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Fort Lauderdale offers a multitude of family-friendly activities. //© 2009 Greater Fort Lauderdale Conventions & Visitors Bureau |
When you think of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., you probably think of crazy college students on spring break. However, this oceanside town banned alcohol on its beaches years back, so the spring-break partiers have headed elsewhere, leaving room for families who are looking for great South Florida weather, spirited baseball and tons of beach activities. What’s more, Fort Lauderdale isn’t just about the beach: We were pleasantly surprised to find some fabulous tours, nature activities and family restaurants unlike any we’d seen elsewhere in our travels.
If you want to stay right on the beach, the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa is your best bet. Not only is it big and comfortable, but many of the rooms have spectacular ocean views. Best of all, the Marriott’s Beach Buddies program will entertain your little ones with crafts, beach games and dive-in movies while parents read their novels by the pool. For one of the best meals in Fort Lauderdale, don’t miss the seafood at the resort’s 3030 Ocean — and consider booking a sitter for the kids so you can enjoy some fine wine, too.
For a family-owned beachfront property, try the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, featuring a lazy river and veranda, complete with rocking chairs overlooking the beach. Kids will love the Emporium, and the on-site ice cream parlor, and parents will appreciate the in-room fridge and microwave.
If you’d rather spread out in a suite, consider Fort Lauderdale’s soon-to-open Homewood Suites by Hilton, a brand of suite hotels that caters to traveling executives and families alike. What’s great about Homewood is that everything is included: a full, hot Suite Start breakfast, Internet access and parking. The property is scheduled to open this fall.
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When you’re out and about, there is so much to do in this “Venice of America,” so-called because of its many canals. This city’s version of the popular Duck Tour is especially fun because it cruises the canals to check out fabulous mansions owned by Leonard Nimoy and the late Dave Thomas of fast-food-chain Wendy’s fame.
After the tour, you might want to hit the beach to cool off. Fort Lauderdale has some of the prettiest white-sand beaches in Florida, many with diving and snorkeling tours that the whole family will love. Like adventure? Try out the parasailing and banana boats at Aloha Water Sports, located on the beach at the Marriott.
Families shouldn’t miss the terrific family educational opportunities in Fort Lauderdale, either. My kids loved Butterfly World, home to 10,000 free-flying butterflies and birds, including many rare species. I couldn’t drag them away from Wannado City, a gigantic indoor theme park where kids can choose a “career” and try it out for 20 minutes. My girls experimented with gold mining, lawyering and news writing — and that was just the beginning. Also, the Museum of Discovery and Science has the largest coral reef in captivity, plus an 11,000-foot nature trail and a space exhibit.
If your family is into sports, be sure to attend a Florida Marlins game. The team is currently building a new stadium, but even the current one has great sight lines and loyal fans. Particularly active kids will get their wiggles out at Xtreme Indoor Karting, with a half-mile asphalt track and a huge arcade. Fort Lauderdale is also home to the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Check it out for great exhibits including famous African-American and female swimmers.
Where to Eat
Jaxson’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor: This place is the real deal — 53 years old and counting, with an old-fashioned, country store feel, some of the best ice cream in America and the biggest ice cream sundaes you’ve ever seen. Don’t miss “The Kitchen Sink” — a sundae served in one!
www.jaxsonsicecream.com
The Mai Kai: If you loved “Dirty Dancing,” your family will love the kitschy, fun Mai Kai, the biggest tiki hut you’ve ever seen. The dinner show featuring Polynesian dancers and giant pupu (appetizer) platters were a big hit with my clan.
www.maikai.com
Smith & Jones: A casual, rocking roadhouse bar and grill that is fun for all. Try the flatbread pizzas and barbecue, and enjoy the live music starting around 10 p.m. on weekends.
www.smithandjones.us
What to Do
Butterfly World
3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek
954-977-4400
www.butterflyworld.com
International Swimming Hall of Fame
One Hall of Fame Drive, Fort Lauderdale
954-462-6536
www.ishof.org
Museum of Discovery and Science
401 S.W. Second St., Fort Lauderdale
954-467-6637
www.mods.org
Wannado City
12801 W. Sunrise Blvd., Anchor D, Sunrise
888-926-6236
www.wannadocity.com
Xtreme Indoor Karting
5300 N. Powerline Road, Fort Lauderdale
954-491-6265
www.xtremeindoorkarting.com
Where to Stay
Homewood Suites by Hilton
2061 Griffin Road, Dania Beach
954-967-9063
www.homewoodsuites.com
Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale
800-222-6543
www.marriottharborbeach.com
Pelican Grand Beach Resort
2000 North Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
800-525-6232
www.pelicanbeach.com
When to Go
Folks in Fort Lauderdale will tell you that the best months are November through February. Beware of midsummer heat and the spring/summer rainy season.
Getting There
Fort Lauderdale is easily accessible from either the Fort Lauderdale or Miami airports.
