Between building sandcastles, getting up close to alligators and digging into an ice cream cone that takes two hands to hold, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers plenty for families. Add 24 miles of sandy beaches and year-round sunshine, and there is no shortage of things to do.
Families who return year after year know there is always something new to discover, while longtime favorites remain just as appealing. Whether it’s a first visit or a regular getaway, these family traditions keep visitors coming back.
The Jungle Queen is Fort Lauderdale’s longest-running boat ride, river tour, and sunset dinner cruise on the waterways. Since 1935, it’s carried passengers along the Intracoastal, offering a 90-minute sightseeing cruise or a special Tropical Isle dinner-and-show.
Head out west to the Everglades for an adventure in the subtropical wetland ecosystem known locally as the “River of Grass.” Here, Sawgrass Recreation Park hosts thrilling airboat rides guided by an experienced captain for a hands-on experience unlike any other. Take your pick between a classic tour or opt for a nighttime ride to get close to insects, reptiles, and amphibians, including alligators. Be sure to reserve your tour in advance.
Coconut Creek earned its nickname as the Butterfly Capital of the World, thanks to the largest butterfly park in the world, Butterfly World. Your group will enjoy wandering the aviaries and flowering gardens, plus viewing thousands of live butterflies at this hotspot in Tradewinds Park.
A great way to start your morning is by grabbing breakfast on Las Olas Boulevard—the city’s walkable shopping hub lined with palm trees and dotted with numerous restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and more. Options range from Java & Jam, a cozy full-service restaurant serving breakfast classics, to a sweet treat at The Hollywood Donut Factory.
The boulevard extends from the beach to the newly transformed Huizenga Park, boasting 3.6 acres of shaded green space, public art, and daily programming spanning Health & Wellness, Arts & Culture, and Dogs & Pets. From a playful children’s moundscape to high-energy Zumba classes, there’s something for everyone. Local food vendors like Mr. Smash Burgers and the soon-to-open Sweetwaters restaurant are ready when you work up an appetite.
The Las Olas Oceanside Park, known as The LOOP, comprises four green spaces on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Grab a picnic blanket for live music during Friday Night Sound Waves, or stop by the weekend market to peruse handmade wares and fresh eats.
Kick off your dining experience with dinner at Mai-Kai, a long-standing Polynesian restaurant that pairs shareable plates with an authentic island show featuring music, dancing, and fire. The restaurant recently underwent a renovation, so expect even more spaces to enjoy this only-in-Fort-Lauderdale dinner-and-a-show tradition.
There’s a sense of magic and wonder during every visit to Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour in Dania Beach. You can’t miss the red-and-white striped landmark that has served hundreds of thousands of locals and celebrities alike for over 70 years. Come with the family to enjoy lunch or dinner, then be sure to save room for dessert: the unmatched Original Kitchen Sink. This iconic treat features four one-pound scoops of ice cream, sliced bananas, homemade whipped cream, and lots of cherries. It’s all presented in an actual kitchen sink, topped with American flags and sparklers.
When a massive sundae isn’t on the agenda, another Fort Lauderdale staple worth stopping by is The Floridian. This classic 50s-style diner, located on Las Olas Boulevard, has been serving food around the clock for over 80 years and remains a reliable stop for even the pickiest eaters.
If you’re in Pompano Beach and need a quick bite after a day of fishing and people-watching at the Fisher Family Pier, grab a bite at Lucky Fish for casual, toes-in-the-sand dining. The menu keeps things simple—think beachside bites and tiki-style drinks—with palm trees for shade and waves just steps away. There’s a second outpost in Dania Beach, too.
Families staying in Hollywood Beach or looking for an alternative beach option should check out the town’s iconic 2.2-mile Broadwalk. The pedestrian promenade is spacious and connects the beach to many oceanfront restaurants and hotels, such as Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort.
Take a leisurely stroll, ride a bike or go rollerblading on the brick pavement while passing public art, the Hollywood Beach Theatre, and the children’s water playground at Charnow Park. The theatre often hosts live musicians with plenty of space for the whole family to enjoy beachside dancing.
Greater Fort Lauderdale’s endless miles of Atlantic beaches are just the beginning. What families come back for is how naturally time slows down here—and how quickly it starts to feel like your favorite destination, too, long after you’ve left.