HELP Cool Things To Do in South FL With a 3 YO
 

Hi, We'll be in S. Florida (Ft. Lauderdale) in November and are wondering what are some things people did with their young kids that were out of the ordinary/fun/exciting, etc. We're very active (so is our child!) and are not lounging around the pool types. We will have a car, and don't mind spending a few bucks if there's value in the proposition.

A couple of ideas...
-An airboat ride in the Everglades. There's a company called "Billie Swamp Safari" that is closer to Ft. Lauderdale.
-A walk or bike ride on the Hollywood Beach boardwalk (south of Ft.Laud.) You can rent a bike (i think with kid seats too), or a 4-seater bike-type thing. Also, restaurants, mini-golf, etc.
- Ride a water taxi in the intracoastal waterway in FtLd. They travel to/from various points in the area and are a fun alternative to your car.

great suggestions! the airboat sounds terrific!

Near Miami: Monkey Jungle, Parrot Jungle, and an airboat ride/visit to the Everglades Alligator Farm (near the entrance to Everglades Nat'l Park).

If you are having a bad weather day, head out to Sawgrass Mills Mall and have lunch at the Rainforest Cafe. Just outside the restaurant, they recently added a FREE play area for the children (make sure your child has socks on -- health dept requirement.) My niece recently visited us and took her 2-1/2 yr old daughter there about 3 times per week. Only one way in and one way out, so the kids are safe. Also, there are plenty of places the parents can sit to keep an eye on their children. They have stairs, slides, tunnels, etc. for the children to go through.

Also, you could visit Butterfly World in Pompano Beach, or Flamingo Gardens in Davie (on Flamingo Road just north of Griffin Rd). Flamingo Gardens would be a nice stop if you decide to go on the airboat ride because it's about halfway between the beach and the swamp...LOL! Flamingo Gardens has an aviary and I believe they have some animals (I've lived in Davie all my life and haven't been out to Flamingo Gardens in ages... right in my own backyard!)
Tree Tops Park (a County park) on S.W. 100th Avenue (Nob Hill Road) just north of Griffin Road has lots of nice hiking areas, horse/pony rides, paddleboats, and an observation tower to climb.

I hope I gave you some good ideas! Have fun.

many thanks for your helpful suggestions! i'll get out a TR in december on our return.