Top Family Activities in Fort Lauderdale : Our Guide

Top beaches and water activities that kids absolutely love

Let’s start with what Fort Lauderdale does top – its incredible beaches! The city boasts over 7 Beaches that have been certified Blue Wave beaches by the Clean Beaches Council, and trust me, your kids are going to have an absolute blast here.

Fort Lauderdale beach: the crown jewel

The main Fort Lauderdale beach at 240 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd is where the magic happens. Picture this: your family strolling along the beautiful beachfront promenade, kids building sandcastles while you relax knowing there are lifeguard towers every 200-400 yards. The beach connects seamlessly with the wavewall, creating this amazing waterfront experience that feels like a Florida postcard come to life.

What I love most about this beach is how family-friendly it truly is. The amenities are top-notch, and the atmosphere is welcoming for families with kids of all ages. Plus, you’re just steps away from restaurants and shops when hunger strikes or you need to grab forgotten sunscreen.

Hugh Taylor Birch state park: nature meets beach fun

If you’re looking for something a bit more secluded, Hugh Taylor Birch state park is an absolute gem. The pedestrian tunnel under A1A leads you to a quieter beach area that feels like your own private slice of paradise. But here’s the top part, the park itself offers nature trails and playgrounds, so you can combine beach time with some outdoor adventures.

This state park is perfect for families who want to experience both the beach and Florida’s natural beauty in one location. The kids can explore the trails, spot local wildlife, and then cool off in the ocean. It’s like getting two attractions for the price of one!

Water parks that guarantee smiles

When it comes to water fun, Fort Lauderdale doesn’t mess around. Topeekeegee Yugnee park (locals call it TY park) in Hollywood is where water park dreams come true. The Castaway Island water park features a gentle water playground specifically designed for ages 5 and under, finally, a place where your toddler can splash safely!

The lagoon swimming pool with its waterfall creates this tropical oasis feeling, while the big-kid playground with dumping buckets and slides keeps older children entertained for hours. And with the size of it, there’s plenty of space for the whole family to spread out and enjoy the day.

C.B. Smith park in Pembroke Pines takes water fun to the next level with Paradise Cove water park. Those four 5-story water slides are absolutely thrilling for older kids, while Sharky’s Lagoon interactive water playground keeps everyone engaged. Don’t miss the 410-foot lazy river called Crazy Creek, it’s perfect for floating away your worries while the kids play nearby. Also, don’t forget to check the specific operating hours for any waterpark you plan to visit, as these can change.

Boat tours and water transportation adventures

Nothing says Fort Lauderdale like exploring the city from the water! The water taxi system here isn’t just transportation, it’s an adventure in itself.

Fort Lauderdale water taxi: hop-on, hop-off fun

The Fort Lauderdale water taxi system is honestly one of the coolest ways to get around with kids. Imagine a fleet of boats stopping at 30+ convenient locations throughout the city. Your family can hop on at the beach, cruise over to the museum of discovery and science, then head to Las Olas Boulevard for lunch, all while enjoying narrated sightseeing tours along the way.

The water taxi tracker app is a game-changer for families. No more standing around wondering when the next boat arrives – you’ll know exactly how long to wait. This kind of predictability is a parent’s top friend when traveling with kids!

Jungle Queen riverboat: a Fort Lauderdale tradition since 1935

The Jungle Queen riverboat at Bahia Mar Yachting Center has been creating family memories since 1935. That’s nearly 90 years of happy families! The 90-minute narrated trips give you a perfect introduction to Fort Lauderdale’s waterways, but if you really want to make it special, book the 4-hour tour with a tropical island stop.

Picture this: your family disembarking on a tropical island where animals shows entertain the kids while you soak in the Florida sunshine. The dinner cruises with all-you-can-eat BBQ and live shows are perfect for families who want to combine sightseeing with a memorable meal.

Museums and educational attractions for curious minds

Fort Lauderdale’s museums aren’t your typical “look but don’t touch” experiences. These are hands-on, interactive adventures that make learning feel like play.

Museum of discovery and science: where learning meets fun

The Fort Lauderdale museum of discovery and science at 401 SW 2nd St. downtown is absolutely magical for families. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by large aquariums filled with fish, otters, and yes, even alligators! The 50-foot Megalodon exhibit never fails to amaze kids (and let’s be honest, adults too). What sets this museum apart is how it caters to different ages simultaneously. The live dig pit sends dinosaur fans into absolute excitement, while the interactive orange grove teaches kids about Florida’s agricultural heritage.

