Explore the Area
Family-Friendly Activities
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Description: Fort Lauderdale Beach offers a wide expanse of beautiful sandy shores and clear waters, perfect for a day of swimming, sunbathing, or building sandcastles.
Family Tips: Bring a picnic and enjoy the beachfront parks, or rent bikes and explore the scenic oceanfront paths.
Museum of Discovery and Science
Description: This interactive museum is perfect for families with children. It features hands-on exhibits, a flight simulator, an IMAX theater, and live animal displays.
Highlights: Don’t miss the EcoDiscovery Center, where you can experience Florida’s ecosystems and encounter animals like otters and turtles.
Butterfly World
Description: Located in nearby Coconut Creek, Butterfly World is the largest butterfly park in the world. It’s home to thousands of butterflies, tropical birds, and stunning botanical gardens.
Family Tips: Take a guided tour to learn more about the lifecycle of butterflies and enjoy feeding the colorful lorikeets.
Xtreme Action Park
Description: Florida's largest indoor entertainment complex, offering go-kart racing, bowling, arcade games, and a ropes course.
Family Tips: Check out the indoor roller skating rink and the escape rooms for fun family challenges.
John U. Lloyd Beach State Park (now Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park)
Description: A serene state park with unspoiled beaches, nature trails, and opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Family Tips: Pack a picnic and enjoy a barbecue at one of the park's picnic areas.
Unique Experiences
Water Taxi
Description: Explore Fort Lauderdale's scenic waterways on a water taxi, with hop-on, hop-off service to popular attractions and restaurants.
Highlights: Enjoy guided tours and learn about the area’s history while traveling between stops.
Panthers Hockey Arena (FLA Live Arena)
Description: Home to the Florida Panthers, this arena offers exciting NHL games and concerts throughout the year.
Tips: Check the schedule for family-friendly events and special promotions.
Hard Rock Stadium
Description: A premier sports and entertainment venue, home to the Miami Dolphins and host to major concerts and events.
Highlights: Enjoy the lively atmosphere and consider booking a tour of the stadium.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Description: A destination for entertainment, dining, and gaming, featuring a casino, restaurants, and the iconic Guitar Hotel.
Tips: Ideal for adults looking for nightlife, dining, and live entertainment.
Shopping
Galleria Mall
Description: A premier shopping destination with a wide range of retailers, dining options, and luxury brands.
Highlights: Enjoy a mix of shopping and dining with restaurants like Seasons 52 and The Capital Grille.
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Dining Options
Coconuts
Cuisine: Seafood
Description: A relaxed, waterfront dining spot offering fresh seafood with stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Must-Try: The conch fritters and “Scoobies” (garlic crab claws) are local favorites.
15th Street Fisheries
Cuisine: Seafood
Description: A landmark seafood restaurant located on the Intracoastal Waterway, known for its fresh catch and waterfront views.
Must-Try: Try the dolphin sandwich or indulge in the raw bar offerings.
Padrino's Cuban Cuisine
Cuisine: Cuban
Description: Family-owned and offering traditional Cuban dishes in a warm and inviting setting.
Must-Try: Enjoy classics like ropa vieja and the signature mojitos.
Transportation
Port Everglades Ship Terminal
Description: One of the busiest cruise ports in the world, offering access to cruise adventures in the Caribbean and beyond.
Tips: Explore pre- or post-cruise activities in the Fort Lauderdale area to extend your vacation experience.
These activities and dining options offer something for everyone, whether you're traveling with family or seeking a unique experience in the Fort Lauderdale area.