9 Fun Things To Do In Fort Lauderdale With Kids To Make Memories

Things To Do In Fort Lauderdale With Kids

Visiting the Fort Lauderdale area with kids can make for magical times, especially if you plan your trip around the best activities that the city has to offer. Children enjoy being near the water and visiting the beaches, and there are also many Fort Lauderdale attractions and eating establishments that your children will love.

Whether visiting state parks, shopping, or trying local cuisine interests your family, the city should be at the top of your list of possible destinations. You can spend quality time at museums, theme parks, and botanical gardens. Here are some fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale that will create memories with your kids.

1) Walk Around In Downtown Fort Lauderdale

Adults and children will enjoy seeing the downtown portion of Fort Lauderdale. If your kids are interested in art, they may enjoy visiting the NSU Art Museum. This museum features beautiful art to view each day and also events focused on different art-related topics all throughout the year. If your children are into books, they may enjoy spending time just browsing the Broward County Main Library.

Eating is a great activity to take on with your family while downtown. There are great eating establishments in the downtown area that are happy to serve children and adults.

Restaurants to consider in Downtown Fort Lauderdale:

  • The Cheesecake Factory offers more than just sweets, and kids enjoy the variety of savory items on the menu

  • The Historic Downtowner is kid friendly and offers views of the river

  • Big C’s Downtown Pizzeria provides your family with a favorite food in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s downtown

2) Spend Time Relaxing At Lauderdale Beach 

Your entire family will enjoy being in the sand at Fort Lauderdale beach, and you can spend hours on the Atlantic Ocean, just appreciating the palm trees, listening to the water lap the shore, and talking and playing with one another.

Bring books for each family member to enjoy while on the beach, or make a game of looking for the best seashells.

3) Visit Everglades Holiday Park

If you would like to leave the city of Fort Lauderdale and spend time in nature in the greater Fort Lauderdale area, consider going to Everglades Holiday Park.

This park offers gator shows and an airboat ride that even older kids will enjoy. The park is open seven days a week, so you can fit it into your vacation on the day that makes the most sense for you.

4) Consider Camping At Sawgrass Recreation Park

When looking for things to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids, consider the memories that can be made by spending a night camping. Sawgrass Recreation Park features airboat rides, guided fishing trips, a store, and the chance for you to stay overnight in nature while vacationing in Fort Lauderdale.

Boat rentals are also available at the park if you would like to get out on the water with just your family.

5) Spend A Day At Flamingo Gardens

Your entire family will enjoy the beauty displayed at one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Florida. Flamingo Gardens features gorgeous flowers, a crocodile habitat, a flamingo pond, and all of the natural beauty you long to see while in Fort Lauderdale. 

There are a number of other botanical gardens in the greater Fort Lauderdale area if you find yourself longing to visit another after going to Flamingo Gardens. Additional botanical garden options:

  • Bonnet House Museum & Gardens – a great place for picnics

  • Deerfield Beach Arboretum – a beautiful place to take a family walk

  • Butterfly World – a tropical plant-filled space that younger kids will enjoy along with the rest of the family

6) Visit Las Olas Beach And Las Olas Boulevard

Las Olas Beach is one of the more beautiful Fort Lauderdale beaches and a great place for family fun, too. The beach features palm trees and white sand and is popular among tourists.

If you enjoy shopping with your family, spend a day at Las Olas Boulevard, exploring the stores there. Taste handcrafted chocolates at Hoffman’s Chocolates Fort Lauderdale, or find a bakery to visit. 

Delicious Las Olas Boulevard restaurant options for your family:

  • Sushi Maki Las Olas – featuring great sushi bars

  • Kilwin’s Ice Cream, Chocolates, & Fudge –  providing sweet treats the whole family will enjoy

  • Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar – with Mexican options for adults and kids

7) Getting Out On The Water

Your family can get to know the Fort Lauderdale area by spending time on a Fort Lauderdale water taxi, or you can board the Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise for a show and dinner. If your kids are interested in pirates, you can surprise them with BlueFoot Pirate Adventures and a pirate-themed cruise trip.

