Enjoying the Great Outdoors

Learning about Fort Lauderdale’s unique climate and becoming an environmental champion isn't the only way to green your routine. Get your friends and family together and experience all the outdoor activities and natural beauty our city has to offer!

Ride Your Bike

You probably learned to ride a bike for fun at a young age. It is very common to see children and families biking in their neighborhoods and local parks. The City of Fort Lauderdale is working to make our City an even better place to ride your bike by adding bike lanes and improving the design of streets. Locate a paved path fit for biking at a City of Fort Lauderdale Park.

Biking is an excellent form of exercise and is often seen as a recreational activity however, biking can also be a form of transportation. Choosing to bike instead of driving a car is good for you and does not create harmful carbon emissions like a car would that contribute to global warming. Ask adults at home if it is okay to ride your bikes together for short trips such as going to the store, place of worship, or school instead of piling into the car.

Visit a Park

Want to find a park in your neighborhood? Take a look at the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department’s List of City Parks. Click on the name of the park you are interested in to find out more about park facilities, amenities, and programs.

 You can also get green at one of our Community Summer Camps! (INTERNAL LINK)Campers this past summer took part in the Climate Change Kickstart Program which introduced them to climate change and environmental awareness with a different theme and activity each week. Topics include human impact, bio diversity, waster, energy, water, and stewardship. This summer campers learned about solar power by making their own S’more solar cooker, and created a wildlife habitat that campers got to take home! 

All projects done at our community summer camps are done with 20% recycled material, often provided by the campers themselves! 

Go to the Beach

Love the feeling of sand beneath your toes?  You are in luck, because Fort Lauderdale’s seven miles of beaches have plenty of it!

While visiting, keep in mind that where you are having a picnic or playing beach volleyball may also a very sensitive home for many creatures and plants. When your day is over, leave only foot prints by disposing of any trash or recycling in the proper containers. 

Learn how to read beach condition flags and see today’s beach conditions 

Do you see a future for yourself in a red bathing suit? If you are a strong swimmer between the ages of 9 and 17, and are interested in learning more about ocean rescue skills, the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Junior Lifeguard Program may be the perfect summer activity for you! 

Learn to Swim

Learn to swim, splash with friends in a water playground, pave your way to Olympic gold on a swim team, or simply take a dip during an afternoon recreational swim. All of these activities and more are offered through the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Aquatic Facilities.Find out more about locations, programs, and schedules. 

Learn to Fish and Sail

The City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department offers fishing and sailing courses for children ages 7 to 14.

Become a master of the seas in a fun, stress free environment at Holiday Park. Ongoing classes are held at Holiday Park for beginning, intermediate, and advanced skill levels. Contact Holiday Park for More information: 1150 G. Harold Martin Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33304 (954) 828-5383  ethomas2@fortlauderdale.gov.    

Learn to bait a hook and properly cast a line at Snyder Park. The Let’s Go Fishing is a program that teaches parents and children the basics of fishing. Contact Snyder Park for more information: 3299 S.W. 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, (954) 828-4341      

There are plenty of places to cast your rod in Broward County! Find out where you can Fish in Broward County Parks.