2 Best Sights in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, Florida

You can reach this officially designated Urban Wilderness Area only by boat on the weekends. The coastal hammock island contains a mangrove swamp that provides a critical habitat for manatees, gopher tortoises, gray foxes, raccoons, and armadillos. County-operated free boat shuttles run on the hour from 10 am to 3 pm Friday and weekends. The last shuttle departs for the mainland at 4 pm. The ride is five minutes each way. Amenities within the 53.3-acre park include nature trails, a butterfly garden, kayaks and paddleboards, and picnic areas. Pets and fishing are prohibited on the island.

Its name belies what's in store for kids here. Splash Adventure is a high-tech water-play system with slides and tunnels, among other activities. There's also cable waterskiing and boat rentals on the lake inside this county park. You'll also find a campground with platform tents and tepees, as well as mountain biking trails and a skate park. Note that this space functions mostly as a public park for locals rather than as a tourist attraction.