20 Attractions to Explore Near Fern Forest Nature Center

Opened in 1988, it is the largest butterfly park in the world, and the first park of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. The facility houses around 20,000 live butterflies. In addition to the birds and butterfly exhibits, visitors can view the laboratory where the butterflies are raised and can see the different stages including eggs, caterpillars, and pupae.

The Sample-McDougald House Preservation Society is a dedicated organization that works to maintain the unique local history of Broward County, Florida. Founded in 1985, their mission is to preserve and protect culturally significant properties, including the historic Sample-McDougald House - one of the area’s oldest and grandest residences. This 1885 Queen Anne style house stands as a testament to the preservation efforts of the society’s members.

Splash Adventure Water Park is an exciting destination for thrill-seekers and family fun alike. Featuring five main attractions - Shady Swamp, River Rapids, SplashDown, AquaPlayset, and Gator Lagoon - there are activities suitable for guests of all ages and skill levels. On the River Rapids, riders can brave the twists and turns on double tubes or individual rafts. The DropZone provides a free fall of up to 30 feet into a watery abyss.

Quiet Waters Park is an oasis of beauty and nature. Spanning across 339 acres, the park features lush green scenery as soon as you walk through its gates. Whether it's a leisurely stroll around Lake Renne or taking part in recreational activities such as paddle boating, canoeing or kayaking - Quiet Waters Park offers something for everyone. With plenty of picnic tables and grills throughout the park, visitors can enjoy a picnic with family and friends in tranquil natural surroundings.

Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium is a 5,000 seat sports complex that spans over an impressive 82 acres. It is the first public park facility certified and approved by the International Cricket Council to host international cricket matches in the United States. The park offers endless entertainment opportunities with its five softball fields, two rugby pitches, and six soccer pitches, as well as its array of batting cages and miniature golf course.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach is a popular vacation destination for many who are looking for stunning beaches, breathtaking views, and fun activities. From snorkeling among coral reefs to beach volleyball and renting a kayak or boat, there is something for everyone at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach. The shoreline remains largely untouched and pristine, making it ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Boasting magnificent wildlife and rare creatures including manta rays and nurse sharks.

Anglin's Fishing Pier, is a perfect spot for anyone looking to enjoy a day out on the water. With access to the Atlantic Ocean—as well as plenty of freshwater lakes and lagoons—it offers opportunities to reel in everything from tarpon to sailfish. Beyond fishing, Anglin's has something for everyone: the pier itself stretches 1000 feet into the ocean and features nighttime lighting, a beach-style bar with live music most nights during high season, and even a restaurant with coastal favorites.

This Lighthouse stands over 75 feet tall in the Pompano Beach. Completed in 1907, it was initially lit to help guide ships around the shallow reefs of the inlet of the same name. The lighthouse is still an important navigational landmark today, and remains a beloved part of the Broward County with its whitewashed walls, beige trim and bright red door. Tours are available from April through October each year that offer visitors insight into the fascinating history of this timeless lighthouse.

The Plantation Historical Museum provides a unique opportunity to explore the city's history. Founded in 1989, the museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting understanding of Plantation’s culture and history through appropriate educational methods. Visitors are invited to explore items from past generations, creative media exhibits, and artifacts from many aspects of everyday life during the 19th century. There is also a diverse selection of traveling exhibits.

It is one of the largest museums of its kind in Florida, and has the most visitors of any museum in the state. The museum features its own AutoNation IMAX theater, and shows 3-D IMAX films in which viewers wear special glasses and headsets. The museum also features a number of "ecoscapes", as well as a simulated ride to Mars, a simulated airboat ride in the Everglades and a MaxFlight airplane flight simulator.

Esplanade Park is a great place for the whole family for a variety of activities. It features 60 acres of parkland with plenty of open space for picnicking and also provides amenities such as BBQ grills, playgrounds, and picnic pavilions throughout the grounds. If you are looking to get out on the water, this Park provides access to both freshwater and saltwater fishing and boat launches. There's walking trails along the riverbank, nearby butterfly gardens and wetlands to explore too.

Among the wildlife of the park are the gopher tortoise, eastern indigo snake, butterflies, and turtles. Visitors also can see gray squirrels, marsh rabbits, and opossums, as well as more than 200 species of wading birds, hawks, and ducks. Recreational activities include canoeing, bicycling, fishing, swimming, Segway tours and group camping. Visitors can also enjoy inline skating, hiking, picnicing, and wildlife viewing.

History Fort Lauderdale, is a rich and flourishing museum dedicated to exploring the regional history of South Florida. It offers many interactive exhibits that delve into the fascinating tales of this region's past, highlighting topics such as Seminole Indians, Prohibition-era rum runners, and pioneering aviators. From daily boat tours on the New River to its main exhibit hall, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in Fort Lauderdale's history.

Museum emphasizes contemporary (20th century) projects. Among its 6,200 pieces are a significant collection of ceramics by Pablo Picasso, a collection of contemporary Cuban art representing the contributions of more than 125 artists, and North America's largest exhibition of work from the Northern European CoBrA avant-garde movement.

The Deerfield Beach Historical Society is a non-profit organization that's committed to preserving the unique history of Broward County, through various preservation and educational efforts. Founded in 1965, the society oversees an array of activities, including historical tours, educational programs, and restoration projects. In addition to promoting public appreciation for the local heritage of Deerfield Beach, they also research and document historical events related with Broward County.

North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard in Broward County, is a vibrant coastal area with plenty to see and do. The beach itself is a stunning stretch of white sand surrounded by crystal blue waters. It's the perfect spot for beachgoes who want to lounge around or get active with some of the activities offered such as swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. After soaking in some sun, visitors can explore some of the local shops and restaurants that line North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.

A historic home in Fort Lauderdale. The property was originally acquired in 1895 by Hugh Taylor Birch, a successful Chicago lawyer, and given to his daughter Helen and her husband, artist Frederic Clay Bartlett, as a wedding gift in 1919. The principal buildings include; the main house, an art studio, a music studio and a guest house. They are all of vernacular architecture, designed by Bartlett. The estate is 35.4 acres (14.3 ha). It includes 100 feet (30 m) of beach.

Home of Fort Lauderdale pioneers Frank and Ivy Stranahan. Built in 1901 as a trading post and converted into a residence for the Stranahans in 1906, the house is the oldest surviving structure in Broward County.

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is the perfect spot to experience nature and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Whether strolling along the scenic walkway that meanders through downtown or sailing along the riverfront aboard your own personal vessel, Riverwalk offers something for everyone. Visitors can make use of entertainment venues such as The Beach to take in a show or get some shopping done at Fudge Factory. There’s no better place to experience the culture and life of this vibrant city .

Fort Lauderdale Beach is the perfect spot for vacationers looking for sun and sand. Located between Boca Raton and Miami Beach, this stretch of coastline offers an abundance of activities to enjoy. With its convenient location next to Port Everglades, visitors can take advantage of a day trip to the Caribbean or explore one of over 30 dive sites nearby. Boating enthusiasts will find numerous charter cruises available from Fort Lauderdale.