Summer activities for kids in Fort Lauderdale are endless. From summer camps to interactive museums for kids and parks filled with gators, there are endless opportunities for some fun in the sun. The best part about the activities on this list is that they can be fun for parents too.
With the heat of summer just around the corner, how do you plan to keep your kids entertained every day? No parent wants to hear their child complain of endless boredom, or watch them consume copious amounts of TV.
Fun Summer Activities for Kids in Fort Lauderdale
#1. Enroll Your Kids At Camp Live Oak
Camp Live Oak works with Florida’s State Park System to offer enriching environmental experiences for kids and teens. We love teaching kids about South Florida ecosystems, but nothing ever feels like learning. Instead, it’s all about hands on interactions that fuel curiosity and get kids excited about learning. We offer a wide variety of activities including sports, science programs, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, paddle boarding, surfing and more!
Learn more about our unique summer camp programs here: https://www.campliveoakfl.com/our-activities/
#2. Spend A Day At The Beach
There are so many beautiful beaches in Fort Lauderdale to choose from, offering the perfect summer activity for kids and families. You don’t have to simply sit by the water’s edge. There are so many active things you can do at the beach. Bring along a picnic, or take a bike ride along the coast. Get creative and make a scavenger hunt for kids to participate in. You could actually hide things or make your life easier by having kids find things naturally found at the beach, like shells or a certain type of flower.
#3. Visit Butterfly World
Originally opened in 1988, Butterfly World is one of Fort Lauderdale’s most beautiful attractions. Located in Coconut Creek, the fabulous exhibit is filled with entertaining and educational materials both adults and children enjoy. Kids have a chance to submerge themselves amongst thousands of caterpillars and brightly colored butterflies. The property is also home to extensive gardens, a lovely pond, and a pavilion filled with exotic insects and butterflies from all around the world.
#4. Take A Tropical Adventure Cruise
Hop aboard the Tropical Adventure Cruise for some serious family fan in Fort Lauderdale this summer! Parents love soaking up sunshine on deck while kids go wild in the pirate lair. The boat has a massive bow where you can stand and admire pristine beaches and mangrove estuaries for miles.
#5. Say Hello To Gators At The Everglades Holiday Park
Gators are a part of living in Florida and The Everglades Holiday Park is all about the Florida lifestyle. Located just west of Fort Lauderdale, the park gives families the chance to meet gators face-to-face and is easily one of the most popular Everglades attractions. You’ll learn all kinds of things from the knowledgeable guides at the park as gators glide right up to your boat. The park is also home to a number of beautiful and vibrantly colored exotic birds. Kids have the chance to take photos with a baby alligator after their tour is complete.
#6. Spark Creativity At The Young At Art Museum
Located only a few miles west of Downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Young At Art Museum is a family favorite destination with countless hands-on activities for kids to participate in. Kids can play the drums in an African village or learn how to make origami art in the Global Village exhibit. There is always something new and exciting going on here. The museum is catered to keeping kids happily entertained, but it’s also focused on teaching kids new things and broadening worldviews, all while exercising artistic talents and important motor skills.
#7. Keep The Learning Going Strong At The Museum Of Discovery & Science
Fort Lauderdale’s Museum Of Discovery & Science brings science to life in ways the classroom cannot. The museum is largely focused on local environment, which makes science more relatable to locals. The Everglades Airboat Adventure display is a popular favorite that includes a real model of coral reef, sea creatures, tropical fish and an oak forest with air plants that can grow without soil. Plus, visitors can safely experience the force of a real hurricane without risking their life in the Storm Center.