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When people think of Florida family vacations, theme park rides and iconic animated characters are often the first thing that comes to mind. One of the most overlooked and underrated family-friendly spots in the state, however, is a little further south.

 

Fort Lauderdale has transformed into the ultimate destination for every type of trip and family. If you’re looking for an easy way to unwind and relax, Fort Lauderdale has it. If you want some peaceful time in nature, you can find it here. And if you want to bond over thrilling action, you can certainly do that too.

 

Here are all of the things that make Fort Lauderdale such a special place for parents and kids.

 

One-of-a-Kind Attractions for Families in Fort Lauderdale

No matter what you do in Fort Lauderdale, you’re sure to come away with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

 

Outdoor Activities

We’ve written whole blogs on outdoor adventures in Fort Lauderdale and could write a dozen more— but here are our favorites for families.

 

1. Plan a Beach Day

Fort Lauderdale beaches are what bring many families here, and for good reason. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Hollywood Beach, Pompano Beach, and Deerfield Beach are all great choices for families looking to have some fun in the surf, sand, and sun. But honestly, you can’t go wrong anywhere!

 

2. Visit a Local State Park

Fort Lauderdale is surrounded by beautiful green spaces like Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. Here, you can bike, paddle, picnic, or enjoy a quieter stretch of shoreline.

 

3. Ride the Water Taxi Around Town

The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi lets you cruise the city’s canals while hopping on and off at restaurants, shops, and attractions along the way. It’s the best sightseeing tour, and the novelty of the mode of transportation never gets old. 

 

4. Splash Around at a Water Park

There are two Broward County parks worth visiting if your kiddos love splashing around: C.B. Smith Park and T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park. C.B. Smith Park has a sprawling waterpark featuring a lazy river and 50-foot slides. T.Y. Park is great for younger kids thanks to ​​Castaway Island, which has two water playgrounds and a swim lagoon.

 

5. Go on an Adventure at Everglades Holiday Park

At Everglades Holiday Park, you can glide across the infamous swampland and see all sorts of wildlife in their natural habitat. It’s great for those young (and young at heart) explorers and animal-obsessed children.

 

6. Explore Butterfly World

At Butterfly World, you can wander through tranquil and lush aviaries, which are home to thousands of butterflies from around the globe.  

 

7. Visit Flamingo Gardens

Think of a place that’s part botanical garden and part animal sanctuary with native Florida plants and rescued animals, and you’d picture Flamingo Gardens. It’s wildly—no pun intended— entertaining for the whole family, no matter the ages.

 

Indoor Activities

While Fort Lauderdale is known for its abundance of outdoor activities, there are going to be days when the weather isn’t cooperating, you need a break from the heat, or you simply want to change things up. 

That’s where indoor fun comes in. And luckily, Fort Lauderdale offers that, too. 

 

1. Learn at the Museum of Discovery and Science

Spend a few hours at MODS— the Museum of Discovery and Science— exploring hands-on exhibits, live animal encounters, and interactive science experiments.

 

2. Chase Some Thrills at Xtreme Action Park

Xtreme Action Park is an all-in-one entertainment complex that has everything a kid could want, from indoor go-karts, bowling, arcade games, and more.

 

3. Beat the Heat with Ice Cream

There’s no better way to cool off on a hot day than with a tasty scoop or two of ice cream. Luckily, you’ll never have to go far in Fort Lauderdale to find an ice cream shop. Drip n Dip, Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor, and Let’s Chill are all local favorites.

 

4. Try Your Skills at an Escape Room

Want to put your family’s teamwork skills to the test? Local spots like Escapology and Think Escape Games allow you to race against the clock to solve puzzles and crack codes. Remember: it’s not about whether you escape. It’s about the fun you had along the way!

 

5. Get in Touch with Your Creative Side at the NSU Art Museum

If you have older kids with an interest in art, the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is a must-see. The museum hosts impressive collections and always has new rotating exhibits to experience.

Family-Friendly Fort Lauderdale Dining

Fort Lauderdale has every kind of restaurant under the sun and is celebrated for its fine dining scene. But it’s laid back, “island” vibe also means that there are tons of casual, family-friendly eateries to enjoy.

 

Kids (and— let’s be honest— parents, too) love casual waterfront spots like Aruba Beach Cafe and LuLu’s Bait Shack. The excitement of the location alone often keeps kids entertained, but it’s not uncommon to stumble upon live music and other unique experiences at dinner. 

 

Get Started Planning Your Fort Lauderdale Family Trip

The best part is, planning a trip to Fort Lauderdale isn’t hard! Many things around town don’t require reservations in advance, making it easy to make a trip anytime of year— even on a whim!

 

The one thing you will want to do ahead of time, however, is book your lodging. Yacht Haven Park & Marina offers a family-friendly atmosphere that makes it easy to wind down (or keep the fun going) after a long day of exploring Fort Lauderdale. With spacious RV sites and well-equipped RVBnbs, you can rest easy for tomorrow’s big adventure. 

 

Fort Lauderdale Family Travel FAQ

Is Fort Lauderdale a family-friendly destination?

Yes! With something for every age group, Fort Lauderdale truly is the perfect destination for families with kids of all ages. 

Where are the best things to do with kids in Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale has plenty of options for families, from interactive exhibits at the Museum of Discovery and Science to airboat rides in the Everglades and thrilling fun at Xtreme Action Park.

Are there outdoor activities near Fort Lauderdale besides the beach?

Yes. Visitors can explore local state parks, walk through Butterfly World, tour Flamingo Gardens, or even go to the Everglades for a one-of-a-kind South Florida adventure.