There are plenty of opportunities to add to your vacation in Fort Lauderdale by spending time out on the water:

  • Take a day cruise to the Bahamas

  • Take a sightseeing cruise via the Carrie B Paddlewheeler

  • Spend an evening cruising the downtown area

8) Enjoy Water Fun At C.B. Smith Park

Both younger kids and older kids will enjoy going down the waterslides at C.B. Smith Park. Spend a day in the sun as a family, enjoying interactive water playgrounds and tube rides. If your family is into sports, C.B. Smith Park also offers the chance to play basketball or golf, volleyball, and tennis.

Additional features that help C.B. Smith Park be the perfect place for your family to spend a quiet day:

  • Batting cages

  • Shelter rentals

  • Picnic area

  • Walking trails

9) Spend Time Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Biking, And Snorkeling

If you are looking for things to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids and you want to find family-friendly attractions that help you have a real adventure as a family, we have options available for you.

When you visit Fort Lauderdale, let us take you on a paddle-boarding adventure or teach your family to snorkel. If you’d rather spend time in nature instead of at an art museum, rent a kayak through us and get out on the water with your family.

There are many Fort Lauderdale adventures awaiting your family. If you are looking to make memories and learn how to do new things while visiting the area, reach out to Sunrise Paddleboards.

From paddle boarding to waterslides, find activities to do with kids in Fort Lauderdale to enjoy a trip and make memories. Book your next adventure today!

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
At least 1

Limited Special Price $75: Hurley Electric Bike Tour of Fort Lauderdale

SIGHTS: Our Electric Tour will begin with a cruise thru Coral Shores along Bayshore Drive and passing George English Park and the prestigious Galleria Mall on our way to the beautiful homes of Victoria Park perfectly nestled to downtown, rivers, and the beach. Guests can get a feel of the FTL lifestyle as we cruise thru Holiday Park where locals love to play Pickleball, Tennis, Baseball, Handball, Hockey, and home to many concert venues and the new training center for the Florida Panthers NHL Pro Hockey Team. Our adventure will lead to the newest community of Flagler Village which has become a feasting place for breweries and art including its own Fat Village known for the murals on walls and the many artists showing off their passion.

CALLING ALL REAL ESTATE INVESTORS or EXPLORERS Our 165 miles of waterways wind thru our City making Tourism our 2nd largest industry. Electric bikes allow us to maneuver thru areas that cannot be seen by cars and walking tours cannot provide so much to see in less than 2.5 hours of rich natural beauty, arts, and entertainment. Fort Lauderdale is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Our picturesque Riverwalk serves as a cornerstone of the City's arts, science, cultural and historic district featuring the Museum of Discovery and Science with IMAX, Broward Center of Performing Arts, Historic Stranahan House Museum, Riverside Hotel, Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum, Las Olas Boulevard has gained international credentials for its beautiful setting of fashion, fine dining, and entertainment. The Downtown also features Broward College and Florida Atlantic University making Fat Cats, The Wharf, Americas Backyard, and others on Himmarshee Street the perfect place for a bar crawl. Riding along the river watching the likes of The Jungle Queen, Water Taxi, Carrie B, Riverfront Cruises, and romantic Gondolas will heighten your love of the New River and Historic Riverwalk.

CULINARY DELIGHTS AND GOURMET FOOD We are surrounded by Breweries, Sidewalk Cafes, Food Trucks, Juiceries, Coffee Shoppes, Wine Cellars, and some true hidden gems that only locals know about. Your Guide will take requests or hand-select one of our awesome places to eat that will arouse your taste buds. The price of food is not included and guests should bring monies for food and drink.

