33 Indoor Activities in Fort Lauderdale Worth Staying In For in 2025
Indoor activities in Fort Lauderdale are surprisingly easy to come by, even in a city known for sunshine and surf. When the weather turns or the sunburn hits, it helps to know where to go. From interactive museums to laid-back lounges, there’s plenty to keep the day going strong without stepping outside.
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- Indoor Activities in Fort Lauderdale: Museums and Cultural Spaces
- Indoor Interactive Classes and Games in Fort Lauderdale
- Wellness and Relaxation Activities in Fort Lauderdale
- Indoor Activities in Fort Lauderdale FAQs
Indoor Activities in Fort Lauderdale: Museums and Cultural Spaces
1. NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale doesn’t hold your traditional Van Goghs or O'Keeffes. Instead, it’s the home to trippy contemporary art, stunning Latin American pieces and works by American realist artist William Glackens. Spread over 83,000 square feet in the heart of downtown, the museum is also home to an academy, bookstore and café. The academy is a draw for young artists in Fort Lauderdale, with regular classes and workshops for children and teens.
2. Museum of Discovery and Science
Check out cockpit simulators, dig for fossils and experience hurricane-force winds at the Museum of Discovery and Science. This is one of the top indoor activities in Fort Lauderdale for families. You’ll learn about the local Everglades, explore ecosystems native to South Florida and travel through space on the largest screen in the state. It’s a full day of immersive learning and play.
3. Coral Springs Museum of Art
This local museum hosts rotating exhibitions of emerging and established artists. The Coral Springs Museum of Art is deeply rooted in community outreach across Broward County. Its programs include art classes for all ages, from expressive painting to digital design, making it a haven for hands-on learners just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale.
4. Art and Culture Center/Hollywood
This artsy hub celebrates contemporary works with gallery spaces filled with video installations, mixed-media art and experimental pieces. Located just south of Fort Lauderdale in Hollywood, it stands out for its immersive art programming for kids, teens and adults. Creative workshops and seasonal exhibitions make it a favorite for culturally curious families.
5. Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Bonnet House was once the winter retreat of artist Frederic Clay Bartlett (best known for his collection of modernist and French Post-Impressionist art). Inside, you’ll explore rooms preserved as they were in the early 1900s, with hand-painted murals and eclectic furnishings. Outside, orchids bloom across five distinct ecosystems and inside, there are seasonal art classes and orchid care workshops, unique to this Fort Lauderdale gem.
6. Stranahan House
Step into the oldest surviving structure in Broward County. Stranahan House, built in 1901, offers a well-preserved glimpse into Fort Lauderdale’s early pioneer history. Guided tours bring to life the story of Frank and Ivy Stranahan, early settlers with a passion for community building.
7. Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Craving a bit of Broadway or a night of symphonic sounds? The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is one of Fort Lauderdale’s premier cultural venues, with multiple theaters hosting everything from big-name musicals and operas to ballets and family-friendly shows.
8. Bienes Museum of the Modern Book
The Bienes Museum of the Modern Book is a quiet, tucked-away space that displays rare books, literary memorabilia and beautifully bound books that span centuries. A must-see for lovers of design, publishing and literary history.
9. Fort Lauderdale History Center
Learn about Fort Lauderdale’s local history through dioramas, artifacts, displays and historic photographs. Located in a restored 1905 schoolhouse, the center also features a recreated 1908 hotel room, giving visitors a sense of what life was like during the city’s early years.
10. Butterfly World
The largest indoor butterfly park in the world is just northwest of Fort Lauderdale in Coconut Creek. Walk through a covered garden where colorful butterflies land on your shoulders and learn about this fascinating species. With over 20,000 exotic butterflies and birds, it’s an unforgettable indoor experience, especially for nature-loving kids.
Indoor Interactive Classes and Games in Fort Lauderdale
11. Cooking Class
Fort Lauderdale might be best known for its beaches, but it also has a quietly impressive food scene. A cooking class is a fun, hands-on way to explore the city’s creative seafood dishes and coastal flavors. It’s a great activity for locals and visitors alike who want to bring home more than just a tan.
