We get this question almost every day at Kids Hideout: “What else should we do with the kids this weekend?” So we made this list — not from a Google search, but from what we actually recommend to the families who walk through our doors. These are the places we take our kids, the spots we send parents to when they ask, and the hidden gems that make Fort Lauderdale one of the best cities in Florida to raise a family.
Whether you are a local looking for fresh things to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids or visiting South Florida for the first time, this guide covers it all — organized by type so you can match your crew’s mood, your kids’ ages, and (let’s be real) whatever the weather decides to do today.
Indoor Play and Exploration
If you have lived in South Florida for more than one summer, you already know: indoor activities are not optional — they are survival. Between the July heat index that feels like 105 and the afternoon thunderstorms that roll in like clockwork from June through October, having a go-to list of indoor spots is non-negotiable.
Kids Hideout — Fort Lauderdale’s Boutique Indoor Playground
Okay, we are a little biased here — but hear us out. Kids Hideout is not your typical indoor play center. We built this space small on purpose. No towering structures with blind spots. No big kids running full speed past your crawling baby. No screens, no tablets, no arcade games — just beautifully designed pretend play stations where your child uses their imagination: a mini grocery store, a play kitchen, a salon, a dress-up corner.
Every surface is sanitized between sessions — we are talking barefoot-safe clean. Our team knows your child’s name by their second visit. And parents? You actually get to sit down. Grab a coffee. Breathe. Watch your little one explore without hovering, because the space is designed so you can see everything from anywhere. Babies under 1 play free, and we also host themed birthday parties, classes, and private playdates.
Parent hack: Weekday mornings are the sweet spot. You will practically have the place to yourself, and the babies love it when it is calm and quiet.
Museum of Discovery and Science
A Fort Lauderdale institution and one of the best family-friendly museums in Broward County. The Museum of Discovery and Science features interactive exhibits covering everything from space travel to Florida ecosystems. The STEAMtastic zone is perfect for toddlers who want to touch everything (because that is what toddlers do), while older kids gravitate toward the flight simulators and the IMAX theater. Budget a full morning — there is plenty to explore, and you will probably have to negotiate the exit.
Insider tip: Memberships pay for themselves in about two visits. If you are planning on going more than once this year, grab one.
NSU Art Museum
Do not overlook the NSU Art Museum on Las Olas Boulevard. They offer family-friendly programming and Sensory Saturdays for children on the autism spectrum — a thoughtful touch that not many museums provide. It is a wonderful way to expose kids to contemporary art in a welcoming, unpretentious environment. Even toddlers find things that catch their eye.
Outdoor Adventures
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
This 180-acre park sits between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean — and it honestly feels like a different world from the rest of Fort Lauderdale. You can kayak, paddleboard, bike the nature trails, or just let the kids run wild on the grassy picnic areas. It is one of the most beautiful green spaces in the city and a perfect half-day outing.
Real talk: Bring bug spray. The mosquitoes near the kayak launch are aggressive, especially after rain. And pack water — there is not much shade on some of the trails. Go early, before 10am, when it is cooler and the parking lot is still manageable.
Flamingo Gardens
Located in nearby Davie, Flamingo Gardens is home to a wildlife sanctuary with flamingos, alligators, otters, and a butterfly garden that toddlers absolutely lose their minds over. The tram ride through the tropical groves is a hit with kids of all ages, and the tree-top walkway gives you a unique perspective of the South Florida canopy.
Insider tip: Skip weekends if you can. Wednesday mornings are golden — fewer crowds, better animal sightings, and you will practically have the butterfly garden to yourself.
Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
The beach is the obvious choice — and for good reason. Fort Lauderdale Beach Park near Las Olas Boulevard has playground equipment, clean restrooms, shaded picnic areas, and gentle waves perfect for young swimmers. Arrive early on weekends to secure parking — by 10am on a Saturday, the lot fills up fast.
Parent hack: Beach mornings + indoor play afternoons is the ultimate Fort Lauderdale combo. Get your sun time before 11am, head home for lunch and nap, then hit Kids Hideout for open play when the afternoon heat kicks in. Trust us — this schedule has saved many a family weekend.
Water Fun Beyond the Beach
Splash Pads and Water Parks
Fort Lauderdale and surrounding Broward County towns have several free splash pads that are perfect for toddlers who are not quite ready for the pool. Plantation Central Park has a great one, and various city parks in Pembroke Pines and Miramar offer seasonal water play areas. For bigger kids looking for slides and lazy rivers, the region has multiple water park options within a short drive.
Best for: Ages 1-5 (splash pads), ages 5+ (water parks). Bring a change of clothes and a waterproof phone case. You have been warned.
Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi
The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi is both transportation and entertainment. Kids love riding the boat along the New River and Intracoastal Waterway while spotting mega-yachts and waterfront mansions. It is an easy, unique experience you will not find in most cities — and it doubles as a fun way to get to different restaurants and shops along the water.
The Rainy Day Rescue Plan
When those afternoon thunderstorms roll in (and they will, from May through October), having a backup plan is not optional — it is essential. Here are the best indoor activities for kids in Fort Lauderdale when the skies open up:
- Kids Hideout Open Play — Drop-in pretend play, no reservation needed. Climate-controlled, spotlessly clean, and designed for ages 0-8. This is our go-to recommendation for rainy afternoons because kids can burn energy through imaginative play without anyone going stir-crazy at home.
- Bowling — Several centers in Broward offer bumper bowling for little ones, including Bowlero locations in Davie and Hollywood. Most kids can start around age 3 with a ramp.
- Trampoline Parks — Sky Zone, Urban Air, and others offer bounce time for older kids (typically 4+). Fair warning: these places run loud and chaotic, which is either amazing or overwhelming depending on your child.
- Library Story Times — Broward County Library branches offer free story time sessions for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers throughout the week. Free, educational, and air-conditioned. What is not to love?
- Art Studios — Several paint-your-own pottery and art studios welcome families for drop-in creative sessions. Great for kids who like to make things they can take home.
Educational Experiences Worth the Drive
Butterfly World
Located in Coconut Creek (about 15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale), Butterfly World is the largest butterfly park in the world. Kids can walk through enclosed gardens surrounded by thousands of live butterflies, feed lorikeets right from their hands, and explore insect exhibits. It is genuinely magical for ages 2 and up — even the adults walk out smiling. Pro tip: wear bright colors and stay still. The butterflies will come to you.
Young At Art Museum
This children’s museum in Davie is entirely hands-on — every single exhibit is designed for kids to touch, build, and interact with. The Global Village section teaches cultural awareness through play, and the outdoor art garden is perfect for creative toddlers who like getting messy. If your child prefers making things over watching things, this is their spot.
Family Fun in Fort Lauderdale by Age
Not sure what fits your kid’s age? Here is our cheat sheet — tested on real Fort Lauderdale families (including our own).
Best for Babies and Toddlers (0-3)
- Kids Hideout open play (babies under 1 free)
- Library story times
- Splash pads
- Mommy and me classes
- Beach mornings (before 10am when it is cooler)
Best for Preschoolers (3-5)
- Kids Hideout pretend play
- Butterfly World
- Young At Art Museum
- Flamingo Gardens
- Museum of Discovery and Science (STEAMtastic zone)
Best for School-Age Kids (5-10)
- Museum of Discovery and Science (full exhibits + IMAX)
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park (kayaking, biking)
- Water Taxi tour
- Bowling and trampoline parks
- Birthday parties at Kids Hideout
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fort Lauderdale a good city for families with toddlers?
Absolutely. Fort Lauderdale has an excellent mix of outdoor spaces, family-friendly museums, and indoor play options that make it one of the best cities in South Florida for young families. The weather allows for year-round outdoor activities (with some air-conditioned breaks in summer), and the community is welcoming and family-oriented. Many parents tell us they chose Fort Lauderdale specifically because of the family infrastructure here.
What is the best indoor activity for kids on a rainy day in Fort Lauderdale?
For toddlers and young kids (ages 0-8), indoor playground open play at Kids Hideout is our top recommendation — it is drop-in, no reservation needed, and kids stay engaged for hours through pretend play. For older kids, the Museum of Discovery and Science and trampoline parks are excellent rainy day options. Broward County libraries also offer free story times that are perfect for babies and preschoolers.
Are there free things to do with kids in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes! Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is free (you just pay for parking), several city parks across Broward County have free splash pads, and Broward County Library branches offer free story time programs throughout the week. Babies under 1 also play free at Kids Hideout during open play sessions, making it an affordable option for families with infants.
Plan Your Fort Lauderdale Family Day
The best days in Fort Lauderdale with kids usually follow a simple formula: outdoor activity in the morning, indoor backup plan for the afternoon. Start at the beach or a park before 11am, grab lunch somewhere on Las Olas, then head to an indoor playground or museum when the heat (or rain) arrives. It sounds simple because it is — and it works every single time.
If you are looking for a space that keeps kids genuinely engaged for hours — while you actually get to sit down with a coffee and have a conversation — Kids Hideout’s open play is open throughout the week. No reservation needed. No screens. No chaos. Just a clean, intimate space where little ones explore, imagine, and grow — and parents find their village.
Kids Hideout is conveniently located in Fort Lauderdale, serving families from across South Florida — including Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, Plantation, Weston, Hollywood, Coral Springs, and Boca Raton. Check our open play schedule and start planning your next family day. And if you are also exploring birthday party ideas for 2026, we have you covered there too.