Fort Lauderdale in 3 Days for Families - Sand play at Fort Lauderdale Beach with lifeguards and nearby playgrounds
A relaxed, stroller- and kid-friendly 3-day plan for families visiting Fort Lauderdale in March. Short transfers, built-in nap/snack breaks, and attractions with clean facilities or family amenities. Pacing protects young kids from midday heat and long lines.
Highlights
- Sand play at Fort Lauderdale Beach with lifeguards and nearby playgrounds
- Hands-on Museum of Discovery and Science with IMAX (great for ages 2–12)
- Shady strolls and wildlife viewing at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Flamingo Gardens
- Family-friendly waterfront dining on Las Olas and kid-approved seafood at Coconuts
Itinerary
Day 1
Beach morning, relaxed lunch by the water, garden exploration at a historic house, and an easy Riverwalk stroll to finish.
Morning play at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
Shallow water, lifeguarded swimming area, public restrooms and nearby playground — ideal first stop to let kids run off travel energy.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller hack: park and walk the wide paved promenade instead of the sand until the kids are ready — the promenade is shaded in spots and smoother for wheels.
- Facilities: public restrooms and changing tables are near the main entrance; arrive before 10:30 AM to snag shade and avoid the warmest sun.
- Safety: use reef-safe sunscreen and a pop-up sun shelter for toddlers; lifeguards monitor common family swim areas (look for the lifeguard stands).
Sweet treat break — Kilwins on Las Olas
Kid-friendly ice cream and candy counter on Las Olas Boulevard; quick sugar boost before lunch and near stroller-friendly sidewalks.
Tips from local experts:
- Quick service: order single scoops or kid cones to avoid sugar overload; seating is limited — take ice cream to nearby shaded benches.
- Allergies: Kilwins offers many chocolate/nut items; ask staff to rinse scoopers for dairy-free or allergy-sensitive requests.
- Stroller note: Las Olas sidewalks are wide here; park strollers against the building while you step inside to order.
Family lunch with waterfront views at Coconuts
Casual, waterfront restaurant with a kids' friendly menu and high chairs. Relaxed pace for families; watch boats while you eat.
Tips from local experts:
- Seating: request a booth or courtyard table for kids; ask for a high chair when you book or arrive early.
- Menu: seafood-forward but staff are used to families — they can simplify dishes for picky eaters and accommodate basic allergies.
- Timing: aim for an early lunch (12:00) to avoid crowds and shorter wait times; bring a small toy or coloring sheet for wait time.
Afternoon walk and gardens at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Historic house with wide garden paths, coastal forest and art to explore — quiet, shady, and a good wind-down after the beach.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller route: stick to the main garden paths which are the smoothest; the historic house interior has some narrower areas—baby carriers can help inside.
- Facilities: restrooms and shaded benches are located around the grounds; take a slow loop so toddlers can nap in the stroller if needed.
- Engage kids: look for the family scavenger-note suggestions at the visitor desk (ask for a short kid-friendly map).
Easy Riverwalk stroll and playground time
Gentle riverside walk with green space and playground options; a calm end to the day with views of the New River and boats.
Tips from local experts:
- Short walks: pick a 20–30 minute out-and-back to avoid over-tiring youngsters — there are benches every few blocks for snack and water breaks.
- Bathrooms: Riverwalk area has family restrooms near the park centers — plan a stop before an outdoor snack.
- Quiet time: this late-afternoon stretch is usually less crowded than midday; bring a lightweight blanket for a snack or short rest.
Early family dinner — Gilbert's 17th Street Grill (casual)
Casual, family-oriented diner-style spot with kids' options and quick service — good for an early dinner and minimal waiting.
Tips from local experts:
- Kid menus & high chairs: ask for the kids' menu and a booster or high chair on arrival; portions are generous and familiar for picky eaters.
- Allergy flexibility: staff are experienced with simple substitutions; speak with the server about any allergies.
- Timing: an early dinner (around 18:15) reduces wait time and gets kids to bedtime earlier after a full day.
Day 2
Interactive science morning with IMAX, followed by a quiet afternoon at a shaded wildlife garden and a relaxed Las Olas evening.
Museum of Discovery and Science — hands-on exhibits + IMAX
Interactive exhibits for toddlers to pre-teens, simulated Everglades displays and an IMAX theater for a big-screen nature film — great for rainy or hot afternoons.
Tips from local experts:
- Ages: best for ages 2–12; toddlers have a soft-play area while older kids enjoy hands-on STEM exhibits.