12. Team Building Activities
The team building activities in Fort Lauderdale are ideal for family reunions, corporate retreats or even a rainy-day birthday. You’ll find creative team building activities like sushi rolling competitions, paint-and-sip classes and improv games, often held at venues like Wilton Collective or art spaces near Las Olas Boulevard. For something more offbeat, group scavenger hunts through the Galleria or collaborative cooking classes in downtown loft kitchens keep everyone laughing and working together.
13. Xtreme Action Park
This massive indoor complex has go-kart racing on a professionally designed track, a huge arcade, glow-in-the-dark bowling lanes, laser tag, ropes courses and even roller skating. There's also a sports bar and escape rooms onsite, making it one of the most all-inclusive indoor activities in Fort Lauderdale.
14. Escape Room Fort Lauderdale
Put your brain to the test with themed escape rooms that turn teamwork into a thrill ride. From haunted hotels to outer-space missions, every room is a puzzle-packed race against the clock with puzzles, clues and surprises.
15. Funderdome
Funderdome is a multi-level indoor playground where kids can run wild through slides, climbing walls and obstacle courses. Safety is a top priority here, so parents can relax while the little ones burn energy. There’s even a toddler zone and a snack cafe.
16. Pottery Class
If you’re craving something calm and creative, a pottery class in Fort Lauderdale is the way to go. Craft your very own Florida gifts with a local instructor and bring home more than just beach photos.
17. Karaoke
Want to belt out Beyoncé or show off your classic rock chops? Fort Lauderdale’s karaoke lounges offer private rooms, themed nights and extensive song lists with tunes in multiple languages. You can pair it with drinks and snacks for an unforgettable night.
18. The Fort Lauderdale Pickleball Club
This sleek, indoor pickleball facility offers more than 40 courts, including climate-controlled options, perfect for those steamy South Florida days. New players can join open play or take a lesson, while experienced athletes can sign up for leagues and tournaments.
19. Flippo's Fort Lauderdale
Flippo’s combines active play with air conditioning — perfect for rainy days. Expect laser mazes, climbing structures, an imagination playground and soft zones for toddlers. It’s one of those rare spots where kids get tired out and parents get a breather.
20. Ping Pong at Beach Community Center
It may not sound flashy, but this local ping pong scene is surprisingly lively and open to all skill levels. Singles or whole families can drop in for a casual game or to test their reflexes in a competitive match. It’s a great way to stay active and meet locals, too.
21. Axe Throwing Venues
Yes, axe throwing is a thing — and it’s way more fun than it sounds. Indoor axe throwing venues in Fort Lauderdale offer expert guidance, safety gear and a surprisingly satisfying challenge. Some people treat axe throwing as a stress reliever, but it’s also a decent workout.
22. Indoor Climbing Gyms
Climbing is for everyone. Kids, cautious beginners and seasoned pros can all have fun (and even learn) at Fort Lauderdale's growing indoor climbing scene. Local spots like ProjectRock and Coral Cliffs offer everything from bouldering walls to top-rope climbing and belay lessons. Some gyms also run kid-friendly climbing clubs and family sessions, so everyone can take part — no mountain required.
Wellness and Relaxation Activities in Fort Lauderdale
23. Massage Therapy
Massage therapy isn't just about relaxation. The right massage at the right time can completely reset your body and help with soreness and stress. Fort Lauderdale is home to excellent massage therapists, from boutique spas on Las Olas to hotel wellness centers near the beach. It’s also a perfect couples activity after a day of sightseeing or sun.
24. Yoga Studios
Fort Lauderdale is full of yoga studios that offer a slice of zen, from beachfront flows to candlelit Vinyasa. Spots like Yoga Joint and Anuttara Yoga host breathwork sessions, sound baths and even teacher training for those looking to deepen their practice.
25. Infrared Sauna Sessions
These aren’t your average saunas. Infrared heat penetrates deeper into the body, easing sore muscles and helping with detox. Local wellness spots like Planet Massage and The Sweat Box offer private sessions in sleek, high-tech cabins that feel like mini spa escapes.
