Top 10 Group Activities in Fort Lauderdale
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When it comes to fun-filled vacation destinations, Fort Lauderdale checks off all the boxes. This busy coastal city has everything from beautiful sunny weather to an abundance of aquatic activities that make filling out your itinerary a breeze.
You’ll also find an array of dining and lodging options that make your stay perfect, along with a sea of friendly faces that helps you create those happy vacation memories. With the sun and waves as your inspiration, you’ll likely discover that planning your group’s activities is an opportunity to bring out your playful side.
The Best Group Activities in Fort Lauderdale
Technically, you can enjoy the beach alone, but your trip is much more fun when you bring your favorite people along. Fort Lauderdale group activities include a mix of land-bound options such as checking out the local art and ones that will definitely have you earning your sea legs.
A read-through of this list is guaranteed to give you multiple options for planning activities that the whole group can enjoy.
1. Check Out the Many Museums
Heading into a museum not only gives you a chance to cool off from the sun but also lets your group tap into the local culture during your trip. Fort Lauderdale museums include historic buildings that hold value themselves, such as the Stranahan House Museum. Just the walk up to this colorful landmark is exciting itself.
Once inside, you’ll learn all about the founding family that built and lived within its walls, along with other exciting stories that deepen your understanding of what makes Fort Lauderdale so historically significant.
The NSU Art Museum is another must-stop place to visit. Known for its diverse collection of over 7500 pieces, the museum frequently hosts new events and exhibitions that increase your chances of finding something exciting during your stay.
If your group includes ten or more people, you can arrange for a self-guided or docent-led group tour that gives you more insight into each piece you view.
The Museum of Discovery and Science is another fun one to visit. Here, you can find an IMAX theater with thrilling family-friendly movies. Finally, if you happen to be in town on the weekend, you might want to check out their Sensory-Friendly Sunday event, which provides an inclusive experience for members of your group that might need a little support as they soak up the sights.
2. Snorkel With the Fish
Snorkeling requires less experience and equipment compared to scuba diving, and it is one of the best ways to get an up-close view of what life is like underwater. Vista Park Reef is a popular spot for self-guided snorkeling tours, and it is in shallower water that often feels more comfortable for first-time snorkelers.
Twin Ledges is another fun snorkeling hot spot where you can expect to find sea turtles, an abundance of local types of fish and even possibly a nurse shark. If you plan to go snorkeling as a self-guided group, then remember to tell everyone to bring their gear.
If you’re new to snorkeling, you can find various local places that host tours or offer rentable equipment. Also, remember to bring an underwater camera to capture the unique scenery that can only be found by diving below the surface.
3. Go For a Group Dinner On Las Olas Blvd.
Hollywood Blvd. might have its Walk of Fame, but it still doesn’t hold a candle to Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Like most big cities, this one has one major street where you can’t go wrong with spending a day exploring.
Las Olas Blvd. is well known for being an epicenter with high-end luxury restaurants, shops and coffee shops. After spending the day outside, you can take your group to an upscale eatery where you can relax and enjoy fresh seafood menu options and trendy desserts and drinks.
You can always enjoy a leisurely stroll down the bustling street afterward to check out the local shops. Or, you can opt to rent a bike and enjoy a sunset ride as a group.
4. Become Pirates for the Day
Going on a pirate adventure cruise is one of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids. A pirate tour typically lasts for about an hour, and the interactive adventure is fun for people of all ages. As you set sail into the city’s Intracoastal waterways, the tour guides will teach your crew how to talk like an actual pirate and use the onboard water cannons to defend the ship from rivals out at sea.
The tour also offers face painting and stick-on tattoos to help everyone get in the spirit, and the boat ride concludes with everyone getting a pirate certificate and bag of loot. While the adults in the group will enjoy checking out the mansions and yachts that line the waterway, the kids will live out their fantasy of being pirates in real-time. You might even catch your older kids opting to ditch their smartphones as they get fully immersed in the moment.
5. Take a Segway Tour
Get a feel for the city by going on a Segway tour. These group activities in Fort Lauderdale are great because they let you see everything at a leisurely pace, and you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
There are various Segway tours that operate in the city, but one of the most popular is the 3-hour tour that takes you down Las Olas Blvd. and through the Riverwalk area. The guides are full of interesting stories and facts about the city, and they’ll make sure that everyone in your group feels comfortable before setting off.
6. Go Paddleboarding and Kayaking in the Mangroves
Fort Lauderdale has some epic places to go paddleboarding and kayaking. If you want to see the city from a different perspective, then these group activities are definitely for you.
There are various companies that offer paddleboarding and kayaking tours of the mangrove-lined waterways, and they’ll provide all of the necessary equipment. As you paddle through the winding channels, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like manatees, dolphins and iguanas.
