The 10 Best Parks in Broward County for Families

One of the best-kept secrets about life in Broward County is just how extraordinary the park system is. Between the county's own Broward Parks network and the state and city parks scattered throughout its 31 municipalities, families have access to hundreds of acres of green space, water parks, nature preserves, equestrian trails, mountain bike courses, boating, fishing, and wildlife encounters — much of it at little to no cost.

For families considering a move to Broward County — or longtime residents looking for somewhere new to explore on a weekend — this guide covers the 10 parks that consistently rise to the top across all the metrics that matter for families: activities for different ages, natural beauty, amenities, and that hard-to-define quality of feeling like a genuine escape even when you're just a few miles from home.

1. Butterfly World at Tradewinds Park — Coconut Creek

3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 11am–5pm

There is simply nowhere else like Butterfly World in South Florida — or, for that matter, in the entire world. Located inside Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, Butterfly World is the largest butterfly park on the planet, spreading across 10 lush acres with thousands of exotic butterflies fluttering freely through warm, fragrant tropical gardens. Walking into the main butterfly pavilion is the kind of moment that stops you mid-step: butterflies in every color imaginable dart and glide through humid air thick with the scent of tropical flowers, and they will land on you. That's not a possibility — it's a near-certainty, and it's magical every single time.

Beyond the iconic butterfly pavilion, Butterfly World features six giant aviaries, a Lorikeet Encounter where you can hand-feed colorful lorikeet birds (cash, $2 per cup of nectar), a live Bug Zoo, swinging suspension bridge, vine maze, botanical gardens, outdoor cafés, and a museum store. The world's largest collection of passion flower vines weaves through the grounds. Plan to spend at least two to three hours — rushing through means missing the quieter moments that tend to be the most memorable.

Admission: Adults $32.50, children 3–11 $22.50, children under 3 free. The South Florida Adventure Pass ($60 adults / $50 kids, plus tax) covers unlimited visits to Butterfly World from May 15 through September 30, 2026, plus Flamingo Gardens, Sawgrass Recreation, the Museum of Discovery & Science, and Zoo Miami (new for 2026) — an extraordinary value for families who plan to use it more than once.

Tradewinds Park itself — where Butterfly World is located — is a massive county park with horseback riding, an educational farm, model steam train rides, fishing, athletic fields, and shelters. Gate fee for the park: $1.50/person on weekends and holidays (free on weekdays), children 5 and under free.

Why families love it: Butterflies landing on your kids is an experience they'll describe to everyone they know. Genuinely unlike anything else in South Florida.

2. C.B. Smith Park — Pembroke Pines

900 N. Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines | Daily 8am–sunset

If you could design the perfect family park from scratch, you'd probably end up with something close to C.B. Smith Park. The 299-acre park in Pembroke Pines packs an extraordinary range of activities into a single, well-maintained destination — and it's anchored by Paradise Cove, one of the best water parks in the county.

Paradise Cove (open seasonally) features four water slides towering nearly 50 feet in the air, two water playgrounds, Sharky's Lagoon (for all ages), Parrot's Point (a dedicated water playground for children 5 and under), and Crazy Creek — a 410-foot lazy river that's perfect for floating away a South Florida afternoon. Beyond the water park, C.B. Smith offers an All Golf family complex with a lighted driving range, miniature golf, and batting cages; 10-court lighted tennis center with racquetball courts; sand volleyball; a full campground with 83 RV sites; lake fishing; picnic areas; playgrounds; and an open-air amphitheater. The park even has a primitive group camping area for scout troops and youth groups.

Gate admission: $1.50/person on weekends and holidays; free on weekdays. Paradise Cove water park has separate seasonal admission.

Why families love it: Paradise Cove alone makes this a destination. The sheer range of activities means families of all ages and interests find something to love here.

3. Quiet Waters Park — Deerfield Beach

401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach | Daily 8am–sunset

Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach earns its spot near the top of this list by offering something genuinely unique to South Florida: Ski Rixen USA, the only wakeboard and water ski cable park in South Florida and one of only 79 cable water ski attractions in the entire world. Instead of a boat towing you across the lake, a cable system does the work — meaning kids and beginners can learn to waterski and wakeboard in a controlled, safe environment, and experienced riders can tackle ramps and rails. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that kids from about 8 and up absolutely love.

But Quiet Waters is far more than Ski Rixen. The 431-acre park also features Splash Adventure, a kid-friendly water park with splash pads, water fountains, and mini slides with lifeguards on duty; 7 miles of mountain bike trails ranging from beginner to expert (with bike rentals available); Eagle's Nest Nature Trails through natural Florida landscapes; Woofing Waters Dog Park (with an obstacle course and boat rentals for dogs); disc golf; campgrounds; basketball courts; and the annual Renaissance Festival held each February and March — one of the most popular family events in Broward County.

