Fort Lauderdale, with its stunning beaches and year-round sunny weather, is a fantastic destination for family vacations. From outdoor adventures to engaging indoor activities, there’s no shortage of things to do with kids in this vibrant city. Here’s a list of exciting experiences to consider during your visit.
Top Attractions for Kids in Fort Lauderdale
With a plethora of beaches to explore, your children might just stumble upon some hidden treasures. Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, celebrated as the No. 2 tour in Fort Lauderdale by TripAdvisor, offers a thrilling experience where young pirates can learn the ropes of swashbuckling. They’ll dress like pirates, speak the lingo, and even face off against rivals like “Barnacle Bill” to claim their treasure. Adults can also join the fun with booze cruises for their own seafaring escapades.
For animal enthusiasts, Animal Encounters at Everglades Holiday Park provides a unique opportunity to interact with a variety of reptiles and mammals for 45 minutes, complete with professional photos to capture the unforgettable moments (even if a snake wraps around you!).
When the Fort Lauderdale heat becomes too much, or if you’re looking to dodge rain, Flippo’s (previously Funderdrome) is a cool escape. This indoor venue boasts 8,600 square feet of air-conditioned fun, featuring a laser maze, sports court, obstacle courses, and arcade games for kids of all ages.
Don’t forget to stimulate those creative juices! The Young at Art Museum offers a hands-on multimedia experience that intertwines art, history, and culture from around the globe. Likewise, the Museum of Discovery & Science is a must-see. With attractions like a towering Gravity Clock, an Everglades airboat simulator, and an IMAX theater, boredom will be a thing of the past.
Family-Friendly Dining Options in Fort Lauderdale
When it comes to kid-friendly dining, Fort Lauderdale is brimming with options. Jet Runway Café, located at the Executive Airport, will delight aspiring pilots with its views of private planes taking off and landing. Their menu offers tasty breakfast, lunch, and brunch options, including a renowned fried bread pudding.
Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill is another excellent choice. This family-owned spot serves up delicious meals, but kids might prefer to skip the “hottest burger” in favor of a jumbo hot dog or crispy chicken tenders.
For a memorable experience, the Jungle Queen riverboat cruise has been delighting families since 1935, offering an all-you-can-eat buffet coupled with a tropical island variety show. Afterward, enjoy soft-serve ice cream or explore exotic animals onsite.
Shooters Waterfront provides a diverse menu featuring sushi, seafood, and more, with kid-friendly options like chicken fingers and sliders. And if ice cream is what everyone craves, Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour in nearby Dania Beach has a massive selection that will satisfy even the pickiest eater. Don’t forget to check out their extensive menu of desserts!
Best Resorts for Families in Fort Lauderdale
For family-friendly accommodations, the Pelican Grand Beach Resort stands out with its oceanfront location, a beautiful pool, Fort Lauderdale’s only lazy river, and a private beach equipped with complimentary chairs and umbrellas. Families can enjoy on-site dining and even indulge in a rooftop Swedish spa while kids have their own fun at the ice cream shop.
High Noon Beach Resort is conveniently located near restaurants and shopping. It features heated pools and offers various room options, perfect for families wanting to make the most of their beach vacation.
For a more luxurious experience, Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club boasts a 500-foot private beach, a lagoon-style pool, tennis courts, and playgrounds, all without the burden of a resort fee!
Outdoor Activities for Kids in Fort Lauderdale
Beaches are undoubtedly the main attraction in Fort Lauderdale. At Fort Lauderdale Beach, families can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, and shop. Hollywood Beach offers a scenic boardwalk ideal for biking and walking, along with a fun children’s water playground at Charnow Park, while Lauderdale-By-The-Sea provides a laid-back atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, often referred to as Fort Lauderdale’s Central Park, offers biking, swimming, and fishing opportunities amidst nature. This expansive park is not only enjoyable but also rich in history, having been donated by a Chicago attorney in 1941.
Another unique experience is at Flamingo Gardens, where visitors can explore 60 acres filled with native plants, wildlife, and even a children’s garden for hands-on exploration. For those looking to catch some waves, EZride Surf School provides surf lessons year-round for aspiring surfers.
Local Gems Around Fort Lauderdale
The Everglades, stretching across 1.5 million acres, offers unique experiences, especially the hour-long Red Eye Everglades airboat tour, where families can discover the nocturnal wildlife that inhabits this natural wonder.
Experience Fort Lauderdale’s charm via a 75-minute private gondola ride through the city’s canals with Las Olas Gondola, complete with Italian music and the option to bring your own snacks.
Don’t miss Butterfly World, located nearby in Coconut Creek, which boasts the world’s largest butterfly house and provides a fun, educational experience with its exotic birds, Bug Zoo, and beautiful botanical gardens.
A Water Taxi is also an adventurous way to explore Fort Lauderdale, providing access to various attractions while allowing you and your kids to hop on and off as you please.
In summary, Fort Lauderdale is an incredible destination for families, offering a variety of attractions and experiences that cater to kids of all ages. From engaging museums and animal encounters to delicious dining options and beautiful resorts, your family is bound to create lasting memories in this sunny city.
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