The IMAX theater shows both educational movies and new releases, making it perfect for family movie time with an educational twist. For families with younger children, the interactive exhibits designed for kids 6 and under focus on cooperative play. It’s beautiful to watch siblings work together while learning. And that indoor nature hike through Florida habitats? It’s like taking a walk through the Everglades without the mosquitos!

Young at Art museum: creativity unleashed

Located in Plantation, the Young at Art museum is where your kids’ creativity can run wild. The hands-on activities include everything from origami art to musical instrument construction. I’ve seen kids who claimed they “weren’t artistic” spend hours here, completely absorbed in painting, drawing, ceramic sculpture, digital art, and photography. The kids and teens art classes are particularly wonderful because they’re designed to build confidence while teaching real skills. There’s something magical about watching a child discover they can create something beautiful with their own hands.

Animal experiences and nature adventures

South Florida’s incredible wildlife and natural beauty create some of the most memorable family experiences you’ll ever have.

Butterfly World: a tropical paradise

Just 10 miles north in Coconut Creek, Butterfly World is the world’s largest butterfly preserve, and it’s absolutely breathtaking. Picture 20,000 butterflies fluttering through tropical gardens with waterfalls – it’s like stepping into a fairy tale. The hand-feed Lorikeets experience is particularly special. These colorful, friendly birds will land right on your children’s arms and shoulders. I’ve seen the most reserved kids light up with joy when a Lorikeet chooses them as a perch. It’s one of those magical moments that makes family travel so worthwhile.

Everglades adventures: wild Florida at its top

Everglades Holiday Park brings the wild side of Florida right to your family. This 29-acre wildlife preserve and theme park offers 60-minute airboat rides that will have your kids talking for months. The gator shows are educational and exciting, teaching children about these amazing creatures while keeping everyone safely entertained. For families ready for a bigger adventure, the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation is about an hour west of Fort Lauderdale. Billie Swamp Safari offers swamp buggy rides, snake shows, and even overnight stays in traditional Seminole chickee huts. The campfire folklore sessions create this incredible cultural learning experience that’s both fun and meaningful.

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki museum showcases over 180,000 artifacts including patchwork clothing, baskets, and dolls. It’s a wonderful way to teach children about Seminole culture and Florida’s rich indigenous heritage.

Indoor entertainment for any weather

Florida weather can be unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean your family fun has to stop! Fort Lauderdale’s indoor entertainment options are so great, you might find yourself choosing them over outdoor activities.

Xtreme Action park: Florida’s largest indoor playground

At over 200,000 square feet, Xtreme Action park at 5300 Powerline Road is the largest indoor entertainment venue in Florida. This place is absolutely incredible – go-kart racing, bowling, arcade games, ropes courses, trampolines, roller skating, laser tag, and virtual reality all under one roof! What I love most about Xtreme Action park is how it caters to every age and energy level. Your teenager can tackle the challenging ropes course while your 6-year-old enjoys the arcade games. The on-site cafe and ice cream shop mean you can spend the entire day here without ever leaving for meals.

Unique indoor adventures

Monster Mini Golf in Coral Springs offers something completely different – an indoor, glow-in-the-dark 18-hole course themed with scary creatures like the grim reaper and Frankenstein. Don’t worry, it’s more fun-scary than actually frightening, perfect for kids who love a little thrill. The Escape Game at Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise provides team-based escape room challenges that get the whole family working together. There’s something wonderful about watching family members collaborate to solve puzzles and “escape” together.

Shopping and dining destinations for families

Sometimes the top family memories happen over a shared meal or while browsing interesting shops together

Las Olas Boulevard: the heart of Fort Lauderdale

Las Olas Boulevard is where Fort Lauderdale’s personality really shines. The boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops create this wonderful atmosphere for family strolling. The outdoor dining options are perfect for people-watching while the kids enjoy their meals. What makes Las Olas special for families is its walkability and variety. You can window shop, grab ice cream, sit by the water, and just enjoy being together without feeling rushed or pressured.

Sawgrass Mills: shopping paradise

As one of the largest outlet malls in the United States, Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise offers incredible shopping opportunities. But for families, the real draw might be the IMAX 3D theater and the fact that it’s completely climate-controlled, perfect for hot Florida afternoons or unexpected rain showers.

Jaxson’s ice cream parlour: a Fort Lauderdale institution

No family trip to Fort Lauderdale is complete without visiting Jaxson’s ice cream parlour at 128 S. Federal Hwy. in Dania Beach. This place has a carnival-like atmosphere with an old-fashioned candy shop that feels like stepping back in time. The famous “Kitchen Sink” dessert costs $20.95 per person and features one pound of ice cream and you choose the flavors. It’s absolutely enormous and designed for sharing – perfect for families! The kids’ meals include generous ice cream portions, and the memorabilia and license plates covering the walls give everyone something to look at while waiting.