Gate admission: $3/vehicle for up to 8 people on weekends. Ski Rixen and Splash Adventure have separate fees.

Why families love it: Ski Rixen is genuinely one-of-a-kind. The combination of water skiing, a splash park, mountain bike trails, and camping makes this one of the most diverse park experiences in the county.

4. T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park — Hollywood

3300 N. Park Rd., Hollywood | Daily 8am–sunset

T.Y. Park in Hollywood is the go-to family park for the southern end of Broward County, anchored by Castaway Island — a dual water playground complex with interactive features scaled for different ages. The younger playground features climbing equipment and a small slide; the older playground is built for bigger kids with buckets that regularly fill and dump water dramatically onto the playground below. A zero-entry swimming pool with a waterfall replaced the original sand-bottom lagoon in 2007, and a marina with boat rentals rounds out the aquatic offerings.

Beyond the water, T.Y. Park features shaded walking paths around a beautiful lake, picnic areas, athletic fields, tennis courts, and one of the county's most peaceful waterfront green spaces. Admission for the water park is $8/person for the entire day ($5 after 3 PM), making it one of the most affordable water park options in the county.

Why families love it: Castaway Island is perfectly designed with separate areas for younger and older kids. The lake setting and shaded paths make it comfortable even on warm South Florida days.

5. Markham Park — Sunrise

16001 W. State Rd. 84, Sunrise | Daily 8am–sunset

Markham Park's 669 acres in Sunrise make it one of the largest parks in Broward County, and the variety of experiences packed into those acres is remarkable. The park is perhaps best known among outdoor enthusiasts for its 11 miles of biking trails — ranging from easy paved paths to challenging off-road technical terrain — but families will find plenty beyond that. The Silent Wings Butterfly Garden features a beautiful enclosed area where local butterfly species flutter through carefully planted native gardens. The Markham Park Nature Trail winds through natural Florida habitat with interpretive signage. Fishing lakes, an RC model airplane field, dog parks, an archery range, a campground, and jet skiing on the park's lakes round out the offerings.

The Markham Park Oasis features pleasant lakeside paths with a curved wooden bridge to a small island pavilion — a beautiful spot for a picnic with younger children while older kids explore the bike trails or the butterfly garden.

Gate admission: $1.50/person on weekends and holidays; free on weekdays.

Why families love it: The Silent Wings Butterfly Garden and nature trails provide a quieter, more educational experience alongside the active recreation options. Great for a full-day family outing with something for everyone.

6. West Lake Park — Hollywood

1200 Sheridan St., Hollywood | Daily 8am–sunset

West Lake Park is Broward County's gateway to authentic South Florida mangrove and coastal ecosystems, and for families who want to introduce their kids to the genuine natural environment of the region, there is no better starting point in the county. The park's Anne Kolb Nature Center offers hands-on exhibits about the mangrove ecosystem, local wildlife, and the coastal environment, with an observation tower that provides sweeping views of the 1,500 acres of mangrove habitat stretching to the south — the largest urban mangrove forest in the United States.

Kayak and canoe rentals allow families to paddle through winding mangrove tunnels and waterways where wading birds, fish, and the occasional manatee make appearances. The nature center hosts ranger-led programs and educational activities for children throughout the year. A fishing pier, picnic areas, and a boat launch round out the park's amenities.

Gate admission: $1.50/person on weekends and holidays; free on weekdays.

Why families love it: Kayaking through mangrove tunnels is an adventure children genuinely remember. The Nature Center makes it educational without feeling like a field trip.

7. Tree Tops Park — Davie

3900 SW 100th Ave., Davie | Daily 8am–sunset

Tree Tops Park in Davie is one of Broward County's most underrated family parks — a peaceful, 341-acre natural oasis featuring a boardwalk through 23 acres of restored freshwater marsh, nature trails through native South Florida habitat, and an equestrian center that gives the park a distinctly Old Florida atmosphere. The park feels genuinely different from the more developed county parks — quieter, more natural, and more suited to families who want to slow down and explore.

Horseback riding through the park's equestrian trails is available, giving kids a memorable encounter with the county's ranching heritage. Canoe and kayak rentals are available on weekends for paddling the park's waterways, where families can spot birds, fish, turtles, and assorted Florida wildlife. Picnic shelters, fishing, and wildlife observation areas complete the experience.

