Just For Kids
Whether you are looking for an educational destination, one filled with sports and shopping for the whole family, the perfect dining spots for kids or South Florida's best family-friendly special events and packages, look no further than Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Kids of all ages will enjoy the Museum of Discovery & Science in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Young at Art Children's Museum is a great choice for the younger child, while Boomers will brighten your older child's day. For the animal-lover and budding environmentalist, don't miss a visit to the Everglades, Butterfly World and Flamingo Gardens. Scooter, canoe, jet ski and other watersports are sure to thrill the family.
ALLEY-OOP SKIM FLORIDA
- 220 East Commercial Blvd., Ste. B, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, 954-530-4954
- Providing an enjoyable skimboarding learning experience using some of the best skimboarding instructors in the sport. Offering lessons, day camps, clinics, guided travel and everything a skimboard enthusiast could want. Since 2000 Alley-Oop has been providing great programs teaching, step-by-step, everything from the basics to the advanced levels of skimboarding. Going into their eleventh season Alley-Oop has grown into one of the most recognized names in the sport. With an extensive offering of services, anyone interested in skimboarding can find what they need. Open 10am-6pm daily. View videos here: http://vimeo.com/14829768. Learn how to Skimboard with free Skimboard clinics every first Saturday of the month from 9am-10am in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. Located on the beach right next to Commercial Pier in front of town hall and Villas-By-the-Sea. Try a board, get some tips, and skim with the Alley-Oop crew. Lessons available any day of the week by appointment, call to see which program fits best.
BILLIE SWAMP SAFARI
- Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation in the Florida Everglades, Off of I75 (Alligator Alley) 30000 Gator Tail Trail Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 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 Reptile 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. Swamp Safari Day Package $49.95 adults, $45.95 seniors and $35.95 kids. Open daily 9am-6pm.
BLUEFOOT PIRATE ADVENTURES
- c/o Bahia Mar Yachting Center, 801 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, 954-530-8302
- Where children and adults alike, come to experience the magic of sailing in South Florida in search of treasure. Come on a voyage into a world of treasure hunts and battles on the high seas!
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, laser tag, bowling, sports lounge, and two thrill rides. Open daily.
BROWARD COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION
- 950 NW 38th St., Oakland Park, 954-357-8100
- More than half a million people a year use picnic shelters or other meeting facilities in Broward County parks. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, shower, wedding reception, holiday gathering, family reunion, church event, or large corporate or association function, there’s a park to accommodate your needs. 18 regional parks and nature centers offer more than 90 shelters, with capacities ranging from 20 to 400, as well as a variety of other facilities, including gazebos, outdoor amphitheaters, and conference and meeting rooms. Neighborhood parks also have community centers available for rental. All shelters have picnic tables; most include grills. Amenities at indoor facilities vary.
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, exotic, rainbow-hued butterflies dwell in acres of waterfalls, orchids, roses, tropical gardens, hummingbirds, lorikeet, insectarium, butterfly farm and outdoor cafes. Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm (Admission closes at 4pm). Adults $24.95, children 3-11 $19.95, under 3 free.
CB SMITH PARK
- 900 N Flamingo Rd, Pembroke Pines, 954-357-8115
- New Aquatics complex includes 2 interactive water playgrounds, tube ride and 2 waterslides.
EVERGLADES HOLIDAY PARK/AIRBOAT TOURS
- 21940 Griffin Rd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-434-8111
- Journey on an airboat through the "River of Grass." Expert fishing guide tours, fishing facilities, boat rentals, 24-hr. general store. 9am-5pm, departing every 20 minutes or less.
EZRIDE SURF SCHOOL
- Sunrise and A1A, Fort Lauderdale, 954-803-7988
- Professional Surf Lessons offered at multiple beach locations. Surf training and ocean education to start your surf journey, or turn your vacation into an exciting surf experience. Call for reserved lessons.
FLAMINGO GARDENS, WRAY BOTANICAL COLLECTION
- 3750 Flamingo Rd, Davie, 954-473-2955
- Spend the day in a 60-acre, not-for-profit botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary, enjoy thousands of rare, exotic and native plants among Florida’s largest collection of champion trees and a tour of historic 1930's Wray Home. More than 70 species of Florida native birds may be seen in the free-flight aviary. Visit alligators, otters, panthers, bob cats, and of course, flamingos. Open 9:30am-5pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Mondays from June 1 to November 30 (open Labor Day).
