Things to Do with Kids in Fort Lauderdale

The Museum of Discovery and Science has interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers kayaking, trails, and beach access. Bluefoot Pirate Adventures runs kid-friendly pirate cruises with treasure hunts and water cannons. Flamingo Gardens has flamingo feeding and a tram ride. Fort Lauderdale Beach has seven miles of lifeguard-patrolled sand.

Fort Lauderdale Beach is free to access with lifeguard towers. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park has free ranger-guided walks on Fridays and Saturdays (park entry $6 per vehicle). The Riverwalk along the New River is free for walking and biking. Several parks like Holiday Park have free playgrounds and splash pads.

The Museum of Discovery and Science is the top indoor attraction with hands-on exhibits for all ages and an IMAX theater. Young at Art Museum in Davie offers hands-on art activities. Xtreme Action Park has go-karts, trampolines, bowling, and a ropes course under one roof. Nearby Dezerland Park in North Miami Beach has an arcade, trampolines, and ninja obstacle courses.

Fort Lauderdale Beach runs seven miles with lifeguard towers every 200 to 400 yards. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park has calmer beach access away from the main strip. Deerfield Beach to the north has a quieter family section. The South Beach Picnic Area at the south end of the strip has shaded tables and calmer waters.

Bluefoot Pirate Adventures is the most popular kids boat tour — a 60-minute pirate cruise with costumes, treasure hunts, face painting, and water cannons on the Intracoastal Waterway. Jungle Queen Riverboats offers narrated river cruises including dinner cruise options. The Water Taxi is a hop-on/hop-off service with 11 stops, great for sightseeing with kids.