Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Cooper City, FL

Part of the extensive Miami metropolitan area, Cooper City is situated equidistantly between the Atlantic coast and the Everglades. This geographic advantage is one of the numerous aspects I value about this location.

Proceeding east, one arrives at Dania Beach’s coastline, where the atmosphere is decidedly more relaxed than that of nearby Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood Beach. Conversely, heading west will lead you to Everglades Holiday Park, poised to launch you on an exhilarating airboat adventure.

The local vicinity features remarkable examples of South Florida’s natural environment. At Flamingo Gardens, Tree Tops Park, and Long Key, opportunities abound for hiking through pristine oak hammocks.

Additionally, the region serves as a veritable haven for shoppers, with lifestyle centers and some of South Florida’s premier malls located in close proximity.

1. Tree Tops Park

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At what may be my preferred park in Broward County, Tree Tops Park spans 250 acres of natural beauty situated on the northern edge of Cooper City.

The venerable live oaks within Tree Tops Park are nothing short of breathtaking. At the heart of the canopy, an observation tower awaits, offering vistas that showcase the vitality of these ancient trees.

Moreover, the park features a substantial area of restored freshwater marshland. Visitors can traverse this habitat via a scenic 1,000-foot boardwalk.

You are likely to encounter many horseback riders in Tree Tops Park. An expansive trail system exists, developed in collaboration with the South Florida Trail Riders Association.

Finally, the lake located on the southern side of the park offers swan boats for rent during holidays and weekends.

2. Flamingo Gardens

Celebrated for South Florida’s natural allure, this botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary was established in 1927.

This 60-acre tropical haven is home to over 3,000 tropical and subtropical plant species, including more than 300 palm varieties as well as splendid live oaks that have stood for centuries.

I anticipated an expedition through one of the last stands of tropical hardwood forest in Florida to be somewhat demanding. However, you can experience the native hammocks and wetlands comfortably through a tram tour.

Within the wildlife sanctuary, there are native Floridian species that have been rescued but cannot be released back into the wild. As I navigated through, I observed alligators, flamingos, black bears, river otters, bobcats, raptors, and panthers at close range.

Most memorable was the expansive walk-through aviary that replicates various Everglades ecosystems. It houses birds from over 40 species, including a wide array of Florida’s native wading birds.

3. C.B. Smith Park

In terms of the quality and diversity of amenities, this public park in Pembroke Pines proves difficult to surpass.

Merely five minutes from Cooper City, C.B. Smith Park has a history dating back to 1959, originally serving as a firing range during World War II.

The centerpiece here is undoubtedly Paradise Cove Waterpark, which features a 410-foot lazy river, two water playgrounds, and a 50-foot tower equipped with four spiraling water slides.

On the northern section of the park lies AllGolf, a complete practice facility boasting a driving range, two 18-hole mini golf courses, and nine batting cages.

Additionally, C.B. Smith Park provides amenities suitable for a variety of sports, including basketball and tennis.

4. HAPPI Farm

Located just moments away in Davie, this family-friendly destination merges a petting zoo with horseback riding experiences. A non-profit entity focused on animal-assisted learning, HAPPI Farm offers enriching animal encounters.

Options range from guided trail rides and riding lessons through a tranquil forest to enjoyable interactions at the petting farm.

Children can bond with an assortment of gentle barnyard animals, including rabbits, goats, guinea pigs, a hedgehog, a miniature donkey, a llama, and an alpaca.

Regrettably, I didn’t come prepared with any suitable feed for the residents of HAPPI Farm; treats such as cut-up apples, carrots, and lettuce are well accepted.

5. The Shops at Pembroke Gardens

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This upscale lifestyle center, inaugurated in neighboring Pembroke Pines in 2007, is designed akin to a fashionable South Florida downtown.

To illustrate the ambiance, well-known brands such as lululemon, Banana Republic, Francesca’s, Barnes & Noble, Sephora, Old Navy, Ann Taylor, and Loft can be found here.

The culinary offerings are diverse, ranging from Mediterranean to tacos, sushi, Italian cuisine, casual pub fare, seafood, tapas, and smoothie bowls. Notably, a branch of The Cheesecake Factory is present, alongside Havana 1957, renowned for its mojitos.

Be sure to check the events calendar for special happenings; for instance, a farmers’ market occurs on the first Sunday of each month at this mall.

6. Hit the Beach

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Traveling directly east from Cooper City, the Atlantic coastline is readily accessible. With numerous public beach parks lining the shore, an extensive selection of locations awaits your choice.

If you share my inclination to sidestep crowds, Ocean Park at Dania Beach offers a perfect spot to lay down a towel. Nestled conveniently between Hollywood Beach and Fort Lauderdale, it represents a tranquil detour from the usual tourist path. The vicinity boasts a marina, fishing pier, and a variety of dining options.

Further north, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park remains relatively uncrowded compared to other beach destinations. This locale features the last remaining example of an undeveloped coastal ecosystem within Broward County.

7. Brian Piccolo Park

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This county-operated park is named after the esteemed college and professional football player Brian Piccolo, who significantly influenced South Florida during his career. Since its inauguration in 1989, it has emerged as a key sports venue for Broward County.

In addition to basketball courts and soccer fields, Brian Piccolo Park is well-known for its velodrome and cricket grounds, having hosted international cricket competitions between the USA and Canada.

Although recognized for its sporting facilities, the park also supports a diverse range of birdlife, with the protected burrowing owl being a notable resident. These charming birds can be observed in designated areas marked with yellow tape.

