Teen-Friendly Adventures in Greater Fort Lauderdale

A visit to Everglades Holiday Park is a must for nature-loving teens. Aboard an airboat, adventurers can get up close with sunning alligators, mischievous turtles, graceful herons, and sneaky ibis. While teens may not be keen on getting up early, the morning hours provide a special quiet and calm on the water when animals are getting their own start to the day. Another unique experience at the park is watching the Gator Boys in action, where they show off tricks with rescued American alligators finding sanctuary at the park.

Have a teen who loves to create? Make Candleland on Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale a group activity. Guests have the opportunity to choose their candle vessel, and scent, pour the melted soy wax, and select decor for a unique craft. The atmosphere is lively and creative with fun music in the background and photo backdrops. While the candle settles, wander along Las Olas’ shops, pop into a restaurant, or get an ice cream treat. Before you know it, the candle creation will be ready. Book Candleland as a group activity or walk in for a self-care treat to take home from Greater Fort Lauderdale.

Zero skydiving experience (or even the guts to do it) is required to have fun at iFly in Davie. After a preflight tutorial, guests suit up and head inside the wind tunnel for an exciting 60-second flight. Unlike skydiving, there’s no jumping out of a plane, just the fun experience of floating. Instructors are inside with each flier, and those who catch on quickly can learn to do tricks or high-fives. Don’t forget to smile for the camera or get a video to show friends! It’s a good idea to arrive early to prepare and watch the pro instructors in action shooting, through the wind tunnel, and performing acrobatics. 

After a trip to this immersive art museum in Dania Beach, teens will have plenty of social media fodder to show off to their friends. Throughout the museum, there are curated artworks, light displays, and overhead sounds in an impressive collection that bridges the worlds of art and technology. It’s in this 17,000-square-foot space that artists have free rein to explore and play, showcasing works that will entice visitors with their beauty and thought-provoking messages. Be sure to also check the Mad Arts calendar for screenings of experimental films.

Active families will want to pencil in a visit to Broward College’s Tigertail Lake Recreation Center in Dania Beach. The sprawling, five-acre outdoor center features water sports like stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, and canoeing; a 40-foot ropes course; and the eight-activity Tigertail Aqua Challenge. There’s also a chance to explore Florida’s natural habitats with adventure tours in diving, camping, sailing, canoeing, and riding bike trails. When the family needs a break, retreat to the picnic area for lunch and snacks.

Riding a paddleboard or kayak is a perfectly valid form of transportation in Greater Fort Lauderdale, and both newbies and pros can do so at Whisky Creek Hideout in Dania Beach’s Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. Explore the mangrove-lined waterways or join a tour, where guides can share their wisdom about Greater Fort Lauderdale's natural habitats as well as its history. Guests can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards, all of which come with safety vests. Don’t forget to stop at the Waterfront Bar & Eatery for coconut shrimp, chicken tenders, burgers, vegetarian fare, and pub-style fish and chips.

There’s something for everyone at this all-in-one park, from go-karts and arcade games to an escape room. Parents and teens alike can team up on more than 100 interactive games at the park’s 5,000-square-foot arcade game room. For teens with a need for speed, take on the go-kart race tracks to gain experience and level up. Drivers 16 and older can take on the super kart racing course, with speeds up to 65 miles per hour. Plus, there’s laser tag, roller skating, bowling, mini golf, the Omni Arena for virtual reality games, and an escape room for groups to work on puzzles to make it out before the timer buzzes. With so many activities, groups are sure to return to take part in them all.