Gate admission: $1.50/person on weekends and holidays; free on weekdays.

Why families love it: The boardwalk through the freshwater marsh is beautiful and peaceful. Horseback riding and kayaking make this a genuinely memorable outing for families who want something different from the typical park experience.

8. Pine Trails Park — Parkland

10555 Trails End, Parkland | Daily 7am–9pm

For families living in or visiting the Parkland, Coral Springs, and Coconut Creek areas, Pine Trails Park is the neighborhood park that sets a standard. Situated within Parkland — one of Broward County's most family-focused communities — Pine Trails features outstanding athletic facilities including full-size multi-use fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a well-designed playground complex that keeps children of all ages engaged.

The park's green space is beautifully maintained, with wide open lawns ideal for throwing a frisbee, setting up a picnic, or simply letting younger children run. The Barkland Dog Park within Pine Trails is consistently ranked among Broward's best, giving dog-owning families a dedicated off-leash space alongside all the other amenities. The park's proximity to Parkland's trail network makes it a natural starting point for family bike rides through the surrounding community.

Admission: Free.

Why families love it: Clean, well-maintained, and perfectly suited for active families. Free admission and a central location in Parkland's residential community make it a regular stop for area families.

9. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park — Fort Lauderdale

3109 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale | Daily 8am–sunset

In the heart of Fort Lauderdale, tucked between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean just blocks from the beach, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers something the city's beachfront rarely can: genuine coastal wilderness. The 180-acre park is a slice of native Florida landscape — pine flatwoods, tropical hammock, freshwater lagoon, and dune habitats — within walking distance of the Fort Lauderdale tourist corridor.

A 1.8-mile bike and walking path winds through the park along the freshwater lagoon, where families can spot wading birds, turtles, and wildlife in their natural habitat. Canoe and kayak rentals are available for exploring the lagoon. The park connects directly to Fort Lauderdale Beach via an underground pedestrian tunnel — making it easy to combine a nature morning with a beach afternoon. Ranger-led programs and guided canoe tours run throughout the year.

Admission: $6/vehicle (up to 8 people).

Why families love it: The combination of genuine coastal wilderness and immediate beach access is unmatched in Fort Lauderdale. The pedestrian tunnel to the beach is a hit with kids every single time.

10. Weston Regional Park — Weston

20200 Saddle Club Rd., Weston | Daily 7am–9pm

For families in the western Broward corridor — Weston, Davie, Plantation, and surroundings — Weston Regional Park delivers one of the most polished family park experiences in the county. The park's centerpiece is a large family aquatic center with a resort-style pool, waterslides, and splash areas, operated seasonally. But the park's appeal extends well beyond the pool: a full baseball complex with multiple fields, tennis and racquetball courts, a fitness facility, an inline skating rink, extensive walking and jogging paths, and large open green spaces for picnicking make this a full-day destination.

The park is exceptionally well-maintained — a reflection of Weston's overall high standard for community infrastructure — and the athletic programs and youth leagues that run throughout the year make it a community hub for families who live in the area year-round.

Admission: Free for general park access; separate fees for the aquatic center and specific facilities.

Why families love it: One of the most comprehensively equipped parks in western Broward. The combination of aquatics, athletics, and open green space makes it genuinely versatile for different ages and interests.

Pro Tips for Visiting Broward County Parks

The South Florida Adventure Pass is one of the best values in the county for families who love outdoor activities. For $60 (adults) or $50 (kids ages 3–12), plus tax, it provides unlimited visits from May 15 through September 30, 2026 to Butterfly World, Flamingo Gardens, Sawgrass Recreation Park, the Museum of Discovery & Science in Fort Lauderdale, and Zoo Miami (added for 2026 at no additional cost). Existing annual passholders at participating attractions get a $10 discount. Purchase in person with no reservations required.

Weekday visits at most Broward County parks are free — the $1.50/person gate fee only applies on weekends and holidays. If you have flexibility in your schedule, weekday mornings offer cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and zero admission cost.

The Broward County Parks system operates more than 30 regional parks totaling over 6,800 acres of green space across the county. For the full list of parks, hours, amenities, and event calendars, visit broward.org/parks.

Sources: Broward County Parks & Recreation, Butterfly World (butterflyworld.com), Quiet Waters Park (quietwaterspark.com), Visit Lauderdale family activity guides (March 2026), Yelp 2026 Broward County park rankings, Florida Hikes, South Florida on the Cheap, Visit Lauderdale city guides. Article prepared by The Friendly Scoop, powered by Homes by Cusi · Keller Williams Realty.

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