HISTORY The City of Fort Lauderdale is named for a Second Seminole War fortification built on the banks of the New River in 1838. That year, Major William Lauderdale led a detachment of Tennessee Volunteers south along the east coast of Florida to capture Seminole agricultural lands and battle the elusive Indian warriors. Altogether, three forts named after Major Lauderdale would be constructed: the first at the fork of New River; the second at Tarpon Bend; and the largest on the beach at the site of Bahia Mar. None of the forts survive today. Incorporated on March 27, 1911, encompassing approximately 36 square miles with an estimated population of 186,220, Fort Lauderdale is the largest of Broward County's 31 municipalities and one of the ten largest cities in Florida.

WORLD FAMOUS BEACHES Our Journey will go thru the heart of the World Famous “Venice of America” Isles with only 1 way in via land and yet many of these mansions host mega yachts from 1 of the many Fort Lauderdale rich and famous as your Guide will be happy to point a few out. We'll cross over the Las Olas Bridge and Intracoastal Waterways providing some of the best “Kodak” pictures and onward to Fort Lauderdale Beach which hosts millions of visitors from all over the world. Don't hesitate to ask your Guide for the best places for live music, happy hour, waterfront dining, entertainment, and of course laying on the beautiful sandy beach. From the new plaza and marketplace to the Beach Park that hosts Tortuga and Riptide Music Festivals; Fort Lauderdale Beach is the place to be almost every week of the year something is going on. Straight from the beach, we will hop over to Hugh Birch State Park with beautiful nature trails and other eye candy to absorb.

Most Popular Exploration Our Electric Tour will travel all around and thru the heart of Fort Lauderdale providing Guests with the Best and most popular way to see Fort Lauderdale and enjoy a yearly average of over 300 sunny warm weather days. This Tour usually takes between 2 to 2.5 hours depending on stop times and group sizes. We are happy to add time for stopping-by requests, so if you wish to pick up a souvenir then just let your Guide know what you are looking for and we will be happy to make our best suggestions as we have time for some free-flowing and can customize a few stops to suit our Guest. If you feel your Guide goes the extra mile then Gratuities are welcomed for great service.

Note: Bikes are sold and updated with new inventory; Tour E-Bikes are based on current inventory and not website images.

6 Reviews verify
from
$75
Duration
1 hour
Group Size
1 to 3

1 HOUR WATER BIKE RENTAL Explore Fort Lauderdale Waterways

If you know how to ride a traditional bike, then you will definitely want to try this! A Team Member will provide basic instructions on land and show you a quick demo on how to ride. It's simple to learn and great for your legs and blood circulation. Once we teach you how to properly use a water bike, then go explore the sights and sounds of our calm Fort Lauderdale Waterways. We are surrounded by a lush tropical setting with more Palm Trees then you will be able to name that often host Great Egrets, Blue Heron, Green Heron, Ibis, and our ever so popular Iguanas. The Mangroves nearby make a great habitat for Seasonal Manatee as well as tons of marine life that pass our river front showroom daily. Our Middle River location is much calmer then the Intracoastal areas or high boat traffic areas like George English Park that can make it difficult for learning!

About Our Water Bikes (Available For Sale)
🧜 Our SUP water bike combines the fun of stand-up paddleboarding with the excitement of water biking, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
🧜 Perfect for Adults, our inflatable SUP water bike is easy to set up and transport, making it ideal for outdoor activities on lakes, rivers, and oceans.
🧜 Guided Lessons, Tours, and Rentals will include the setup and Riding Instructions for your Safety and Confidence.
🧜 The SUP water bike is made with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and stability on the water.
🧜 Our inflatable SUP is lightweight and easy to maneuver, providing a comfortable and stable platform for all levels of riders.
🧜 With a stand-up paddleboard design and a water bike feature, our SUP water bike is a versatile and fun water sport that is perfect for families
and friends to enjoy together.
🧜 Whether you're an experienced water sports enthusiast or a beginner, our inflatable SUP water bike is a great way to explore the water and stay active.
🧜 It's a perfect addition to any water sports collection and an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors
🧜 Maximum Guest = 3 Renters per reservation and only 1 person per each bike
🧜 Weight Limit 275 Pounds
🧜 Age Restriction: 13+

All eyes will be on you as this is a new sport for most people, so be ready for plenty of good looks!

