Water Play

Fort Lauderdale Beach is a world famous award-winning beach that stretches from the Port Everglades Inlet & John U. Lloyd State Park in the south to the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in the north.

Anne Kolb Nature Center and West Lake Park are located in southern Broward in the town of Hollywood on the north and south side of Sheridan Street. This popular nature center features trails, amphitheater, exhibits and a 68-foot observation tower. The exhibit hall has an entrance fee but the trails around the nature center are free. The trails include a fishing trail (catch & release is encouraged and a permit required), the Mudflat Trail, the South Trail (gravel) and the Lake Trail.

Deerfield Beach is a municipality in North Broward located just south of Boca Raton alongside the Atlantic Ocean.  The city has an award-winning mile long stretch of beach that is guarded daily from 9 to 5 from 9 life-guard stations.  Recreational activities such as surfing and volleyball take place north of the pier.  The International Fishing Pier is a gorgeous recently renovated board walk pier.  The pier shop rents fishing rods, stocks live, fresh and frozen bait,tackle, fishing accessories, ice and t-shirts.

Hollywood North Beach Park is located at Sheridan and A1A (North Ocean Drive) in Broward County.   This popular 56-acre park features over a mile of shoreline to enjoy on the Atlantic Ocean, a 60-ft observation tower, pier fishing on the Intracoastal, Turtle Cafe with beachside refreshments and a handicap accessible raised boardwalk.  The park has several picnic areas with grills and tables all available on the Intracoastal side of the park in the Leatherback, Green, Kemp's Riley, and Hawksbill pocket parks.

Take a break from the city and enjoy a day in a quiet natural oasis.  Hugh Taylor Birch State Park lies between the intracoastal and the Atlantic Ocean off Sunrise Blvd.  This small state park allows you to wander among the tropical hammocks, paddle your canoe or kayak into the moat within the park, and go for a swim at the guarded beach.  The park's access to the beach is via a pedestrian tunnel under A1A.  If you prefer a quieter more natural experience over the busier Ft.

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, formerly, John U. Lloyd is a Florida state park open 365 days a year located in Dania Beach.  The park offers access to a beautiful beach front with over 2-miles of shoreline.  You can spend the day swimming, snorkeling, surf fishing, or doing shore dives in your scuba gear.  There are about 300 picnic areas for free use if they are available.

Markham Park is located in western Broward in the area of Sunrise near the intersection of the Sawgrass Expressway and the Everglades Parkway.  This park has a per person entrance fee.  

Brian Picolo Park & Velodrome was named after a local Ft. Lauderdale kid who made pro with the NFL.  Brian Piccolo was a player for the Chicago Bears after getting his fundamentals playing in Ft. Lauderdale as a youth, this park is his local legacy.

The Coral Springs Sportsplex is located between Royal Palm Boulevard and Sample Road in northern Broward county.  This  180.8 acre park includes a world class Aquatic Complex, the Tennis Center of Coral Springs, Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital, Dr. Steven G. Paul Dog Park and typical park amenities as well.  Picnic tables, a walking/jogging trail, playground and meeting rooms are also available for use.  

Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, commonly referred to as "TY Park", is a 138+-acre park in Hollywood that means "gathering place" in the native Seminole language.   TY Park has many amenities including picnic shelters, a Fitness Zone, playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, and volleyball.  A two-mile loop of paved pathways around the park are perfect for walking, jogging, skating, and biking.