Venues

Long ago, the area covered by the over 164 acres of the Long Key Natural Area was inhabited by an ancient tribe of Native Americans called the Tequesta.  It was later home to the Seminole Indians.  Operated by Broward County in the area of Davie, this nature center is home to a wonderful exhibit hall, interactive classroom, banquet hall, theater and trails.  Long Key is open from 9am to 5 pm daily.  

Charnow Park on Hollywood Beach is located just north of Hollywood Blvd along the shore.  This beachfront park is part of the wonderful Hollywood Beach broadwalk popular among locals and tourists alike.  Children can get the best of both worlds by visiting Charnow  Park.  They can play in the waves and sand or come over to the park and play in the fresh water splash park amongst the tiled dolphins!  When they dry off they can play on the playground equipment.

Anne Kolb Nature Center and West Lake Park are located in southern Broward in the town of Hollywood on the north and south side of Sheridan Street. This popular nature center features trails, amphitheater, exhibits and a 68-foot observation tower. The exhibit hall has an entrance fee but the trails around the nature center are free. The trails include a fishing trail (catch & release is encouraged and a permit required), the Mudflat Trail, the South Trail (gravel) and the Lake Trail.

Deerfield Beach is a municipality in North Broward located just south of Boca Raton alongside the Atlantic Ocean.  The city has an award-winning mile long stretch of beach that is guarded daily from 9 to 5 from 9 life-guard stations.  Recreational activities such as surfing and volleyball take place north of the pier.  The International Fishing Pier is a gorgeous recently renovated board walk pier.  The pier shop rents fishing rods, stocks live, fresh and frozen bait,tackle, fishing accessories, ice and t-shirts.

Hollywood North Beach Park is located at Sheridan and A1A (North Ocean Drive) in Broward County.   This popular 56-acre park features over a mile of shoreline to enjoy on the Atlantic Ocean, a 60-ft observation tower, pier fishing on the Intracoastal, Turtle Cafe with beachside refreshments and a handicap accessible raised boardwalk.  The park has several picnic areas with grills and tables all available on the Intracoastal side of the park in the Leatherback, Green, Kemp's Riley, and Hawksbill pocket parks.

Take a break from the city and enjoy a day in a quiet natural oasis.  Hugh Taylor Birch State Park lies between the intracoastal and the Atlantic Ocean off Sunrise Blvd.  This small state park allows you to wander among the tropical hammocks, paddle your canoe or kayak into the moat within the park, and go for a swim at the guarded beach.  The park's access to the beach is via a pedestrian tunnel under A1A.  If you prefer a quieter more natural experience over the busier Ft.

Community Park Wellington, located at South Shore Boulevard just after Pierson Road, offers relaxation and fun to both the old and the young in the family.

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, formerly, John U. Lloyd is a Florida state park open 365 days a year located in Dania Beach.  The park offers access to a beautiful beach front with over 2-miles of shoreline.  You can spend the day swimming, snorkeling, surf fishing, or doing shore dives in your scuba gear.  There are about 300 picnic areas for free use if they are available.

Brian Picolo Park & Velodrome was named after a local Ft. Lauderdale kid who made pro with the NFL.  Brian Piccolo was a player for the Chicago Bears after getting his fundamentals playing in Ft. Lauderdale as a youth, this park is his local legacy.

Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, commonly referred to as "TY Park", is a 138+-acre park in Hollywood that means "gathering place" in the native Seminole language.   TY Park has many amenities including picnic shelters, a Fitness Zone, playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, and volleyball.  A two-mile loop of paved pathways around the park are perfect for walking, jogging, skating, and biking.