- Stroller note: wide exhibit pathways are stroller-friendly but stroller parking can be crowded — a small foldable stroller or baby carrier helps inside IMAX.
- Plan: book IMAX showtimes in advance; arrive 15 minutes early to find family seating and use nearby family restrooms for quick changes.
Lunch and quiet break at the museum café
On-site café with kid-friendly sandwiches and snack options — a short, contained meal time helps preserve energy before the afternoon drive.
Tips from local experts:
- Convenience: museum café offers quick kid portions; dining here avoids another transfer during nap windows.
- Allergy awareness: museum staff can advise on ingredient lists — mention allergies when ordering.
- Nap buffer: plan a 30–45 minute quiet downtime after lunch for a stroller nap before heading out to Flamingo Gardens.
Afternoon wildlife & gardens at Flamingo Gardens (Davie)
Botanical gardens, a wildlife sanctuary and walkable shaded trails with flamingos and native animals — excellent for animal-loving kids.
Tips from local experts:
- Driving time: Flamingo Gardens is ~25–30 minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale — pack water, sun hats and a stroller cover for the drive.
- Facilities: accessible paved paths and shaded benches make it toddler- and stroller-friendly; family restrooms and a baby-changing station are available.
- Timing: late afternoon visits often mean cooler temps and more active animals; check feeding talk times at the front desk for kid-friendly programming.
Early evening stroll and dinner options on Las Olas Boulevard
Las Olas offers many family-friendly restaurants and wide sidewalks for strollers — choose a casual spot with a kids' menu and outdoor seating.
Tips from local experts:
- Choice: pick a restaurant with outdoor seating and a kids' menu; many spots on Las Olas will seat families early (by 17:45) to avoid crowds.
- Short walks: Las Olas sidewalks are stroller-friendly — use them for a brief post-dinner walk to stretch before bedtime.
- Convenience: many restaurants will adapt portions for allergies or picky eaters — call ahead to request a high chair if you need one.
Day 3
A leafy park morning with boardwalks, a gentle water taxi ride to see the canals, a Las Olas lunch, then a colorful visit to Butterfly World if energy allows.
Morning in nature at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Shady coastal hammock trails, a paved multi-use trail for stroller walks and short nature loops — great for birdwatching and a picnic.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller-friendly: the main paved trail and boardwalks are stroller-friendly; avoid narrow sandy side trails if using a large stroller.
- Facilities: there are restrooms and picnic tables near the parking/entrance; bring sunscreen and refillable water bottles.
- Pacing: a 2-hour loop gives time for a short picnic, bathroom breaks and a quiet stroller nap before the water taxi.
Family-friendly Water Taxi ride to see canals and boats
A relaxing boat hop that gives a unique view of Fort Lauderdale’s ‘Venice of America’ canals — short rides let kids watch yachts and marine life.
Tips from local experts:
- Boarding: arrive 15 minutes early to secure seating in the covered cabin for younger children; life jackets are available for small kids if requested.
- Sensory: the boat is outdoors and breezy — bring a light jacket for toddlers and sun protection for peak sunshine.
- Stress-free: choose a short route segment (30–60 minutes) rather than a full-day hop to avoid overstimulation for younger kids.
Lunch and stroll on Las Olas Boulevard (easy choices for kids)
A pedestrian-friendly stretch with multiple family-friendly cafés and pizzerias — choose a spot with high chairs and flexible menu options.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick a place with fast service to suit short attention spans; many cafés on Las Olas will have children’s meals and boosters.
- Shaded seating: opt for shaded outdoor seating so kids can people-watch while staying cool; use nearby restrooms for quick changes.
- Pacing: keep lunch to 60–75 minutes, then plan a low-key activity or nap in the stroller to wind down the trip.
Afternoon visit to Butterfly World (Coconut Creek) — colorful, slow-paced wrap-up
A calm, shaded aviary-style experience where kids can see butterflies up close — a sensory-friendly finale for many children.
Tips from local experts:
- Drive time: Butterfly World is ~25–40 minutes from central Fort Lauderdale — plan the visit only if the family still has energy for the short drive.
- Stroller note: paths are wide and paved through the exhibits; the environment is calm and a good place for quieter kids or a final stroller nap.
- Facilities: family restrooms and snack kiosks are available; bringing a light stroller blanket helps little ones nap during the drive home.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 14 |
| Total Places | 14 |
| Activities Types | Outdoor, Restaurant, Culture, Neighborhood, Attraction, Meal, Experience |