FORT LAUDERDALE CHILDREN'S THEATRE
- 2542B E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-763-6882
- Since 1952, FLCT, a not-for-profit organization, has provided cultural and educational opportunities for children, ages 3½ through 18. Through year-round classes, summer camps, professional-level theatrical productions and outreach programs, giving children of all abilities the chance to develop creativity, problem solving skills and self-esteem. One of the few theatres in the nation whose performances use students as actors, assistant directors, backstage crew and technicians. All young people, regardless of economic, cultural or ethnic background, are invited to participate in programs.
FORT LAUDERDALE DUCK TOURS
- 17 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. (Across from BeachPlace), Fort Lauderdale, 954-761-4002
- Amphibious duck tours, the eye opening tour lasts 1 ½ hours and is narrated by entertaining tour guides. Cruise both land and sea including the landmark Fort Lauderdale strip, quaint Las Olas Boulevard, historical districts and the mansions and yachts dotting Millionaire's Row. Daily 10am-6pm. Adults $30, seniors $22, children $16, under 3 free.
FUN RENTALS
- 239 Almond Ave, Fort Lauderdale, 954-768-9020
- Scooters, new 2-person scoot cars, bicycles, skates, snorkeling, surfing. Prices vary for hourly, daily or weekly rentals. Deerfield Location: 1985 A1A, Deerfield Beach (954) 427-4647.
FUNDERDOME
- 1455 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, 954-525-1816
- Indoor, activity-based, family fun center that integrates state-of-the-art, interactive play systems in an exciting and weather-independent environment for kids of all ages. Fusion of modern play technology and kid-friendly fun with purpose to provide interactive, engaging, fitness-based activities for children of all ages, from six months to older teens as well as adults. Efficiently designed in 8,600 air-conditioned square feet, integrating the most exciting and cutting edge play experiences that can’t be found anywhere in the U.S. and is unique to South Florida. In addition to being the coolest place for kids to play, also offering something special for parents with a cozy café that allows them to see all the action while also relaxing, using Wi-Fi, or catching the big game on TV. And when parents want to join in the fun, they are welcome to become “big kids’ themselves and play. Mon-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 9am-6pm.
FUNKY FISH KIDS DAY
- Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, 954-712-9900
- Drop your children off at this award winning ocean adventure camp on the beach voted as a "Top Children's Program in the World" running daily, year-round from 10am-3pm. Learn how to snorkel in the pool and dive for shells in the shallow ocean, catch a wave on a boogie board, slide along the shoreline on a skim board, make a tie-dye t-shirt, and create cool ocean art. Located at Bahia Mar Beach Resort on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Residence Inn by Marriott in Pompano Beach, and Embassy Suites Deerfield Beach Resort. Outside guests are welcome! Check out www.funkyfishkidsday.com to view video. Price: $59/child. Call 954 712-9900 to book today.
HANG LOOSE SURF SCHOOL
- 1701 SW 12 Ct, Fort Lauderdale, 954-336-1441
- Teach private and group surf lessons, stand up paddle lessons (SUP), and skimboard lessons. Providing a summer and spring surf camp from ages 4-16.
IGFA FISHING HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM
- 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, 954-924-4370
- Visit the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum and you are immersed in an underwater world filled with world record fish. The museum provides sport fishing and record information, interactive displays and virtual reality fishing. In The Wetlands exhibit experience the natural environment of marshlands complete with live alligators.
INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING HALL OF FAME
- 1 Hall of Fame Dr., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-6536
- In addition to recognizing over 600 of the world's greatest aquatic athletes the museum is a multi-faceted attraction with exhibits featuring the world's largest, collection of objects d'art, rare photos, posters, films, swimsuits, Olympic medals, trophies and other swimming related artifacts dating from the days of ancient Assyria to modern times.
JUNGLE QUEEN RIVERBOAT
- 801 Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. (A1A), Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-5596
- American
- Open: Dinner cruise departs daily at 6pm
- World Famous BBQ & Shrimp Dinner Cruise. Sail to the tropical isle for an "All You Can Eat" dinner of ribs, chicken, shrimp with all the trimmings followed by a hilarious variety show. Daily three hour fully narrated sightseeing cruises of the historic New River, Millionaire's Row, with a stop-off at the tropical isle to see rare birds, monkeys and alligator exhibition.
