Central Broward
Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop & Thunderbird Drive In
Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop & Thunderbird Drive In has been a can't miss attraction in Fort Lauderdale since the early 1960s. The Swap Shop is located conveniently between I-95 and the Florida Turnpike right on a main road where it's ferris wheel and large sign can be seen. This 88 acres complex of shopping and entertainment is open 7 days a week 365 days a year. It operates one of the largest drive-in movie theaters in the world with 14 screens.
Funderdome
Hot outside or kids are looking for something new to do? Put your socks on and head over to the Funderdome in Fort Lauderdale. Parents are allowed to come along for free and children from toddler age and up can enjoy an active time in the cool a.c. The Toddler Zone is a brightly colored cushioned play land filled with vehicles, shapes and puzzles. It is specially designed to be safe for the littlest ones so no big kids are allowed. Parents need to be supervising just in case little ones need assistance.
Everglades Holiday Park
Everglades Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale, made famous by the Animal Planet show Gator Boys, offers fishing and airboat rides in the Everglades. The hour long Everglades tours allow you access to the river of grass filled with all sorts of wildlife. The informative tour guide takes a group out in their covered airboats every 20 minutes. Tickets must be purchased for anyone over the age of 3 but there is discounted pricing for children.
Museum of Discovery and Science
Fort Lauderdale's Museum of Discovery and Science is located in the heart of downtown off Las Olas and close to the picturesque Riverwalk area. When you come to MODS you can easily plan to spend the entire day. With two floors and an entire new wing full of scientific exploration for the entire family as well as an IMAX theater and onsite restaurants (Subway & Auntie Anne's Pretzels), you'll have no reason to leave! Parking for this attraction can be found on the surrounding streets' metered spots or at the adjacent parking garage.
Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex
The Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex is in a very picturesque spot surrounded by the ocean and the gorgeous Fort Lauderdale coastline with it's yachts and decadent condominium buildings. The center is just a couple of blocks south of the famed Las Olas Blvd squeezed between the intracoastal waters and the ocean. The Aquatic Complex is home to international swimming and diving competitions. Olympians frequent the pool. Please be aware that with over 100 swim events each year that the pool may be closed so call ahead.
Riverland Park
Riverland Park in Fort Lauderdale offers water fun and sports recreation. The park features a water playground or splash park for younger children as well as a lap pool which are open seasonally. Programming includes lessons, water aerobics and open swim. The almost 10 acre park includes a large Recreation Center which may be rented and reserved for a fee. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the walking/jogging trail, full court basketball and football/soccer field.
Joseph C. Carter Park
Joseph C. Carter Park is located just east of I-95 off the Sunrise Blvd exit on the south side of the road. This 21.6 acre Fort Lauderdale park has so much to offer. It is most popular for its large lighted athletic facilities for football, track, baseball, tennis, and basketball. J.C. Carter Park now has new pickle ball courts and raquetball to enjoy. There is an indoor gymnsasium, annex, social center, and recreation center. Families and groups can rent pavilions located throughout the park.
Secret Woods Nature Center
Secret Woods Nature Center in Dania Beach is a wonderful natural oasis in an urban area. The park and nature center were brought about through the efforts of local citizens wishing to preserve their "Secret Woods" from development. With the help of the Nature Conservancy and Broward County in the 1970s, the first nature center in the county was opened and the almost 57 acres of land were saved.
Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise
The Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise in Fort Lauderdale has been an iconic tour for decades. This classic Florida boat tour departs at 9:30 am and 1:30pm for sightseeing down the New River. The beutiful riverboat has restrooms and lawn chair seating for about 500. Take in the sights and relax as you watch the lavish homes and yachts roll past. Passengers are able to see a few Fort Lauderdale landmarks and see the Port Everglades cruise ships up close.
Bluefoot Pirate Adventure
Bluefoot Pirate Family Adventures anchored in Fort Lauderdale is a fun interactive pirate cruise for adults and children. The cruise takes you and your lil swashbuckler along the Fort Lauderdale waterways on a treasure hunt adventure. Learn pirate talk and ward off the attacks of rival pirates with water cannons. The cruise lasts for 90 minutes and sets sail daily. Before you set sail, kids can enjoy face painting and pirate slang.
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