13 Top Birthday Ideas in Fort Lauderdale for 2025

The best birthday ideas in Fort Lauderdale take advantage of the city’s ample sunshine and miles of coastline. If wondering how to plan a birthday party in Fort Lauderdale, this list is the place to start. 

We’ve put together the ultimate guide, whether you need over-the-top 30th birthday party ideas or low-key birthday ideas in Fort Lauderdale for adults. From cheap birthday ideas like hanging out on the beach to unique local attractions, these destinations guarantee a memorable celebration. There are so many fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale, the hardest part will be picking just one of them.

Jump to Section

• Unique Birthday Ideas in Fort Lauderdale for Adults
• Fun Birthday Ideas in Fort Lauderdale for Adults
• Indoor Birthday Ideas in Fort Lauderdale
• Cheap Birthday Ideas in Fort Lauderdale
• Birthday Ideas in Fort Lauderdale FAQs

Unique Birthday Ideas in Fort Lauderdale for Adults

1. Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

Taking a cooking class is a unique birthday idea in Fort Lauderdale for adults that will teach you how to cook fresh, locally-sourced seafood, handmade pasta and more. If you’re a foodie, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to connect with talented chefs and learn valuable techniques you can use in your home kitchen. 

2. Explore the Venetian Isles by Kayak

Fort Lauderdale is a unique blend of nature and luxury and kayaking the Venetian Isles lets you see both sides. You’ll paddle through lush mangroves and gawk at sprawling mansions and multi-million-dollar yachts while dolphins, manatees and sea turtles swim around you. The tours are easy and suitable for all skill levels and knowledgeable guides share fascinating information about the area's history.

If you need date ideas in Fort Lauderdale, this is sure to nurture your romance. Blue Moon Outdoor Adventures offers a range of affordable options that you will love.

3. Paint and Sips in Fort Lauderdale

Add paint and sips in Fort Lauderdale to your list of birthday ideas if you’re looking for a relaxing, low-key celebration. Sip wine while painting a floral still life or nature scene and conversing with your friends.

According to the American Medical Association, making art has numerous mental health benefits, so you can enter your next year of life without stress weighing you down.

4. Bluefoot Pirate Adventures Sunset Cruise

Pirate ships aren’t just for kids; they also make unique birthday ideas for adults! Bluefoot Pirate Adventures offers a BYOB sunset cruise for up to 48 people that takes place aboard an authentic pirate ship. You can play your own music, sip your favorite drinks and watch the sunset for a memorable experience.

Fun Birthday Ideas in Fort Lauderdale for Adults

5. Take a Boat Tour

Fort Lauderdale is often called the “Venice of America” because it’s teeming with pristine waterways. From the New River to the 3,000-mile Intracoastal Waterway, plus numerous offshoot canals, getting out on the water is an obvious choice for a birthday idea in Fort Lauderdale for adults.

There are cruises available to fit any budget, ranging from vintage riverboats to private yachts to booze cruises. If you're looking for a classic experience, Carrie B Cruises has been offering tours for over 30 years.

6. Enjoy Food, Drinks and Entertainment at Mai-Kai Restaurant

Mai-Kai Restaurant has been a staple amongst unique birthday ideas in Fort Lauderdale for adults for years. Home to the nation’s longest-running Polynesian show, this world-famous destination serves delicious Cantonese and American food in a tropical setting with live entertainment while you eat. The colorful, creative cocktails from the in-house tiki bar are icing on the cake.

7. Enter a Tropical Paradise at Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Gardens is a 60-acre wildlife sanctuary and botanical garden boasting thousands of native plant and animal species. It’s one of the best outdoor birthday party ideas for nature lovers, housing lush tropical vegetation, crocodiles, black bears and yes, flamingos (that you can feed!)

Indoor Birthday Ideas in Fort Lauderdale

8. Xtreme Action Park

Xtreme Action Park is basically the adult version of an indoor playground. With indoor go-karts, mini golf, bowling, a ropes course, roller skating and more, this 200,000-square-foot entertainment center just might be the best place to celebrate a birthday in Fort Lauderdale.

9. Flippo’s

If you need kid-friendly indoor birthday ideas, look no further than Flippo’s. This indoor playground has a jungle gym, sports courts, laser maze, arcade games and more. Kids of all ages are sure to have a blast.

10. Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are classic indoor birthday ideas in Fort Lauderdale. They’re fun, high-energy and perfect for bonding with friends. The city has several to choose from, such as Escapology and Think Escape Games.

Cheap Birthday Ideas in Fort Lauderdale

11. Hang Out at the Beach

A beach day is a no-brainer when it comes to cheap birthday ideas in Fort Lauderdale. There are few things better than basking in the sunshine with a good book and an empty to-do list. Of course, you could splurge on a day pass to a fancy beach club but the city has great public beaches with pearly white sands. Las Olas Beach is a great pick because it’s close to all the major downtown attractions.

12. LauderGO!

Sightseeing is one of the best budget-friendly ways to experience a new city. Exploring on foot is always fun but why tire yourself out when you could take a free shuttle ride instead? LauderGO! is a trolley with five routes that run through Fort Lauderdale’s tourist hotspots, like the Riverwalk and Las Olas Boulevard, so you can take in the scenery without spending a dime. 

13. Stroll Down Las Olas Boulevard

The city’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment center, Las Olas Boulevard, is a 2.5-mile, pedestrian-friendly street with lush tropical vegetation and Mediterranean architecture. It’s one of the best birthday ideas in Fort Lauderdale if you’re trying to keep costs low because you don’t necessarily have to spend any money to enjoy the experience.

Embark on a leisurely stroll down the boulevard as you watch street performers, do some window shopping and admire historic buildings like Stranahan House.

Birthday Ideas in Fort Lauderdale FAQs

How Can I Celebrate My Birthday in a Unique Way?

Celebrating your birthday uniquely isn’t difficult; it just requires a little bit of thought. Instead of just going out to dinner with friends, consider activities you can look back on years later. If you want to stay traditional and have a party, give it a theme, such as a karaoke night or murder mystery dinner, for a more memorable experience. Other ideas include outings like a spa day, an escape room or a cooking class. 

What Are Some Good Birthday Party Activities?

The best birthday party activities are creative, engaging and memorable. Classic ideas like a movie or board game night, karaoke or a dance party are fun for all ages. Setting up a DIY photo booth with themed props is a great way to create lasting memories. If you want to celebrate away from home, escape rooms, miniature golf and bowling are a few examples of high-energy attractions perfect for large groups. Consider the interests and age of the guest of honor when planning activities to ensure it’s something they’ll enjoy.

If you’re looking for the best place to celebrate a birthday in Fort Lauderdale, now you have 13 great ideas to choose from. Whether you want to soak up the Florida sunshine at the beach or on a boat tour, learn how to cook or have a blast at an indoor entertainment center, these birthday ideas in Fort Lauderdale are fun for all.

For even more fun things to try in Fort Lauderdale, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!