Davie, Florida

1. Tree Tops Park

Originally created in 1980, Tree Tops Park is a crucial community park in Davie that sits on 243 acres of land that was originally destined to become a golf course.

The park is an easy access point for entry into the Pine Island Ridge Natural Area, and Tree Tops Park is interlaced with equestrian and foot paths for guests to enjoy. There are canoe waterways that guests can paddle, plenty of walking trails to explore, and even a few archeological sites that guests can investigate at their leisure. There are picnic areas, campfire rings, playgrounds, and even five picnic shelters that guests can use during their visit.

Tree Tops Park, 3900 SW 100th Ave, Davie, FL 33328, Phone: 954-357-5130

2. Flamingo Gardens

Resting on 60 acres, the Flamingo Gardens are part of the Botanical Garden and Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary. The gardens feature over 3,000 different species of exotic, rare tropical and subtropical native plants and diverse trees. But plants aren’t the only things that populate the gardens, as guests can also find plenty of Florida’s diverse wildlife living here, including bobcats, eagles, otters, peacocks, alligators, and panthers. The gardens were originally established in 1927 and have since grown to be one of the oldest non profit botanical gardens in all of South Florida.

Flamingo Gardens, 3750 South Flamingo Road, Davie, FL 33330, Phone: 954-473-2955

3. Young At Art Museum

Guests of all ages are invited to explore the Young At Art Museumto experience exhibits in a variety of senses, including sound, texture, and sight. The center believes that art has the power to inspire, and has created exhibits specifically catered to teens and children of all ages. The Young At Art Museum is a massive 55,000 square foot building that is Gold LEED-certified, and was built through both public and private partnership with Broward County. Although the museum is catered for children, adults are always welcome to explore the exhibits with their children and loved ones.

Young At Art Museum, 8000 W Broward Blvd Ste 1208, Plantation, FL 33388, Phone: 954-424-0085

4. Vista View Park

The Vista View Park is comprised of 272 acres of rolling hills, meadows, and pristine forests ripe for exploration. The park is home to many local species, both flora and fauna, and is very popular for guests during the outdoor season. There are eight picnic shelters that can be utilized by groups and individuals, some of which can be reserved in advance. There are paved pathways for walking, running, inline skating, and biking, and pets are always welcome if they are kept on leash. In addition to paved pathways, guests can explore the park on horse trails and natural hiking trails as well.

Vista View Park, 4001 S.W. 142 Ave., Davie, FL 33330, Phone: 954-357-8898

5. Butterfly Pavilion at Flamingo Road Nursery

The Flamingo Road Nursery is part farmers market, part plant nursery, and entirely fun for the whole family. The Butterfly Pavilion, which is located within the Flamingo Road Nursery, gives families and individuals the perfect opportunity to explore monarch butterflies in a recreated natural habitat all year round. The pavilion utilizes sustainable gardening practices to help the butterflies flourish, and guests to the Butterfly Pavilion will see these gorgeous creatures flying around at their leisure. Guests are encouraged to check out the calendar of events online for details on specific events.

Butterfly Pavilion at Flamingo Road Nursery, 1655 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33325, Phone: 954-476-7878

6. Old Davie School Historical Museum

It was in 1906 that the dense wilderness of the Everglades first began giving way to farmlands as the continuous dredging of canals increased farming potential.

The families that staked their fortunes on the newly reclaimed lands were quick to prioritize education for their children, and because of this the Davie School was born. In modern day, the original school and the history of the area are both preserved by the Old Davie School Historical Museum, which tells the story of the early pioneers and showcases many artifacts from the past. The school originally houses about 90 students and is now open to the public as a learning center.

Old Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Rd, Davie, FL 33314, Phone: 954-797-1044

7. Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center

Thanks to Broward County representatives, the 164 acres of land that was once the home to both the Tequesta first, and later the Seminole Native American tribes is now a protected area. The Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center features an exhibit hall that tells the story of the land, an interactive classroom where both adults and children can learn hands on, a banquet hall for hosted events, a theater for productions, and plenty of trails for walking and biking. The area is filled with archeological exhibits for guests to explore and interact with.

Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center, 3501 S.W. 130th Ave., Davie, FL 33330, Phone: 954-357-8797

8. Buehler Planetarium & Observatory

The Buehler Planetarium & Observatory is a local staple of space exploration, and has long inspired children of all ages and adults to learn more about the stars in our night sky. The observatory, formally known as The Broward College Observatory, uses a powerful telescope to see deep into space. Guests can see planets, nebulae, and the moon in stunning detail so long as the weather is agreeable. There are public observation hours every Wednesday from 7pm through 10pm, and the observatory is free and open to the public. There are many events that take place throughout the year, so guests are encouraged to check the calendar online to ensure they don’t miss out.

Buehler Planetarium & Observatory , 3501 Davie Rd, Davie, FL 33314, Phone: 954-201-6681

9. Paragon Ridge 8

Paragon Ridge 8 is Davies' best place to catch first-run and blockbuster films, opened in 2015 as part of the Paragon Theaters chain. Guests can relax in newly-renovated auditoriums showing the year's top family, comedy, drama, and action films, decked out with new large screens, enhanced sound and digital projection equipment, and comfortable reclining seats with footrests. Dining options on site include popular restaurant MyPi Custom Pizza, which serves up build-your-own pies and a selection of craft beers. A loyalty program lets repeat visitors enjoy discounts on tickets to major film releases. Special events held at the theater throughout the year include free kids' movie nights throughout the summer months.

Paragon Ridge 8, 9200 West State Road 84 Suite, Davie, FL 33324, Phone: 954-472-4940

10. Marando Farms and Ranch

The whole family can easily enjoy a day spent at Marando Farms and Ranch since there are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy and happy. For the eco friendly grocery shopper, it is easy to buy local from the farm and ranch since they clearly state where all of their products come from. For kids and animal lovers alike, there is a large petting zoo that is filled with rescued pets and animals. All of the animals receive extensive veterinary care, and there are also hay and pony rides available for the equestrian-centric visit. Monthly events make it easy to plan an outing, and Marando Farms and Ranch typically holds a thematic celebration every month based on a holiday.

Marando Farms and Ranch , 5151 SW 64th Avenue, Davie, FL 33314, Phone: 954-945-5744