Things to Do in Davie FL with Kids: A Family Guide to Fun and Activities

Families moving to Davie, Florida often ask the same question: what is there to do with kids here? It's a great question — and the answer is surprisingly rich. Davie isn't just a bedroom community with good schools. It's a town with real outdoor adventure, wildlife experiences, cultural activities, and family events built into the fabric of daily life. If you're raising kids in Davie, you'll never run out of things to do.

Why Davie Is Great for Families

Before diving into specific activities, it's worth understanding what makes Davie genuinely different from other Broward County communities for families. Davie has more green space, larger lots, and a stronger outdoor culture than most nearby cities. The town maintains over 187 miles of interconnected trails, dozens of parks and nature preserves, and a community identity rooted in open space, equestrian heritage, and outdoor living. That translates directly into a family lifestyle built around activity, exploration, and nature — not just screen time and strip malls.

Combined with Broward County Public Schools' A-rated education system, top-rated charter and private school options, and a safe, suburban environment, Davie checks a lot of boxes for families who want their kids to grow up with room to play and things to explore.

Top Family-Friendly Activities in Davie

Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Gardens is Davie's crown jewel for family outings. This 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary is home to over 3,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, along with live exhibits featuring Florida wildlife — including flamingos, alligators, bobcats, and birds of prey. Kids love the wildlife walkthrough, the free-flight aviary, and the Wray Homestead, a restored 1930s home that gives a glimpse into early South Florida life. Flamingo Gardens also hosts educational programs, seasonal events, and school field trips throughout the year. It's the kind of place you can visit repeatedly and always discover something new.

Tree Tops Park

Tree Tops Park is one of Davie's most family-friendly outdoor spaces. Shaded hiking trails wind through a canopy of mature oak and gumbo-limbo trees, and a wetland boardwalk brings kids face-to-face with South Florida's native ecosystems. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and open green space — making it ideal for a weekend morning or an afternoon adventure. Birdwatching is especially rewarding here, and kids often spot turtles, wading birds, and other wildlife along the trails.

Markham Park

Markham Park is a full-day family destination. Located in western Broward County, the park features mountain biking trails for all skill levels, disc golf, a model airplane field, boating on the lake, and extensive picnic and camping areas. For families with older kids who want more adventure, the mountain biking trails are a major draw — and they're some of the best in South Florida. For younger children, the open fields, playground areas, and lakeside picnic spots provide plenty of room to run and explore.

Vista View Park

Vista View Park sits on one of the highest natural elevations in Broward County — which makes for some surprisingly fun family hikes. The Hill Trail rewards hikers with panoramic views from the top, and the multi-use trails are great for family walks, jogging, and cycling. The park also has open fields and picnic areas, making it a solid choice for a weekend family outing with both activity and relaxation.

Long Key Natural Area and Nature Center

Long Key Natural Area is a 150-acre preserve with a Nature Center that offers educational programs and exhibits about South Florida's native ecosystems. The trails take you through pine flatwoods, wetlands, and native habitats — an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about local wildlife and plant life firsthand. It's quieter and more reflective than some of the larger parks, making it a good choice for families who want a peaceful nature experience.

Outdoor Adventures Beyond the Parks

Horseback Riding and Equestrian Experiences

Davie is known as the equestrian capital of South Florida, and that culture is accessible to families even if you don't own a horse. The Oak Hill Equestrian Park offers facilities and direct access to the town's equestrian trail network. Several local stables in the Davie area offer trail rides and introductory horseback riding lessons for kids and adults. The Bergeron Rodeo Grounds hosts rodeo events and equestrian competitions throughout the year — a unique family experience that kids won't find in most South Florida communities.

Chapel Trail Park Nature Preserve

Spanning 450 acres, Chapel Trail Park Nature Preserve is one of the largest preserved areas in Davie. The trails wind through sawgrass marshes, pine flatwoods, and cypress domes — a remarkable piece of protected wilderness that's perfect for families who enjoy nature photography, quiet walks, and teaching kids about South Florida's unique ecosystems.

The 187-Mile Trail Network

Davie's interconnected trail system links neighborhoods to parks, schools, and commercial areas. Families can bike, walk, or jog on these trails as part of their daily routine — not just on weekends. The Linear Park Trail, running along the South New River Canal, is paved, well-maintained, and ideal for family rides and walks. Having 187 miles of trails woven through the community means that outdoor activity is part of everyday life in Davie, not something you have to drive across town to find.

Family Events and Community Activities

Davie's community calendar includes regular family-oriented events that give residents reasons to come together throughout the year. The Town of Davie hosts seasonal festivals, holiday celebrations, outdoor movie nights, and community markets that are popular with families. The equestrian community adds its own events — from rodeo competitions at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds to horse shows and charity rides that bring the town's western heritage to life.

The proximity to broader Broward County and South Florida attractions also means families have easy access to a wide range of entertainment options — from beaches and waterfront parks to museums, zoos, aquariums, and performing arts venues in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and beyond.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Davie

If family activities are a priority, the neighborhood you choose in Davie matters. Homes near Tree Tops Park, Vista View Park, and the trail network offer immediate access to outdoor recreation. Neighborhoods in the Nova school zone provide a continuous educational pathway from elementary through high school. Gated communities offer additional amenities like playgrounds, pools, and community spaces. As a Davie-based Realtor with 24 years of experience, I help families identify neighborhoods that match both their lifestyle and their practical needs — school zones, commute times, budget, and proximity to the activities that matter most to them.

Why This Lifestyle Matters for Families

Raising kids in Davie means growing up with access to nature, outdoor adventure, and a community that values open space. In a region where many communities are dense and commercial, Davie offers something that's increasingly rare — room to breathe, space to explore, and a lifestyle that encourages kids to be active, curious, and connected to the outdoors. That's not just a nice bonus. For many families, it's the reason they choose Davie in the first place.

If you're considering a move to Davie and want to understand which neighborhoods give your family the best access to parks, schools, trails, and activities, I'm always happy to help. Local knowledge makes a real difference when choosing where to put down roots.