Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Coconut Creek, Florida

In Broward County, Coconut Creek was first developed in the late 1970s and has continued its growth, boasting nearly 60,000 residents according to the latest census. 

The city has embraced the nickname, Butterfly Capital of the World, inspired by the remarkable wildlife attraction, Butterfly World, which opened in 1988 and has thrived as a popular local destination. 

What stands out to me about Coconut Creek and its surroundings are the secluded nature preserves. These exquisite areas are abundant with native South Florida flora, showcasing everything from towering slash pines and cypress trees to numerous fern species. 

Coconut Creek is situated within a major metropolitan area, offering a plethora of activities in nearby communities, while urban hubs like Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton are just a short drive away. 

1. Butterfly World

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The largest butterfly and bird park in the world is located in Coconut Creek. Butterfly World features 20,000 butterflies, showcasing a rich variety of species from around the globe, all set within a rainforest environment. 

A highlight of this attraction is the Research Facility, which offers insights into metamorphosis and the life cycles of butterflies. 

Additionally, visitors can experience remarkable avian life across six free-flight aviaries, and have the opportunity to hand-feed friendly lorikeets. 

Butterfly World’s “Bring Back the Butterflies” initiative encourages families nationwide to take part in efforts to enhance butterfly populations in the wild.

2. Promenade at Coconut Creek

Source: Promenade at Coconut Creek / Facebook

Established in 2008, this upscale open-air shopping center revitalized Coconut Creek’s retail landscape. 

With an impressive selection of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, Promenade at Coconut Creek has become one of Broward County’s most fashionable lifestyle destinations. 

Some of the retail establishments I encountered include Sephora, Soma, J. Jill, and Guitar Center. Dining options ranged from well-known chains like Beer World and Starbucks to a variety of independent restaurants. 

This locale is perfect for spending leisurely hours in the afternoon or evening, especially after a day of exploration. 

The center also features a luxury Silverspot movie theater with 11 screens, providing the option of having food delivered directly to your seat.

3. Fern Forest Nature Center

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This pristine 250-acre area in Coconut Creek offers a chance to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of Southeast Florida.

The center’s elevated boardwalk guides visitors through diverse landscapes, including swamps, marshes, and prairies. 

Before development transformed the region, this landscape typified much of South Florida. Fern Forest now serves as a crucial native plant community in the area.

I discovered during my exploration that over 30 fern species thrive here, along with glimpses of turtles and iguanas throughout the trails. 

Based on my experience, I recommend applying bug repellent, which is available complimentary at the visitor center.

4. Quiet Waters Park

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This 430-acre park, located nearby in Deerfield Beach, emphasizes vigorous recreation in both land and water.

Ski Rixen USA, a private concessionaire at Quiet Waters Park, offers cable water-skiing and wakeboarding, among other activities. 

This is merely a glimpse of what’s available; the park features boat rentals, a campground, bike rentals, fishing lakes, a skate park, a disc golf course, a basketball court, a dog park, and a pollinator garden.

In February and March, the park transforms for the Renaissance Faire, showcasing over 100 performers and artisans who present their goods at the market. 

The fair operates only on weekends, with varying themes each week, ranging from pirates to steampunk and general cosplay. 

5. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek

Source: Seminole Casino Coconut Creek / Facebook

For avid gamblers, buffet enthusiasts, or fans of live entertainment, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek offers a variety of options to enjoy.

From slots and roulette to poker and keno, the casino features both traditional and digital gambling options. 

With over 1,700 slot machines available and a dedicated poker room for games from Texas Hold’em to 7 Card Stud, the offerings are extensive. 

Moreover, live entertainment is provided at several venues, including the 3,000-capacity Stage at Coco.

Dining options include five different venues, ranging from the upscale ambiance of NYY Steak to the more relaxed Sunset Grill, featuring an island theme.

6. Tradewinds Park & Stables

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Encompassing Butterfly World, Tradewinds Park ranks among the largest public parks in the Fort Lauderdale area, covering over 600 acres.

While Butterfly World is the main attraction, families can explore numerous activities. I took my children to the stables for a pony ride, where they also had the chance to interact with barnyard animals such as goats and chickens at the educational farm. 

On the third Saturday and Sunday of each month, a miniature steam train operates, allowing children to enjoy a ride for a small donation.

Additional amenities include nearly two miles of walking paths, a disc golf course, a picnic area, a playground, and fields for soccer, cricket, and baseball/softball.

7. DRV PNK Stadium

The training complex and temporary home stadium for MLS team Inter Miami is located just a few minutes south of Coconut Creek.

Built on the site of the former Lockhart Stadium, this modern 21,000-seat venue serves as a temporary location until the completion of Miami Freedom Park in the later part of the 2020s.

This franchise, co-owned by former international soccer player David Beckham, was established in 2018. 

During my time writing this article, excitement surrounded the team after it signed Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players in history. 

