Top 40 Best Things to do in Fort Lauderdale with Kids
Living in Fort Lauderdale, we’re lucky—there’s always something to do. But with two little ones, changing schedules, and real life happening, having a solid list of go-to activities makes everything easier. Whether you’re visiting or you’ve lived here for years, options matter.
If my kids had it their way, we’d be out at one of these spots every weekend. Me? I’m a proud homebody who loves lounging at home—but I also love having trusted ideas ready when it’s time to get out of the house.
That’s why I put this list together. Consider it your grab-and-go guide for family fun in Fort Lauderdale—so you can spend less time planning and more time making memories.
Fort Lauderdale Kids Activities
Outdoor Activities
Go to the Beach
The most popular beaches in Broward County is Hollywood Beach, Hallandale Beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Pompano Beach & Deerfield Beach however, you can find a good spot to hang out anywhere along the coast.
Take a Water Taxi
You can take a ride just because and/or go to a restaurant or specific location on their route.
Go to a Public City Pool
There are many locations throughout Broward County. Check with each location to verify cost and safety protocols.
Hollywood Beach Boardwalk
There’s so much to do here. . . Tons of restaurants, bars, and shops. You can make a whole day of fun at the beach and all of the other activities available for kids. ** Don’t forget to check out the splash pad for the younger kids (located at the North end of the boardwalk).
Everglades Holiday Park
Offers airboat tours, gator shows, and animal encounters shows. We’ve gone once (a while ago) and it was a cute lil family activity that the kids enjoyed.
Take a stroll down Las Olas Blvd
Las Olas Blvd & Las Olas Riverfront (Fort Lauderdale) – this is a long strip with lots of different restaurants, bars, and shops. You can even catch a ride with the Las Olas Gondola.
Jungle Queen River Boat
A cruise with sightseeing and/or dinner & a show.
Paradise Cove Water Park
A fun, family-friendly splash park featuring water slides, a lazy river, and play areas perfect for cooling off and keeping kids entertained on hot South Florida days.
Visit a Petting Zoo
(Throughout Broward County) – there are several throughout South Florida.
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Dr. Von D Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Formally known as John U Lloyd Beach State Park. Located in Dania Beach – a beach & park just South of Port Everglades that is great for swimming, fishing, hiking, boating, bicycling, and having a picnic.
Anne Kolb Nature Center
(Hollywood) – walking, jogging, and fishing.
Flamingo Gardens
(Davie) – Botanical Gardens & Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary.
Equilux Show Stables
(Southwest Ranches) – offers kid-friendly horseback riding experiences, giving children a fun, hands-on way to learn about horses in a safe, welcoming setting.
Butterfly World
(Coconut Creek) – a beautiful outdoor park where families can walk through lush gardens, spot colorful butterflies, and see exotic birds up close.
Monster Mini Golf
(Miramar & Coral Springs) – mini-golf, virtual reality, laser maze, and arcade.
Tinkergarten
(Fort Lauderdale) – outdoor play-based learning program for small kids. Virtual classes are now being offered.
Secret Woods Nature Center
(Fort Lauderdale) – a peaceful nature spot with walking trails, boardwalks, and shaded paths—perfect for light hiking, jogging, and enjoying the outdoors with kids.
Tradewinds & Atlantic Railroad Trains
a charming, kid-friendly train attraction where little ones can enjoy a fun ride and families can relax while taking in the surrounding park views.
Things to do in Fort Lauderdale with Kids
Indoor Activities
Museum of Discovery and Science and/or IMAX Theater
(Fort Lauderdale) – a popular science museum and 3D movie theater.
Young at Art Children’s Museum
(Davie) – a hands-on youth museum filled with interactive exhibits that inspire creativity, imagination, and learning through play.
Flippo’s Family Fun Center
(formally known as Funderdome) (Hallandale, Fort Lauderdale, & Sunrise) – a popular indoor playground offering climbing structures, slides, and open play for kids to burn energy in a fun, climate-controlled space.
Bluefoot Pirate Adventures
(Fort Lauderdale) – an interactive pirate ship cruise where kids dress like pirates, hunt for treasure, and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the water.
Jaxson Ice Cream Parlor
(Dania Beach) – a classic, family-favorite spot serving oversized ice cream sundaes, shakes, and sweet treats in a fun, nostalgic setting.
La La L and Kidz
(Boca Raton) – indoor playground.
Little Java’s Family Fun Center
(Weston) – indoor playground and food.
Sky Zone
(Plantation & Pompano) – indoor trampoline.
Off the Wall
(Davie & Coconut Creek) – Trampoline park, games, and food.
Little Buddhas Yoga
(Oakland Park) – yoga and gymnastics.
Recess Kids Club
(Weston) – an indoor playground where kids can play, explore, and burn energy in a safe, climate-controlled space.
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym
(Davie & Boca Raton) – indoor gym for all ages.
Island SPACE Caribbean Museum
(Plantation) – a museum all about Caribbean culture.
Visit the Broward County City Library
Great for the kids to have fun while also learning. Most locations have a play area for kids.
Sip & Sparkle
(Davie) – a creative arts-and-crafts studio where kids can paint, craft, and explore their creativity in a fun, hands-on environment.
Dance IQ
(Sunrise) – offers fun, structured dance lessons for kids, helping them build confidence, coordination, and creativity in a supportive studio environment.
Dave & Busters
(Hollywood) – a family-friendly spot with arcade games, interactive развлечments, and a full menu—great for all-ages fun, food, and friendly competition.
Color Me Mine
(Hallandale Beach & Davie) – a creative paint-your-own pottery studio where kids and families can decorate ceramics, relax, and take home a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Chuck E Cheese
(Sunrise & Pompano) – offers a classic family outing with arcade games, rides, and kid-friendly food—perfect for playtime, birthday fun, and easy entertainment.
Monkey Joe’s
(Pembroke Pines & Coral Springs) – a fun indoor playground featuring inflatable bounce houses and slides, giving kids a safe place to jump, play, and burn energy—rain or shine.
Magic Playhouse
(Fort Lauderdale) – A bright, indoor playground designed especially for kids ages 0–6, offering a safe, fun space for little ones to play, explore, and burn off energy year-round.
Happy Paws Cat Cafe
I took my kids here because my daughter loves cats. Do I want one at home? Absolutely not. But taking her here to play with the cutest, fluffiest cats felt like the perfect compromise. It was definitely something different—I’d never been to a cat café before—but it turned out to be a really fun little outing for the kids and a sweet experience overall.
Final Thoughts
There are many things to do throughout Broward County. It really depends on what you’re in the mood for. Here is a list of different activities and things to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids that are usually available but because of COVID, available options will vary.
I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let me know which of these things to do in Fort Lauderdale you and the family are gonna check out.
If you have other activities in Ft Lauderdale with kids you would like to add, let me know below.
Stay safe!
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