Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Activities

This page is arranged by category of activities available in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. You may click on the category here, or just scroll down through the page:

• Ways to Play
• Water Tours
• Sports
• Arts & Entertainment

All phone numbers listed have a 954 area code unless otherwise noted. Rates and Information subject to change without notice. Please contact individual facilities for current information.

Ways to Play

Anne Kolb Nature Center and Marina- Experience the 1500+ acre, newly-designed wetland mangrove forest habitat for ibis and heron, just minutes from the beach. Narrated boat tours, five story observatory tower, nature, canoe and bicycle trails, Intracoastal fishing pier and environmental exhibits. 

Location: West Lake Park, 750 Sheridan Street, Hollywood
Telephone: 929-5355
Hours: Mon-Sat, 8 am - 6 pm, including holidays.

Blockbuster Golf and Games- Video and virtual reality games, toddler's maze, an 80-tee driving range, miniature golf, batting cages and bumper boats entertain all the family. 

Location: I-595 and N.W, 136th Avenue, Sunrise
Telephone: 846-7650

Bonnet House- Swans, orchids and monkeys inhabit this handsome 35-acre, historic, seaside estate built in 1926 between the sea and a small lake. It houses antique family furnishings and paintings by the home's artist-owners. 

Location: 900 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 563-5393
Hours: Tours Wed-Fri, 10 am & 1 pm; Sat-Sun, 1 pm & 2 pm.

Buehler Plantation- Laser light shows feature hot, contemporary music groups and you can get eye-to-eye with a star at this astronomy center. 

Location: Broward Community College Campus, 3501 S.W. Davie Road, Davie
Telephone: 475-6680
Shows: Sat-Sun, 1:30 pm & 3 pm; Mon-Fri, 7pm, 8:15 pm, 9:30 pm, 10:45 pm, midnight.

Butterfly World/Tradewinds Park- Thousands of the rainbow-hued butterflies dwell in three acres of waterfalls, orchids, roses and tropical gardens that are also home to fish, birds, an insectarium, butterfly farm and outdoor cafe. 

Location: 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek
Telephone: 977-4400
Hours: Mon-Sat, 9 am - 5 pm; Sun, 1 - 5 pm.

Everglades Holiday Park- Roar across the Everglades in a jet-engine airboat, visit alligators and birds, go fishing, camping, picnicking or rent a boat at this gateway to 750,000 acres of Everglades.

Location: 21940 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 433-8111
Hours: Daily 9 am - 5 pm
Air Boat Tours

Flamingo Gardens and Arboretum- Take a tram ride across 60 acres of citrus groves that are home to a subtopical forest and botanical gardens, a free-flight Aviary and Bird of Prey Exhibit, antique homestead, alligators, flamingos and a variety of flora and fauna. 

Location: 3750 Flamingo Road, Davie
Telephone: 473-2955
Hours: Daily 9 am - 5 pm.

Grand Prix Race-o-rama/Golf-o-rama- Go-cart racing is the rage at this amusement park, which also has bumper cars, mini-golf, batting cages, Naskart racing and a wild, bungee-like Sky Coaster ride. Video arcades open 24 hours.

Location: 1801 N.W. 1st Street, Dania
Telephone: 921-1411
Hours: Daily 10 am - Midnight

International Swimming Hall of Fame Aquatic Complex- This huge swimming and diving facility is opend daily for lap swimming and water aerobics and hosts national and international aquatic competitions. A museum chronicles the feats of famous swimmer from Johnny "Tarzan" Weissmuller to Esther Williams and Greg Louganis. 

Location: 501 Seabreeze Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 468-1580
Hours: Daily 8 am - 4 pm, Mon-Fri also 6 pm - 8 pm (except during events.)

Las Olas Horse and Carriage Hourse- Clip-clop under the gaslights of Las Olas Boulevard and through the city's historic areas aboard a shiny surrey with top-hatted driver.