26. Meditation Centers
Need a break from the crowds or the heat? Meditation centers throughout Fort Lauderdale offer guided mindfulness sessions to help you slow down and reset. Whether it’s a quiet drop-in studio or a beachfront breathwork circle, it’s easy to find your moment of calm.
27. Spa Treatments
Spa-related indoor activities in Fort Lauderdale range from 30-minute hair masks to full-body scrubs and hydrafacials. Book a full day at The Ritz-Carlton Spa or try a boutique spot for a quicker pamper session. Either way, it’s the perfect excuse to spoil yourself.
28. Cryotherapy Clinics
Cryotherapy is a cool (literally) wellness trend catching on fast in Fort Lauderdale. Clinics like Chill Cryotherapy and Glacé Cryotherapy offer sub-zero chamber sessions said to reduce inflammation, speed up recovery and boost mood and energy levels.
29. Indoor Walks
Who says wellness has to be complicated? Stroll through The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale or Coral Ridge Mall during off-hours for a low-key way to stay active. It’s easy, relaxing and perfect if you want to get in some steps without sweating it out outdoors.
30. Reiki Healing Sessions
For those drawn to energy work, Reiki offers a gentle path to balance. Certified practitioners across Fort Lauderdale guide sessions aimed at aligning energy, easing anxiety and encouraging peace. It's a quiet, personalized form of self-care.
31. Lymphatic Drainage Massages
This specialized massage technique supports circulation, reduces swelling and helps detoxify. Local spas and wellness clinics offer lymphatic massage sessions that are as calming as they are effective — ideal after travel or a long day of activities.
32. Hot Yoga Classes
Hot yoga turns up the heat — literally. Studios crank the room to around 105°F with 60% humidity to help loosen muscles and promote a deep, detoxifying sweat. It’s a popular workout in Fort Lauderdale, especially for locals who already love the heat.
33. Paint and Sip
A paint and sip class in Fort Lauderdale is a laid-back way to spend time indoors while tapping into your creative side. Sip your favorite drink, follow along with step-by-step instructions and walk away with your own masterpiece — and maybe a few new friends.
Indoor Activities in Fort Lauderdale FAQs
What To Do Indoors in Fort Lauderdale?
There’s no shortage of things to do indoors in Fort Lauderdale — it just depends on your mood. Into the arts? Visit the Coral Springs Museum of Art. Want to burn off energy? Head to The Fort Lauderdale Pickleball Club. Curious about science? Spend the day at the Museum of Discovery and Science.
Use this guide (and your own interests) to choose the perfect rainy day plan or midday cool-off.
Does Fort Lauderdale Have an Aquarium?
Surprisingly, no — there’s no official Fort Lauderdale aquarium. That might catch you off guard considering the city’s location on the Atlantic. But if you’re up for a road trip, The Florida Aquarium in Tampa is worth it.
This 250,000-square-foot aquarium is home to over 20,000 plants and animals, including sharks, sea turtles and rays. Explore immersive exhibits like the Wetlands Trail and the Coral Reef habitat, all accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Is There Anything Fun To Do in Fort Lauderdale?
Definitely! From indoor birthday party ideas to date ideas in Fort Lauderdale, there are plenty of fun activities waiting for you in the “Venice of the Americas.” The natural surroundings of Fort Lauderdale and the architecture are part of what makes the city so famous. However, there are plenty of fantastic indoor activities as well.
What To Do in Fort Lauderdale When It’s Cold?
In winter, Fort Lauderdale temperatures dip into the mid-50s, which might feel brisk by Florida standards, but there’s still plenty to do. When it cools off, indoor activities like Xtreme Action Park or climbing gyms are ideal spots to stay active while staying warm.
Rain or shine, Fort Lauderdale doesn’t miss a beat. The city’s indoor spots are just as full of energy and creativity as the ones by the water. From local art to group games and well-earned spa days, there’s always something new to try just out of the sun.
For even more indoor ideas for Fort Lauderdale, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
