Family events in Fort Lauderdale, FL

I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit celebrates biodiversity through the I Am Wild children’s book series and Harper’s distinctive style. Visitors move through the desert, rainforest, ocean, sky, woods, and city, each brought to life with vibrant portrayals of animals, insects, and birds. Hands-on experiences are featured throughout the galleries. In the Art Studio, guests can create pieces inspired by Harper’s approach to minimal realism. Interactive kiosks reimagine his well known habitat posters with multi sensory elements tailored to each environment. The Woodland Ball Run invites a hide and seek style challenge with forest creatures. The Canopy Calliope lets you compose a natural soundtrack using varied bird calls. The Be Wild Imagination Habitat encourages playful role play, whether embodying favorite animals or expressing a personal version of “wild” within Harper inspired settings. Admission to the museum includes access to this exhibit. Local presentation by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, with sponsorship provided by Florida Prepaid College Plans.

Piano firebrand Jefferson McDonald leads a tight band in a high octane showcase that races through blistering boogie-woogie, rock and roll favorites, and soul-stirring ballads. Expect flashy runs on the keys, driving rhythms, and lighthearted interaction with the audience. From foot-tappers to tender favorites, the set is family friendly and filled with irresistible grooves, nostalgic nods, and solos built to bring down the house. Arrive for the spark and stay for the blaze, a memorable evening of uplifting music and electric showmanship. Tickets must be purchased in advance. There will be no ticket sales at the door.

Viernes Musicales is a free Latin music concert series at Riverland Park that brings live bands, dance-ready rhythms, and a lively community vibe to the outdoors. Pack a chair or blanket, bring a few snacks, and invite family and friends to enjoy the show. This edition features Mikey’s Hotswing Latin Band, and the series continues on select Friday nights with performers such as Sabor Latino.

Spend the weekend at MODS diving into squishy science. Curious kids and the young at heart experiment with textures, mixtures, and reactions through playful, hands-on activities that embrace the mess. Stretch, swirl, and splat homemade slime, then peer at its secrets under a microscope. Meet live creatures that dig, crawl, and ooze their way through life, adding a wild twist to the experience. It is a full month of gooey exploration and animal encounters designed for all ages. Included with regular museum admission.

Drift across calm water by moonlight as the full moon lights your route on a nighttime kayak tour. Every outing feels different with the changing seasons and lunar phases, so no two paddles are the same. It suits a relaxing evening on the water as well as a memorable adventure with friends and family. Select tours align with lunar highlights such as the Blue Moon, Strawberry Moon, Supermoon, Sturgeon Moon, and Harvest Moon. Availability is limited, and advance reservations are recommended. Details about launch schedules, pricing, and booking will be shared for each outing.

The MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park offers ocean views and a relaxed seaside vibe while you explore a broad mix of homemade and handmade goods. Browse fresh produce and fruit, global flavors, made to order bites, and distinctive pieces to wear or use to refresh your home. Food and drink purveyors include Alex’s Food Shop, Coco Market, Cool Pineapple, Fresh Organics & More, JC Beans Cafe, Jamaica House Brand, Mukie The Muffin Cookie, Pepe’s Neapolitan Pizza, Saucy Lips Tacos, and Sweet Blendz Acai. Bath, body, and home creators feature Glass House Glassware, Handmade by Gachy, Picture Perfect Magnet Co, Pixel Print Studio, Readings by Joanne, Seascape Designs, Secret Glow Studio, and YH Pottery. Fashion finds come from 3rd Reef Line, Beuyancy, Elefante, Erena’s Closet, Eslee, Espíritu Libre Pasión, Goalden Swimwear, Linen by MIKO, Nane, OMA EM, Paz Y Luna, and YN Accessories. Jewelry options range from Axcessorybar, Bella’s Chakra Shop, Bella You, Ginger Brie, iWEAR …do you?, Petey’s Jewels, Selva & Co., Silver Edge Las Olas, and Silvia Iglesias Permanent Jewelry. The marketplace lineup changes regularly. For the latest vendor list, check the event’s Facebook page.

MODS hosts a monthly sensory friendly morning with free admission, opening the Museum early before regular hours and concluding with an IMAX film. Interactive activities throughout the Museum encourage social connection and help build sensory processing and regulation skills in a welcoming environment. Theater settings are adjusted for comfort... brighter lights, lower volume, all films shown in 2D and no trailers. Guests may move around, sing, dance and bring comfort items such as snacks, blankets and small personal belongings. Preregistration is required. Sponsored by ABA Centers of Florida and Fifth Third Bank. Film selections are subject to change.