TROPICAL SPLASH WATER PARK IN LAUDERHILL

Located in Lauderhill right off Sunrise Blvd and 441 is a hidden gem! Admission is $5 and some change for four hours of fun! This is one of the Broward County water parks so you also have three different summer pass options if you are a resident. For non-residents and visitors to the are this is an inexpensive fun way to spend the day. There are other Broward County water parks we will explore on later dates.

This one is called Tropical Splash Water Park. It is located in the center of Broward County. Another attraction very near by is the Swap Shop. We will do a review of that at a later date also.

At Tropical Splash Water Park there are 4 sections. A big kid water play area shown above, a toddler area shown below, a small pool for swimming, and boats off to the side. The boats were not available on this day so I have no review of those. The small pool was also in use for camp swimming lessons so that was also off limits. However, even with both of those options out of the question for the day we still had plenty to do.

Both play areas have slides and lifeguards. Neither section is very deep either. It is more for water play than for swimming. Adults are not allowed to go down the slides with the children in these play area, however, it did not seem necessary as long as you kept your child in the section appropriate for their age group.

The toddler section was great for anyone 5 and under really. There were two very small slides that went into shallow water. Perfect for beginners in the water. Always use discretion when taking your kids to water play areas as only you know how good of swimmer they are. This toddler area, not its official name but what I'm calling it, also had water animals and other things that squirt water and a big water fall in the middle that kids and parents kept running in and out of. The water was the most shallow around the edges and got deeper the close you got to the waterfall in the middle. At its deepest the water seemed to be about two feet but I suggest calling for the actual water levels.

The big kid play area, again not it's official name, had a lot more to do! There were at least 3 larger slides one with a lot of twists and turns. There was a water jungle gym in the middle with a huge bucket on top and every time the warning bell rang this huge bucket would dump out on the children below. There were all different ways to shot water out of this jungle gym and a hidden cave type section below the jungle gym that I found the bigger kids hanging out in. The water here was not to deep either. Again, it was shallow around the edges and got deeper the closer you got to the center. At it's deepest it seemed to be about 3 feet deep as my 3 year old could stand and it was to about his shoulders. He's a little big for his age!

There was also a snack bar with ice cream, pizza, drinks, and other choices. We did not try it as we brought our own snacks. Here is a picture of the snack bar location.

There were also two umbrella sections that could be rented for parties. One was taken over by a summer camp and the other was available. Again this is something that you would have to call for availability or if you are traveling to the are your TRAVEL AGENT, in this case me, would probably be able to get you all the details you need.

All in all it was a great way to spend the day. A few hours having fun in the sun will definitely wear you and your children out!! Make sure to work in some time for a nap and if you are still in the area you can check out the drive in movies down the street. Again if you need your vacation planned for you CONTACT ME and Florida Family Vacation will plan the trip you have been waiting for. If your a local enjoy a cheap way to have a really fun day!

JUNGLE QUEEN FORT LAUDERDALE

The Jungle Queen has been in Fort Lauderdale and in Miami for a long time. They set out to sea 3 times a day. There is an early morning trip, a lunch trip, and the most popular dinner cruise. This review is of the Fort Lauderdale River Boat. As I have yet to get on the Miami version I can not comment on that one.

The Jungle Queen is a large River Boat that takes you on a guided journey through the inter-coastal waterway of Fort Lauderdale. It was surprisingly educational. The halfway point in the trip is where you get off and check out their little jungle island, then back on the boat to return to the original dock. It has tri-level seating. The bottom and middle are covered and the top is not. I would save that level for night or winter trips. There were plenty of seats available.

The morning trip took about 3 -3.5 hours. It was very relaxing and due to the time of day the weather was beautiful. In the summer it tends to rain in the afternoons it is also really hot and humid. I recommend either the early morning trip or the dinner cruise if you will be here in the summer months. If you are coming during the winter feel free to travel anytime of day as the rain chances are much slimmer and more random. Also the weather is much tamer all day long so the middle of the day trip may be just perfect.

The trip begins at a dock right next to the Bahia Mar and across the street from the Sheraton which is located directly on Fort Lauderdale Beach. It is docked on the inter-coastal, in the summer the first trip leaves at 10 am despite the website saying 9:30 am. In the winter it goes back to 9:30 am. I use the terms summer and winter very loosely by the way. In South Florida there really are only two seasons: summer and winter. Summer generally lasts from April to October and Winter from October to March. Every now and then winter is only from January to March but you never know. The humidity starts to die down around mid-October and that is why I say this is when winter starts.

Back to the Jungle Queen review lol. The first thing you will see and the thing you will see the most of is large expensive houses owned by very rich people. I must say they are fun to look at and the tour guide will tell you about some of them. Here's a few pictures.

This is the Miami Vice house, here in Fort Lauderdale

Another thing you will see a lot of is Yachts! Apparently Fort Lauderdale is the Yachting capital of the world. So there were plenty of Yachts to be seen.

Halfway through the trip we stop at the Jungle Queens privately owned "Jungle". Most of the area was "Jungle Type" before people settled and changed the entire landscape to fit their needs. Almost nothing you see in Fort Lauderdale is natural! Anyway for the morning and afternoon cruise there is no food included. However, you still get to stop at the island and view the animals and gator wrestling show.

