Sometimes, Florida visitors prefer a more laid-back destination for their escape from winter’s cold. That’s where Coconut Creek comes in. A charming small town near the southeast coast, this is a perfect place to visit for a quiet family vacation filled with enough things to do to keep everyone entertained.
Coconut Creek lies an hour southwest of Miami and couldn’t be more juxtaposed with the big city’s hustle and bustle. Here, tourists can find serenity at the town’s top attraction, Butterfly World. If that wasn’t tranquil enough, they can walk the boardwalk at the Fern Forest Nature Center.
Hoping to play on the beach? There isn’t one in this landlocked town. But Fort Lauderdale’s best beaches lie a mere half hour away, making this an ideal spot for a day trip.
Choose the top places to visit with this list of the 10 best things to do in Coconut Creek.
10 Learn To Water-Ski At Quiet Waters Park
While not officially in Coconut Creek, the sprawling Quiet Waters Park lies less than five miles away in the beautiful town of Deerfield Beach. With over 430 acres to explore and a long list of fun things to do, there’s no chance of feeling bored in this top attraction.
From fishing to boating to water-skiing while being pulled across a lake on a cable, this fun-filled spot is perfect for adrenaline seekers. The country’s first cable park, Ski Rixen USA, is found here. It also boasts an inflatable obstacle course and a family-friendly playground in the Witbit Aquapark.
There’s no need to bring skis, a wakeboard, or a helmet; these can be rented on site and are included in the hourly and daily rates.
- Address: 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, Florida
- Hours: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm.
- Cost: Prices vary depending on activity. They include basic equipment rental and are charged in either two-hour, four-hour, or all-day increments. For instance, a basic ski pass costs $35 for two hours, $45 for four hours, or $55 for an all-day pass. A one-hour session at the Wibit Aquapark costs $15 per person.
9 Take A Time Out At Winston Park Nature Center
Winston Park Nature Center is a hidden gem in a quiet neighborhood. Set back from the road, this lush park is larger than one would think, and it is home to a slew of fun activities for adults and children alike.
A space-themed playground is one of the most beloved attractions for families who tend to prolong their stay by enjoying a packed lunch on one of the covered picnic tables. Basketball, volleyball, racketball, and tennis courts are also on-site, as is a nature preserve that boasts winding trails and a boardwalk.
Navigate towards NW 49th Avenue off Winston Park Boulevard. Don’t rely on GPS, which can mistakenly send visitors to NW 49th Court.
- Address: 5201 NW 49th Avenue, Coconut Creek, Florida
- Hours: Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm.
8 Grab A Bite (And A Pint) At World Of Beer
Florida can get really hot; it does boast a never-ending summer, after all. What better way to cool off than by enjoying a cold pint? The World of Beer is one of the best places to enjoy a meal in Coconut Creek. The reason: its food is tasty and reasonably priced, and the beer offerings are fresh and span the globe.
Open for lunch and dinner; this popular restaurant is an exciting place to spend a couple of hours. In addition to the fab food and drink, guests are treated to live music, trivia nights, and other forms of entertainment. This is so much more than a mere eatery; it’s an experience.
For those who don’t know beer, take advice from knowledgeable servers on which ale to choose.
- What to Order: Everything Pretzel & Baked French Onion Dip
- Address: 4437 Lyons Road, Suite 101, Coconut Creek, Florida
- Hours: Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 12 am, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 1 am, and Sunday from 11 am to 12 am.
- Average Cost: $12 per entrée and $7.50 per beer.
7 Play A Round At Oriole Golf Club
Visiting Florida without playing a round of golf is akin to saying “no, thanks” to eating pizza in Italy. That’s why there are so many great courses scattered across the Sunshine State. Oriole Golf Club is a perfect place to visit for an enjoyable round of golf.
Located in Margate, which lies 15 minutes southwest of downtown Coconut Creek, this semi-private club is home to an 18-hole, 72-par course with affordable rates for the public. The fairways are reasonably open, and the greens are quite quick, making this an enjoyable course to play.
Plan to enjoy a snack or lunch after the game. The onsite restaurant & lounge serves food until 4 pm on weekdays and 5 pm on weekends.
- Address: 8000 Margate Boulevard, Margate, Florida
- Cost: $60 per round on a weekday before 12 -m, or $68 on the weekend, $52 on a weekday after 12 pm, or $60 on the weekend, $35 after 2:30 pm on a weekday or weekend (after 3 pm between March and April), $30 for nine holes between 6:30 am and 8 am daily.
6 Inhale The Fresh Air At Hillsboro Pineland Natural Area
The Hillsboro Pineland Natural Area is one of the few remaining pieces of forest land that once ran between the Everglades and the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. It is also home to one of the county’s largest pine flatwood preserves.