Location: Carriage Stand at S.E. 8th Avenue and E. Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 763-7393, Driver's beeper 357-1950
Hours: Tues-Sun, from 7 pm.

Mai Kai Polynesian Revue- Flickering tiki torches, thundering drums, tinkling waterfalls, a jungle of greenery and swaying dancers authentically recreate a Polynesian village at this unusual dining and entertainment spot. Polynesian children perform in a special Sunday evening show June - September. S

Location: 3599 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 563-3272
Hours: Daily 5 pm - Midnight, shows at 7:30 pm and 10 pm

Museum of Disvovery and Science/Blockbuster Imax Theater- Dynamic, hands-on exhibits whir and crackle, a go-wild play area lures toddlers and a five-story-high Imax theater puts you in the center of the action at this brand new museum. 

Location: 401 S.W. 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 467-6637 or 463-IMAX
Hours: Mon-Sat, 10 am - 5 pm; Sun, noon - 5 pm

Riverwalk- Downtown Fort Lauderdale's new linear park along the banks of the historic New River is a study in landscaped paths, engraved brick walkways, yachts and an antique clock. It wanders through a historic district lined with cafes and tiny boutiques. Admission is free. Buy an engraved walkway brick at 468-1541.

Location: 7th Avenue to S.W. 2nd Avenue

Sawgrass Mills- World's largest discount outlet mall with 250 stores, including Sak's Clearinghouse, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Emanuel Ungaro, Barney's NY, Levi's Outlet, Mikasa and Spiegel Outlet.

Location: W. Sunrise Bouleveard at Flamingo Road, Sunrise
Telephone: 846-2300
Hours: Mon-Sat, 10 am - 9:30 pm; Sun, 11 am - 6 pm

Sawgrass Recreation Park- Go eye-to-eye withan alligator, visit an 18th century Indian village, roar around the marshes in an airboat, go camping, fishing and boating at this park in the Everglades.

Location: Highway 27, two miles north of I-75
Telephone: 389-0202 or (800)457-0788
Hours: Daily 9:30 am - 5 pm

Seminole Indian Bingo and Casino- You can win $200,000 at this big bingo game where cards come in $20, $30 and $40 packages. A casino offers poker games and video pull-tab machines.

Location: 4150 N. State Road 7, Hollywood
Telephone: 961-3220
Hours: Open 7 days. Bingo from 11:15 am - 10:45 pm, poker casino 24 hours.

South Florida Trolley Tours- Hear the highlight of regional history aboard a clanging, San Francisco-style trolley that toots around historic streets and along the seaside. Days and hours vary.

Location: 806 S. Military Trail, Deerfield Beach
Telephone: 429-3100

Stranahan House- This tiny, beautiful restored, turn-of-the-century, riverside home of Fort Lauderdale's founder is the oldest residence in Fort Lauderdale and is furnished in period antiques. 

Location: 335 E. Las Olas Blvd. (at S.E. 6th Avenue) Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 524-4736
Hours: Wed-Sat, 10 am - 4 pm; Sun, 1 pm - 4 pm

Swap Shop- 80-acre, indoor/outdoor entertainment complex. 

Location: 3501 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 791-7927 Hours: Open daily.

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Water Tours

Carrie B. Sightseeing Tour- 1 1/2 hour sightseeing cruise of the New River, Intracoastal Waterway and Port Everglades. 

Location: Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: Daily 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm

Club Nautico Boat Rentals- Sail the region's 300 miles of waterway son your own, aboard a rental power boat.

Location: Fort Lauderdale, 523-0033; Pompano Beach, 943-3270; Boca Raton/Deerfield Beach, 421-4628.

Discovery Cruise Line- This large cruise ship sails on one-day trips to Freeport, as well as day and evening cruises to nowhere, with on-board casinos, buffet meals, cabaret show and disco.

Location: Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 525-7800 or (800)937-4477

Hollywood Casino Cruises- Entertainment and gaming aboard a new, luxury casino yacht cruise, departing from Marha's restaurant.

