Fort Lauderdale is packed with spots that turn ordinary weekends into epic family adventures, whether your crew craves outdoor exploring or hands-on indoor play. From lush nature escapes to creative play spaces and splashy beach playgrounds, there’s something to keep every kid busy and happy.
Let’s get to it.
Kids Hideout
If you want a place where kids run the show, Kids Hideout in Fort Lauderdale is the spot. This indoor mini-city is built for pretend play, with little shops, job stations, art corners, and sensory areas perfect for hands-on fun. It’s air-conditioned, so summer melt-downs are out of the question.
You’ll find friendly spaces for busy toddlers and quiet zones for kids who need a break. There’s even a bin for “dirty” toys and cozy corners for downtime. Open play is just $15 per child (free under age one), and you can come and go all day unless it’s crowded—then it’s a two-hour session. On Thursdays, there are classes geared toward 1- to 4-year-olds that cover music, movement, and preschool basics.
Staffers keep an eye on things during regular play, and hosts are available for private events. Parents can join the fun too—two adults per child get in with the drop-in pass. Everything is clean, colorful, and completely screen-free. You’ll also catch big themed events around holidays, so there’s always something new to explore.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
When your crew needs fresh air or you have a tiny animal enthusiast, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park delivers. You can sign up for live animal presentations led by Park Rangers, easy 1-2 mile nature walks, and Junior Ranger stations along the trails that sneak in lessons about ecology and wildlife. Drop-in journaling workshops pop up now and then, too.
The park features shaded, sandy paths, boardwalks through mangroves, plus an air-conditioned visitor center hosting more programs. Entrance fees are just a couple dollars per person or a max of six dollars per car, so it won’t break the bank. All guided activities are free, and Rangers are serious about safety. Trails are wheelchair-friendly and Rangers offer assistance if you need it.
Schools can book field trips with the “Birch Bus,” and the park even covers the bus fare. With that level of support, these outings are super affordable and educational. It’s a solid choice for families who want green spaces, easy learning opportunities, and a bit of adventure.
Secret Woods Nature Center
Right in Broward County, Secret Woods Nature Center offers a quick escape into Florida’s wild side. Interpretive trails wind through native hammock forest, and the indoor Monarch Interpretive Center provides air-conditioned exhibits when you need a break. It’s free to stroll the grounds, with a $5 fee for kids’ programs (exact change only).
You’ll see everyone from stroller-toting Nature Tots to kindergartners digging for fossils in activity zones. Scout troops compare raccoon track signs, families join guided walks, and there’s a butterfly garden to explore. Inside, you can peek at a working beehive or check out local Native American artifacts.
All trails are wheelchair accessible, restrooms are well marked, and Rangers are on hand to answer bug ID questions. Bikes and pets aren’t allowed, which keeps the environment calm and focused on nature discovery. If you’re looking for an easy, hands-on outdoor experience close to home, Secret Woods ticks all the boxes.
The Tree House Indoor Playground & Cafe
Over at The Tree House Indoor Playground & Cafe, 8,000 square feet are packed with play zones for every age. Crawlers enjoy Baby Jungle, while toddlers can run a pretend fire station or grocery store in a mini city. Older kids get a Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course, a zipline ball ride, and a multi-level structure with a double-roller slide. It’s all climate-controlled, so weather won’t spoil the fun.
Drop-in day passes cover two adults per child, and the tunnels are tall enough for parents to join in without getting stuck. For caregivers who need a break, there’s café seating and even massage chairs. The cafe is run by Doughfellas, so snacks and drinks are legit and not just an afterthought.
Staff members keep everything tidy and screen-free, and they host special events for birthdays or themed playdates. Whether the forecast calls for 98 degrees or pouring rain, this spot keeps kids busy and parents relaxed.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Stepping into Bonnet House Museum & Gardens feels like entering another era in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. This historic home turned museum has quirky indoor rooms and pretty courtyards, surrounded by 35 acres of tropical gardens that could have been pulled from Miami Vice. Self-guided tours are available for all ages. Kids under 5 get in free, adult tickets are $25, and youth tickets are $8. If you just want to wander the gardens, you pay less.
The place buzzes with art demos and craft tables. They even host time-travel escape games and scavenger hunts. On some days your little one can watch a ranger show off local wildlife. Guided tours cap at 12 people and run about 90 minutes. Toddlers might wander off so you may want to plan ahead. In summer they often let kids in free with an adult ticket on self-guided days.
Events change from STEM labs one day to pipe cleaner sculpture sessions the next. Trails are paved so you can stroll easily. Tip: wear closed-toe shoes and pack bug spray…this is South Florida after all.
Smoker Family Park
Hidden along the New River, Smoker Family Park offers a quaint green retreat in downtown Fort Lauderdale. It’s only 1.7 acres so you won’t get lost but you can definitely sneak in a morning jog or casual stroll. Outdoor fitness stations pop up under shady trees, and benches are placed for people-watching or river views.