The small merry-go-round outside adds an extra touch of whimsy that kids absolutely love. It’s these little details that make Jaxson’s more than just an ice cream parlor, it’s a complete family experience.

Practical planning information and weather tips

Let’s talk about the practical stuff that can make or break your family vacation. Florida weather is beautiful, but it can also be unpredictable.

Weather considerations and backup plans

Florida’s afternoon thunderstorms are legendary, but they don’t have to ruin your day. Having a solid list of rainy day alternatives keeps your family vacation on track. Museum hopping between the NSU Art Museum and Bonnet house can turn a rainy afternoon into a cultural adventure. Indoor shopping malls like Sawgrass Mills and the Galleria at Fort Lauderdale offer climate-controlled comfort. Xtreme Action park becomes even more appealing when it’s pouring outside. The IMAX theater at the museum of discovery and science can turn weather delays into movie time.

Transportation that works for families

Getting around Fort Lauderdale with kids requires some planning, but the options are actually quite family-friendly. The water taxi system doubles as both transportation and entertainment, your kids will love the boat rides so much they might not even realize you’re just getting from point A to point B. Bike rentals at Hollywood beach create fun family transportation along the beachfront. Most major attractions are accessible by car, but parking considerations vary. Beach areas often require paid parking, so factor that into your budget planning.

Age-specific recommendations for every family member

Every family is different, and what works for one age group might not work for another. Here’s how to make sure everyone in your family has an amazing time.

Toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2-5): gentle adventures

For your littlest adventurers, Topeekeegee Yugnee park’s water playground designed specifically for ages 5 and under is absolutely perfect. The gentle water features let them splash and play without overwhelming them. Jaxson’s ice cream parlour is magical for this age group – the colorful atmosphere and sweet treats create pure joy. The museum of discovery and science offers interactive exhibits specifically designed for kids 6 and under, focusing on cooperative play that builds social skills. Beach play at Fort Lauderdale beach works wonderfully for toddlers, especially with the regular lifeguard presence giving parents peace of mind. Butterfly World creates this enchanting experience where even the shyest toddler will be amazed by the colorful butterflies.

School age (ages 6-12): adventure and learning combined

This age group absolutely loves the Bluefoot pirate adventure, the combination of costumes, treasure hunts, and water cannon fights hits all their adventure buttons. Xtreme Action park offers age-appropriate sections where they can try go-karting, arcade games, and bowling safely. Everglades airboat tours provide just the right amount of excitement and education. The water taxi tours let them feel grown-up while still being completely safe. Monster Mini Golf combines their love of games with just a tiny bit of spooky fun. The Young at Art museum’s hands-on activities are perfect for this age group’s developing creativity and fine motor skills. Educational opportunities at the museum of discovery and science, Seminole cultural experiences, and wildlife conservation lessons at Flamingo Gardens feed their natural curiosity about the world.

Teens (ages 13+): independence and excitement

Teenagers get full access to everything Xtreme Action park offers – the challenging ropes courses, competitive go-kart racing, and advanced virtual reality experiences. Las Olas Boulevard shopping and dining gives them a taste of independence while staying in a safe, family-friendly environment. Beach activities and water sports let them be active and social. Escape rooms challenge their problem-solving skills while creating family bonding opportunities. Art classes at Young at Art museum appeal to their developing sense of identity and self-expression. Drive-in movies at Thunderbird theaters offer that classic American experience that feels both nostalgic and fun. It’s a perfect way to end a day of Fort Lauderdale adventures.

Top food spots and dining experiences

Great food brings families together, and Fort Lauderdale offers incredible dining experiences that cater to every taste and budget.

Family-friendly restaurants with great atmosphere

Beyond Jaxson’s ice cream parlour, Fort Lauderdale has numerous restaurants that welcome families with open arms. The Rustic Inn Crabhouse offers a casual, fun atmosphere where kids can crack crab legs and get messy – it’s an interactive dining experience that doubles as entertainment. Shooters Waterfront offers outdoor seating with water views, creating a relaxed environment where families can enjoy fresh seafood while kids watch boats pass by. The casual atmosphere means parents don’t have to worry about noise levels or spills.

Food truck adventures and casual dining

Food Truck Invasion happens every Monday from 5:30-9:30 PM at Arts Park in Hollywood. With 25+ food trucks offering everything from gourmet grilled cheese to authentic tacos, it’s like a culinary adventure where every family member can find something they love. The picnic atmosphere encourages families to spread out on blankets and enjoy the evening together.