Location: Martha's Restaurant, Hollywood
Telephone: 929-3800

Jungle Queen- Step back into history aboard this sternwheeler that cruises the Intracoastal and New River on day and evening sightseeing cruises. A barbecue and shrimp dinner cruise features an amusing Vaudeville show and singalong. 

Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach
Telephone: 462-5596
Hours: Departs nightly 7 pm. Narrated sight-seeing cruises 10 am, 2 pm.

Moby Duck land and Sea Tours- New, 70-minute narrated sightseeing tour aboard amphibious vessel. Daily tours of beach and Intracoastal. 

Location: Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 777-DUCK
Hours: Daily 9 am - 4:30 pm

SeaEscape- Escape for the day or evening aboard a SeaEscape cruise ship that sails to the Bahamas or out into the Atlantic for a sampler cruise to nowhere or Sunday brunch trip.

Location: Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: (800)327-2005 or 925-9700

Tidewater Tours- Less than one mile from the beach, explore West Lake Park's sensitive tidal ecology - fish, wading birds, crustaceans - aboard narrated boat tours, while flocks of white ibis and herons fly over the mangroves.

Location: Hollywood
Telephone: 929-5355

Vegas Express- Roulette wheels spin and cards fly on these five and six hour cruises to nowhere that sail twice daily, with full dinner or brunch buffet and entertainment included.

Location: Dania
Telephone: 927-8473 or (800)9-VEGAS-9

Water Taxi- Fort Lauderdale puts its best face foward toward the water, as you will see on a zippy ride through some of the region's 300 miles of rivers and canals. Taxis travel the Intracoastal Waterway and New River. 

Telephone: 467-6677
Hours: Daily 10 am to wee hours.

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Sports

Dania Jai-Alai- Talented handball players armed with a curved basket throw a ball at speeds up to 100 mph at this glass-fronted fronton that features parimutuel betting, dining and a cocktail lounge. The nicest fronton you'll ever visit. 

Location: 301 E. Dania Beach Blvd., Dania
Telephone: 920-1511
Hours: Tues-Sat, 7:15 pm; Tues, Thurs, Fri, noon; Sun, 1 pm.

Davie Rodeo- Visit a Wild West rodeo the fourth weekend of every month. 

Location: 6591 S.W. 45th Street, Davie
Telephone: 797-1145
Hours: Fri-Sat, 8 pm

Florida Marlins- South Florida's National League baseball team was an instant hit when it arrived here three years ago and now plays 81 home games, April to September. 

Location: Joe Robbie Stadium, 2267 N.W. 199th Street, Miami
Telephone: (305)626-7400

Florida Panther- This new NHL team nearly made the Stanley Cup playoffs in its inaugural year and is popular with fans who flock to watch them from October to April each year. 

Location: Miami Arena, 721 N.W. 1st Avenue, Miami
Telephone: (305)768-1900

Hollywood Greyhound Track- Fleet-footed greyhounds chase a mechanical rabbit nightly from December 26 to April 26 for parimutuel wagering at this track, which also offers a restaurant and cocktail lounge. 

Location: 831 N. Federal Highway, Hallandale
Telephone: 454-8666
Hours: Nighly 7:30 pm; matinnes Tues, Thurs, Sat, 12:30 pm

Miami Dolphins- From August to December this 29-year-old championship football team plays in Joe Robbie Stadium. 

Location: 2267 N.W. 199th Street, Miami
Telephone: (305)620-2578

Miami Heat- This NBA team plays from October to April.

Location: Miami Arena, 721 N.W. 1st Avenue, Miami
Telephone: (305)577-4328

Pompano Harness Track- Pacers and sulky drivers vie for glory at this harness racing track, the only harness track in Florida. An attractive dining room overlooks the track, which is open November to early April. 

