Are you looking for a trendy beachfront Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort to enjoy with your kids? Take in the waves at this low-key oasis and explore Fort Lauderdale with this list of kid-friendly things to do. We were hosted at Plunge Beach Resort. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Last week the kids and I packed our bags and hit the road for our first ever road trip. Beach destinations are our favorite so when our friends at Plunge Beach Resort graciously offered to host us for a few days at the Fort Lauderdale beach resort, we gladly accepted. We were searching for the perfect warm weather weekend getaway and a stay at Plunge was just what we needed. There is so much to do in Fort Lauderdale and at Plunge Beach Resort in just 72 hours with kids. From historical landmarks to beaches to shopping and even world renowned restaurants, you can create an itinerary that’s perfect for your family to enjoy during your visit.
If you’re simply wanting to lay back and enjoy 72 hours with kids without any obligations to leave the resort, that’s fine too. You’ll find there’s plenty of things to do at Plunge Beach Resort to keep your family relaxed and entertained.
Plunge Beach Resort Family Friendly Itinerary
Day 1
We chose to drive to Fort Lauderdale. It’s a quick road trip since Orlando is less than 4 hours away and we weren’t quite ready to hop on a plane just yet with Trevor. We planned to arrive around check-in time for the hotel with was 4pm. This would give us a decent starting time in the morning to wake up, eat breakfast and do any last minute packing that was needed.
4:00PM – Arrive at Plunge Beach Resort. Valet park, check-in with the concierge and get adjusted to your room. I highly suggest reserving an oceanfront room while you’re staying at this Fort Lauderdale beach resort. You’ll be taken away by the views and the breeze from the Atlantic Ocean.
6:00PM – Enjoy dinner at Backflip Beach Bar & Kitchen, the resort’s oceanfront restaurant. Here you’ll have an authentic beachfront restaurant experience while the drinks are flowing, music is playing, and the waves are crashing. The menu is kid-friendly with meals like cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and quesadillas. Your kids can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The adult portion of the menu offers great dishes like sandwiches, salads, tacos, appetizers, and Hemingway-inspired drinks. Some of my favorite dishes are the Honey Garlic Sriracha Wings, Cevice, House Fried Chips, and the Garlic Shrimp Tacos.
7:30PM – Go for a walk on the beach and dip your toes in the sand to tire your kids out before bedtime.
9:00PM – Snuggle your kids into bed in your hotel room to get them ready for a day of adventure tomorrow.
Day 2
The second day is when all of the adventure happens. It’s the only full day you’ll have in Fort Lauderdale so you’ll want to take advantage of the day by creating a schedule that works best for your family. If you have smaller children, make sure to schedule in some downtime for naps to avoid any meltdowns.
9:00AM – Have breakfast at Octopus. Octopus is the resort’s gastro pub that you can find in the lobby area. It’s a quaint and chic restaurant with amazing food. The menu has with traditional favorites and in-house creations. The pancakes, french toast, and grits are an absolute must try. Honestly, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Breakfast starts as early as 7AM and goes until 12PM so if your kids are early risers, you can definitely head down for an earlier breakfast. My kids are late sleepers so whenever we’re on vacation I let them sleep until they are ready to wake to avoid any meltdowns and tantrums.
10:30AM – Take in the surrounding area of Plunge Beach Resort. There are plenty of shops nearby that you can stroll through to buy things like clothing, souvenirs, etc. If you have older kids, I highly suggest getting there by the bikes that are available for checkout out at the Concierge desk. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenery while staying active as a family.
1:00PM – Have lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area. TacoCraft is a local favorite and highly suggested choice.
2:30PM – Head back to your room for some downtime with your kids. Enjoy some time on your balcony while your kids are taking a nap and recharging for an afternoon of fun.
4:00PM – Grab your swimsuits and head to the outdoor pool. While you’re there, enjoy snacks from Backflip Beach Bar & Kitchen in case you get hungry before dinnertime.
7:00PM – Indulge in dinner at Octopus. Octopus serves dinner every evening from 4PM to 10PM.
9:00PM – Get your kids all tucked in for bed and enjoy a movie or cartoons as a family on the 50-inch LED TV in your room.
