Best Places To Get Outdoors With The Family In South Florida
3600 W. Sample Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
(954) 977-4400
www.butterflyworld.com /a>
Tradewinds Park isn't your average state park, it's an adventure hiding in plain sight. For just a few dollars, you and your family can fish, play disc golf, ride a pony, see an international attraction, visit a farm and take a ride on a model steam train without ever leaving the premises. The major attraction is Butterfly World. This aviary, botanical garden and butterfly house is the perfect outdoor attraction for children looking to discover their environment and for parents looking for an educational opportunity. So load up the family van or SUV and make a day out of this one-of-a-kind outdoor attraction.
3750 S. Flamingo Road
Davie, FL 33330
(954) 473-2955
www.flamingogardens.org
If you and your family are rummaging about Broward County, looking for something interesting to do, head to a 60-acre botanical garden and mini-zoo. Flamingo Gardens is a top South Florida attraction north of Zoo Miami, making it an ideal location for North Miami and Broward County residents. Here you can see alligators, bobcats, panthers and, of course, flamingos. As you walk, you can also tour 3,000 species of tropical and native plants and feel like you've transported your family to an island paradise. Admission starts at just $18 for adults and $10 for children, so your family can explore a new world for an old fashioned price.
21940 Griffin Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33332
(954) 434-8111
www.evergladesholidaypark.com
While channel surfing, you may have come across the "Gator Boys" on Animal Planet, a group of ragtag Florida gator wrestlers who always have a wild time. Now you can give your family the opportunity to meet them at Everglades Holiday Park, where many of the reality show's episodes are filmed. Watch one of their live gator shows onsite or fulfill your need for speed with an airboat ride. Then finish off your day with a trip to the gift shop to get some tribal gear and a "Gator Boys" t-shirt. It's the best way to let the world know that you and your family took a walk on the wild side.
2600 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, FL 33022
(954) 921-3404
www.hollywoodfl.org
A day outdoors is made for the beach and the best beach for the family is Hollywood Beach. You can do the usual swim and sunbathe or you can rent one of the many transportation contraptions like the five-person family bike, the banana bike, rollerblades or trikes. Alternatively, the parents can stroll down the paved boardwalk overlooking the shore while the children frolic on the playground with built-in water spouts. If you get hungry, you don't have to leave to dine because there are Italian, Mediterranean and even ice cream options located up and down the boardwalk. It's your one-stop beach shop.
3400 N.E. 163rd St.
N. Miami, FL 33181
(305) 919-1846
www.friendsofoletariverstatepark.org
As with most of the items on this list, Oleta River State Park offers multiple outdoor options. Mountain bikers of all skill levels can take on 16 miles of intermediate, novice and paved trails and kayakers can explore its shores. Beachgoers can catch a little sun and campers can savor the night. It's truly the park for complete nature immersion, day and night.
