If you want to see one of the most incredible sights in the United States, there’s no need to make your way out of the country because some of the most beautiful beach destinations can be found in the U.S.
Fort Lauderdale can be one of the most exciting family-friendly vacations if you know where to go!
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Here are some of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale, FL, with kids of any age.
What is Fort Lauderdale Like?
One of the top keywords for Fort Lauderdale is the word “relaxed,” and it’s something that you’ll hear from a lot of locals who have been here for most of their lives — or anyone who has visited for a few hours!
Fort Lauderdale is one of the lesser-known beach towns in the United States, just about 20 miles from the coast of Miami.
The weather in Fort Lauderdale is sunny most of the year, which is why it’s one of the best destinations for going to the beach!
Fort Lauderdale is a melting pot of different cultures, foods, and great attractions.
Just ask anyone who lives here – or visit to see what all the fuss is about!
Is Fort Lauderdale Good for Families?
Absolutely!
Fort Lauderdale is ranked as one of the #1 destinations in the United States for families, whether you want to vacation for a while or stay here for a little longer.
There are enough attractions throughout Fort Lauderdale to entertain the whole family, and there are great, unforgettable restaurants if you would like to grab a bite.
Accommodation is affordable, with great hotels and suites located around the beachfront.
Is Fort Lauderdale Beach Kid Friendly?
Yes, Fort Lauderdale Beach is a great place for families with kids of all ages.
The main beachfront is accessible and has restaurants and nearby amenity stops (such as kid-friendly bathrooms for a quick stop or a change of clothes).
Fort Lauderdale Beach has on-site lifeguards in the event of an emergency, and you can have a lot of fun as long as you are there to supervise younger kids for the visit.
Unique Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale with Kids
Everglades Alligator Boat Tours
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
If you have never been close and personal with alligators before, it can be one of the most exciting and incredible experiences of your whole life. Everglades Alligator Boat Tours are completely safe and an unforgettable close-up with nature for the whole family.
Young at Art Museum
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The Young at Art Museum is a museum with a specific focus on younger artists and their work. If you have anyone in the family who is a little artist, the Young at Art Museum is one of the must-visit attractions you’ve got to add to the trip.
Las Olas Beach
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Fort Lauderdale Beach isn’t the only beach in the city, even though it’s one of the most popular. Free to visit, you can also make a day trip with the kids to Las Olas Beach for a great experience between the sun, sand, and sea.
Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale This Weekend with Kids
Historic Stranahan House Museum
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The Stranahan House Museum is great for families who love their historical sites, and it’s where Frank Stranahan built this house in the early 1900s. Today, the Museum is officially the oldest house in the county — and it’s quite something to behold.
Butterfly World
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Butterfly World is the place to go for a weekend trip if you want the kids to experience butterflies in their natural habitat. Affordable and a great day out to experience the beautiful combination of perfect nature and weather, Butterfly World is great for kids and adults of all ages.
Funderdome
If you have more active kids to entertain for a weekend, one of the greatest places you can visit is the Funderdome. Not only is the name fun to say during the trip there, the Funderdome has many age-appropriate activities and obstacle courses that can keep even the busiest kids happy for hours at a time.
Free Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale Beach
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There’s no age restriction on having fun at the beach, and Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of the most popular attractions in town. A visit to Fort Lauderdale Beach doesn’t cost anything, and it can be fun for everyone in the family. With some preparation, you can even have a great beach picnic on a budget.
Fun Center Fort Lauderdale
The Fun Center in Fort Lauderdale is one of the greatest places to go if you have active kids but can’t make it out to one of the further-away attractions. With fun for most toddlers and kids, activities and obstacle courses will keep them busy for hours.
Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum
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The Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum is open on Mondays and Fridays but closed on Saturdays and Sundays. If you like fine vehicles in their most natural habitat, take the kids out for a day to show them what cars looked like before you could plug them in anywhere. Admission is free, and special events happen from time to time.
Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale with Toddlers
Uncle Bernie’s Amusement Park
If you can get past the fact that the name sounds like it needs an update, then Uncle Bernie’s Amusement Park is one of the best attractions for kids and toddlers — with some things to keep adults busy while kids are enjoying the rest of the amusement park.
Museum of Discovery and Science
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The Museum of Discovery and Science is a museum that has been designed to spark an interest in technology and science. If you have any geniuses in the family, this is the museum you must visit.
BlueFoot Pirate Adventures
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BlueFoot Pirate Adventures is one of the #1 ranked attractions in Fort Lauderdale, and it’s the perfect vacation stop if you have to keep kids or toddlers busy on vacation. There’s plenty to see here, and the pirate-themed adventure can take you out on the water — with special arrangements possible for events or birthdays.
Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale with Teenagers
Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi
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One of the best attractions in Fort Lauderdale for kids who don’t mind going on the water for a while, the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi takes you on an unforgettable and picture-perfect tour of the best parts of the area. Stop at a drugstore if you aren’t sure whether anyone in the family will get seasick!
Hollywood Beach Boardwalk
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The Boardwalk is one of the most famous local stops, and if you want to steer clear of the attractions that make you feel like an out-of-towner or tourist, this is the place to visit. Most of what’s on the boardwalk is great for adults and teenagers, and there’s even something for the younger kids to see.
Autonation IMAX 3D Theater
Sure, you can stay at the hotel and watch movies on the smart television — but you can also go out with the kids for a great outing and see the same movie in three dimensions. The Autonation IMAX 3D Theater is still a worthwhile attraction for the whole family. Visit their website to see which movies will be on when you’re there.
Things to Do in Downtown Fort Lauderdale with Kids
Famous Filming Locations
With some research, it’s not hard to find out where some of the top filming locations in Fort Lauderdale have been — and even tour companies will take you on a guided tour through a few of them at once. Make a trip to some famous filming locations and see parts of Fort Lauderdale that you might have seen in your favorite movie or show.
The Classic Gateway Theater
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There’s still a lot of magic to be found in theater performances — especially in the days when technology has almost taken over. Take the kids to a great show at the Classic Gateway Theater, and visit their website to see what’s going on and when.
