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Fort Lauderdale, FL · Guide

Things to do with kids in Fort Lauderdale

Last updated November 3, 2026 · 15 places

Fort Lauderdale offers a balanced landscape for families, ranging from expansive state parks and coastal boardwalks to interactive educational centers. Whether you are navigating the nature trails of urban sanctuaries or visiting the city's central museum district, there are accessible ways to spend time together outdoors and in climate-controlled environments.

This guide focuses on activities best suited for toddler through school-age children. You will find options across several distinct neighborhoods, including the active coastal areas of Hollywood and the quiet, nature-focused preserves tucked within the city. These selections prioritize environments that offer room to move, play, and observe local wildlife.

Good to know this fall

Fall break and early-season rain shift families toward the indoor picks on this list fast. The first wet weekend of the month is the busiest — go right at opening, and check school-holiday weeks before you drive across town.

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  1. 01

    Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

    4.6 (1,574)888 E Las Olas Blvd #210, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyAll ages

    A scenic, red-brick path running along the New River. It connects various shops, restaurants, and parks, making it a walkable route for families.

    Parent tip · Follow the iconic red brick path to ensure you stay on the most scenic route along the river.
  2. 02

    Las Olas Boulevard walgreens

    4.8 (246)E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyAll ages

    A central street featuring a mix of retail shops, galleries, and restaurants. It is a destination for window shopping and leisurely strolls.

  3. 03

    Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

    4.5 (3,953)801 S University Dr, Plantation, FL 33324, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLoudBest for school-age

    An indoor trampoline and adventure park with various physical play activities. It serves as a space for exercise and birthday parties.

    When to go: arrive at noon on weekends

    Parent tip · Arriving at noon on a Saturday can help avoid the busiest times at the facility.
  4. 04

    Hollywood North Beach Park

    4.7 (6,244)3601 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019, USA
    CalmAll ages

    A beach park featuring designated picnic tables and grills, making it a functional space for family meals outdoors. The area includes walking paths and access to the shoreline.

    Parent tip · Utilize the designated grilling and picnic areas for a family cookout.
  5. 05

    Tree Tops Park

    4.7 (3,088)3900 SW 100th Ave, Davie, FL 33328, USA
    CalmAll ages

    A park featuring shaded paved paths, a playground, and a lookout tower. The space is home to local wildlife and provides a quiet environment for outdoor exploration.

    Parent tip · Wear comfortable shoes to handle the walking paths while exploring the tower and boardwalks.
  6. 06

    Snyder Park

    4.7 (2,997)3299 SW 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, USA
    CalmAll ages

    This park features large oak trees, walking trails, and two rock quarries with water views. It includes a dog park, catch-and-release fishing, and butterfly gardens.

  7. 07

    Plantation Central Park

    4.7 (2,076)9151 NW 2nd St, Plantation, FL 33324, USA
    LivelyBest for toddlers

    A sprawling park with diverse sports fields, a swimming pool, and a covered playground. The site includes paved paths suitable for strollers and a pond area.

    Parent tip · Look for the playground structures specifically designed for toddlers if visiting with younger children.
  8. 08

    Museum of Discovery and Science

    4.5 (7,775)401 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, USA
    LivelyBest for school-age

    An interactive science museum featuring aviation exhibits, a makerspace, and an IMAX theater. The facility provides hands-on learning areas and a splash pad.

    Parent tip · Plan for at least a half-day visit to fully experience the various interactive exhibits and the splash pad.
  9. 09

    Pompano Beach Pier

    4.8 (679)Pompano Beach, FL 33062, USA
    LivelyAll ages

    A public pier that is free to walk, offering ocean views and shaded seating areas. The site features wildlife posters along the length of the structure.

    Parent tip · Point out the wildlife posters on the pier rails to engage newly walking children.
  10. 10

    Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

    4.6 (2,428)900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    An estate featuring historic house tours and extensive gardens. It offers an indoor-outdoor look at early 20th-century life and local ecosystems.

    Parent tip · Watch the introductory 15-minute video before beginning your walking tour.
  11. 11

    Esplanade Park

    4.6 (1,938)400 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, USA
    LivelyAll ages

    A waterfront park along the Riverwalk, situated near museums and performing arts venues. It is a central, well-maintained space for walking and watching river activity.

  12. 12

    Holiday Park

    4.5 (1,738)1150 G. Harold Martin Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, USA
    LivelyBest for school-age

    A spacious park featuring sports fields, a playground, and walking paths. It hosts various community events and includes a dog park.

  13. 13

    Sky Zone Fort Lauderdale

    4.3 (2,694)1834 SW 2nd St, Pompano Beach, FL 33069, USA
    LoudBest for school-age

    An indoor trampoline park providing basketball, dodgeball, and arcade games. It is set up for high-energy activity and structured play sessions.

    Parent tip · Check the schedule for special events like 'Glow Night' to avoid unexpected premium pricing.
  14. 14

    Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

    4.7 (6,934)3109 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, USA
    CalmAll ages

    This state park features nature trails, mangrove swamps, and picnic areas equipped with tables and grills. It provides a peaceful setting for biking, kayaking, and bird watching near the intercoastal.

    Parent tip · Bring bug spray to protect against mosquitoes while exploring the trails.
  15. 15

    Secret Woods Nature Center

    4.7 (1,638)2701 W State Rd 84, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    A nature center featuring shaded boardwalks through a red mangrove forest. The area is a quiet spot to view local birds and crabs.

    Parent tip · Wear closed-toe shoes that can handle potentially damp or uneven boardwalk terrain.

Common questions

How were these things to do with kids in Fort Lauderdale chosen?

Each place starts from current local listing data for Fort Lauderdale, then is screened for family fit — things like kids' menus and high chairs, how loud it gets, the ages it suits best, and practical details like stroller room and wait times.

How current is this guide?

This guide was last updated in November 2026. FamSpots refreshes its city guides on a rolling schedule, and each page shows its own update date at the bottom.

Is FamSpots free?

Yes. Every city guide is free to read with no account. Creating a free account adds recommendations tuned to your kids' ages, interests, and dietary needs. No credit card is required.

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