Spring in Fort Lauderdale is a magical time for families. The weather is warm (but not yet scorching), the school year is winding down, and kids are bursting with energy. Whether your toddler needs to burn off steam on a rainy afternoon or you’re looking for weekend adventures the whole family will love, this guide covers the best things to do with kids in Fort Lauderdale during April and May.
From indoor play spaces and interactive museums to outdoor parks and seasonal events, here’s your curated list of kids activities in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County to keep the fun going all spring long.
Indoor Activities for Kids: Perfect for Rainy Days in South Florida
April marks the beginning of South Florida’s rainy season, which means afternoon showers can derail outdoor plans in minutes. Smart parents always have a list of indoor activities for kids in Fort Lauderdale ready to go. Here are the best options:
Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces
Indoor playgrounds are a lifesaver for parents of toddlers and young children. They offer climate-controlled, safe environments where kids can run, climb, and explore without the risks of extreme heat or rain.
Kids Hideout in Fort Lauderdale is a boutique indoor playground designed specifically for babies, toddlers, and kids up to age 7. Our pretend play mini-city features a miniature grocery store, kitchen, vet clinic, fire station, camping area, and more — all designed to spark imagination and creative play. During April and May, we offer open play sessions throughout the week, plus special seasonal activities.
Interactive Museums
Fort Lauderdale has several kid-friendly museums that make learning feel like play:
- Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS): Interactive exhibits spanning the Everglades, space, and technology, plus an IMAX theater. Great for all ages.
- Young at Art Museum: Located in Plantation (Broward Mall), this museum features hands-on art experiences — painting, sculpture, digital art — designed for kids.
- NSU Art Museum: While geared toward older kids, they offer family programs and workshops during spring that engage younger visitors too.
Other Indoor Fun
- Sky Zone (Pompano Beach): Trampolines, foam pits, and toddler-friendly Sunday programs
- Monster Mini Golf: Glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf that kids love
- Local libraries: The Broward County Library system runs free storytime sessions, craft programs, and toddler music events throughout April and May
Outdoor Adventures for Families in April and May
When the weather cooperates, there’s no shortage of outdoor things to do with toddlers in Fort Lauderdale:
Parks and Playgrounds
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: Nature trails, a freshwater lagoon, and a beach — perfect for a family morning outing
- Holiday Park: A huge playground, walking paths, and the International Swimming Hall of Fame next door
- Quiet Waters Park (Deerfield Beach): Splash pads, a cable-ski lake, and shaded picnic areas
- Tree Tops Park (Davie): Nature trails, a playground, and a butterfly garden that toddlers love to explore
Splash Pads and Water Play
As temperatures climb in May, splash pads become every toddler’s favorite destination:
- Delevoe Park Splash Pad: Free and fun, right in Fort Lauderdale
- Pompano Beach Community Park: Splash pad with shade structures
- Coconut Creek’s Butterfly World area: Combine a splash pad visit with butterfly viewing
Beach Mornings
Fort Lauderdale Beach is best enjoyed with toddlers in the morning — before 11 AM, when the sand is cooler, the crowds are thinner, and the sun is less intense. Bring a pop-up shade tent, sand toys, and plenty of sunscreen for a perfect spring morning.
Seasonal Events and Activities in April and May
Spring is packed with family-friendly events in Broward County. Here are some to look out for:
- Earth Day celebrations (April 22): Many parks and nature centers host family events with planting activities, nature walks, and eco-friendly crafts
- Cinco de Mayo festivals (May 5): Family-friendly celebrations with music, food, and cultural activities
- Mother’s Day (May 11): Special brunch events, mom-and-me classes, and family outings make this a great weekend for quality time
- End-of-school-year celebrations: Many venues, including Kids Hideout, offer special programming as the school year wraps up
- Memorial Day weekend (late May): The unofficial start of summer — beach events, parades, and family activities throughout Broward
Classes and Programs for Toddlers This Spring
Looking for structured activities? Several options in Broward County offer enrichment classes for young children:
- LEGO Brick STEM classes at Kids Hideout: Our new hands-on LEGO building classes teach engineering and creativity through guided brick-building activities. Perfect for ages 3–7.
- Zumbini music classes: Fun music and movement sessions for toddlers and their caregivers
- Swim lessons: April and May are ideal for starting swim lessons before the summer pool season
- Art and craft classes: Young at Art Museum and local studios offer age-appropriate creative sessions
- Gymnastics and tumbling: Programs for toddlers build coordination and confidence
How Far Is It? A Driving Guide for Broward Families
Fort Lauderdale is central to Broward County, making it easy to reach from surrounding communities. Here’s a quick driving reference to Kids Hideout from nearby cities:
- From Pembroke Pines: 15–25 minutes
- From Coral Springs: 20–30 minutes
- From Plantation: 10–20 minutes
- From Boca Raton: 25–35 minutes
- From Hollywood: 10–15 minutes
- From Weston: 20–30 minutes
- From Davie/Cooper City: 15–20 minutes
- From Miami (Aventura/North Miami): 25–40 minutes
Planning Your Perfect Spring Day with Kids
Here are a few sample itineraries for families with toddlers this spring:
The Rainy Day Plan
Morning: Open play at Kids Hideout (1.5–2 hours of pretend play and exploration) → Lunch at a nearby family-friendly restaurant → Afternoon: Storytime at the Broward County Library or quiet time at home.
The Perfect Saturday
Morning: Beach time before 11 AM → Quick lunch → Afternoon: Indoor play at Kids Hideout (escape the midday heat) → Early dinner and family time.
The Active Explorer Day
Morning: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park nature walk → Lunch → Afternoon: Museum of Discovery and Science → Splash pad cool-down at Delevoe Park.
Visit Kids Hideout This Spring
Whether you’re looking for a reliable rainy-day option, a fun weekend outing, or a special class for your toddler, Kids Hideout is here for your family. Our indoor play space in Fort Lauderdale is open for open play, birthday parties, classes, and special events all spring long.
Check our schedule or call (754) 202-8332 to plan your visit. Walk-ins are welcome during open play hours!