As part of the Greater Miami area, the city of Fort Lauderdale is known nationwide for its beaches and golf courses, not to mention its shopping and dining scenes. But if you’re visiting with children, you might be looking for some activities especially suited to their interests. Here are some of our favorites.
Butterfly Park
The world’s largest butterfly park is located just half an hour from Fort Lauderdale. This living museum features more than 20,000 individual butterflies, as well as hundreds of exotic birds from around the world. A visit to the park is perfect for children, as they can learn about different animal species without getting bored.
Children can hand-feed the park’s lorikeets and explore botanical gardens with cascading waterfalls and plenty of photo opportunities. The park is open seven days a week. Adults can visit for $29.95, while children’s tickets only cost $21.95. Butterfly World is not just an entertainment enterprise, either; the organization contributes some of its profits to nature conservation.
Young at Art Museum
Visit this unique children’s art museum to give your kids something to remember. Most of the museum’s exhibits are interactive in nature so that children can approach the world of art in a non-threatening, engaging manner. Visitors can experience subway replicas, recreated cave environments, and hands-on puppet workshops all in one day.
The CultureScapes exhibit seeks to introduce children to diverse cultures from all over the world, as seen through the lens of their artwork. The museum also conducts art classes, art camps, and kids’ nights. Admission is just $14 for adults and children.
Bluefoot Pirate Adventures
Your kids can strap on an eyepatch and set sail with Bluefoot Pirate Adventures for a completely unique Fort Lauderdale activity. For just $25, children will learn to walk, talk, and dress like pirates during this one-hour adventure. While all children are sure to love the chance to swagger across the deck with a plastic sword or to pretend to fire the ship’s cannon props, they’ll also learn about history and ocean conservation.
Even parents might learn something about the Fort Lauderdale area as the Coast Guard-certified captain points out specific landmarks from the water.
Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre
Children with an artistic inclination are sure to love the extravagant productions at the Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre. The performances at the theater have won the Regional Broadway Award because of their impressive young actors and lavish production values.
Of course, children can do more than simply attend a play. The theater conducts classes to provide kids with formal theater training. No prior experience is required, and each class concludes with the chance to put on a performance for friends and family. The Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre also holds spring and summer camps.
Fort Lauderdale is a fantastic destination for the whole family. Whether you’re considering a relaxing day at the beach, a grand shopping extravaganza, or one of these unique kid-friendly attractions, you certainly won’t have a chance to get bored in this sunny city.
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