Outside Interests

By Beth Luberecki
Published: November 19, 2008
Last Updated On: March 11, 2011

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Fort Lauderdale

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Hollywood

Families with kids of all ages enjoy exploring Hollywood's wild side.

Walk along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, and it quickly becomes clear that families feel right at home in Hollywood, a small city on Florida's southeast coast. Parents push toddlers in strollers or pedal surrey bikes loaded with kids. Tweens zoom by on inline skates or "funcycles," the bicycle world's answer to a low rider. Entire families gather around tables at restaurants along the stretch, which offer kids' menus and front-row views of the Atlantic Ocean.

If it seems like Hollywood is one big playground, that's because it is. The pace is a bit slower here than in nearby Miami or Fort Lauderdale, making it easy for parents to navigate with kids in tow. And because the city isn't as built up as some of its neighbors, it offers plenty of ways to get back to nature. With miles of beaches and numerous parks, Hollywood is home to attractions that are as eco-friendly as they are family-friendly. So whether your kids are beach bums or wildlife watchers, Hollywood is an ideal spot for families who love the outdoors.

On the Right Path

A lot of the action in Hollywood centers on the Broadwalk, which stretches for two and a half miles along the beach. To get in on the fun, rent a bike for an hour (or a day) at one of several locations along the promenade.

When things get too hot, lose the wheels and hit the beach. There's plenty of room to spread out your towels on Hollywood's seven miles of Blue Wave beaches, known for being clean and safe. Of course, nothing beats a dip in the clear blue waters of the Atlantic. But kids can also cool down at the interactive fountains at the recently renovated Charnow Park, located on the Broadwalk, and at ArtsPark at Young Circle in Downtown Hollywood.

All of this activity is sure to work up an appetite. Even the pickiest eaters will find something to their liking along the Broadwalk, where restaurants offer everything from slices of pizza to Japanese delicacies. And since most offer outdoor dining, mom and dad can relax at the table while the kids play within view.

When the sun sets, stroll down the Broadwalk to the Hollywood Beach Theatre. You can listen to live music here several nights a week. On Dec. 6, the bands and floats in the Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade march along the Broadwalk from 7 to 10 p.m.

Natural Wonders

The city's numerous parks and preserves make Hollywood something of a wild kingdom. At West Lake Park, families can explore by foot or boat. Hike the trails that wind through the 1,500-acre preserve, climb the 68-foot observation tower, rent canoes or kayaks or check out the Anne Kolb Nature Center Exhibit Hall, which houses exhibits detailing the importance of the mangrove tidal estuary. Family-friendly programs here range from a behind-the-scenes look at the center's 3,500-gallon aquarium to guided hikes through the mangroves and moonlight paddle tours.

Hollywood North Beach Park also features an observation tower, along with beach access, fishing piers, picnic tables and a concession area. During the summer, special programs provide information about the sea turtles that nest in the area and end with a beachside release of any hatchlings. At Holland Park, you can watch the steady stream of boat traffic on the Intracoastal Waterway from the park's bike path and nature trails.

If you want to get out on the Atlantic, sign up for sailing lessons at Sailors Point. Or book a fishing trip on Sea Legs III and cast your line for catches like grouper and snapper.

Family Rooms

Hollywood boasts a number of lodging choices, many of which are located along the Broadwalk and are members of the Superior Small Lodging program. Some even offer apartment-style accommodations complete with kitchens, an amenity much appreciated by traveling families.

Some local hotels, like the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, the Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach and the DeSoto Oceanview Inn, have already received or are applying for membership in the Florida Green Lodging Program. That's just another sign of how important the natural environment is to the area, and another reason why families who love the outdoors love spending time in Hollywood. (For more on Hollywood lodging options, visit The Hollywood Office of Tourism's website.)

To plan your own family getaway to Hollywood, call 877-672-2468 or visit www.visithollywoodfl.org.