When you start thinking "Florida Family Vacation", your mind typically goes straight to Orlando for theme parks or the Panhandle for beaches, right? But is that all there is to visiting Florida?
Today we're exploring the myriad of amazing family-friendly places and activities in South Florida, around the Ft Lauderdale and Miami area.
One of the first things to note about this area of Florida is the year-round warm weather. No matter when you visit, you'll enjoy spending the day at the beach and in the water - a huge perk the northern part of Florida cannot offer.
And speaking of spending time on the beach and in the water, the beaches of South Florida are a sand-lovers paradise. Each city down the coast meticulously maintains their portion of the beach, with morning tractor runs to comb the sand and clean up trash/debris and plenty of trash receptacles. Public parking is readily available near all the beaches and makes life super simple when you're bringing the entire crew! Check out this amazing splash pad for the kiddos to enjoy at Pompano Beach!
The beautiful beaches are just the beginning of an incredible South Florida Vacation. Let's take a look at some highlights to experience after you've soaked in the sun.
*Everglades Airboat Ride: A short drive from Ft Lauderdale or Miami, the Florida Everglades are an experience all their own. Bounding with unique creatures and a habitat found nowhere else, your family will love hopping aboard an airboat for a cruise around the waters and grasslands of the Everglades. You're almost certain to see alligators and crocodiles, as well as numerous bird and fish species. We personally recommend Wooten's Airboat Rides, where your airboat ticket also comes with admission to their animal sanctuary. Here you find alligators, reptiles, birds, turtles, and even lions!
*Butterfly World: Located in Coconut Creek, just a few minutes west of downtown Ft Lauderdale, this plant-filled oasis houses over 20,000 lives butterflies as well as hundreds of tropical birds. The kids will love the feed-the-lorikeet experience and be mesmerized by the free-flight aviaries where they can experience birds in their natural habitat.
*Museum of Discovery & Science: When it's time to let the kids be kids, or even escape a rainy day, make sure the Museum of Discovery & Science in Ft Lauderdale is on your list! This fully interactive experience is perfect for kids under 10. The exhibits and experiences are specifically designed to engage younger kids and teach them in a fun, hands-on way. From dinosaurs to space exploration and art to athletics, there's something for every kid...and parent!
*Deep Sea Fishing: To fully appreciate the Atlantic Ocean of South Florida, you really need to be "on" the water! There's no better way than a deep-sea fishing charter. The great things about fishing charters are that you don't need any experience or equipment! Just bring sunscreen, a hat, and some water and you're all set! Fishing charters are even great for smaller children too! Your captain will teach you everything you need to know to reel in some amazing fish and will even filet the catch at the end of the trip. To make the experience even more fun, there are many restaurants who will cook your catch for you! Just ask your captain for recommendations.
*The Mai Kai: The Mai Kai Polynesian Restaurant and Dinner Show is a true South Florida icon. Designated a National Historic Site, this tiki hut style building just underwent a full restoration. Nowhere else can you experience a true taste of Polynesia quite like the Mai Kai, complete with hula girls and fire dancing. Its popularity is evidenced by sellout shows every day of the week. Be sure to make your reservations early. This is one South Florida experience you don't want to miss!
*The Jungle Queen: From daytime sightseeing cruises to nightly dinner cruises, the Jungle Queen is one of the best ways to explore the intercoastal waterways of Ft Lauderdale. During the day, take the family for a 90-minute sightseeing cruise, or step it up in style with the nightly dinner cruise to a private island experience where you'll enjoy a great BBQ dinner. The legendary Jungle Queen is perfect for everyone in your family.
These are only a few of the many incredible ways to enjoy a South Florida vacation! A custom itinerary can be yours with a Landscape Travel vacation. in addition to activities, you'll enjoy incredible accommodations, easy flights right into Ft Lauderdale or Miami, premier dining recommendations, and more! Your 2025 South Florida vacation will be one you'll talk about for years to come!
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