Day 3
This is your last day at Plunge Beach Resort and Lauderdale by the Sea so you want to make it count. Do all the things to tire your kids out for the trip home. Take in the ocean waves at the beach and do a little sightseeing at some of the area’s historical sites.
9:00AM – Stop at Bean & Barnacle, the hotel’s coffee shop, for a breakfast to go. There you can find fresh brewed in-house coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches. While you’re there, you can even grab a few sandwiches for lunch to enjoy while you’re at the beach.
9:30AM – Check out at the front desk.
10:00AM – Head to the beach and enjoy a few hours before hitting the road. Don’t forget to take your Plunge Beach Resort beach ball and sand pail with you for some extra fun.
1:00PM – Unpack those lunches from Bean and Barnacle for a fun lunch on the beach.
2:00PM – Say goodbye to Plunge Beach Resort. Before you hit the road, stop to check out one of Fort Lauderdale’s historical sites like the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a fun stop to make with kids too.
5:00PM – Hit the road to head home if you’re driving. Driving at night makes it easier to travel with kids because they are more likely to fall asleep.
Things to Know About Plunge Beach Resort
Plunge Beach Resort is a chic, beachfront retreat perfect for millennial and family travelers alike. The decor is absolutely stunning and there are tons of amenities to enjoy. The property currently houses 3 on-site dining options, 2 pools, and a fitness center. Guests can stay in 1 of 163 rooms in three of the hotel’s buildings: the Island Building, Beach Building, or Beach Bungalows. They can choose from island, tropical, partial ocean or full ocean views. All rooms on the property have air condition. Plunge offers valet parking only which they include in your resort fee. If you’re staying in a beach bungalow you have access to a pool open to bungalow guests only.
Plunge is no stranger to fun events for guests. Every Saturday from 2-6 PM the hotel hosts a BBQ Beach Bash where guests and the public can enjoy BBQ, beer, drinks, games and music at Backflip Beach Bar. Every third Sunday bring your dog out for Tails and Tini’s, an event where guests can enjoy martini specials. Their dogs can even have a tasty doggy martini and treats too.
How to Get There
You can find Plunge Beach Resort just north of Fort Lauderdale a quaint town called Lauderdale by the Sea. From the Orlando area, the drive is less than 4 hours south. Lauderdale by the Sea is easily accessible by car if you’re up for a road trip or by plane if you’re too far away to drive. The nearest airport is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Family Friendly Things to Do Near Plunge Beach Resort
Fort Lauderdale has many attractions, shopping and fun activities for families. Here are a few of my top suggestions:
- Billie Swamp Safari
- Picnic at Highlands Scrub Nature Area
- Walk around this wildlife sanctuary at Butterfly World
- Visit one of the largest urban parks in Florida at the Anne Kolb Nature Center.
- Go on an airboat tour at Everglades Holiday Park.
- Tour Fort Lauderdale in the air on a helicopter tour.
- Cruise the waterways via a water taxi.
- Hop on a Segway for a tour of Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
- Go shopping at one of the many shopping centers.
- Visit the Museum of Discovery and Science.
- Play some games at Flippo’s.
- Visit the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum.
- Try getting out of an escape room at Boxwood Escape Rooms.
- Learn how to surf at EZRide Surf School.
If you are looking for the perfect alternative to vacation rentals and ordinary beach hotels then I highly suggest giving Plunge Beach Resort a try. The customer service is unmatched and the rates are super affordable. If your family has flexible dates I would suggest to book a time when the beach is more likely to be less crowded. Spring break and summer are not my favorite times to travel to popular college beach destinations with young kids.
The resort is nestled right next to the Atlantic Ocean, pet friendly, and in the heart of Lauderdale by the Sea. With a long list of resort amenities and easy walking distance access to surrounding family friendly destinations, you’re sure to enjoy your stay.
LOVING THIS PLUNGE BEACH RESORT REVIEW and want to check out some other family friendly destinations? CHECK OUT Space Coast Florida with Kids: 96 Hour Itinerary or 8 Reasons to Visit The Best Alabama Beaches for Families. Here’s a few maternity swimsuits you might love.
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