Family outings in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale mixes beach, canals and nature, with the Everglades less than an hour away. Kids get a long sandy beach with lifeguards, a very hands-on science museum and boat rides along canals lined with waterfront homes. The weather stays mild most of the year: the cooler months, from autumn to spring, are the most pleasant for walking and picnics, while summer is hot, humid and prone to late-afternoon storms. Plan on a car to get beyond downtown, though the beachfront and the riverfront are easy to explore on foot with a stroller.
Must-do activities
Museum of Discovery and Science
Interactive exhibits on Florida's nature, animals to meet and an IMAX theatre downtown. A safe bet on rainy or very hot days.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
A long sandy beach with a seaside promenade, ideal for sandcastles. Bring sunscreen and a hat; the sun is strong even in winter.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
A green oasis in the middle of the city: a lagoon, shaded trails, canoe and kayak rentals and a small playground. Watch for turtles and birds from the banks.
Riverwalk and Las Olas
A free promenade along the New River with moored boats, gardens and places to stop. An easy stroller walk, especially late in the day when it is cooler.
Butterfly World
About twenty minutes north in Coconut Creek: aviaries of butterflies and birds, including lorikeets you can feed. Arrive early when the insects are most active.
Airboat ride in the Everglades
About 30 minutes west, several operators run airboat tours through the marsh, with a good chance of spotting alligators. Pack earplugs for little ones: the engine is loud.
Free parks and playgrounds near Fort Lauderdale
- 🌳 Stranahan Park
- 📚 Fort Lauderdale Library Main Branch
- 🏖️ Fort Lauderdale Beach
- 🌲 Pond Apple Slough
- 💦 Splash Pad
- 🌳 Riverwalk North
- 📚 Fort Lauderdale Branch Library
- 🛝 Cloudscape
- 🏖️ Hollywood Beach
- 🌲 Dania Salt Marsh
- 🌳 Smoker Family Park
- 📚 Von D Mizell Branch Library
Making the most of Fort Lauderdale as a family
Whether you live in Fort Lauderdale or are just visiting for the weekend, there is no shortage of family outings: parks, playgrounds, libraries, museums and seasonal events are often free or low cost. FamiSwipe gathers these ideas in one place so you can stop searching.
To choose well, think about your children's ages, the weather and the travel time. A park with a splash pad suits hot days, while a library or community centre saves rainy or freezing ones. Pack a snack, water and a change of clothes.
Tip: swipe through the suggestions in the app, keep your favourites and share the shortlist with the other parent. Free activities are perfect for trying something new without pressure, and short trips close to home spare everyone a long car ride.
Bookable activities in Fort Lauderdale
Tours, attractions and tickets in and around Fort Lauderdale, often with free cancellation.
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Family outings not to miss
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FAQ
What can kids do in Fort Lauderdale when it rains?
The Museum of Discovery and Science easily fills half a day, IMAX theatre included. Butterfly World is largely under cover and also works well, and air-conditioned malls help out during storms.
What are the free family activities in Fort Lauderdale?
The beach, the seaside promenade and the Riverwalk cost nothing. FamiSwipe also shows the parks and playgrounds around you, handy for finding shade and swings between swims.
When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale with kids?
From autumn to spring, temperatures are pleasant and the air is less humid. Summer is hot with frequent afternoon storms, so keep outdoor plans for the morning. Hurricane season runs from June to November, worth bearing in mind for insurance and flexible bookings.
Do you need a car in Fort Lauderdale with kids?
It is recommended for Butterfly World, the Everglades and most parks outside downtown. The centre, the Riverwalk and the beachfront are walkable, and a water taxi adds a fun way to get around the canals.