8. Everglades Holiday Park

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Approximately 15 minutes west of Cooper City, the urban landscape abruptly transitions into the vastness of the Everglades. Situated conveniently at the west end of Griffin Road is a multifaceted visitor attraction.

The primary reason to visit Everglades Holiday Park is to embark on a thrilling airboat tour through these iconic wetlands.

During this excursion, participants will have opportunities to observe alligators up close, along with various fish, insects, birds, and other reptiles. There is even a possibility of spotting a crocodile during the journey.

This tour package includes a live alligator show in the Gator Pit, featuring the park’s Gator Boys Alligator Rescue Team, recognized from the Animal Planet television series.

For your convenience, it is advisable to bring earplugs for the airboat ride, as the engines emit considerable noise due to their powerful nature.

9. Long Key Natural Area and Nature Center

Broward County Parks and Recreation manages another vital segment of the local ecosystem. Historically, Long Key was an oak hammock on elevated ground prior to development.

Previously, this location was part of a series of islands surrounded by the vast marshlands of the Everglades.

Evidence of human presence in the area dates back over three thousand years, with the ancient Tequestas and later the Seminoles inhabiting these lands.

I appreciated my walk through the beautiful oak hammock and took some time to explore the Nature Center. This facility features a brief video detailing Long Key’s natural history alongside exhibits about the Tequesta and Seminole Native American communities.

10. Cooper City Antique Mall

Source: coopercityantiquemall.com

This multi-dealer antique mall offers an excellent opportunity to spend an hour or two away from the Florida sun.

Covering 10,000 square feet, it houses an impressive array of vintage, antique, and gently-used items, many of which come with unique South Florida stories.

Among the intriguing items discovered during my visit were Art Deco pieces, typewriters, cameras, industrial tools, stylish mid-century furniture, and even medical antiques.

Moreover, if you are willing to negotiate, some vendors may be inclined to provide a discount.

The Cooper City Antique Mall is open year-round, and the hours differ between weekdays and weekends; it is wise to verify online prior to making a special visit.

11. Pembroke Lakes Mall

Shopping enthusiasts will find an abundance of destinations within a short drive of Cooper City. Indeed, within ten minutes, resides one of South Florida’s most frequented malls, boasting over 150 retailers.

Pembroke Lakes Mall presents a blend of luxury brands paired with popular mall retailers. In addition to Guess and Michael Kors, you’ll discover Macy’s, JCPenney, Dillard’s, Foot Locker, H&M, Forever 21, Vans, rue21, and American Eagle.

During my visit to the food court, I noted a lively atmosphere, featuring establishments such as Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, Charleys Cheesesteaks, and a vendor offering Colombian-style arepas.

Pembroke Lakes Mall is also home to one of the area’s premier cinemas. AMC Pembroke Lake 9 has been upgraded with new reclining seats, along with IMAX and Dolby theater options.

12. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Initially opened in 2004, this adjacent casino resort completed an extensive billion-dollar expansion project in 2019. As part of this endeavor, a striking 50-foot tower designed to resemble a Gibson Les Paul guitar now graces the landscape adjacent to US-441.

Currently, the resort features nearly 1,300 rooms along with an impressive 140,000 square feet of gaming space. In addition to hundreds of slot machines, table games such as blackjack, three-card poker, let it ride, baccarat, craps, and roulette are available.

Furthermore, there are two nightclubs, numerous bars and lounges, and close to twenty dining options. The expansion also increased the seating capacity of the Hard Rock Live arena, accommodating up to 7,000 guests.

In the two decades prior to my compilation of this list, an extraordinary lineup of artists has performed here, ranging from Paul McCartney to Britney Spears.

13. Pembroke Lakes Golf Course

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In the 2000s, Pembroke Lakes Golf Course underwent extensive renovations, significantly elevating its facilities and reputation while maintaining its popularity as a municipal course.

Crafted by esteemed architect John Sanford, the course offers six sets of tees and features Paspalum supreme grass, complemented by modern GPS-carts that give it the feel of a private country club.

Among the course’s eighteen holes, I will particularly remember #7, a challenging par-3 that requires precision and steadiness, with water on one side and an expansive sand trap on the other.

The practice area includes a grass driving range, a chipping green, and an oversized putting green.

14. Wolf Lake Park

Situated within a 50-acre area in Davie, this park offers an escape from urban life without leaving the city. Many would agree that Wolf Lake Park provides a uniquely serene atmosphere not often found elsewhere in South Florida.

The park’s lake occupies much of its designated area and is surrounded by tall Australian pines. Standing along the shore beneath this canopy, one can enjoy an isolated view characterized by trees and a tranquil body of water.

This region remains largely undeveloped and is bordered by farms and stables on the north, south, and east. It is not unusual to see horseback riders traversing the woodland trails.

Additionally, the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, which date back to the early 1940s, are just a short distance from Wolf Lake Park.

15. Anne Kolb Nature Center

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Encompassing over 1,500 acres along the Intracoastal Waterway in Dania Beach, the Anne Kolb Nature Center is located approximately 20 minutes from Cooper City.

This site protects a vital coastal mangrove ecosystem, welcoming visitors free of charge on weekdays. Elevated boardwalks traverse the wetlands, allowing for in-depth observation of the area.

Moreover, a 68-foot observation tower grants a surprisingly expansive view of this low-lying region.

Inside the center, visitors can observe local fish species within a 3,500-gallon saltwater aquarium, complemented by engaging interactive exhibits in the EcoRoom.