Duration
Group Size
no limit

$100 Friends and Family Membership

MUST CALL (954) 440-4562 to get this Special Offer!
Become a Friends and Family Member for only $100 to gain these awesome perks:
Special Invites to our Full Moon Paddles with Early Bird Discounts
Email Offers to Specialty Events
Email Offers for Boards, Kayaks, and Accessories
1 Hour Rentals = $17 (Reg. $29)
Primetime Unlimite = $29 (Paddle all you can during business hours and launching from our Riverfront Showroom Location or up to 3 Hours during Peek or Primetime Hours and Holidays)
You may want to consider our *Loyalty Program, which is Only $35 / Month with unlinited paddling during operational hours.
*Some Restrictions Aplly

Duration
1 to 8 hours
Group Size
no limit

All Day Paddle Board or Kayak Rental

Explore our nature preserves and local waterways with landscapes around Island City and the Middle River. Includes your choice of kayak or paddle board, paddle, life jacket, launch and disembarkment assistance. Facilities have outdoor shower and indoor showroom with bathroom for changing. See mangroves, tropical palms, tropical birds, and local marine life!

Duration
16 to 22 hours
Group Size
no limit

SUPSmart Certification Course for Novice or Beginners

The SUPSmart Certification Course is perfect for Novice or Beginners wanting a complete education on Stand Up Paddle Boarding from learning about the equipment and accessories to situational paddling with variations that will allow you to practice the skills we teach you. Our course is in chronological order making it Fun and Easy to Learn starting with very basic techniques and growing into advanced paddling. Participants MUST complete all Sessions to receive the Certificate of Completion.

GUARANTEED RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT:
My/Our course evolved from over 12 years of experience. My Team and I have trained over 100,000s of Beginners or First Timers. Every 1 of our Guides have completed the course which will Qualify you to become a Guide. I/We are so confident in what will teach you that we offer an OPTIONAL Return Of Your Amount Paid in the form of work and or “Guide Compensation”. How or Why? Just look at all the activities we offer. We have peek seasons that require additional help and who better to call upon then our own Trained and Certified VIP Members. Don't worry, it is 100% optional and we don't expect all participants to want to be a Guide, but for those who do then we look forward to utilizing your newly acquired skills. Participants are guaranteed compensation as a Guide working directly with our Team if you wish to earn Part-Time Income. I will personally guarantee paying you earnings exceeding your Investment as long as you are willing and able.

Respectfully,
Brian E. Galton, Founder

Session 1: CLASSROOM INSTRUCTIONS and QUICK LESSON - 2 Hours
1 - History of SUP/course overview
2 - Terminology
Water
Techniques and Maneuvers
Accidental
People
3 - Board Parts and Paddle Parts
4 - Pre-paddle Safety and Preparation
Loading and Unloading Board(s) on a Vehicle
Roof Rack Options
Local Launch Options
Rules for Beach Launching and Launch Zones
Tide Tables and Charting Ocean Paddling
Understanding Weather
Optional methods for lifting board on Dock and Seawalls
Avoiding Hazardous Objects (Seawalls and Docks)
How To Escape a Rip Current
Overall Trip Planning (Fuel, Mobile Phone, Hydration, Route Sharing)
5 - Waterway Cleanups
6 - Quick Lesson and Practice
Avoiding Seawalls and Docks (Barnacles)
Learning To Stand Up
How To Fall and Get Back on SUP
Prone, Knee, and Standing Positions
Paddle Techniques: Forward (T-Grip) and Reverse

Session 2: Flat Water Paddle (Island City ECO Paddle and Lesson) - 2 Hours Comfortably Paced
Board and Paddle Preparation
Using Tie Downs
Hand Signals
Buddy Tow
How To Spot Manatee
How To Identify Birds

Session 3: Intracoastal Paddling (Venice Of America and Seven Isles) - 2 Hours
No Wake Zones
Speed Signs
Manatee Season
Low and High Tides / King Tides

