoy.
What to Do:
- Swim in the Ocean: The gentle waves and shallow waters make it a safe place for kids to swim and play.
- Play on the Beach: Build sandcastles, fly kites, or play beach volleyball—there’s plenty of space for all kinds of beach activities.
- Use the Playground: The park has a playground area where younger children can climb, slide, and swing.
Why It’s Trending:
Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is a family favorite because of its convenient amenities, beautiful scenery, and safe environment. Its popularity is bolstered by the park’s regular events and activities that cater specifically to families.
4. Young At Art Museum
The Young At Art Museum in nearby Davie is a creative haven for children, offering interactive exhibits that encourage artistic expression and imagination. This museum is designed to inspire kids to explore their creativity through hands-on activities, workshops, and classes.
What to Do:
- Explore Interactive Exhibits: The museum’s exhibits are designed to be touched and explored, allowing kids to engage with art in a hands-on way.
- Participate in Art Workshops: The museum offers a variety of workshops where children can learn new art techniques and create their own masterpieces.
- Visit the GreenScapes Exhibit: This exhibit focuses on environmental art and encourages kids to think about sustainability and the natural world.
Why It’s Trending:
The Young At Art Museum is constantly introducing new exhibits and programs that keep the experience fresh and exciting for returning visitors. Its focus on creativity and education makes it a standout attraction for families.
5. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
For families interested in history and nature, the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens offers a unique blend of both. This historic estate is surrounded by lush gardens and offers a glimpse into South Florida’s history through its preserved architecture and art collections.
What to Do:
- Take a Guided Tour: Learn about the history of the Bonnet House and its significance in Fort Lauderdale’s development.
- Explore the Gardens: The beautiful gardens are home to native plants, wildlife, and even some playful monkeys that kids will love to spot.
- Enjoy Art Exhibits: The Bonnet House features a variety of art exhibits, including works by the home’s original owners.
Why It’s Trending:
The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a serene and educational experience that offers something different from the typical family attractions. Its historical significance and beautiful surroundings make it a popular choice for families looking to combine education with outdoor fun.
6. Flamingo Gardens
Flamingo Gardens, located in nearby Davie, is a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary that offers a fun and educational experience for the whole family. The gardens are home to over 3,000 species of rare and exotic plants and trees, as well as a variety of animals native to Florida.
What to Do:
- See the Flamingos: The garden’s namesake flamingos are a must-see, and kids will love watching these graceful birds up close.
- Visit the Wildlife Sanctuary: Meet Florida’s native animals, including alligators, panthers, and otters, in the sanctuary.
- Ride the Narrated Tram Tour: Take a tram tour through the gardens and learn about the different plant species and the history of the area.
Why It’s Trending:
Flamingo Gardens offers a mix of nature, wildlife, and history that appeals to visitors of all ages. The sanctuary’s dedication to wildlife conservation and education has made it a favorite destination for families.
7. Everglades Holiday Park
For an adventure that combines nature and excitement, take the family to Everglades Holiday Park. Known as the “Gateway to the Everglades,” this park offers airboat tours that take you deep into the Everglades to see alligators and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
What to Do:
- Take an Airboat Tour: Glide through the Everglades on an airboat and spot wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds.
- Watch the Gator Show: After your airboat tour, watch an exciting alligator show led by experienced handlers.
- Explore the Park: Walk through the park to see other animals and enjoy the natural beauty of the Everglades.
Why It’s Trending:
Everglades Holiday Park is an adventure-filled experience that offers a unique way to explore one of Florida’s most famous ecosystems. The thrill of the airboat ride and the chance to see alligators up close make it a top choice for families.
8. Funderdome Indoor Playground and Cafe
When you need a break from the sun, Funderdome Indoor Playground and Cafe is the perfect place for kids to burn off some energy. This indoor play area offers a variety of activities for children of all ages, from climbing walls to laser tag.
What to Do:
- Play in the Adventure Zone: Kids can climb, jump, and slide their way through the multi-level play structure.
- Try the Laser Maze: Challenge your kids to navigate through a maze of laser beams without getting “caught.”
- Relax at the Cafe: While the kids play, parents can relax with a coffee at the on-site cafe.
Why It’s Trending:
Funderdome is a hit with families because it offers a safe and fun environment for kids to play, regardless of the weather. The variety of activities and the convenient cafe make it a popular choice for parents and children alike.
9. Sawgrass Recreation Park
Sawgrass Recreation Park offers another exciting way to experience the Florida Everglades with airboat tours, wildlife encounters, and educational exhibits. This park is located just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale and provides a thrilling and educational adventure for the whole family.
What to Do:
- Take an Airboat Tour: Zoom across the waters of the Everglades on an airboat and see the area’s unique wildlife.
- Visit the Exotic Wildlife Exhibit: Meet animals such as panthers, leopards, and snakes in the park’s wildlife exhibit.
- Fish for Bass: If your family loves fishing, you can try your luck catching bass in the park’s waterways.
Why It’s Trending:
Sawgrass Recreation Park offers a family-friendly adventure that combines the thrill of airboat rides with the opportunity to learn about Florida’s wildlife. Its proximity to Fort Lauderdale and variety of activities make it a popular day-trip destination.
10. Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise
The Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise is a Fort Lauderdale tradition that has been delighting families for over 85 years. This cruise offers a unique way to explore the city’s waterways and see the sights, with the added bonus of live entertainment and a stop at a private island.
What to Do:
- Enjoy the Riverboat Cruise: Take a leisurely cruise along the New River and see Fort Lauderdale’s famous waterfront homes.
- Watch Live Entertainment: The cruise features live performances that will keep the whole family entertained.
- Visit the Private Island: The cruise includes a stop at a private island where you can see an alligator show and explore the tropical surroundings.
Why It’s Trending:
The Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise is a classic Fort Lauderdale experience that combines sightseeing with entertainment. Its long-standing popularity and unique offerings make it a must-do for families visiting the area.
Conclusion
Fort Lauderdale is a fantastic destination for families, offering a wide range of activities that cater to kids of all ages. Whether you’re exploring the interactive exhibits at the Museum of Discovery and Science, getting up close to wildlife at Flamingo Gardens, or enjoying a day at the beach, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Plan your visit to Fort Lauderdale and create unforgettable memories with your family at these top attractions.
