Fort Lauderdale is one of the most family-friendly destinations you can go to.
If you’re looking for a mixture of things to do with kids in Fort Lauderdale, you will come across various activities including cruises, kayaking, beach trips, and more.
So, if you’re looking for beaches, you’d be happy to know that Fort Lauderdale is made up of two-thirds of beaches.
It is also considered the yachting capital of the world.
If you’re considering a vacation to Fort Lauderdale, this list will provide you with attractions that your kids will enjoy.
Contents
- 13 Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale With Kids
- Bluefoot Pirate Adventures
- Fort Lauderdale Sun Trolley
- Young At Art Museum
- Sawgrass Recreation Park
- Museum of Discovery and Science
- Flamingo Gardens
- Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
- EZ-ride Surf School
- Las Olas Boulevard
- Las Olas Gondola Tours
- Fort Lauderdale Beaches
- Island Time Boat Cruise
- Fort Lauderdale Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
13 Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale With Kids
Bluefoot Pirate Adventures
801 Seabreeze Blvd l Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 l 954-530-8302
Bluefoot Pirates Adventures is suitable for children between the ages of 10 and 12.
It is educational, fun, and affordable.
If you have children that enjoy swinging swords and pretending to be a pirate, they are going to enjoy this attraction in Fort Lauderdale.
Both children and adults can participate in chasing pirates’ treasure and dressing in pirate attire.
There are also options for purchasing additional pirate gear, including bandanas, eye patches, and swords.
Fort Lauderdale Sun Trolley
290 NE 3rd Ave l Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 l 954-828-8000
For no cost, you can enjoy a ride on the Fort Lauderdale Sun Trolley.
If you plan on shopping or visiting beaches and other attractions, you can get to wherever you need to go for just 50 cents.
For just $2, you can hop on and off throughout the day.
There are schedules you can check out to see what route the trolley will be taking.
This is a family-friendly attraction for all.
Young At Art Museum
8000 W Broward Blvd Ste 1208 l Plantation, FL 33388 l 945-424-0085
If you have children that love art, the Young At Art Museum is the perfect place to bring them.
They will enjoy various activities and art exhibits.
There are various exhibits to explore, including the Knight Gallery, Bedlam Lorenz Assembly, WonderScapes, CultreScapes, GreenScapes, and ArtScapes.
You can also check out the events that they host for special workshops for your kids to participate in.
Sawgrass Recreation Park
1006 US Hwy 27 l Weston, FL 33327 l 945-389-0202
Do you like alligators?
If so, hop on an airboat and take a ride through the Everglades at Sawgrass Recreation Park to see if you can spot some alligators.
There are also other animals you may even get a peek at, including snakes, wolves, leopards, and panthers.
If you are looking for more of a thrill, your kids might enjoy holding a baby alligator.
This is an experience you don’t want to miss.
Museum of Discovery and Science
401 SW 2nd St l Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 l 954-467-6637
Kids of all ages can have fun at the Museum of Discovery and Science.
It is approximately 85,000 square feet and lets your kids explore a variety of science exhibits.
There’s also an IMAX theater that seats up to 300 people.
Your kids can enjoy watching some fun and educational programs.
Your kids can play in the Everglades and let their imaginations run wild in the Discovery Center.
Flamingo Gardens
3750 S Flamingo Rd l Davie, FL 33330 l 954-473-2955
If you’re looking to take your kiddos to see some flamingos, there’s no better place to bring them than Flamingo Gardens.
Flamingo Gardens is also home to thousands of trees, plants, and different wildlife.
The entire family will enjoy exploring the various areas of the garden.
Flamingo Gardens also hosts a wildlife encounter.
This is your chance to view reptiles, birds, and a host of other species.
If you’re interested in learning more about the gardens, take a ride on the narrated tram tour, where you will be taken through the rainforest and jungle.
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
900 N Birch Rd l Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 l 954-563-5393
Another museum located right in Fort Lauderdale is Bonnet House Museum and Gardens.
This museum gives a brief peek at the history of Fort Lauderdale.
Take a tour of the beautiful grounds made up of several different ecosystems. Or, you can check out the homes of various artists while here.
Your kids will get a kick out of this museum as they will get to see plenty of Amazon parrots, monkeys, and even a manatee.
