6 Must-Do Fort Lauderdale Kids Activities

Fort Lauderdale is an ultimate destination for any family adventure. With its mix of outdoor fun, educational attractions, and relaxing beaches, it’s truly a place where every member of the family can enjoy. And even though embarking on a trip with kids takes a little extra planning, finding the perfect things to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids is an easy task!

Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale with Kids

Here are six of our favorite kid-friendly activities in Fort Lauderdale to explore on your next visit.

Museum of Discovery & Science

The Museum of Discovery & Science tops every list of popular kids activities— but for good reason! This museum can keep the whole family engaged for hours with their fun, interactive exhibits. 

 

With a special focus on Florida, the Museum of Discovery & Science is the perfect place to immerse children in their surroundings. Kids can watch otters play in the otter habitat, experience the science of hurricanes, or travel back in time and explore what Florida was like 65 million years ago. The museum also houses a state-of-the-art IMAX movie theater, which is great for escaping those extra hot Florida days.

Butterfly World

Just north of Fort Lauderdale in Coconut Creek, you’ll find the world’s largest butterfly park: the aptly named Butterfly World. The park started as one man’s passionate hobby in 1988 and has grown to house over 20,000 live butterflies. Visitors can explore the park’s many aviaries, which contain lush plants, waterfalls, and, of course, multitudes of colorful butterflies.

 

Children will love getting up close and personal with the butterflies and learning about their journey from caterpillar to the beautiful winged insects they see flying around. The museum also contains exhibits on other bugs and birds, including an opportunity to feed lorikeets.

 

If you plan on visiting, be sure to clip this discount coupon.

Pirate Ship Cruise

It wouldn’t be a trip to Fort Lauderdale without getting out on the water, and what better way to experience it than on a pirate ship!

 

Bluefoot Pirate Adventures gives kiddos the opportunity to dress up in pirate garb and live out their nautical adventure dreams. The tour takes passengers along the intercoastal waterway on a scavenger hunt while the captain provides commentary that will entertain parents and kids alike. 

 

If you’d prefer to create your own pirate adventure, hop on the Fort Lauderdale water taxi, which takes you around the city via the waterways. Though the water taxi isn’t officially pirate themed, it’s a great place to use your imagination, play the ultimate game of I Spy, and see the various nautical destinations around town.

Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Gardens is the perfect spot for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy some time in nature. Located in nearby Davie, this 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary is home to vibrant tropical plants, shady oak trees, and plenty of local wildlife— including its iconic pink flamingos.

One of the highlights is the Free-Flight Aviary, where you can spot over 250 native birds. Kids will also love the chance to see Florida panthers, alligators, and otters up close. And don’t miss the tram tour! If you’re looking to get off your feet for a while, this is a relaxing way to explore the property.

Pompano Beach 

The Fort Lauderdale area is known for beaches, but one of our favorites for families is Pompano Beach. This three-mile stretch of beachfront is a great choice if you’re looking to spend the day in the sun and sand close to family-friendly amenities.

 

Along the shoreline, you’ll find the Pompano Beach Playground, which has picnic tables, a large shaded playground, green spaces to run around, and even a splash pad. This makes it easy to spend the whole day oceanside, even when you’ve had enough sand.

 

The beach is also home to the Fisher Family Pier— a must-visit for kiddos who can’t get enough of the ocean. For just $27, you can make your visit extra special and rent everything you need to cast a line at the bait shop. They’ll get you set up with a fishing rod, bait, and even a one-day fishing license. 

Xtreme Action Park

Xtreme Action Park is what it sounds like— a 200,000 square foot facility filled with all things action and gaming. You’ll find go-kart racing, roller skating, escape rooms, laser tag, VR games, arcades, mini golf, bowling, a trampoline park, and even more here. 

 

As Florida’s largest indoor entertainment venue, Xtreme Action Park is a good choice for those days when it’s too hot or rainy to do anything outside. Even if you have kids with wildly different interests, chances are, they’ll find something they love to do!

Tips for Visiting Fort Lauderdale with Kids

When visiting Fort Lauderdale with kids, you’ll want to make sure you keep a few things in mind. The following tips will help you be better prepared and make the most of your time.

1. Be prepared for crowds.

Fort Lauderdale is a popular tourist destination and cruise port, and crowds can get hectic during peak times like summer and spring break. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to minimize the inconvenience and maximize the fun.

 

A few tips for dealing with crowds:

 

• Visit the most popular attractions on weekdays, if possible.
• Start your day early, as crowds tend to pick up in the afternoon.
• If you can, purchase tickets online to attractions if the option is available. This can save you the time and hassle of waiting in line and ensure admission.

 

Just keeping these simple tips in mind can help you make the most of your trip and avoid crowds!

2. Keep an eye on the weather.

When you think of Florida, you probably imagine warm temperatures and sunshine. The truth is that Fort Lauderdale weather can be a little unpredictable sometimes, especially during the rainy summer season. It’s not uncommon for a bright and sunny day to turn into a rainy one with little warning! 

 

Fort Lauderdale has a tropical climate, so bring lightweight, breathable clothing, hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. It also never hurts to have a rain poncho or umbrella with you for those sneaky showers. Try to do outdoor activities early in the day, not only to avoid crowds, but to also avoid the heat and afternoon thunderstorms.

3. Choose kid-friendly accommodations.

Traveling with kids is a lot more enjoyable when your accommodations are designed with families in mind. Look for places that offer amenities like playgrounds, pools, and space to keep everyone happy and comfortable during your stay.

In Fort Lauderdale, you’ll find plenty of options, but it’s worth choosing a spot that goes above and beyond for families. Yacht Haven RV Park & Marina, for example, has amenities that the whole family will love like a playground, pool, and kayak rentals. As an added bonus, it’s also conveniently located, making a great choice for parents who want to keep things easy and stress-free.

Make the Most of Visiting Fort Lauderdale with Kids

Thanks to the many fun activities the city offers, traveling with kids in Fort Lauderdale can be as breezy as the beach itself. Whether you’re marveling at butterflies, taking in some rays, or racing go-karts, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the whole family entertained.