7. Experience the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
If you and your group are nature lovers, then you should definitely add the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens to your list of things to do in Fort Lauderdale. As you stroll through the winding paths, you’ll be able to take in all the lush beauty that mother nature has to offer, along with exploring the historic Bonnet House.
The venue is full of history and fun, and the gardens feature species of plants and trees from around the world, making it the perfect place to disconnect from technology and relax in nature.
You can even rent a paddleboat and enjoy a peaceful ride through one of the many ponds located throughout the gardens. If you time your visit just right, you might even be able to catch one of the seasonal festivals that the gardens host throughout the year. No matter what time of year you visit, the gardens are sure to provide your group with a serene and memorable experience.
8. Go Butterfly Watching
Butterfly World should definitely be at the top of your list of things to do in Fort Lauderdale with the group. With 20,000 live butterflies in their indoor gardens, it’s the perfect place to escape the Florida heat and enjoy some time surrounded by nature.
You’ll be able to see swarms of butterflies fluttering around you as you walk through the gardens, and there’s even a butterfly museum on-site where you can learn more about these fascinating creatures.
Butterly World’s message is simple: to bring awareness to the importance of butterfly conservation and to remind everyone that even the smallest creatures can have a big impact on our environment. So, not only will you and your group have a blast exploring the gardens, but you’ll also be supporting a great cause.
9. Hit the Beach
Of course, no trip to Fort Lauderdale would be complete without spending some time at the beach. After all, the city is world-renowned for its sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. The always popular Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is one for the books, and it features amenities that your group can enjoy, such as charcoal grills, volleyball nets and plenty of picnic tables.
Another beach option is Hollywood Beach, which is perfect if your group is looking for a more low-key experience. This “broadwalk” beach is ideal for biking, inline skating or just taking a leisurely stroll along the water.
No matter which beach you choose to visit, you and your group are sure to have a blast soaking up the sun and enjoying all that Fort Lauderdale’s beaches have to offer.
10. Play a Round of Golf
If your group is full of avid golfers, then you’ll definitely want to add a round or two of golf to your list of things to do in Fort Lauderdale. The city is home to many championship-level golf courses. In fact, there are over 90 different courses to choose from in and near the Fort Lauderdale area.
If you’re looking for a challenge, then you should definitely check out the PGA National Resort & Spa, which is home to the famed Champion Golf Course. This course has hosted numerous PGA Tour events over the years, and it’s sure to give your group a run for their money. Additionally, your tee time can include The Club at Emerald Hills and the Jacaranda Golf Club and Deer Creek Golf Club, all three of which rank high on stellar places to play.
For a bit of a fun time and bragging rights to say you’ve played where notable icons Jackie Gleason, George C. Scott, Johnny Unitas and Joe Namath hit the green, there is the Grande Oaks Golf Club in Davie, which was also the film location of the movie Caddyshack.
Bonus: Go On a Hot Tub Boat Tour
Going to the beach for vacation already sets you up for enjoying a few iconic moments, such as looking for seashells on the shore. Yet, you might also want to take your group on an adventure that everyone hasn’t already experienced. After all, the whole idea of going on a group trip is to enjoy new and exciting moments together.
One of the more unique things to do in Fort Lauderdale is to go on a hot tub boat tour. Our hot tub boats come with everything you need for your group to kick back and relax in your own private tub. Depending upon your group size, you can book one tub for up to 10 people or the whole boat for 20 members of your party.
Hot tub boat tours are a great way to kick off your vacation since the warm water has a unique way of melting away those muscle knots and stress you get from traveling. Or, you can choose to conclude your adventure with a chance to soak up the sunset as your travel companions share their favorite moments from the trip.
Either way, you’ll be the star planner of your group adventure when you set up an activity that everyone agrees is the perfect way to celebrate your time together.
Set Your Group Adventure Plans in Motion
While you’ll want to leave some time for exploration, it helps to already have your main vacation plans locked down. Many of the top attractions in Ft. Lauderdale fill up early, and you don’t want to miss out. Reserve your hot tub boat tour today, and you’ll be able to head to Florida with confidence that you’ll have an easy place for your group to relax and enjoy sharing their favorite vacation moments.
Experience Washington D.C. by Hot Tub Boat
The extraordinary Hot Tub Boat Tour at Sea the City is an unforgettable experience that originally set sail in New York and has now anchored its second location in the heart of Washington, D.C.!
Come aboard our Hot Tub Boat and cruise along the City’s waterways, while taking in the captivating views of the iconic Washington D.C. skyline, The Wharf, Jefferson Memorial, and more. Choose between our Single Private Hot Tub Boat tour which accommodates up to 10 people or go all out with a Full Private Hot Tub Boat Tour (two tubs) accommodating up to 20 people.