Fort Lauderdale earned the nickname “Venice of America” for its 300+ miles of navigable waterways threading past tropical neighborhoods and mega-yachts. Once a spring-break hotspot, it’s now a polished, family-friendly beach city with a lively Riverwalk, a revitalized Las Olas dining scene, and easy access to the Everglades—the “River of Grass.”

Across seven days, you’ll balance ocean time and mangrove adventures with hands-on museums and sunset sails. Expect warm Atlantic breezes, turquoise water, and plenty of playful stops—from tarpon feeding at a historic marina to homemade ice cream that’s been a local tradition for decades.

Practical notes: Summer is hot and humid with afternoon showers; hurricane season runs June–November (monitor forecasts). Many spots are walkable or a short rideshare away, and the Water Taxi is both transport and tour. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and quick-dry layers. Reservations are helpful for popular restaurants on Las Olas and waterfront spots.

Fort Lauderdale

Anchored by Fort Lauderdale Beach and the New River, this city blends relaxed beach vibes with a deep boating culture. The historic New River fueled the city’s early growth; today, Riverwalk’s parks, art, and dining make it an easy place to wander with kids.

• Top family sights: Museum of Discovery & Science (IMAX, touch tanks, and flight simulators), Hugh Taylor Birch State Park (bikes, kayaks, shaded trails), Bonnet House Museum & Gardens (tropical art estate), and the Intracoastal Waterway via Water Taxi.
• Best beaches for families: Fort Lauderdale Beach Park (playground, bathrooms) and the gentle stretch by Las Olas Beach for easy snacks and lifeguards.
• Fun facts: The city hosts one of the world’s largest boat shows; locals slow for manatee zones on the Intracoastal; tarpon gather near 15th Street Fisheries at feeding time.

Where to stay (mid-range, family‑friendly): Search suites and beachfront condos on VRBO Fort Lauderdale or browse hotels with pools and kitchenettes on Hotels.com Fort Lauderdale. Look near Fort Lauderdale Beach Park for easy sand access or just off Las Olas for dining within a 10–15 minute walk.

Getting here: Fly into Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International (FLL). Most major U.S. hubs offer nonstop service (approx. 2–6 hours). Check fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com; typical shoulder-season roundtrips run ~$150–$350 per person depending on origin and dates.

Day 1: Arrival, Sand between Your Toes, and Las Olas Stroll

Afternoon: Arrive at FLL and check in. Shake off travel at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park—lifeguards, showers, and a playground make it an easy first stop. Rent chairs/umbrella from a beachfront vendor if you’d like a base camp.

Evening: Walk Las Olas Boulevard for a low-key dinner. Family-friendly standouts include Louie Bossi’s (house-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, roomy patio) or El Camino (taco platters, great kids’ menu). Cap it with a sweet stop at Sloan’s Ice Cream (bright, whimsical interior) or a cone along the boulevard. Early night to sync with the sun.

Day 2: Water Taxi Day + Tarpon Feeding + Sunset by the Sea

Morning: Breakfast at Java & Jam (pancakes, fresh juices, kids’ hotcakes) or Circle House Coffee (house-made doughnuts and breakfast sandwiches). Walk to the riverfront and ride the hop-on/hop-off Water Taxi—crew narrates mansions and yacht lore as you go.

Activity to book: Water Taxi All Day hop-on hop-off Venice of America Boat Tour

Afternoon: Hop off at 15th Street Fisheries for lunch on the dock—order coconut shrimp, fish tacos, and a kids’ fish-and-chips. Time your visit to see tarpon feeding right off the pier, a hit with children. Afterward, pop to nearby Lauderdale Marina for boat watching.

Evening: Sunset beach walk. Dinner at Coconuts (famous “Scoobies” garlic crab) or Southport Raw Bar (casual seafood, bustle of boats). If energy remains, grab dessert at Nanou French Bakery for eclairs and macarons.

Day 3: Everglades Adventure + Classic Florida Seafood

Morning: Fuel up at The Foxy Brown (fun brunch menu—banana bread grilled cheese for the adventurous) or Press & Grind Cafe (smoothies, avo toast). Then head west for an airboat ride—skimming the sawgrass is a Florida rite of passage, and guides help kids spot gators, birds, and turtles.

Activity to book: Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter

Afternoon: Return to town for pool time or a siesta. If you want more wildlife, Flamingo Gardens (nearby in Davie) showcases native birds and rescued animals in shady botanical grounds.

