Top 14 Activities in Lauderdale Lakes, FL You Can’t Miss

Located near Fort Lauderdale in Broward County, Lauderdale Lakes is a suburban city characterized by significant Caribbean American and African American demographics.

Nearby, visitors can observe West Indies cricket matches at the only dedicated cricket stadium in the United States. Additionally, the Miami Broward Carnival celebrates Caribbean culture in the area every October.

One of the many advantages of Lauderdale Lakes is its accessibility. For example, you can reach Atlantic beaches, regional shopping centers, and a wide array of family attractions in just a few minutes.

At the same time, Fort Lauderdale—with its shopping boutiques, museums, diverse dining options, and intricate canal system—is always conveniently nearby.

1. Swap Shop

This expansive complex functions as a hub for numerous activities, attracting millions of visitors annually. Initially opened as the Sunrise Drive-In theater in the early 1960s, Swap Shop is notable for at one point being the largest drive-in theater in the United States, featuring 14 screens.

However, as of the latest update, the theater was undergoing renovations following a significant fire.

As suggested by its name, Swap Shop also serves as a flea market, operating year-round across 88 acres. The scale of the market is indeed remarkable.

For a general sense of the offerings, one can find prepared foods, beverages, fresh produce, floral arrangements, clothing, power tools, car audio systems, jewelry, and numerous repair services.

Moreover, the market includes a carnival for children and, surprisingly, a multi-million dollar showcase of Ferraris, featuring a standout 1965 275 GTB/C Speciale among countless flea market stalls.

2. Central Broward Park

The only dedicated cricket stadium in the United States is merely five minutes from Lauderdale Lakes.

The Broward County Stadium, which accommodates 20,000 spectators, opened its doors in 2007 and hosts one-day and T20 format matches.

Over the past 16 years, numerous international games have taken place here, featuring teams from the United States and the West Indies, the latter occasionally treating the stadium as their home ground.

Central Broward Park also provides a suite of amenities, which includes basketball, soccer/football, tennis, netball, pickleball facilities, as well as a waterpark.

In October, this park serves as the venue for the Miami Broward Carnival, a vibrant celebration of the Caribbean-American community.

3. Fort Lauderdale

Residing in Lauderdale Lakes places you just 15 minutes from a city affectionately referred to as the Venice of America. This entry seeks to highlight some key aspects.

Begin with Las Olas Boulevard, the nucleus of Fort Lauderdale’s dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences.

It is also essential to explore the canals that inspired Fort Lauderdale’s nickname. This can be accomplished along the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk or via water. Options include water taxis, romantic gondola rides, or stand-up paddleboarding tours.

A wealth of noteworthy attractions should not be overlooked. For families, the Museum of Discovery and Science is a premier destination.

Individuals seeking history, culture, and a taste of old Florida elegance should visit the Stranahan House and the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens.

4. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Beach

One of the nearest public beach access points to Lauderdale Lakes is Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Beach.

Traffic conditions permitting, the drive takes approximately 15 minutes. One aspect I truly appreciate about this location is the pleasing absence of towering edifices.

Cozy and walkable, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Beach resembles a quaint coastal village, featuring charming mid-century architecture and an array of dining options just steps from the shoreline.

Additionally, a coral reef lies about 100 yards offshore, offering opportunities for diving and snorkeling, showcasing an astonishing variety of marine life observable directly from the beach.

5. Lauderhill Performing Arts Center

Situated within the same complex as Central Broward Park, this modern performing arts center debuted in 2016.

The LEED-certified Lauderhill Performing Arts Center is a cherished venue for musicals, concerts, film screenings, dance performances, visual arts exhibitions, and much more.

The centerpiece is a 1,106-seat proscenium theater, equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.

A plethora of events occur throughout the year, but the Broadway at LPAC season is a major highlight, typically running from January to April, featuring three notable productions. Recently, I had a delightful experience watching 42nd Street here.

6. Vincent Torres Memorial Park

Located near Lauderdale Lakes’ municipal departments, this community park offers various amenities.

Vincent Torres Memorial Park promotes activity, featuring basketball and tennis courts, a senior center, and multiple multi-use fields.

Notably, this park was impressive in providing a family-friendly environment. An updated inclusive playground with an overhead canopy, alongside a picnic pavilion, enhances the experience for families.

Conveniently situated on the Middle River Canal, visitors can access a waterfront trail, which I will elaborate on in the following section.

7. Cypress Preserve Conservation Park

Distinct from Cypress Preserve Park in Sunrise, this lush area is situated at 2525 NW 49th Ave in Lauderdale Lakes.

