Ahhh, the sunny beaches and beautiful palm tree lined streets make Fort Lauderdale a scenic family vacation destination. The beaches along Fort Lauderdale are clean and inviting. If you are looking to lounge at the beach and play in the water we would recommend the summer and fall months. The waters are much calmer than they are during the winter and spring. However, the downside to the summer months is the heat and the threat of hurricanes (mainly beginning in August). There are occasional showers during the day, but most do not stay for long. In no time the clouds move out and the sun is brightly shining again. Take advantage of the summer and fall lower rates for hotel and airfare!

What to Do:
 
Beaches: While at the beach there are lots of fun activities from water sports to sightseeing tours to just watching the boats go by. Boating is the thing to do in  Fort Lauderdale, which by the way is the yachting capital of the world.

Parks: Fort Lauderdale has many parks throughout. The best parks close to the beach are:

• Fort Lauderdale South Beach: which has a playground, restrooms and picnic tables. There is a $10 fee to park.

• Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: A beautiful wooded park with pavilions and playgrounds. Birch State Park also has beautiful intercoastal views and beach access. There is a $4 fee to enter the park by car.

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens: Located along the beach off A1A, this compound is a beautiful site. The tour of the home can be somewhat boring for small children but the grounds are breathtaking. The Bonnet House Gardens provide for a great photo opportunity and you just might catch a glimpse of the many monkeys on the property.

Museum of Discovery and Science: Located in the downtown area, this museum is a great spot for kids.  They have a kids station (for children under 5 yrs) on the first floor to run, climb and explore. There are also animal exhibits (sometimes they bring out a few to touch and learn) and interactive exhibits (from an airplane cockpit to learning about recycling).  Be sure to also catch a movie at the Blockbuster IMAX Theater while you are there. Tickets can be purchased in combo with the IMAX movie or separate.

Las Olas Riverfront: This shopping center along the New River is a great stop for lunch, shopping or for a movie. They have excellent outdoor areas to eat and lounge around. There is also a 1½ hour riverboat tour of the homes along the intercoastal or hop on the water taxi to take you back to the beach (you can ride all day for a set price of about $11 per person, also giving you a short tour of the intercoastal).

Sunday Jazz Brunch: Relax along the river and sit back to enjoy live Jazz music every first Sunday of the month from 11 AM until 2 PM. Located just west of Riverfront along the New River.  


Off the Beaten Path:

Airboat Ride in the Everglades: Our favorite airboat ride is the Everglades Holiday Park airboat rides, although there are other airboat companies. Everglades Holiday Park has large, safe airboats that take you on a tour of the waterways within the Everglades. You also get a chance to visit an island and see alligators up close (in a large pen of course, for your protection). There really is no age limit for the airboat rides

Anne Kolb Nature Center for Sea Turtle Hatchings: Take a night time tour with a guide and learn all about the Florida Sea Turtles and even see a live hatching. Reservations are highly recommended months in advance due to the popularity of this event. Hatchings are usually in the spring and summer months.

Billy Swamp Safari: Take a tour on a huge swamp buggy through the Everglades.  The tour is somewhat uneventful, however, the kids will love the ride on this massive buggy.  There is also a small petting zoo and alligator exhibit.

Boomers Dania Beach: If the heat is getting to you, head inside for this indoor arcade located just off I-95 in Dania Beach. You can also catch a go-cart ride or even take a ride on the wooden rollercoaster next door.

Butterfly World: A thrilling park and gardens dedicated to many animals but mainly Butterflies. Don’t miss the opportunity to feed these amazing creatures.  Go online to get a coupon.

Dania Beach Pier: Watch the underwater sea life as you walk or fish along the pier. You can do this from most any pier, however, our pick is Dania Beach Pier because it does not get so crowded and we have seen more wildlife from this pier than any other.  (fee to go onto pier)

IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame: Have a great time learning about fish of all varieties in this very informative museum. There is an interactive play area for the kids.  After the museum head over to the Islamarada Fish Co. restaurant for a great meal. Right next door you will find the Bass Pro Shop, an exciting stop even just for a stroll.

Jump & Gym: If the hot Florida weather is getting to you, head on over to Jump & Gym. The best place for staying cool and having fun indoors that any toddler would appreciate. This indoor playground is full of bounce houses, ball pits, costumes, puppet shows and everything in between. Admission is $10 per hour for ages 0-6 years. Open daily Monday- Friday. Closed Saturday and limited hour on Sundays. Don't forget to bring your socks.

Wannado City: Awarded 'Best Edutainment Concept in the World' by Amusement Business Weekly, Wannado City is a unique theme park where kids rule inside Sawgrass Mills Mall. Wannado City has been invaded by more than 20 animated dinosaurs all around the park. Find fossils and join the caveman show at the theater. Plus, explore other favorite activities such as Fire Fighter in Training, bake up cookies in the bakery, make your own jewlery and feel like a real animal doctor at the Vet School, just to name a few. Parents have their own lounge and just for safety check out the WannaFinder to keep track of your children while in the park.  Hours can vary according to the season so be sure to check the website.  Admission is $29.95 (ages 3-13) and adults are usually $7, but currently they are FREE.