Location: 1800 S.W. 3rd Street, Pompano Beach
Telephone: 972-2000
Hours: Mon, Wed, Sat 7:30 pm

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Arts & Entertainment

Ah-Tha-Thi-Ki Museum- In October 1996, this museum, dedicated to the Seminole culture, moves to a 64-acre cypress hammock deep in the Everglades. There, its collection of tribal artifacts now on display - ranging from a dugout canoe to beaded jewelry, weapons, quilted clothing and pottery - will be dramatically expanded. Admission is free.

Location: 5845 S. State Road 7, Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 792-0745
Hours: Wed-Sun, 9 am - 4 pm

Art and Culture Center of Hollywood- Occupying one of the city's oldest homes, builty in 1925, this center keeps busy with a wide range of exhibits and jazz concerts. 

Location: 1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood
Telephone: 921-3275
Hours: Tues-Wed and Fri-Sat, 10 am - 4 pm; Thurs, 10 am - 9 pm; Sun, 1 pm - 4 pm

Bailey Hall- A wide variey of dance and musical companies, entertainment stars and professional touring theater groups perform at this theater.

Location: Broward Community College, 3501 S.W. Davie Road, Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 475-6880

Brian C. Smith's Off-Broadway at 26th Street Theater- Popular plays are performed at this professional theater seating 300. 

Location: 1444 N.E. 26th Street, Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 566-0554

Broward Center for the Performing Arts- Stars of Broadway stage and screen perform in major Broadway touring productions, as well as individual performances, in this new complex along the banks of the New River. 

Location: 201 S.W. 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 522-5334, box office 462-0222

Coral Springs City Centre- Slated to reopen in fall of 1996 following renovations, this 1534-seat theater features popular Broadway musicals and plays, as well as comedy and musical talents from around the world.

Location: 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs
Telephone: 344-5990

Fort Lauderdale Historical Museum- In July, the museum's permanent collection and changing exhibits that depict the 1870 to 1930 growth and development of Fort Lauderdale will move to new quarters next door, in the city's first hotel on the banks of the New River, site of the first settlement here. 

Location: 219 S.W. 2nd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 463-4431
Hours: Tues-Fri, 10 am - 4 pm

Graves Museum of Archaeology and Natural History- Changing exhibits, ranging from animated dinosaurs to glittering minerals, lure crowds to this expansive new museum that features a collection of ancient artifacts. Dramatic displays roam the eras from the Tequesta Indian times in South Florida to the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. 

Location: 481 S. Federal Highway, Dania
Telephone: 925-7770
Hours: Tues-Sat, 10 am - 4 pm; Sun, 1 - 5 pm

Museum of Art- Exhibits for 1996 include a show of the works of Grandma Moses and surrealist artist Salvador Dali. The museum also has an impressive permanent CoBrA art collection. 

Location: 1 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 764-6464
Hours: Tues, 10 am - 9 pm; Wed-Sat, 10 am - 5 pm; Sun, noon - 5 pm, Closed Mon and all national holidays.

Old Dillard Art and Cultural Museum- This National Register landmark school is now home to African art and jewelry, a typical thatchec hut in which a storyteller performs, tribal masks and a variety of hands-on exhibits and cultural artifacts. 

Location: 1009 N.W. 4th Street, Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 765-6952
Hours: Tues-Sat, noon - 4 pm; Wed, noon - 8 pm

Parker Playhouse- Touring Broadway shows perform in this handsome theater in Holdiay Park from October to April. Tickets prices 

Location: 707 N. E. 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale
Telephone: 764-1441, box office 763-2444

Pompano Ampitheater- Enjoy national acts, from Hootie and the Blowfish to REO Speedwagon. Box office open Mon-Fri.

Location: 1801 N.E. 6th Street, Pompano Beach
Telephone: 946-2402

Sunrise Musical Theater- Top stars and musical groups entertani year-round in this 4000 seat auditorium.

Location: 5555 N.W. 95th Avenue, Sunrise
Telephone: 741-7300

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