10 Parks to Explore in Broward County

ArtsPark at Young Circle is a vibrant outdoor space in the heart of Broward. Boasting over seven acres of green space, it's the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon amidst art and nature. Here, you'll find grassy areas for picnicking or lounging; various arts-oriented sculptures and installations; an interactive playground for the kids; and a covered amphitheater that offers cultural music and entertainment year-round.

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.

C.B. Smith Park is the perfect place to spend your downtime. From camping sites and picnic tables to sports fields and nature trails, the park provides fun for all ages. Visitors can take a dip in the Water Park with its massive wave pool and nine water slides, or enjoy a game of volleyball, basketball or tennis on the courts provided. The fishing pier provides great opportunities for angling, and relaxing leisurely strolls are available along paved paths through lush greenery.

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.

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.

Sawgrass Recreation Park is a nature preserve offering an up-close look at the local wildlife.Visitors can explore thousands of acres of swampland and enjoy activities like boat tours, airboat rides, and a boardwalk birding trail. Also included on-site are educational lectures focused on topics such as the history of the Everglades and local ecology. With its wide variety of activities, Sawgrass Recreation Park offers something for everyone from outdoor adventurers to nature lovers.

Sullivan Park is a great destination for those looking for a fun time full of excitement and adventure. Featuring an abundance of amenities like a fishing dock, boat ramp, picnic facilities and walking trails. Those who love the water can take advantage of the nearby beach access while nature lovers will enjoy exploring through Sullivan Park's wide array of plants and wildlife. The park also hosts events like kayaking classes and fishing tournaments so keep an eye out for upcoming activities.

Volunteer Park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Spanning over 20 acres, the park is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Perfect for picnics and hikes, it offers plenty of natural beauty to explore, such as gazebos, ponds, pavilions, playgrounds, and nature trails. There are even judicial facilities where visitors can challenge themselves at activities like basketball or tennis or get involved with an arts class.

West Lake Park is a beautiful natural oasis surrounded by urban development. A peaceful 273-acre preserve, the park boasts stunning coastal views and offers great access to the Atlantic Ocean's shallow waters. It's more than just a great place for swimming and sunbathing; visitors can explore mangrove swamps, wetlands, estuaries and tidal flats filled with diverse wildlife. The park also has outdoor exercise areas with wind-strength workouts, hiking trails etc.