Four Family-Friendly Springtime Ideas in Greater Fort Lauderdale

Spring is the perfect time of year to create wonderful family memories in Greater Fort Lauderdale. With sun-drenched days, a light breeze, and comfortable ocean temperatures, the weather couldn’t be more refreshing or inviting.

Whether you prefer to relax at an activity-packed, kid-friendly resort or explore the seemingly endless attractions the area offers, here are some fun ideas for things to do in Greater Fort Lauderdale during spring break that’ll get the entire family on board.

Take a Beach Day

Greater Fort Lauderdale’s coastline stretches an impressive 24 miles, giving families plenty of options for a day at the beach.

Fort Lauderdale beach is just steps away from numerous hotels, including the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton, which features an overpass to the beach that guests can access with their room key. For adventurous families, a variety of watersports are available, like  jet skiing, aquatic jetpacking, paddleboarding, and more. Popular family-friendly restaurants on the beach include Coconuts, Casablanca Cafe, and Lona Cocina & Tequileria.

Raise the sails! Kids and kids at heart will enjoy a ride through Fort Lauderdale’s New River and the Intracoastal aboard a pirate ship with Bluefoot Pirate Adventures. While on board—under the skull and crossbones, of course—become a pirate for a day with face painting, pirate tattoos, treasure hunting, and water cannons.

For some time on land, head to Pompano Beach’s Fisher Family Pier. Grab snacks at Lucky Fish for an al fresco lunch with live music, order a scoop of ice cream at Kilwins, or spend some time at the covered playground. Then, walk along the nearly 900-foot-long pier, which, from a bird’s-eye view, is shaped like a fish. Families can also rent fishing gear to try their hand at catching dinner.

Get Cultured

The Museum of Discovery and Science opens its arms to even the youngest STEM learners. Families will find a permanent Magna-Tiles exhibit, a tide pool, The Discovery Spot to explore Florida’s natural habitats, the Dino Dana exhibit for budding paleontologists, and visiting exhibits that expand young minds.

Nearby in downtown Fort Lauderdale is the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, where families are encouraged to introduce art to everyone, regardless of age. The Teen Art Council supports young artists, and on Saturday mornings, before the museum officially opens, children on the autism spectrum are invited to Sensory Saturdays.

Families can nurture a love of theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, with plenty of kid-friendly acts taking the stage—from ballets and concerts to touring children’s productions. Be sure to also check out theater classes for kids of all ages.

History Fort Lauderdale’s campus along the New River gives families a chance to experience life in the early 1900s. Tour the New River Inn to see rooms set up as they were for guests and let the kids peek at the replica 1899 schoolhouse.

Adventure with Animals

When it comes to family activities in Greater Fort Lauderdale, cruising through the Everglades is a must. Hop aboard an airboat through coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and pine flatwoods at Sawgrass Recreation Park or Everglades Holiday Park. Of course, keep an eye out on the water’s surface for the glassy eyes of alligators, or if you’re lucky, you’ll spot one soaking up the sun along the banks. For a more up-close experience with alligators, visit the Gator Pit where the Gator Boys of Animal Planet fame showcase feats of courage while also educating visitors about the unique species.

You can also experience animal encounters at Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, where more than 20,000 butterflies and birds fly through the aviaries. It’s no wonder the city is called the “Butterfly Capital of the World!”

Hit the Park

Greater Fort Lauderdale is rich with parks, from the sea to the swamps. If you’re out west, Sunrise’s Welleby Park features a miniature Safety Town for kids to ride their bikes or scooters through. They can stop by the post office, visit the school, swing by the dentist, make a pit stop at the market, and more. While at Welleby Park, there’s also a dog park, picnic pavilions, and a playground with a splash pad.

In Deerfield Beach, Tradewinds Park offers unique train rides aboard one-eighth-scale Atlantic Railroad steam trains. Most adults and children can ride the trains on Saturdays during the third full weekend of the month.

Outdoors enthusiasts will enjoy Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a serene and peaceful park with paddleboarding, hiking and bike trails, and campgrounds. The Grove is a new addition to the park, with an indoor-outdoor restaurant, The Grille, serving burgers, wings, quesadillas, sandwiches, conch fritters, and more. Visitors can also rent kayaks from The Grove.

Greater Fort Lauderdale truly has something for everyone under the sun. From beach days and cultural outings to thrilling animal adventures and serene parks, your family’s spring break will be packed with unforgettable memories. Start planning your next sun-filled escape today.