Along with animals and a show there was also a snack bar and bathrooms on the little "Jungle Island". While there are bathrooms available on the boat I would suggest waiting for the Jungle bathrooms if at all possible. Here are a few more pictures of the snack bar, condiment stand, and bathrooms.

Another suggestion is to bring bug spray for the "Jungle Island" especially if it has been raining in the few days before you venture out here. They were not a problem in the boat but this area is farther inland and has places where mosquitoes like to gather.

Also keep in mind that the dinner cruise goes to a separate part of this "Jungle Island" for an all you can eat BBQ dinner. It is a sit down meal not a buffet and the waiter or waitress will bring you more until you say stop.

When you are done on the "Jungle Island" (they will tell you what time to get back on the boat I think it was about 30 mins), you will head back the same way you came. You are supposed to sit in the same seats. It works out nicely because you can see everything you didn't on the way out. By this time you are also a little tired from the Florida heat. So the ride back is very relaxing. There is not as much commentary on the return voyage as there was on the adventure out. It is more of a soak it all in time.

All and all I would say it is a very enjoyable experience. It was a great way to see Fort Lauderdale from "behind". It was informative and entertaining. I would like to go again and try the bbq dinner portion of the trip and be able to see the inter-coastal at night. It looks completely different and has a different feel. I would absolutely recommend going. If you are looking for adventure skip it. If you are looking for a relaxing day, learning a little about the city, or sightseeing I would definitely do it.

CONTACT ME for more information or to plan your next vacation to Fort Lauderdale, Fl. We also offer coupons and discounts on most adventures when booked as a package.

Here is Jungle Queen's website link:

FREE DISNEY WORLD DINING!!!!!! CALLING ALL FOODIES

Cinderellas Royal Table

Cinderellas Royal Table

T-Rex I still haven't got in but am dying to eat with the dinosaurs!

Ragland Road

This was so good! Check out my Ragland Road Review!

Pepper Market

This was so good to check out the Pepper Market Review

Snacks

Pizza Planet for Quick Service - Review to Come

Boatwright's at Disney's Port Orleans Resort Absolutely Amazing Braised Beef and Cheese Grits

Just a reminder, please please please don't miss out on free dining in Walt Disney World!!!

CONTACT ME  and I will be so happy to plan the perfect foodie vacation for you in the world!

Also a great deal for families on a budget. With free dining there's no need to worry about how much you will spend once in the world. Pay it off ahead of time and your food is included!!! This was how my first free dining experience went. I must say I ate at many restaurants that I normally would have skipped due to the price. It was amazing to experience so many new foods right here in Sunny Florida and at Walt Disney World.

Again, please don't miss this free dining opportunity. CONTACT ME today and work out your vacay!


YOU ONLY HAVE UNTIL AUGUST 8, 2014 TO BOOK THIS OFFER SO HURRY TIMES RUNNING OUT!!!

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE IN DOWNTOWN FORT LAUDERDALE

FRONT ENTRANCE

SIDE ENTRANCE ACROSS FROM PARKING GARAGE

GRAVITY CLOCK THAT KIDS LOVE BEFORE YOU ENTER

Welcome to the Museum of Discovery and Science. Another great place to go when you come to South Florida. This particular museum is located in Fort Lauderdale, which is in Broward County. It is in the Downtown area across from the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. It is also across the street from a beautiful park on the inter-coastal where you can play, have a picnic, or just enjoy the boats going by.

BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Nearby are River Walk, Las Olas, and not it's to far from the beach. This area is great to come and play with your family, with your friends, or for a night on the town. CONTACT ME if you would like to plan a vacation to the Fort Lauderdale Area.

Now on with my review of the Museum.

It has changed a lot over the years. What has remained constant (for the most part) is the walk through aquarium when you walk in, the IMAX theater, along with the kids play and discover area.

Currently the upstairs is housing sections on: flight, health, a small fossil and rock, and my favorite Goose Bumps the Science of Fear.

Lets start with the Goose Bumps! science of fear section. I thought it was great it brought me the most enjoyment. It was very educational for me and fun for my 10 year old. My 3 year old did not enjoy it as he was mostly scared, go figure. He did enjoy every other section of the museum, especially the aviation, aquarium, and play sections.

As you enter, you can choose to either walk trough the aquarium or around it. In this review we will be going through it. Here are the sea creatures: fish, sharks, turtles, and many others. It is like a walk through tunnel that leads to a staircase. The staircase takes you up to the creatures section. This is not it's official name just what I'm calling it.

In the aquarium area there are staff available to let you touch different sea creatures. On this day, we touched a horseshoe crab. They also let you touch other sea creatures and snakes depending on the day and the staff available.

BATS

ALL DIFFERENT CREATURES

PETTING A HISSING COCKROACH!!

The creatures section usually has volunteer or staff members available to let you touch certain non-harmful creatures. On this Saturday it was the hissing cockroach and a millipede. Only my daughter was brave enough to touch the roach, my son and I touched the millipede.

