Kid-Friendly. Parent-Tolerable.
For the days when the family needs fresh air, movement, animals, action, and something a little more exciting than melting down in a restaurant. These spots cover everything from state parks and zoos to rodeos, piers, and full-blown adrenaline-fueled activities that let kids run wild while parents quietly wonder why they did not just stay by the pool. Expect sunshine, noise, sticky hands, gift shop extortion, and just enough wholesome fun to make the effort feel worth it.
Xtreme Action Park
Xtreme Action Park is the largest all age indoor entertainment complex in the US. Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida featuring a unique mix of indoor attractions including a Gas-Powered Go Kart Racetrack, Arcade Game Room, a Ropes Course Adventure, a Skating Rink, an all-American cafe, 6 Bowling Lanes, a full liquor Sports Bar, a Glow-in-the-Dark Laser Tag arena, Roller Skating Rink, Virtual Reality Games, Escape Rooms and a Hershey’s Shake Shoppe – ALL INDOORS.
Bergeron Rodeo Grounds
People may conjure the beach when they think of the Sunshine State, but much of Florida is cowboy country. Greater Fort Lauderdale is no different, and the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie play host to rodeos throughout the year. That includes rodeo shows as well as competitions such as the Southeastern Circuit Finals Rodeo in the winter. While you’re in Davie, stop by Round Up for line dancing classes.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a sight to see by day, but it’s a completely different experience by night. Join the park every month to welcome the full moon and see the mangroves come to life with nocturnal creatures.
Flamingo Gardens
Discover tropical gardens and majestic creatures at Flamingo Gardens in Davie, one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Florida, established in 1927. A sprawling 60 acres, the natural attraction features several gardens, including a butterfly and hummingbird garden, over 3,000 species of plants and trees, and animal exhibits, from the flamingo pond to the panther and bobcat habitats. Flamingo Garden hosts events, VIP tours, and exhibits throughout the year.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park protects the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States with more than 1.5 million acres of sawgrass prairies, pine rocklands, hardwood forest, and mangrove estuary leading to Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Established in 1947 as the first national park created for its biodiversity, Everglades National Park is home to many critically threatened and endangered species including the Florida panther, the American crocodile and the West Indian manatee. The park is also the main source of drinking water for residents of South Florida.
Pompano Beach Pier
This newly constructed fishing pier is one of a kind! It measures almost 900 feet in length with ability for patrons to sight-see and/or fish. The end of the pier is also built in the shape of a Pompano Fish.
Butterfly World
Butterfly World has been pleasing guests for over 30 years. Grab your camera and spend a few hours surrounded by beautiful butterflies. Fun for the whole family. Acres and acres of flying delights await you, from thousands of exotic butterflies to the world’s most amazing birds. Butterfly World is the first of its kind in the Western Hemisphere and the largest butterfly park in the world! They have also expanded to be home to the country’s largest free-flight hummingbird aviary!