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.
AIRBOAT EVERGLADES TOUR
- 419 S. Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-522-1770
- During your one-hour airboat ride through the Everglades alligators, birds and turtles will surround you. After airboat tour you will experience the alligator handling show. Daily tours 9am or 1pm, Free hotel pick-up/return. Adult $49 Child $39.
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.
B-CYCLE (BROWARD COUNTY BIKE SHARING)
- Fort Lauderdale, 954-467-6822
- A bike-sharing system allowing people to check out a bicycle at a public bike station for a small fee and return it to another station when done. An affordable and a convenient way of taking short trips around town. It is also the latest way of reducing traffic congestion, pollution and carbon emissions. Join the two-wheel revolution and plan to get an annual membership pass. B-Cycle stations in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Pompano Beach. Rates range from $5 for 24-hour pass, to $25 for 7-day pass. Then it is $.50 for first half-hour, $3 for second half-hour and beyond.
BASS ONLINE FISHING OUTFITTERS
- 201 SW 125th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, 954-771-3682
- South Florida’s largest Freshwater Fishing Guide Service, specializing in Largemouth and exotic Peacock Bass fishing. Offering 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 hour trips for everyone (families, couples, and corporate groups). Making fishing an adventure for both leisure and business travelers. All equipment is furnished, adjustable times, lessons, sightseeing, catering and transportation can be provided. Go fishing in confidence with their No Fish, No Pay policy.
BASS PRO SHOPS
- 200 Gulfstream 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.
BIKE BROWARD
- Fort Lauderdale, 954-876-0033
- Innovative Internet-based bicycle route planning tool that allows bicyclists to enter their start and end location and receive turn-by-turn directions on how to reach their destination.
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.
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, 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.
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, 954-525-3456
- 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.
HOLLYWOOD OCEANFRONT BROADWALK
- A1A east to the ocean between Sheridan St. and Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 954-921-3404
- 2.2 mile long pedestrian promenade, combined with dramatic coastal views of Hollywood Beach. Newly reconstructed path for walkers, bicycle lane and jogging path. Outdoor cafes from organic farmers market and juice bar, to gourmet meals and ice cream cones.
CLUB NAUTICO BOAT RENTALS
- 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 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.
CYPRESS AIRBOATS
- 15176 Orange Blvd., Loxahatchee, 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.
DOLPHIN WORLD/KEYS ADVENTURE TOURS
- 819 SW 14 Street, Fort Lauderdale, 954-525-4441
- Fort Lauderdale transportation and pick up service to Swim with the Dolphins in Miami or Key Largo area. The Dolphin World’s door to door van service is more than a chauffeur / driver coming to pick you up but a one stop shop for your Dolphin Experience. Pick up service includes the time with the dolphins, marine animal shows, park time, round trip transportation, snacks and beverages, and a free gift.
DRAGONFLY EXPEDITIONS, INC.
- , 305-774-9019
- The Florida Everglades Backwater Tour: travel the wild backwaters on a private tour with our experienced field biologists and naturalist guides for a day of discovery and exploration in one of the world's most threatened and beautiful wild places – The Florida Everglades and Big Cypress Preserve. Also multi-day journeys seeing art on Las Olas Blvd, exploring the New River by bike, nautical wanderings through Broward County, old Florida horseback journey and unexpected and unforgettable Greater Fort Lauderdale.
ELECTRIC BICYCLE STORE, THE
- 2599 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, 954-565-0562
- Offering delivery on demand Electric Bicycle Rentals for 24 hours. Providing lock, light, helmet and charger for each bike. Can only register bikes to persons 18+; however person 16+ can ride. Child helmets and child safety seats available. The safe-T-seat is designed for children ages 1-4. Self-Guided Bicycle Tours of Fort Lauderdale coming soon, including (but not limited to) Bonnet House, Stranahan House, Galleria Mall, Las Olas and Fort Lauderdale Beach. Going Green and offering an alternative to regular bicycle riding in Fort Lauderdale. “Discover beautiful Fort Lauderdale without breaking a sweat!” Visit the areas of interest without having to have to sit in a cab (or wait for one) and actually smell the ocean air you came for!
EVERGLADES DAY SAFARI
- 3750 S.Flamingo Road, Davie, 800-472-3069
- Full day eco-tour into the majestic Everglades. Safari includes an airboat ride across the "River of Grass," nature walk into the majestic cypress swamps, wildlife drive through the Big Cypress National Preserve, delicious lunch and a scenic boat cruise into the mangroves of the 10,000 Islands. Call for reservations. Adults $145; Kids under 12 $125.
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.
FESTIVAL FLEA MARKET
- 2900 W Sample Rd, Pompano Beach, 954-979-4555
- An indoor open-air, old-world market. A shopping paradise a quarter-mile long with over 500 shops, restaurants, fragrance outlets, cosmetic stores, shoe stores, clothing shops, jewelry stores, home furnishing stores and boutiques. A variety of brand name products at bargain prices. Going Bananas Farmer's Market: fresh produce, delicious deli and scrumptious seafood, along with a wide selection specialty items. Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am-6pm.
FISH LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
- 1005 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 954-522-4773
- Whether you are a first timer or seasoned pro, the knowledge and experience my crew and I have will ensure your Ft. Lauderdale fishing excursion is second to none. The Local Knowledge is fully equipped with air conditioning, refrigeration, a fresh ice cooler, restrooms, and comfortable seating in the cabin and on the deck. Full and half day charters are available and rates include everything you need to catch your next big fish! We look forward to making your fishing experience one to remember!
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).
FLORIDA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
- 800 NW 57th Place, Fort Lauderdale, 954-776-1642
- Feb 12-Mar 13, 2011, Weekends only: Journey back to the 16th century as you step through castle gates and into the days of yore. Explore the artisans' village and view live demonstrations of glassblowing, steel-fighting, archery, and more. Feast on hearty food fit for a king while enjoying live performances on stage and in the lanes, including our thrice-daily jousting events.
FORT LAUDERDALE ANTIQUE CAR MUSEUM
- 1527 S.W. 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-779-7300
- Private collection of 40 pre-war Packard Motorcars dating from 1909-1940 in a recreated showroom and memorabilia including dashboard clocks, hood ornaments and more. Tours Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-3pm. Adults $8, seniors $5.
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