Prior to visiting Fort Lauderdale, I only knew that it was ripe with spring breakers and vacationers preparing to embark on a cruise out of Port Everglades. I am so glad that we were able to spend some time getting to know the city and surrounding area because our family enjoyed it so much. Not only are there many activities for families and kids, flights to Fort Lauderdale are generally inexpensive (at least coming from the Northeast U.S.) and the airport is conveniently close to many hotels and resorts close to the beach. Here are some of my favorite fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids.
1. Go to the Beach!
I know, I know. Low hanging fruit. But, truly, one of the things I love most about Fort Lauderdale is that many of the popular hotels sit right on (or across the street from) the beach! It is one of the shortest airplane seat-to-beach chair commutes in the South.
If the popularity of Fort Lauderdale Beach doesn’t suit your fancy, there are plenty of others; most notably: Hollywood Beach, Dania Beach, Lauderdale By The Sea, Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach to name several more. There are 23 miles of Atlantic coastline in the Fort Lauderdale area, which means that wherever you decide to stay, there is likely a beach nearby!
2. Learn to be a Pirate on a Bluefoot Cruise.
Join Bluefoot Pirate Adventures‘ Captain Black Sparrow as he navigates you through enemy seas (Fort Lauderdale Intercoastal) where you dress up, talk like a pirate, hunt for treasure, and ward off an enemy pirate with water canons built into the pirate ship. My 4- and 6- year old loved this and the adults had a good time, too! I would highly recommend this outing if you travel to Fort Lauderdale with kids. The ship recommends the sail for kids ages 3-10.
3. Visit the Everglades.
The Everglades in South Florida includes 1.5 million acres of subtropical wilderness. There are many popular ways to explore the Everglades, but a favorite way is to take an airboat ride at Everglades Holiday Park. Our captain (Captain Babyface) navigated us through narrow channels looking for alligators. (We spotted three!) We also learned about the wildlife – birds, fish and flora.
4. Navigate the waterways on a Jungle Queen cruise.
If your kids are a little too old to become a pirate and you are not feeling as adventurous as an airboat ride through the Everglades, consider a sightseeing cruise down the “Venice of America” and past multi-million dollar homes and yachts. There are different sailing options on the Jungle Queen, some including a dinner and show.
5. Visit Flamingo Gardens.
If you are in Fort Lauderdale with kids and feeling a little burned out (figuratively or literally) and need some solitude away from the action, this is a great spot for a leisurely morning trip. My young girls enjoyed looking at all of the animals roaming about (peacocks). The narrated tram ride is the perfect “mini safari” for kids. A food truck and grill are next to the flamingos so you can watch them while you eat. I would probably not recommend this stop for middle- to high-school aged kids because it may not have the same “wow” factor. It’s also about a 45 minute drive outside of Ft. Lauderdale via major highways.
6. Visit the Museum of Discovery and Science.
You may not picture it raining when dreaming of your family vacation, but it happens. Take the kids to the Museum of Discovery and Science. There are many different exhibits ranging from airplanes to ocean life – many interactive. The cost of admission includes some simulator rides. Older children might like the IMAX theater connected to the museum while younger children may like the Discovery playground that is designed for the little ones under 7 year old.
7. Walk around Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.
This often overlooked spot is an oasis sitting just north of the popular Fort Lauderdale Beach resort strip. You can spend hours walking easy nature trails, rent canoes, enjoy live music. It is also located directly across the road from the beach if you want more sand in your life. The park is easily accessible by car and has ample parking spots (entrance is a nominal fee). We actually had some family photos taken at the park and I wish we would have had more time to explore the area.
I will definitely be back to visit Fort Lauderdale with kids. There are a few things to do on my Fort Lauderdale checklist: shop Los Olas Boulevard, tour the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, visit the wall murals in Hollywood, take the water taxi down the intercoastal, and walk the Lauderdale-By-The-Sea pier at sunset. Next time!