Fort Lauderdale, Florida

We first started visiting Fort Lauderdale, Florida when our oldest was a baby and we wanted somewhere warm to visit that had a direct flight from our home airport. Since then, we have been back almost once a year. Normally we visit when it’s cold at home and we need to escape to a warmer climate. We have visited in the summer once or twice and enjoyed our time then as well. After almost a decade of visiting we have some suggestions on family friendly things to do in the area that aren’t just playing on the beach. 

If you have elementary school aged kids or younger The Museum of Discovery and Science is a must. You can purchase your tickets ahead of time online to save time when you arrive. My kids especially enjoyed “digging” for dinosaur bones, the lego table, as well as making digital dinosaurs and paper airplanes. If it’s nice out, after exploring the museum be sure to check out the playground. 

Every time we visit, we make sure to walk along “The Strip.” This is a beachfront promenade next to the beach with several restaurants and shops. After walking a mile or so we usually stop at Starbucks for treats.Then, the kids play at one of the playgrounds before heading back to our resort. 

An alternative to walking the promenade is The Riverwalk around the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. If you are lucky you can catch an event happening while you stroll around the river. We have been to the Stone Crab & Seafood Festival multiple times and have loved it! 

Do you have any must do’s in Fort Lauderdale?