Session 4: Ocean Paddle (Reef Snorkel & Ocean Paddle Adventure Lauderdale-By-The-Sea) - 2 Hours
Anchoring
Dive Flag Rules
Pier, Moorings, Buoys, and Boats
Bleaching
Jelly Fish
Identifying Marine Life
Locations To Snorkel

Session 5: Distance Paddling and Touring (7 Mile Paddle) - Guided 3 – 4 Hours Paddling at Comfortable Pace
Practice Everything Learned

Session 6: SUP YOGA - 90 Minute Class with Certified YOGA Instructor
Beginners to Intermediate Poses

Session 7: Paddle Board Fitness - 60 Minutes with Fitness Instructor
How to Use a Board for Strength and Endurance Training

Session 8: Night Paddling (Full Moon Paddle) - 3 Hours
Preparing Board for Night Paddle
Participation as a Guide
Refreshments Celebration

Session 9: Course Final and Bonus Paddle
Sup Smart Certificate of Completion
VIP Memberships Perks
Shirt and Bucket
How to Select a Board including Construction, Sizes, and Purposes
SUP Accessories 101
Bonus: One Way Ticket to Paradise and Wristband for Bonnet House Grounds

Cancelation and Refund Policies
NOTE: All times are approxiamate for each session and will vary depending on your participation. Each Session can and will be scheduled to meet your convenience. Upon scheduling your first session, we will adapt a schedule that works best for you. If for any reason we cannot adapt to your schedule during this first session then a full refund can be requested and will be honored as long as it is done prior to the 2nd session. Any requested Refunds after the 2nd session begins will have $200 deducted from the amount paid for each session already completed and after 5 sessions No Refunds are permitted.

Duration
1 to 2 hours
Group Size
1 to 2

Fort Lauderdale's Middle River Guided Water Bike Lesson & Tour

Our Private Tour (1 - 2 People) is perfect for First Timers to learn Water Bike techniques. A Guide will teach you how to properly use a water bike while enjoying the sights and sounds of our calm Fort Lauderdale Waterways. We are surrounded by a lush tropical setting with more Palm Trees then you will be able to name that often host Great Egrets, Blue Heron, Green Heron, Ibis, and our ever so popular Iguanas. The Mangroves nearby make a great habitat for Seasonal Manatee as well as tons of marine life that pass our river front showroom daily. Our Middle River location is much calmer then the Intracoastal areas or high boat traffic areas like George English Park that can make it difficult for learning which is the primary focus of our Tour. Our experienced Guide will monitor your biking techniques and advice you on improvements to make learning fun and easy as we cruise around the beautiful landscapes of Island City. Along with the added safety instructions, your Guide will also take pictures for your memories for you to share with your friends, family, and loved ones.

About Our Water Bikes (Available For Sale)
🧜 Our SUP water bike combines the fun of stand-up paddleboarding with the excitement of water biking, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
🧜 Perfect for Adults, our inflatable SUP water bike is easy to set up and transport, making it ideal for outdoor activities on lakes, rivers, and oceans.
🧜 Guided Lessons, Tours, and Rentals will include the setup and Riding Instructions for your Safety and Confidence.
🧜 The SUP water bike is made with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and stability on the water.
🧜 Our inflatable SUP is lightweight and easy to maneuver, providing a comfortable and stable platform for all levels of riders.
🧜 With a stand-up paddleboard design and a water bike feature, our SUP water bike is a versatile and fun water sport that is perfect for families
and friends to enjoy together.
🧜 Whether you're an experienced water sports enthusiast or a beginner, our inflatable SUP water bike is a great way to explore the water and stay active.
🧜 It's a perfect addition to any water sports collection and an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors
🧜 Maximum Guest = 2 (We only conduct private 1 or 2 person tours).
🧜 Weight Limit 275 Pounds
🧜 Age Restriction: 13+

All eyes will be on you as this is a new sport for most people, so be ready for plenty of good looks!