Ways to Play
Between Blue Wave beaches and exotic Everglades lie countless ways to play in Greater Fort Lauderdale, including kid-friendly attractions and sightseeing cruises, watersports and more.
Just minutes from the beach is the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District in downtown Fort Lauderdale, home to cultural attractions, shops, parks and restaurants. Along Riverwalk, the brick-lined meandering promenade, discover the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science with its AutoNation 3D IMAX Theater, Florida Grand Opera, Fort Lauderdale Historical Center, Stranahan House and the Museum of Art.
Print PageA ADMIRAL'S CRUISE LINE
- Fort Lauderdale, 954-536-7594
- Air conditioned glass bottom yacht. 2-1/2 hour narrated tours. See mansions, mega yachts and colorful coral reefs, kids can feed the fish. Departures everyday rain or shine. Adults $30, children $15. Special visitor family package $50. Reservations required. Free parking.
ALOHA WATERSPORTS
- 3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-7245
- Located at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Daily 9am-5pm. Wave Runners $65-$75, Parasailing $75-$190, Water Playground $20-$50, Hobie Cat Catamarans $70-$125, Boogie Boards $10-$20, Surf Boards $25-$50, Water Weenie Rides $20, Metal Detectors $20-$25, Sport Fishing $650, Speed Boat $50-$90, Scuba/Snorkel call for pricing.
ANNE KOLB NATURE CENTER
- 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood, 954-926-2480
- Open: Nature Center Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm. Trail Hours: 8am-7:30pm.
- The Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park's 1,500+ acres of coastal mangrove wetlands -- one of the largest urban parks in Florida -- is rich in native vegetation and wildlife, including many threatened and endangered species. The Anne Kolb Nature Center complex, situated on about 20 acres along the Intracoastal Waterway, includes an exhibit hall with simulated mangroves, a 3,500-gallon aquarium, and a hands-on EcoRoom; an outdoor amphitheater; the Mangrove Hall rental facility (reservations required); a 68-foot observation tower; an Intracoastal fishing pier; and nature, biking, and boating trails.
ART AND CULTURE CENTER OF HOLLYWOOD
- 1650 Harrison St., Hollywood, 954-921-3274
- Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood presents innovative, unique visual and performing arts programs. Its exhibitions, films and performances introduce fresh perspectives to the arts. Education programs for children and adults celebrate creativity and excellence.
ARTSPARK AT YOUNG CIRCLE
- 1 Young Circle, Hollywood, 954-921-3500
- A great place to play as well as enjoy visual and performing arts programs that capture the diverse cultural life of South Florida.
ATLANTIC COAST KAYAK COMPANY
- 1937 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors, 954-781-0073
- Guided kayak tours and rentals in natural and urban settings, tidal creeks, wetlands, meandering rivers, mild surf, and the Intracoastal waterway. View historical sites, wildlife and mega yachts. Daily 9am-6pm.
BANKATLANTIC CENTER
- One Panther Parkway, Sunrise, 954-835-7000
- Host your next event or business function at the BankAtlantic Center. You can even enjoy a company building event at a Panthers game or upcoming concert.
BAR-B-RANCH
- 1300 Peaceful Ridge Road, Davie, 954-424-1060
- Broward County's oldest and largest public riding stable offers ponies and horses for all ages and levels of riding experience. Scenic trail rides, pony rides, lessons and day camp are offered on and off the farm in Davie. Open daily 9am-5pm.
BASS PRO SHOPS
- 200 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, 954-929-7710
- 160,000 sq. ft. showroom dedicated to the outdoor enthusiast, including fishing, hunting, boating, camping, athletics and golf. Features indoor waterfall, archery and shooting range, aquarium and restaurant. Mon-Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 10am-7pm.
BEST BOAT CLUB
- 801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-779-3866
- Rent for the day, or join the club and save year-round! Captain your own boat as you navigate South Florida's waterways and see firsthand why it has been dubbed the "Venice of America." Choose from the largest fleet in Broward to Ski! Fish! Dive! or simply relax the day away. Ocean access permitted. Reservations recommended.
BILLIE SWAMP SAFARI
- Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation in the Florida Everglades, Off of I75 (Alligator Alley). Lemon Grove Rd Clewiston, 863-983-6101
- Learn about the Unconquered Seminole Tribe of Florida on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation located in the Florida Everglades. Swamp Buggy Eco-Tours and Airboat Adventure Tours depart daily through 2200 acres of untamed Everglades with abundant native and exotic wildlife. Enjoy a Snake and Alligator Show, Swamp Critter Show, dine in the Swamp Water Café, explore our boardwalk nature trail, see animal & reptile exhibits and shop for souvenirs. A rustic camping village includes native-style chickees for overnight stays. Day/Overnight Packages and Exclusive Tours available. Bring the whole family and experience the heart of the Florida Everglades like a native…at Billie Swamp Safari. Airboat Adventure Tours $15, Swamp Buggy Eco-Tours: Adults $25, Seniors $23, Children $15, Open daily 8:30am-6pm.
BONNET HOUSE MUSEUM & GARDENS
- 900 N. Birch Rd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-563-5393
- A historic house museum built on 35 acres of a pristine barrier island on Fort Lauderdale Beach. One of the few complete homes and studios with original furnishings of two American artists open to the public.
BOOMERS! GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE
- 1700 NW 1st St., Dania Beach, 954-921-1411
- The latest state-of-the-art video games, go-kart racing and speedway kart racing, rock wall, miniature golf, batting cages, bumper boats, wave rider, magic samba balloons, frog hopper, Caribbean carousel, rollercoaster, laser tag, bowling, sports lounge, and two thrill rides. Open daily.
BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
- 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-522-5334
- Anyone can plan an event at the Broward Center. Guests will be delighted by their state-of-the-art facilities and top-shelf catering service.
BROWARD COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION
- 950 N.W. 38th St., Oakland Park, 954-357-8100
- Nearly half a million people a year reserve picnic shelters or other meeting facilities in Broward County Parks and Recreation Division parks. Whether you’re planning a large corporate or association meeting, or a small business retreat there’s a park that can accommodate your needs. We have facilities to host intimate groups of 20 or gatherings of up to 300.
BUEHLER PLANETARIUM (BCC Campus)
- 3501 SW Davie Rd., Davie, 954-201-6681
- Located at the Broward Community College, Central Campus. Experience shows that introduce you to space and expand horizons. $2-6.
BUTTERFLY WORLD
- 3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek, 954-977-4400
- Thousands of live, rainbow-hued butterflies dwell in acres of waterfalls, orchids, roses and tropical gardens that are also home to fish, hummingbirds, lorikeet, insectarium, butterfly farm and outdoor cafe. Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm (Admission closes at 4pm). Adults $24.95, children 3-11 $19.95, under 3 free.
CARRIE B. CRUISES
- 440 North New River Drive East, Fort Lauderdale, 954-768-9920
- The Carrie B offers three daily sightseeing cruises at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, each lasting 90 minutes. See Yachts and Homes of the Rich and Famous and cruise ships from around the world in Port Everglades. Stroll around the Sun Deck, seating outside under a canopy or enjoy air conditioned comfort on the main deck. The boat is Coast Guard certified for up to 300 passengers so reservations are not required. Entertaining and Informative Live Narration from your Captain.
CATAMARAN CHARTERS BY TROPICAL SAILING
- 801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-579-8181
- Champagne sunset cruises, half day island getaway and beach adventure (full menu lunch included), 2-hour Intracoastal mansion and ocean sightseeing cruise, dinner cruise. Private group charters, snorkeling and gourmet catering available. 10am-7pm, 3 trips daily, 365 days a year. From $30 for adults.
CB SMITH PARK
- C.B. Smith Park, 900 N. Flamingo Rd. Pembroke Pines, 954-357-8115
- New Aquatics complex includes 2 interactive water playgrounds, tube ride and 2 waterslides.
CELEBRATION CRUISE LINE
- Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, 800-520-2410
- Two night cruises with departures from Port Everglades, every Mon and Wed and three-night weekend cruises with departures every Fri aboard the Bahamas Celebration to Nassau Paradise Island, Bahamas. Combine with your Fort Lauderdale stay for the perfect vacation.
CENTRAL BROWARD REGIONAL PARK
- 3700 N.W. 11th Place, Lauderhill, 954-321-1170
- 110-acre multipurpose facility, with four soccer/football fields, two cricket fields, netball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts and water playground. 8:00am-7:30pm. Free weekdays. $1.50 per person.
CINEMA PARADISO
- 503 S.E. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-525-4525
- Located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, Cinema Paradiso theater features 220 plush fabric covered stadium seats (additional seating can be added to comfortably seat 250), a full proscenium stage, and a complete lighting and sound system. Full bar, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee plus popcorn and candy are on sale in lobby and courtyard. The theater is 100% wheelchair accessible with free parking for their events located at the county courthouse parking garage (just to the west of building). Typical movie times are Mon-Fri 6pm and 8pm; Sat-Sun 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm and 9pm. Go to www.fliff.com for a schedule of films and events.
CLUB NAUTICO BOAT RENTALS
- Fort Lauderdale/NEW LOCATION: Pompano Beach, 954-784-7868
- Dive, snorkel, cruise the Intracoastal or fish for the big one off shore. Captain your own boat from 21-foot ski boats, 24 center consoles for fishing or cruising, or try our 30-foot twin engine Scarab Sport. Ocean use permitted. Fishing and skiing equipment available. Surprisingly affordable. Nice, clean boats.
COCONUT CREEK SEMINOLE CASINO
- 5550 NW 40th St., Coconut Creek, 954-977-6700
- Open 24-hours, seven days a week.
CORAL SPRINGS CENTER FOR THE ARTS
- 2855 Coral Springs Dr., Coral Springs, 954-344-5999
- The Coral Springs Center for the Arts is in the heart of South Florida's burgeoning cultural scene. The Center for the Arts is home to Broadway shows, concerts, comedy, children's entertainment and hosts the largest outdoor dance club in Broward County. In 1996 a multimillion renovation transformed it into a first class performing arts facility including an intimate 1,471 seat theater and the Coral Springs Museum of Art. The spacious lobby offers refreshments and has a lovely lakeside terrace.
CYPRESS AIRBOATS
- , 561-252-4030
- Private echo airboat tours in the Everglades. Specializing in private tour packages ranging from 1 to 3 hour tours. Operating out of various public boat ramps in Broward County.
DANIA BEACH HURRICANE
- 1760 NW 1st Street (next to Boomers), Dania Beach , 954-921-4921
- Wooden roller coaster with 3,200 ft. worth of adrenaline-pumping excitement with speeds up to 55 mph. $6.24 per ride or $12 for unlimited rides per person. Open daily at 10am.
DAVIE PRO RODEO
- Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, 20707 Stirling Rd., 4271 Davie Rd. Davie, 954-680-8005
- Professional rodeo cowboys compete in major Rodeo events including Bronc riding, steer wrestling and bull riding. Adults $13 (Advance)/$15 (At Gate), Children $6 (Advance)/$8 (At Gate).
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