Best local playground: Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Gardens in Davie brings together a lush tropical garden with a historic plantation and a wildlife sanctuary.  It is an easy drive of about 25 minutes from Fort Lauderdale, and is well worth the trip.  The courtyard area is chock full of shopping things to do.  What is even better is that this area is outside the actual park so it is free and could easily be a great morning trip for families.

As guests enter the courtyard the eyes are drawn immediately to the large aviary exhibits in the center.  Children and their parents will love to watch the Military Macaws, Cockatoos, and Blue and Gold Macaws play, some of them even talk a little.

The courtyard area has a great playground with mulch flooring a large climbing structure with a bridge and lots of slides.  This quiet playground is rarely busy allowing the kids to play while parents watch on from nearby benches.  The playground is fairly well shaded and located conveniently next to the restrooms. 

When the children are good and tired from playing on the playground head on over to the Tropical Marketplace snack bar for a cold drink, a fruit smoothie or a hotdog.  There is lots of outdoor shaded seating next to the snack bar where guests can enjoy a fresh cold cup of  juice while listening to the parrots.  Watch out though you may have to walk around one of the beautiful wild peacocks who like to hang out in the area.  Guests can also shop for gourmet gifts and have fruit shipped to friends and family.

The next shopping opportunity is the Garden Shop and Secret Garden, where guests can shop for fantastic garden items and browse through tropical plants that will perk up any South Florida back yard. 

Flamingo Gardens is a great local destination inside and out and is a must see Special Events and Exhibits for any family with kids.