10 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for families looking for a fun and sunny getaway. With its beautiful beaches, diverse attractions, and great restaurants, Fort Lauderdale offers something for everyone. Whether your family is looking for outdoor activities, educational experiences, or just a day of relaxation, there are plenty of options for a memorable vacation. Here are 10 fun things to do with kids in Fort Lauderdale.

1. Take a Boat Tour

One of the best ways to explore Fort Lauderdale is by boat. There are several boat tour companies offering sightseeing tours that take you out on the Intracoastal Waterway and around the city’s many canals. You’ll get to see all the amazing sights of Fort Lauderdale from the water, like high-rise hotels, marinas, and stunning waterfront homes. Some boat tours even offer dolphin watching tours, where you can spot the playful mammals playing and jumping in the waves.

If your family is looking for an adventurous experience, there are also jet ski and boat rental companies that offer rentals for a few hours or even a full day. You can explore the city’s waterways at your own pace and discover all the hidden gems Fort Lauderdale has to offer.

No matter which boat tour you choose, your kids will love the chance to get out on the water and explore. It’s a great way to spend the day and make some lasting memories.

2. Visit the Beach

Fort Lauderdale is known for its beautiful beaches, and there’s no better way to spend the day with the family than at the beach. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or an opportunity to get active, you’ll find plenty of options. Popular beaches in Fort Lauderdale include Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hollywood Beach, and Deerfield Beach.

At the beach, your kids can enjoy building sandcastles, playing in the waves, or searching for seashells. There are also plenty of beach activities like bodyboarding, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the sunshine while making some lasting memories with the family.

For a more educational experience, consider taking the family on a guided beach tour. You’ll learn about the local wildlife and ecology, and you might even spot some dolphins or sea turtles in the waves.

3. Explore the Everglades

The Everglades is a unique ecosystem located just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale. It’s home to an amazing array of wildlife, including alligators, birds, and turtles. Your family can explore the Everglades National Park on a guided airboat tour, where you’ll learn about the local wildlife and ecology while getting up close and personal with the animals.

If your family is feeling adventurous, you can also go kayaking or canoeing through the mangrove forests. It’s a great way to get out on the water and explore the unique ecosystem of the Everglades. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot an alligator or two.

No matter how you choose to explore the Everglades, your kids will love the chance to get out in nature and learn about the local wildlife. It’s a great day trip for the whole family.

4. Visit the Museum of Discovery and Science

The Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale is a great place to take the kids for a day of educational fun. The museum has interactive exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a planetarium, as well as a variety of special events and programs for kids of all ages. You can explore the world of science, technology, and engineering through hands-on activities, and your kids will love the chance to learn and explore.

The museum also offers a variety of programs for kids, from science camps to field trips. It’s a great way to get out of the house and explore the world of science with the family.

The Museum of Discovery and Science is a great place to take the kids for a day of educational fun. With its interactive exhibits, IMAX theater, and planetarium, it’s an experience your family won’t soon forget.

5. Take a Pirate Cruise

A pirate cruise is a great way to explore Fort Lauderdale in a unique and exciting way. Your kids will love the chance to dress up like pirates and explore the city’s waterways while learning about the city’s history and culture. The cruises usually include a buffet lunch and plenty of pirate-themed activities, like searching for buried treasure and learning how to talk like a pirate. It’s a great way to get out on the water and have some fun with the family.

The pirate cruises usually last about two hours, so it’s a great way to spend the day before heading back to the beach or exploring the city. And you never know what you’ll find during your pirate adventure!

6. Visit Butterfly World

If your kids love animals, Butterfly World in Tradewinds Park is a great place to visit. The park is home to thousands of butterflies, as well as other exotic animals like macaws, flamingos, and parrots. Your kids can explore the park at their own pace while learning about the local wildlife.

The park also offers a variety of educational programs and activities for kids, like a butterfly garden and a beekeeping exhibit. It’s a great way to get out in nature and explore the world of butterflies with the family.

No matter how you choose to explore Butterfly World, your kids will love the chance to see the butterflies up close and learn about the local wildlife.

7. Visit the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a beautiful historic estate located just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale. The house was built in 1920 by artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife, Evelyn. The estate is home to a variety of plants and animals, and it’s a great place to explore for the day.

At the Bonnet House, your kids can explore the house and gardens at their own pace while learning about the history of the estate. They can also take part in special programs and activities, like nature hikes and scavenger hunts. It’s a great way to explore the area and learn about its history.

No matter how your family chooses to explore the Bonnet House, your kids will love the chance to explore the house and gardens and learn about the area’s history.

8. Visit the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum

The Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum is the perfect place to take your kids for a day of car-related fun. The museum is home to more than 100 classic cars from the 1930s to the 1970s, and your kids will love the chance to explore the cars up close and learn about their history.

The museum also offers a variety of special programs and activities for kids, like car shows and scavenger hunts. It’s a great way to explore the world of classic cars with the family.

No matter how you choose to explore the museum, your kids will love the chance to see the classic cars up close and learn about their history.

9. Visit the Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Gardens is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary located a short drive from Fort Lauderdale. The gardens are home to a variety of exotic and native plants and animals, including alligators, flamingos, and many other birds. Your kids can explore the gardens at their own pace while learning about the local wildlife.

The gardens also offer a variety of educational programs and activities for kids, like nature hikes and scavenger hunts. It’s a great way to explore the world of wildlife with the family. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a few flamingos in the wild.

No matter how you choose to explore Flamingo Gardens, your kids will love the chance to get out in nature and explore the local wildlife.

10. Take a Segway Tour

Segway tours are a great way to explore Fort Lauderdale in an exciting and unique way. Your kids will love the chance to ride around the city on a Segway, and you’ll get to see all the amazing sights of Fort Lauderdale in a fun and exciting way. You can explore the city’s waterways, visit the local museums, or just take a leisurely ride around the city.

The Segway tours usually last about two hours, so it’s a great way to spend the day before heading back to the beach or exploring the city. And your kids will love the chance to ride around the city on a Segway!

Conclusion

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for families looking for a fun and sunny getaway. With its beautiful beaches, diverse attractions, and great restaurants, Fort Lauderdale offers something for everyone. From boat tours and beach days to exploring the Everglades and visiting local museums, there are plenty of options for a memorable vacation with the kids. Whether your family is looking for outdoor activities, educational experiences, or just a day of relaxation, there’s something for everyone in Fort Lauderdale.