Cypress Preserve Conservation Park features a dense array of native woodlands. There exists a half-mile nature trail that consistently remains shaded beneath the canopy and is accompanied by informative signage.

Additionally, a garden has been cultivated here, featuring plants known to attract butterflies. Equipped with a grill and two pavilions, this park is ideal for picnics during the winter, spring, or fall months.

8. Cho A Dong Oriental Food Market

Source: Oriental Food Market – CHO A DONG / Facebook

To gain an authentic understanding of the area, visiting local establishments like this family-owned market is worthwhile.

Located in a strip mall on North State Route 7, Cho A Dong Oriental Food Market is filled with unique items not readily available elsewhere.

The narrow aisles of this market showcase a diverse selection of Asian cuisines, including Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Filipino offerings.

Whether you wish to prepare pho soup, okonomiyaki, or tteokbokki at home, or you’re simply looking to stock up on instant noodles, this market has you covered.

9. DRV PNK Stadium

During my visit, there was a notable excitement in Greater Miami, as Lionel Messi had recently joined the MLS team Inter Miami.

The 21,000-capacity DRV PNK Stadium currently serves as the home of Inter Miami, which also utilizes this venue for training, located near Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.

Having opened in 2020, the stadium is expected to host the team until the completion of Freedom Park, which will be closer to downtown Miami.

With Messi on the roster, ticket demand for Inter Miami has significantly surged, resulting in the least expensive tickets being priced four times higher than usual.

10. Xtreme Action Park

This family entertainment center, the largest and most renowned in South Florida, is located just ten minutes from Lauderdale Lakes.

Xtreme Action Park received recognition as the National Family Entertainment Center Location of the Year during my visit. Spanning 250,000 square feet, this establishment is immense.

At the forefront is the karting track, which boasts two configurations and gas-powered karts capable of reaching speeds of 45 MPH. Complementing this are escape rooms, a vast arcade with over 150 games, a roller skating rink, virtual reality experiences, an XD dark ride, laser tag, a ropes course, and mini-golf.

Adjacent to the track is the Pit Stop Kitchen, a large dining establishment with floor-to-ceiling views of the racing events and over 50 LED televisions.

11. Uncle Bernie’s Amusement Park

One of the hidden gems at Swap Shop is a small yet charming amusement park. Uncle Bernie’s operates similarly to a family entertainment center, featuring 15 distinct rides and attractions.

Primarily catering to younger children, Uncle Bernie’s includes carnival-style bumper cars, a carousel, flying dragons, and a log flume. Additionally, midway games and character performances enrich the experience.

To save on costs, visitors can acquire unlimited ride packages for one, two, or three hours, along with access to a reserved picnic area.

12. Fern Forest Nature Center

Source: DaSpader / Wikimedia

Nestled within the urban landscape of Greater Miami, remnants of the natural beauty that once covered South Florida still exist.

The largest expanse near Lauderdale Lakes comprises 250 acres of hardwood hammock, cypress/maple swamp, and open prairie located in Coconut Creek.

Much of the terrain at the Fern Forest Nature Center is not easily traversable at ground level. There lies a significant half-mile boardwalk that weaves through this damp environment, showcasing over 30 varieties of ferns, which lend their name to the center.

I had an enjoyable experience during the Wetlands Wander and the exhibit room, which offers insights into the local ecology and features a live display of native reptiles.

13. C-13 Canal Greenway Trail

One of the most overlooked aspects of the Miami metropolitan area is its extensive network of waterways.

Lauderdale Lakes is effectively bisected by the Middle River Canal, with long stretches of the banks remaining undeveloped, aside from grassy areas and paved trails.

Commencing at Vincent Torres Memorial Park, visitors can traverse a couple of miles east or west along the canal.

At Highway 441, the C-13 Canal Greenway Trail intersects the highway, extending eastward to Oriole Elementary School.

This region of Lauderdale Lakes provides a tranquil atmosphere, adorned with numerous palm trees and occasional wildlife encounters.

14. Broward Mall

In Greater Miami, there is never a shortage of bustling malls nearby. A commendable local option is Broward Mall, which was well-maintained during a recent visit.

On a weekend, the mall was teeming with visitors. Previously known as Westfield Broward before a recent ownership transition, it boasts nearly 100 tenants.

Most of these retailers fall within the mid-range market segment, featuring brands such as Hollister, Foot Locker, Loft, Yankee Candle, Pandora, Dillard’s, H&M, JCPenney, and Macy’s.

The food court was thriving, hosting ten options including Panda Express and Haagen-Dazs, while the 12-screen Regal Broward offers stadium seating and a premium RPX screen.