There are several other kid-friendly activities here at the museum, including Hawaiian dancing, face painting, creative activities, and educational programs.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
3109 E Sunrise Blvd l Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 l 954-564-4521
Perfect for the entire family, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers plenty of activities.
Take a bike ride or hike on the trail, or spend some time in the lagoon kayaking or canoeing.
The park also offers many
activities for your kids to indulge in right in the underground tunnel.
Your kids can build sandcastles and play in the sun right on the beach.
EZ-ride Surf School
905 Shorewinds Dr l Fort Pierce, FL 34949 l 954-803-5169
If you have children that are interested in learning how to surf, the best place to take them is Fort Pierce.
EZride Surf School is ideal for children who are just starting out learning to surf.
Both private lessons and family lessons are available.
You will be educated by professionals out of Hawaii who have life-long experience of surfing.
Your lessons will begin on the sand and then transition to low waves in the ocean.
While you are on vacation, this is the perfect activity to take advantage of.
Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL
This is something for the entire family to partake in.
If you love shopping, you will find various shops, art galleries, and cafes right here on Las Olas Blvd.
Hop on a water taxi and access this beautiful shopping center.
There are plenty of treats available for your kiddos.
If you want to relax, you can pamper yourself in one of the salons or spas on site.
There’s something here for the whole family to enjoy.
Las Olas Gondola Tours
398 SE 1st Ave l Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 l 800-277-1390
Fort Lauderdale a.k.a. the Venice of America, has a lot to offer tourists.
If you’re interested in taking a ride on a gondola, you will love the gondola tour in Las Olas.
It’s ideal for children of all ages.
You will float down the canals of Florida alongside a singer and storyteller.
You are in charge of deciding where you want the tour to begin and when you’d like it to end.
While you are on board, you will be able to enjoy a complimentary bottle of champagne or wine.
Your kids will be able to sit back and relax, and probably learn a thing or two!
Fort Lauderdale Beaches
1686 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd l Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 l 954-828-8000
You can’t go to Fort Lauderdale and not take your kids to the beach!
Fort Lauderdale is mainly made up of beaches, so you’ll have plenty to choose from.
Your kids will be able to enjoy a wide variety of activities right on the beach.
Bring a pair of rollerblades or take your bike for a ride down the promenade.
If fishing is your thing, you can check out the pier at Pompano Beach.
If you prefer to surf, check out Deerfield Beach.
Island Time Boat Cruise
425 Seabreeze Blvd l Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 l 708-986-1926
If you’ve been yearning to go on a boat cruise, now you can right here at Island Time.
You and your kids can take a two-hour cruise right through downtown Fort Lauderdale.
There are plenty of lilypads and floaties available for your kids to keep them safe while in the water.
This is a great way to sightsee and educate yourself on everything around you.
It is ideal for any age, including babies.
Fort Lauderdale Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Fort Lauderdale Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fort Lauderdale a better option than Miami for kids?
Yes, overall, Fort Lauderdale is the better option for kids.
Fort Lauderdale has many more options available for both families and kids.
There are various parks, beaches, and plenty of museums, including the Museum of Discovery and Science.
Fort Lauderdale is also a much safer location, which can make you feel more at ease when there are kids involved.
Is Fort Lauderdale Beach family-friendly?
Fort Lauderdale Beach is the perfect beach to bring your kids and the entire family to.
This is the perfect option for kids because it isn’t as crowded and rowdy as the beaches in Miami.
Your family can enjoy some activities together or just sit back and relax in the sun.
What are some fun things for kids to do in Fort Lauderdale?
There are many attractions that are ideal for kids if you are considering vacationing in Fort Lauderdale.
There’s something for every budget, interest, and age.
There are plenty of beaches, waterparks, and kid-friendly attractions.
Take your kids over to meet an alligator at the Everglades Holiday Park and experience nature at Butterfly World.
Are Fort Lauderdale beaches safe for my kids to swim in?
Fort Lauderdale beaches are extremely safe for kids and adults to swim in.
This is because the sea conditions are generally calm and the water quality is extraordinary.
There are also plenty of lifeguards on duty to watch over your family while swimming.
Fort Lauderdale is definitely a great place to visit with your family, with its beautiful beaches, educational and fun activities, and diverse attractions.
Fort Lauderdale is known for being a family-friendly destination with its numerous activities and beautiful beaches.