When leaving the creatures section you head down another set of stairs that is about 8 feet from the one you come up on.

After descending down these stairs, if you make an immediate right there is a small section of snakes, turtles, and a rabbit or two. All things native to Florida.

Then if you go straight it leads you to one of the newer areas in the museum. The water area. It is all about water: how the water cycle works, what lives in the water, how the water in Florida has changed over the last 20 million years, and a ride that takes you through the water of the Everglades.

I have yet to go on this ride. It is loud and my son was in one of his moods so we didn't get to go on because I chose to avoid the melt down.

FLORIDA WATER CYCLE EXHIBIT

The water section is also where the otter exhibit is located.

OTTER EXHIBIT THEY ARE USUALLY VERY PLAYFUL

Another of my favorite things about the water section involves prehistoric animals. This is where they show you how the water levels have changed over the last few tens of millions of years and what animals and creatures used to live in Florida. Like the Mammoth and huge sharks. There is a mini dig site where you can dig for bones. Nothing like the Dig Site in Disney's Animal Kingdom but still cute!

DIG SITE

MY DAUGHTER GETTING SQUISHED BY A PREHISTORIC ELEPHANT

PREHISTORIC ELEPHANT

PREHISTORIC SHARK

Really well done area there are other animals not pictured or mentioned here but you will have to go and see for yourself.

At this point there is the Everglades ride to my right that we had to skip.

When we skipped it we chose to go grab a snack. There is no eating or drinking within the museum so we went back towards the front entrance where they offer movie type snacks. This is also where the IMAX theater is located. During the day they show educational movies that are usually spectacular. At night they will also show first run movies.

We ate at Subway, it is located in the corner after you pass the entrance to the IMAX. I'm pretty sure they offer some normal specials but others were definitely not offered.

After we ate we headed upstairs. I like to save the play area for last as I am tired and want to make sure the kids are too lol.

Upstairs we started with the planes exhibit. This used to be an outer space exhibit and still has some remembrances from when it was that. One of them is actually a ride that is extra if you want to go on it. It's a Mars Rover ride and while I have not been on it in a long time I do remember thinking it was awesome as a kid. It was also included in the cost of admission way back then!

The plane area is great for kids there are a ton of flight simulators. I'm pretty sure both of my kids tried everyone of them. We spent the most time in this section they really just wanted to touch everything!

 Then there is another flight simulator that you also have to pay extra for, that only my daughter tried. It was an enclosed thing and you get strapped in like a fighter pilot and that is basically what the simulation is. She was upside down turning in every direction possible. I saw the thing go in circles, it was nuts!

FLIGHT SIMULATOR WE ARE WATCHING FROM A NON MOVING SIMULATOR!

In the back of this flight section is also an open theater where at least once a day they do a show. This time it was a pyro show, yes that was the name, and last time it was a make ice cream at home demonstration.

To the right of the flight area is really what I call randomness it is all of the older stuff from the years that kids like to play with. I say that very literally, some of the stuff in this unnamed section was new when I volunteered there in the summer of 1997! The kids really do love a lot of the stuff there though and of course it is all educational. Weights,  magnets, coloring, and other fun stuff.

To the right of this is the medical/health section put there by Broward Health. Another informative fun area that kids don't spend as much time in. It is great for older kids and adults though. There is a drunk driving simulator that my 3 year old is pretty good driving a fake ambulance, a heart rate monitor, and everything else in this section is for about 8 years old and up. My ten year old went to every station my 3 year old was totally unengaged.

Off to the Goose Bumps section located right behind the health and random sections.

SCIENCE OF FEAR CURRENT TEMPORARY EXHIBIT

This was my favorite. Not because I learned the most but because my ten year old enjoyed it so much. She enjoyed almost everything but especially this section. There were some stations strictly for learning, a walk through scary thing that was broken so we didn't get to try it. Explanations of how fear affects the body, and the kids favorite the test your fear section. This was four different booths where you tested your own fears. I'm not telling you what was in them I think you should go and check it out for yourself. Fun times though fun times from the excitement on my daughters face and the extra hugs from my scared son it was pretty cool.

The fossil and rock section is also upstairs. It is located in the far corner past the elevators. It is small but nice. Again it is nicer for older than say 8 years old.

We are now heading back downstairs and into.... the play section. There is only one way in and one way out so that is helpful when trying to keep an eye on more than one child.

WATER AND BUBBLE PLAY AREA

CLIMBING SECTION

In the play area there are different small sections. There is the bubble and water play area this has been a child favorite for over 20 years and remains very popular to this day. There is the climbing section that monkeys like my daughter love and kids like my son completely overlook! There is the wall building sections that most kids enjoy for at least 15 minutes but usually more. They have an orange section where you go through the orange picking stages. There is a small computer section and a small separate section for really little ones.

Off to the side of the play area there are two more small sections. By this time we were pretty tired and didn't spend much time in them. There is the trash/recycling section and the weather section. Both are great and fun to explore, however, due to being exhausted we skipped over these pretty quick and headed out as we were done for the day!

All in all this is a great museum. You can come as just adults or with the kids and either way it can be a very fun and educational experience. I hope I get the chance to go without the kids soon!

Enjoy.