Families and solo visitors both love this free spot. There’s no staff around so keep an eye on the kids if they’re running wild. Public art dots the park, including the bronze Seminole Girl statue that locals always stop to admire.
The gardens stay lush year-round, so whether it’s summer heat or winter breeze, you get greenery and river breezes. The layout is simple with paved paths, making it wheelchair and stroller friendly.
Riverfront seating areas are perfect for a quick break or a picnic lunch. Since parking is meter-based, plan ahead if you want a longer stay. Overall it’s a charming little park that feels laid-back but lively enough to make you stay a while.
Museum of Discovery and Science
When you step into the Museum of Discovery and Science, it’s hard not to get excited. This place is more than just exhibits. There’s a two-story net climber that kids love while adults catch a quick breather. Little explorers can head to Discovery Spot or try Small Fry Fish Camp with miniature fishing poles.
The star of the show is the 52-foot Great Gravity Clock standing tall in the atrium. It never fails to grab your attention. You’ll also find hands-on labs inside, and an outdoor science area where you can launch mini weather balloons or experiment with sound to build a violin-like instrument.
Depending on the day, you might see a holographic dinosaur in the HoloTheater or catch an IMAX film. Animal lovers can visit the live creature zones, and everyone seems to spend extra time at the LEGO stations and digital art displays.
It can get busy, so plan ahead if you’re coming with a group. Tickets aren’t cheap but memberships are worth it if you visit often and want unlimited fun.
Fort Lauderdale Beach Park’s Playground
Right by the sand, Fort Lauderdale Beach Park’s Playground nails that feel-good family vibe. This free play area sits just steps away from volleyball and basketball courts, so you can mix up beach time with swings, slides, and climbing frames. Toddlers and grade-schoolers both find something fun to conquer.
Lifeguards watch over the beach but at the playground adults are in charge. That means you’re on snack duty but also free to relax without staff crowding your space. Shaded picnic tables offer a spot to catch your breath…or wrestle with a coconut water and a sandwich covered in sand.
The playground is ADA accessible and the nearby showers are great for washing off sunscreen and grit. It’s open from sunrise to midnight, which is a blessing…and a test if you’ve ever tried to get a kid to leave after dark. Parking is metered and chair rentals cost extra, but the playground itself is always free.
Whether you’re burning off energy after breakfast or winding down at sunset, this playground keeps the beach spirit alive all year.
Dolphin World
If you’ve ever watched dolphins on TV and thought about meeting them up close, Dolphin World is your go-to. They arrange interactive dolphin encounters at marine parks around Florida and other vacation spots. Non-swim sessions let little ones or anyone who’s not ready to hit the water enjoy splashing in shallow pools and pose for photos.
As long as you’re 38 inches tall, you can hang out in waist-deep water with a dolphin buddy and learn how smart these creatures are. Trainers share tips about dolphin conservation and their playful personalities. If you’re over 52 inches tall and feeling adventurous, you can upgrade to a swim program. That means riding on a dolphin’s belly or holding its dorsal fin…it feels like the coolest ride ever.
Groups stay small so you won’t be bumping fins with strangers. Sessions run outdoors so pack sunblock and expect some crowds during peak seasons. Safety gear like life vests and lifeguards are always on hand, and trainers guide every step.
No special skills required… just bring your sense of humor, a paying adult if you’re under age, and a healthy respect for these amazing animals.
Flippo’s Fort Lauderdale
When local kids need to burn off energy and climb something way more fun than the couch, Flippo’s Fort Lauderdale delivers. This place takes the indoor playground idea up a notch with multi-level, air-conditioned play structures, twisty slides, a ropes course and a laser maze that has easy, medium and hard settings… because some kids treat playtime like a sport. There’s a soft-padded toddler zone for the littler ones who wobble more than walk. Older kids get a ball blaster arena, sports court, tons of climbing features and the Time Freak reflex game to really wear them out.
They group kids by age so the chaos stays manageable. Plus, their routine sanitation and safety barriers mean even the most cautious parents can relax. Adults are expected to join in the toddler area, so you’ll probably find yourself crawling through padded tunnels alongside other parents. If summer break rolls around, they offer full-day summer camps with science projects and supervision. It’s pay-to-play and you can add extras, but at least all the action stays indoors and under control.
Escapology Escape Rooms
For a team-building challenge that feels like a game night on steroids, Escapology Escape Rooms delivers. Groups of 2 to 8 people step into private, themed rooms—like Spooky Castle or Antidote—and race a 60-minute clock to solve puzzles and unlock the storyline. Each room is fully immersive, so you get real props and clever clues that actually make sense.
If you’ve got kids aged 7 to 14, the Kids Mode experience lets them tackle age-appropriate mysteries. Parents drop them off after signing a waiver, then the Game Master oversees the action via walkie-talkie. Booking in advance is a must, and rates start around $40 per child for Kids Mode.
The whole setup is safety-focused, so if someone needs to exit early, there’s a procedure in place. You’ll also get a personal Game Master who guides you with hints as needed. It’s a great pick for families or friends who love to puzzle out mysteries together in a private, stress-free setting.
