Fort Lauderdale Spring Break for Families: Beaches, Eats, and Kid-Friendly Fun

After living in South Florida for decades, some of my best memories with my kids have been our staycations in and around Fort Lauderdale. The coastal city used to have a wild Spring Break reputation, but it’s actually a great destination for families. Fort Lauderdale has all the ingredients for a family getaway: beaches, museums, parks, and lots of casual dining options. 

If you’re looking to make Spring Break plans, this curated guide is your go-to resource for planning an epic, kid-approved vacation in Fort Lauderdale. From beach days and museum visits to segway tours to airboat rides, there’s something for everyone to have the time of their lives.

While Fort Lauderdale has several great neighborhoods, if you’re traveling with the family, I always recommend staying right on the beach. One of my personal favorites is Beach House Fort Lauderdale. The resort just wrapped up a massive top-to-bottom renovation, and the glow-up is impressive: all 375 rooms have been converted into spacious suites that look right out over the Atlantic.

For families, these suites are a total game-changer. They range from 1 to 3 bedrooms and include full kitchens and balconies. Having a kitchen can save some money, too. You can stock the fridge with snacks and prep your own meals, or if the kids are too wiped out for a restaurant, you can order room service and eat together comfortably at your own dining table.

The resort’s location is also hard to beat. You’re directly across the street from Fort Lauderdale beach, and the resort fee covers your beach chairs and umbrellas. If you’re feeling more like a “pool day” person, the deck has a heated pool, a jacuzzi, and private cabanas. Tip: If you’re traveling with little ones and want to be steps away from the water, ask for a suite on the 6th floor, which gives you the easiest access to the pool area.

And if you need a break while the kids burn off some energy, the resort partners with Funky Fish Ocean Camp. It’s an interactive day program for kids ages 4 to 17 where local experts lead them through snorkeling, boogie boarding, and even oceanography lessons. You can just grab a daily pass and let them have an adventure while you catch your breath.

Fort Lauderdale boasts miles of beaches, but the star of the show is Fort Lauderdale Beach, which is always buzzing with activity. It’s the perfect spot to set up camp with beach chairs and umbrellas for a full day on the sand. If you have older kids or teens, there are local vendors offering jet ski rentals and parasailing, along with private boat tours the whole family can enjoy together. 

For something a little less crowded, head to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park on the south end of Fort Lauderdale Beach. This beloved local spot for families includes picnic tables, restrooms, and a playground. The shallow waters near the shore are great for little ones to splash safely. If you have a car, it’s worth it to venture out to Pompano Beach, about 20 minutes north of Fort Lauderdale Beach. The area has a completely different energy, centered around the impressive 900 ft Fisher Family Pier. After you’ve finished on the sand, head to the adjacent Beach Fishing Village. It’s a walkable hub perfect for a post-beach meal. Grab “handheld” favorites like conch fritters and coconut shrimp at Lucky Fish Beach Bar, or cool down with ice cream cones from Kilwin’s.

Fort Lauderdale also features miles of waterways (which have earned it the nickname, the “Venice of America”), and one way to see the city is to board the free LauderGo! Water Trolley. This trolley runs 7 days a week from 10 am to 10 pm and serves as a hop-on, hop-off tour, cruising through the intercoastal waterways, past mega-yachts and stunning mansions. My kids loved the open-air ride, and it’s a practical way to reach the many public parks along the route. 

For another authentic Florida adventure, head to Everglades Holiday Park, 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale. The park offers gator shows and animal encounters, and most importantly, boat rides, which are an exhilarating way to spot alligators, turtles, and various bird species in their natural habitat. 

If you’re traveling with teens or tweens, I highly recommend a Segway tour of the city, which my kids recently enjoyed. Great for an early morning activity, the rides include an engaging history lesson about Fort Lauderdale. 

Fort Lauderdale Beach offers lots of family-friendly dining options with views of the water. Some of my go-to spots are S3 (Sun, Sand and Surf), which offers a huge sushi and seafood menu. Lona Cocina & Tequileria has a fantastic bottomless brunch menu on the weekend, and for kid-approved casual bites like burgers, tacos, or pizza, head to 411 Bar & Grill. 

If you’re exploring Downtown Fort Lauderdale, fuel up before your museum stops at Cafe Bastille, a cozy eatery with decadent pancakes and waffles on the breakfast menu. When lunch rolls around, I recommend the tacos at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila or Coyo Taco. We like to order a few different kinds and swap among the table. 

For restaurants with views of the Intracoastal, Coconuts is a local legend, and the lobster rolls are a must. Another great place is 15th Street Fisheries at the historic Lauderdale Marina. While the upstairs dining room leans toward the fancier side, the dockside seating is perfect for families; you can enjoy casual bites like conch fritters and fried grouper sandwiches while watching the massive tarpon gather below. And if you’re looking for that classic “yacht-watching” experience, head to Shooters Waterfront. It’s the perfect spot to grab a table by the water, order some sushi or flatbreads, and watch the parade of boats.