Water Parks: In the summer check out these fun water parks located throughout the county inside: CB Smith Park (Pembroke Pines), Quietwaters Park (Deerfield Beach) and Topeekeegee-Yugnee (TY) Park (Hollywood).

Xtreme Indoor Karting: Get ready to start your engines and have fun in this indoor high speed go-cart track. Warning: these go-carts go very fast.  I can attest to a personal injury while riding but it was lots of fun. There are age restrictions for this event.

Young at Art Children’s Museum: Your children will have a great experience in this hands-on environment. There are many great exhibits too. Free on first Friday of every month.

Flamingo Gardens: Mostly a bird sanctuary, Flamingo Gardens is a lush compound which also houses a few other animals such as alligators, bobcats and tortoises. The tour takes about 1 hour without the tram ride (extra fee). A little over priced for what we saw, however, you can find a coupon on their website. Located about 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale Beach.

West Palm Beach: Although it is about an hour drive north of Fort Lauderdale a few very fun activities to enjoy in West Palm Beach are:

• Lion Country Safari: Using your very own car, travel the safari up close in this drive-thru zoo. There is also an amusement park with rides and a petting zoo. The fee is pricey but worth it for an all day fun experience.

• Palm Beach Zoo: Have a great time viewing the animals and playing around in the very fun water fountains. Don’t forget the bathing suits. 

Miami: A short drive south of Fort Lauderdale (20-30 minutes) you'll find the extravagant city of Miami and all it has to offer. Its definitely a different experience than Fort Lauderdale and if you have time, it is worth at least a day trip. Check out our ChildTravelTips.com Destination Review of Miami by clicking here.


Dining:

If you are staying on the beach you will find a few good reasonably priced restaurants, but you really have to search. Don’t be afraid to ask a local, if you need help. Many restaurants along the beach may offer a beautiful view but are normally overpriced with less than adequate food. However, one of our favorites along the beach is:

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: This restaurant offers great meals with fantastic views from inside and out. They are extremely kid friendly from the waiting area to the dining experience and the staff is always friendly and attentive.

Head inland towards the downtown area for better meal options and prices. Las Olas Boulevard has the Cheesecake Factory, Café Europa, and the Floridian (great breakfast) just to name a few.

Also, try Quarterdeck on Wednesdays for kids night. Children eat free and there is also a clown and a balloon artist for entertainment. 1541 Cordova Road (954) 524-6163.


Shopping:

Las Olas Boulevard: Take a stroll along palm tree lined streets in this quaint shopping district. There are shops, restaurants and art galleries awaiting a quick drive from the beach or catch a trolley ride.

Sawgrass Mills Mall: One of the largest outlet malls in Florida located just west of Fort Lauderdale in the town of Sunrise. People come by the bus loads and stay all day to experience all the variety of shops to accommodate everyone’s price range. There is a fun indoor playground located in the mall (near the Rainforest Cafe) and also Wannado City.


Hotels:

Recently there has been an explosion of large hotels under construction along the beach so there are plenty to choose from. Our pick hotel for families is:

• Pelican Grand Beach Resort.  Our best choice for families is the Pelican Grand Beach Resort. As a resort, they offer all the amentities you can imagine for a perfect family vacation. Most rooms offer oceanfront views with private balconies and many rooms even offer two king-sized beds with plenty of space. If family fun is on your agenda, this is the place to be with a picturesque beach front location, zero depth pool and Fort Lauderdale's only lazy river tubing ride. You really never have to leave the hotel if you want to relax and soak up the Florida sun with the kids. The Pelican Grand Beach Resort will soon offer a selection of water sports activities to top off your fabulous Fort Lauderdale stay.

Yearly Calendar Events:

• January: Las Olas Art Fair
• March: Las Olas Art Fair
• March: St. Patrick's Day Festival in Riverwalk
• October: Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
• December: Winterfest Boat Parade. Decorated Boats and Yachts parade along the New River and the Intercoastal Waterway. 
• December:  New Year's Eve Downtown Countdown. Ring in the new year with the whole family. A downtown street is closed for a fun filled evening of bounce houses, contests, DJ and much more as the ball drops early (around 7pm) for the kids to enjoy. 

Tips:
When traveling to Florida make sure you have plenty of sunscreen. The Florida sun is very strong and burns can happen very quickly, even on a cloudy day. When children are spending all day at the beach make sure to reapply the sunscreen on a regular basis and drink plenty of water. Sometimes we are having so much fun we forget these two important survival tips.

Last update : 19-11-2008 18:40

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