Also known as the Kristin Jacobs Natural Area at Hillsboro Pineland, tourists flock here for the resplendent vegetation and interesting wildlife that call the area home. The area spans 44 acres of spectacular flora and fauna, and it boasts a Pineland Overlook and wooden boardwalk.
Common plant species found here include the Cypress, swamp fern, Sabal Pal, and saw palmetto.
Pack bug spray, as the trails are often buggy.
- Address: 5591 NW 74th Place, Coconut Creek, Florida
- Hours: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm.
5 Spend A Day At Tradewinds Park
There’s a whole lot to love about Tradewinds Park. First, it’s home to the uber-popular, landmark attraction, Butterfly World. Next, it houses two disc golf courses (because when it comes to disc golf, one course is just never enough). Also on offer at this vast, 600-acre property are a model steam train, multiple playgrounds, and volleyball courts, among other activities.
Prefer to take things slow? Enjoy a quiet walk along one of the many paved paths, say hello to the horses napping in the park’s stables, or enjoy a picnic under the shade of one of the many lush trees. The options are endless, so guests should set aside at least a few hours to spend at this point of interest.
For those hoping to play disc golf, stop at the main office, which is near the main entrance to the park (on the south side of Sample Road).
- Address: 3600 W Sample Road, Coconut Creek, Florida
- Hours: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm.
- Cost: $1.50 per person on weekends and holidays. Kids 5 and under are free.
4 Be Entertained At The Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
Feeling lucky? Head to Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. One of the top attractions in town, this large venue is the place to visit for endless entertainment. In addition to the requisite casino tables and machines, visitors are invited to enjoy performances by live bands (including big names like the Beach Boys), comedians, and DJs in a variety of indoor and outdoor venues.
Tourists won’t go hungry when visiting this Casino. Each of the five dining options is rave-worthy, and they serve Italian, Asian, and American dishes. Two bars and lounges are on hand for libations.
The 1st Street Deli serves sandwiches so massive they can easily be split by two people. Come hungry!
- Address: 5550 NW 40th Street, Coconut Creek, Florida
3 Hit The Shops At Promenade Coconut Creek
It’s easy to spend money at Promenade Coconut Creek. A haven for those with a penchant for shopping, this upscale outdoor mall is home to over 30 “retail, health, beauty, and fitness destinations” and 15 restaurants.
Whether visitors are hoping to color their hair, get waxed, take a fitness class, or have a massage, they can do all this and more at Promenade Coconut Creek. In terms of practicing retail therapy, there are plenty of opportunities for guests to do that, as well. Everything from shoes to shirts to jewelry to lingerie is sold in the stores lining this pretty spot.
Also available are the Guitar Center, Silverspot Cinema, and the soon-to-open indoor ParFit Golf simulator.
Shopping with teens? Don’t let them run free between 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm Monday through Friday. At this time, children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is over the age of 21.
- Address: 4443 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, Florida
2 Walk The Boardwalk At Fern Forest Nature Center
Get back to nature on a walk along the lush trail at the Fern Forest Nature Center. One of the most popular things to do in Coconut Creek, this nature trail winds visitors through an oasis filled with adorable creatures and beautiful trees.
The easiest way to get around is by following the accessible Cypress Creek Trail. It runs about half a mile and consists of a wide, wooden boardwalk with captivating views. Bring proper footwear if planning to take the Maple Walk. This half-mile-long path can get slippery when it rains.
Planning to host a party? Reserve a picnic shelter in advance to ensure there’s space.
Bad news for those hoping to bring along their favorite four-legged friend, dogs aren’t allowed here. That said, furry family members will enjoy a trip to the nearby Windmill Dog Park (at 700 Lyons Road).
- Address: 201 Lyons Road South, Coconut Creek, Florida
- Hours: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
1 Welcome Tranquility At Butterfly World
Butterfly World is so tranquil and resplendent that it’s extremely difficult to leave. By far the top attraction in Coconut Creek, this elysian wonder is filled with insects and birds so magnificent they beg to be photographed.
Children will love to feed the lorikeets. Set time aside for them to enjoy this fun activity.
Dubbed “the world’s largest butterfly house and bird park,” this is the best place to visit with a family. Nearly 20,000 butterflies flitter past, stopping briefly on brightly colored plants or enjoying a meal of decaying fruit. The aviaries are impressive and house spectacular birds as well.
Tickets must be purchased in person at the attraction.
Some of the aviaries close when it’s raining, so plan accordingly. The best time to visit Butterfly World is early in the morning on a sunny day.
- Address: 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek, Florida
- Hours: Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
- Cost: $32.50 per person aged 12 and older or $22.50 per child aged 3 to 11.