5 Things to Do with Family in Ft. Lauderdale

Alamo Travel Tips - Fun Things for Families To Do in Fort Lauderdale - Between the countless beaches, nature and cultural attractions, Fort Lauderdale has lots to offer families on vacation.

Located on the eastern coast of Florida about 23 miles north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale offers several cultural, historical and recreational attractions year-round. Vacation-goers will discover plenty to do outdoors in this South Florida city, which averages 246 sunny days a year.

Relax on the Beach

Fort Lauderdale beaches offer miles of crystal-clear water and sugary white sand without the crowds often found in Miami. The beaches are easily accessible off Florida State Route A1A. Grab a drink and a bite, and rental equipment at the concession stations along the beaches, or take a stroll on the renovated promenade featuring a variety of shopping and dining establishments like Cafe Del Mar and Bahia Cabana Waterfront Restaurant.

Fort Lauderdale Beaches Spend a day in the sun on Florida’s tropical coast while vacationing in Fort Lauderdale.


Explore a Butterfly’s World

Butterfly World is a 10-acre butterfly farm and research facility in Coconut Creek, 15 miles north of Fort Lauderdale. The park has thousands of butterflies from more than 150 species and is also the largest free-flight hummingbird aviary in the United States. Other attractions on the farm include a botanical garden and an insect museum.

Butterfly World Admire the piano key wings of this Heliconius melpomene and other beautiful butterflies as you step into their world. Photo courtesy of Judy Gallagher, Flickr.


Discover Stores, Eats and Entertainment on Las Olas Boulevard

Spanning the Fort Lauderdale Central Business District to the beach, Las Olas Boulevard features several blocks of South Florida architecture, shopping, dining and entertainment. Patrons arriving by boat can pull up to restaurants like The Pirate Republic Seafood & Grill for a unique South Florida dining experience. Water taxis are also available for travelers who wish to visit the businesses along the riverfront.

Las Olas Boulevard Along Las Olas Boulevard, you can soak in the skyline while you dining on the sea.


Catch a Show at Broward Center for the Performing Arts

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents year-round music and theater productions. Located downtown, the venue offers locals and travelers alike a reprieve from the sun to see their favorite Broadway touring shows. The center is also home to the Florida Grand Opera, one of the nation’s elite opera companies since 1941.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts Catch a concert, opera or show downtown at the Broward Center for Performing Arts. Photo courtesy of osseous, Flickr.


Experience Florida’s Wilderness at Sawgrass Recreation Park

On the edge of the Everglades, and just a 25-mile drive northwest of Fort Lauderdale, Sawgrass Recreation Park consists of 400 acres of fun and adventure. Go for an airboat tour — available year-round — and take in the park and its wildlife as you cruise at speeds up to 40 mph through marshy swamps. The park also features several wildlife shows where visitors can hold a young alligator or get up close and personal with a Florida panther. Additionally, picnic areas, camping and RV parking are available seven days a week.

Sawgrass Recreation Park Explore the natural habitat of Florida’s wildlife at Sawgrass Recreation Park Photo courtesy of John Spade, Flickr.

 

 

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