- Average Dining Cost: Adults $39.95, Children (12 & under) $21.75
LTS WAKEBOARD AND WATERSKI
- 3731 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 3, Pompano Beach, 954-260-6955
- Come join us on beautiful Crystal Lake and experience a day in paradise. From beginners to the more advanced, wakeboard and water ski enthusiasts will learn from a five time World Champion Wakeboarder. Multiple courses cover all age ranges and skill levels from beginners to professionals. Coaching, camps and parties are available.
MAI-KAI RESTAURANT & POLYNESIAN REVUE
- 3599 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 954-563-3272
- Asian, $$
- Open: Dinner: Sun-Thurs 5pm-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11:30pm. Closed Mon. Showtimes (Dinner served before the show): Tue-Thurs 8pm, Fri-Sat 7pm & 10pm, Sunday 7pm.
- Authentically recreates a Polynesian village, complete with tiki torches, thatch roof and wooden plank entrance into a unique dining and entertainment locale. Show: Adults $10.95, under 12 free. Reservations required.
- Average Dining Cost: $30
MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY & SCIENCE & AUTONATION IMAX
- 401 SW 2nd St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-467-6637
- Dynamic hands-on exhibits and five-story IMAX 3D Theater puts you in the center of the action. Open daily, 365 days a year, Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun noon-6pm with extended IMAX® hours on most evenings. General admission $15 adults; $14 seniors; $12 children 2 to 12; under 2 free. Ticket includes admission to the Museum exhibits and one 45-minute IMAX film.
MY JEWISH DISCOVERY PLACE CHILDRENS MUSEUM
- 6501 W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation, 954-792-6700
- Alvin and Evelyn Gross Family Children's Museum is a hands-on, interactive museum of Jewish culture, history and values where children and families learn about the joys of Jewish life. It is dedicated to providing an environment where creativity, learning and play become a bridge to understanding in our multi-cultural world. Tues-Fri 10am-5pm. Sun 12-4pm. Admission: Under 2 free, $3-4.
SAWGRASS NATURE CENTER
- 3000 Sportsplex Dr., Coral Springs, 954-752-9453
- Explore nature, interact with live animals, create crafts and get "down & dirty" in the gardens.
SAWGRASS RECREATION PARK
- 1006 N. U.S. Hwy. 27, Weston, 954-389-0202
- Feel the excitement and learn the history of Florida's most remarkable treasure, the Everglades. Renew your spirit as you glide across miles of river at speeds up to 40 mph and get up close and personal with native wildlife, many of whom are endangered in this fragile environment. Start your adventure with a 30 minute airboat tour of the Florida Everglades. Catch a glimpse of endangered wildlife as you skim across the glassy water.
SEA EXPERIENCE SCUBA DIVING, GLASSBOTTOM & SNORKEL ADVENTURES
- 801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-467-6000
- Glass bottom, snorkel and scuba diving trips. Try the Discover Scuba Diving, a 4 hour class and go scuba diving the same day. Visit the underwater beauty of natural reefs. View through the glass bottom or get up close and personal snorkeling with the tropical fish. An experienced staff helps beginners and seasoned snorkelers in every aspect of their tour. Great family fun and an educational eco-tour. Two trips daily (three trips during peak times), seven days a week; also offering private charters. Two tank scuba trips also offered daily.
SPAREZ BOWLING
- 5325 S. University Drive, Davie, 954-434-9663
- Open: Sun-Thurs 9am-1am. Fri-Sat 9am-3am.
- HammerJacks Sports Bar & Grille, 2 Billiard Areas, Arcade and Gaming, Public WIFI Access, Storms Pro Shop, Food and Beverage Lane Service. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Rates: $3.50/Game, $17.50/Hour of Bowling, $3.75/Shoe Rental. Fri 5pm- Sun 1am Rates: $22/Hour of Bowling, $3.75/Shoe Rental. Check website for more offers and special rates.
SWAP SHOP
- 3291 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-791-4791
- A 180,000 sq ft air-conditioned shopping and entertainment complex featuring brand-name merchandise, international restaurants and 14-screen drive-in theater. Open daily.
XTREME INDOOR KARTING
- 5300 Powerline Rd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-491-6265
- Start your engines! Set up teams for an endurance race complete with pit stops to the final team victory lap. Race on one of the fastest & longest indoor karting tracks in the world in a Bowman Arrow Race Kart.
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