Since its opening in 2020, DRV PNK Stadium has hosted several significant international matches, including Gold Cup qualifiers and friendlies featuring the US Men’s National Team.

8. Tall Cypress Natural Area

Located moments from the Seminole Casino, this tranquil nature preserve offers an escape from the bustling activity. 

This 66-acre preserve retained its natural state amidst rapid development during the 1980s. 

I never tire of exploring South Florida’s natural environments, and the dense vegetation here necessitates exploration via the half-mile boardwalk.

This path winds through a cypress tree canopy, complemented by slash pines, strangler figs, sabal palms, pond apples, and red maples. 

By observing the understory, you can discover wild coffee, saw palmettos, various ferns, and a wealth of other basin swamp plants.

9. Hillsboro Antique Mall

As a minor enthusiast of antiquing, I was eager to explore one of South Florida’s premier multi-dealer malls.

Located at the eastern end of the Festival Marketplace, this mall has its own entrance and houses over 200 dealer booths and showcases.

There is an extensive variety of items to explore, including furniture, watches, porcelain, glassware, records, jewelry, toys, silver, postcards, vintage signs, musical instruments, and much more.

10. Splash Adventure Water Park

This interactive water playground is perfect for families with younger children, featuring impressive dimensions.

My little ones spent several hours engaging with the delightful mix of levers, valves, and wheels. 

With a variety of slides, a giant tipping bucket, several tunnels, and water curtains, the water depth remains shallow, never exceeding 12 inches.

More than a simple splash pad, the water park is monitored by lifeguards, providing clear visibility for parents relaxing on lounge chairs.

11. Festival Marketplace

Having been a part of the landscape for nearly 40 years, Festival Marketplace is a quarter-mile long indoor market. 

This venue aligns with my preferences, and with around 300 booths to browse, I allocate ample time to explore from one end to the other.

The offerings include shoe stores, fragrance outlets, clothing boutiques, jewelry shops, furniture, kitchenware, luggage, eyewear, and much more.

I have noted that prices may fluctuate from day to day, making repeated visits worthwhile for securing the best deals.

The food court is also noteworthy and merits the trip alone. On a recent visit, the available choices included pizza, Asian fusion, Mediterranean, Brazilian, and Cuban specialties.

12. Helene Klein Pineland Preserve

In comparison to the other natural areas around Coconut Creek, this 13-acre property remains less frequented.

I must say, I was enchanted from the moment I set foot on the trail. The primary habitat features pine flatwoods, characterized by a tall slash pine forest and a layer of saw palmettos.

Within these pines, I encountered stretches of cypress swamp and two small patches of rare marl prairie. 

The latter is seldom observed in the region and provides an exceptionally diverse array of plant species nurtured by its marl-rich soils. 

Despite the small size of the preserve, the wildlife is abundant, including spotted skunks, Florida brown snakes, and giant swallowtail butterflies.

13. Off The Wall Coconut Creek

For those needing activities for energetic children and teenagers, there exists a considerable indoor entertainment center at Coconut Creek Plaza.

The main attraction at Off The Wall is the Ultimate Air Park, a 12,000-square-foot facility, the first of its kind in South Florida.

Among the numerous soft and bouncy attractions and obstacles are a Ninja Wall, Xtreme Slides, Moon Bounce, a Battle Beam, and Meltdown. There’s also a designated zone for toddlers, with a height limit of 42 inches.

In addition to the Ultimate Air Park, there is laser tag, virtual reality games, an arcade, a ropes course, Crazy Cars, and a dining option offering comfort food such as chicken tenders and pizza. 

14. Daggerwing Nature Center

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Part museum, part preserve, part classroom, and part scientific laboratory, the Daggerwing Nature Center stands out as a unique, family-friendly destination.

While on the elevated boardwalk situated in this remnant of ancient tropical rainforest, visitors may spot woodpeckers, wading and predatory birds, alligators, snakes, and turtles. Therefore, remember to bring your camera to capture memorable moments.

Inside, I enjoyed exploring the interactive exhibits, complete with various fish and reptiles showcased in aquariums and terrariums.

My personal favorite was the butterfly garden, which cultivates a habitat for the Ruddy Daggerwing butterfly, giving the center its name.

15. Oriole Golf Club

Source: Oriole Golf Club / Facebook

Since its inception in 1971, Oriole Golf Club in Margate has drawn both local and visiting golfers. This public 18-hole course is renowned for its picturesque and moderately challenging layout.

Amidst numerous high-priced and semi-exclusive golf courses, it remains relatively affordable, making it an outstanding choice for budget-conscious travelers.

During my visit, I found the majority of the fairways to be nicely open, although the challenge lies in executing approach shots, as the greens can be small and quite undulating. 

Despite its challenges, the course is suitable for beginner and intermediate players. The facility features a well-stocked pro shop and an all-grass driving range open from dawn until dusk.