Evening: Dine at Rustic Inn Crabhouse—paper-covered tables, garlic crabs, and mallets for cracking shells make it interactive and memorable. For a quick, budget bite, Primanti Brothers on A1A serves giant pizza slices and overstuffed sandwiches late.

Day 4: Park & Ocean Play + Science Museum + Sunset Sail

Morning: Explore Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Rent bikes or tandem surreys; paddle a kayak on the calm coastal lagoon where turtles and birds hang out. Brunch at Park & Ocean inside the park (fish tacos, kids’ quesadillas, ocean breezes).

Afternoon: Head to the Museum of Discovery & Science downtown. From hurricane simulators and a playful Everglades exhibit to an IMAX theater, it’s an air-conditioned favorite for families.

Evening: Celebrate with a golden-hour sail along the coast—calm seas and skyline views are magical at dusk.

Activity to book: Sunset Catamaran Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale

Post-cruise dinner nearby: Takato (Japanese‑Korean, sushi rolls and wagyu gyoza; oceanfront) or YOLO on Las Olas (American favorites; outdoor seating).

Day 5: History & Gardens + Beach Afternoon + Riverboat Show

Morning: Light breakfast at Tinta (Conrad’s beachfront breakfast spot with ocean views). Tour Bonnet House Museum & Gardens—spot iguanas, orchids, and whimsical art in a preserved coastal estate that feels like a time capsule.

Afternoon: Beach time near Las Olas with a snack break at Bubba Gump or a quick acai bowl from a beachfront cafe. Optional: Browse The Galleria for air‑conditioned shopping if the sun gets intense.

Evening: Make it a “Fort Lauderdale classic” night with a narrated river cruise that ends at an island for an all‑you‑can‑eat BBQ feast and variety show—kitschy, cheerful, and genuinely fun for kids.

Activity to book: All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise

Day 6: Riverwalk + Art & Play + Optional Fishing or Segway

Morning: Coffee and egg sandwiches at Circle House Coffee, then wander the Riverwalk: pocket parks, public art, and views of the New River’s boat traffic. Consider the small History Fort Lauderdale exhibits for context on Seminole heritage and early settlers.

Afternoon: Lunch at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale—open-air riverside space with rotating food vendors and lawn games; it’s especially family-friendly by day. If your crew wants action, Xtreme Action Park (go-karts, ropes course, arcade) offers indoor thrills.

Evening (choose-your-fun): - Drift fishing off the coast to try for snapper and kingfish, or - A guided Segway spin along waterfront routes for teens and adults. Dinner on Las Olas at Louie Bossi’s (pizza, gelato) or Big City Tavern (pastas, burgers) keeps it simple.

Optional activities to consider for this day:

• Drift Fishing Trip off the Coast of Fort Lauderdale
• Fort Lauderdale Segway Tour

Day 7: Beachy Farewell, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Early swim and sandcastle session. Pick up pastries from Nanou French Bakery or grab a sit-down breakfast at Java & Jam. Souvenir stop for beachwear or locally made art on Las Olas.

Afternoon: Check out and head to FLL for your flight. If time allows, detour to Jaxson’s Ice Cream in Dania Beach for giant sundaes and a vintage candy counter—a sweet finale to a sunny week.

Insider Tips for a Budget of ~50/100

• Mix free with paid: Build around beach days, Riverwalk strolling, and parks; sprinkle in 2–4 bookable experiences (Water Taxi, one Everglades tour, one sunset cruise, and the Jungle Queen dinner).
• Eat smart: Share large plates (pizzas, seafood platters), target late lunches for lower prices, and keep snacks handy for beach days.
• Getting around: Rideshare works well in the beach/Las Olas zone. Parking uses apps; meters fill quickly on weekends—arrive early.

Quick Reference: Additional Bookable Favorites

• Jungle Queen Riverboat 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruise

  

• Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tours & Rides

  

Where to book stays again: VRBO Fort Lauderdale | Hotels.com Fort Lauderdale. Flights: Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Summary: In one sun-splashed week, you’ve cruised the Intracoastal, played in the Atlantic, and skimmed the Everglades by airboat—all while eating well and keeping the pace kid-friendly. Fort Lauderdale’s blend of waterways, beaches, and easy outings makes it a place families return to, one sandcastle and sunset at a time.