Get Your Fun On: Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Coral Springs, Florida
Coral Springs runs completely flat, and it covers a full 24 square miles of Broward County. Tall Cypress Natural Area and Fern Forest are the walking out here, and both of them run easy. The Everglades airboat goes out from the Everglades Holiday Park out that way instead. Monster Mini Golf and all of the escape rooms are indoors for when the heat wins. East.
Welcome to Coral Springs, Florida. This city northwest of Fort Lauderdale works for anybody who follows the natural world, time outdoors and the cultural side. Travelling with family, with friends, or on your own, Coral Springs covers all three. In this article we have put together the strongest things to do and places to visit in Coral Springs to help you plan.
Coral Springs: A Brief Overview Coral Springs is a city in Broward County, Florida, known for its greenery, its parks and its nature preserves. The city holds over 127,000 residents and covers 24 square miles. Coral Springs works with families and runs a range of things to do, from time outdoors to the cultural side. It is also one of the safest cities in the state, which makes it work for families with children.
Key Takeaways
- Coral Springs is a charming city located in the northwest of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- The city is known for its lush greenery, parks, and nature preserves.
- Coral Springs is a family-friendly destination that offers a variety of activities, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences.
Coral Springs: A Brief Overview
Welcome to Coral Springs, the city that is not quite Miami and not quite not-Miami either. In Broward County, Florida, Coral Springs runs as a community that works with families and lets you put the city noise down.
With its greenery, its beaches and its range of attractions, Coral Springs will hold anybody who follows the natural world or wants a run at something. Working the outdoors, doing the shopping, or simply sitting in the sun, this city covers all three.
One of the things that makes Coral Springs what it is, is how hard it works to keep the country it has. The city holds several parks and nature preserves, the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital among them, which puts injured and orphaned wildlife back together.
If you want something faster, Coral Springs runs that too. The city holds several sports teams, the Florida Panthers ice hockey team among them, and the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex, which runs an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a diving well.
And no trip to Coral Springs is finished without one of its beaches. From the clean sand of Deerfield Beach to the busy boardwalk of Pompano Beach, there is more sun, surf and sand here than you will get through.
So somebody who follows the natural world, somebody who follows sport, or somebody who simply wants to stop moving, Coral Springs covers all three.
Top Attractions in Coral Springs
You have arrived in Coral Springs and you want things to do. You have timed it. Coral Springs runs attractions that will keep you going.
Start with the Coral Springs Museum of Art. If you follow art, this place will hold you. They run a strong collection of contemporary art, and the exhibits keep changing, so there is always something new.
If you would rather have the natural world, take the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital. They hold animals across the board, birds of prey, reptiles and mammals. You can also take a guided tour and work the animals and their habitats.
For something indoors, head over to Monster Mini Golf. It is a glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course that works for a night out with friends or with family.
The other place to take is Butterfly World. It is a butterfly sanctuary running hundreds of species of butterflies and birds. You come out of it feeling as though you have been somewhere tropical.
If you follow the performing arts, take the Coral Springs Center for the Arts. They run shows across the board, from plays to musicals to concerts. It is a strong room and the sound in it works.
For art outdoors, head over to the Sculpture Garden. It is a park running sculptures from local artists. It is where to sit down and take some work in.
If you want to be in the water, take the Aquatic Center. They run a strong pool with water slides and a lazy river. It works on a hot summer day.
For tennis, head over to the Tennis Center. They run courts at every level, and they run lessons if you are starting from nothing.
If you want to be outdoors, take the Tall Cypress Natural Area and Cypress Park. They are both parks with plenty of trails for walking and biking.
If you follow hockey, take the Panthers Ice Den. It is the practice facility for the Florida Panthers, and you can catch a game there.
And if you are travelling with your dog, head over to Paul Dog Park. It is where they can run themselves out with everybody else’s.
So there they are, the strongest attractions in Coral Springs. Whatever you follow, this city runs it.
Wildlife and Nature Spots
If you follow the natural world, Coral Springs is where to be. With its greenery and the wildlife on it, you could be a long way from a city. Here are the strongest wildlife and nature spots not to miss:
Tall Cypress Natural Area
This park holds a range of wildlife, great horned owls, woodpeckers and egrets among them. Take a walk along the nature trails and see how many you can find.
Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital
If you follow animal species, this is the place. The Sawgrass Nature Center is a non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates injured and orphaned animals. You can take a tour of the animal hospital and get close to some of them.
Everglades Holiday Park
A short drive from Coral Springs, this park earns the stop for anybody who follows wildlife. Take an airboat ride through the basin swamp and see if you can find alligators or panthers. And bring your camera.
Butterfly World
This aviary holds over 20,000 butterflies from around the world. You walk through the gardens with them going past you the whole way.
Fern Forest Nature Center
This park is one nobody sends you to in Coral Springs. With its cypress trees and pine flatwoods, it works for bird watching. Keep an eye out for the great egret, a tall white bird that turns up regularly here.
Red Lichen Sanctuary
This wildlife camp is where to work the animals that live in Coral Springs. You can take a guided tour of the sanctuary and get close to some of them, turtles and birds of prey among them.
So put your hiking boots on and get out into the country around Coral Springs. Seasoned birder or simply somebody after a day out, this place covers both.
Sports and Adventure Activities
Feeling sporty? Coral Springs runs plenty of options.
If you follow tennis, head over to the Tennis Center of Coral Springs. They run lessons, leagues and camps at every level. And if you want it competitive, sign up for one of their tournaments.
If you want something harder, check out the Sportsplex Park. They run baseball diamonds, basketball courts and a skate park for anybody willing. And if you follow volleyball, they run sand and regular courts.
If you would rather be indoors, the Florida Panthers IceDen runs ice skating and hockey lessons, along with public skating sessions. And if you are feeling brave, take their scuba and snorkeling lessons for something else entirely.
And last, for anybody who wants to be outdoors and moving, Betti Stradling Park is the place. They run walking trails, a skate park and a sand volleyball court. And their basketball and tennis courts work for a game with friends.
So grab your sneakers and get on with it.
Arts, Culture and Events
Coral Springs runs arts and culture, with events and festivals through the year. If you follow museums, take the Coral Springs Museum of Art. This museum runs exhibits and collections that will send you out wanting to make something. From contemporary art to classic pieces, it covers the range.
If you follow theater, the Coral Springs Center for the Arts is the place. This venue runs musicals, plays and other performances through the year. Drama, comedy or something between, there is a show here that fits.
On events and festivals, Coral Springs runs plenty. One of the events people take most is the Festival of the Arts, which runs every March. This festival carries live music, food vendors and, of course, art. Artist yourself or simply somebody who looks, this festival earns the trip.
Other events through the year take in the Coral Springs Craft Guild’s annual Holiday Boutique, the Coral Springs Festival of Lights, and the Coral Springs Farmers’ Market. Whatever time of year you come, Coral Springs has something running.
So museums, a show, or a festival, Coral Springs runs all three. Get ready to work the arts and culture of this Florida town.
You would assume mini golf is for the children, and Monster Mini Golf corrects that. The whole course runs under the black lights with monsters standing all over it. The escape rooms are exactly the same trick played on the adults instead. And so is the Zombie Scavengers hunt running right across the whole city. And Butterfly World holds over 20,000 butterflies inside the one building.
Food and Drink Spots
You are in Coral Springs, Florida, and you are hungry. There are plenty of places to eat and drink in this town. Italian, American, or something else entirely, you will find it here.
Italian
If you’re in the mood for Italian, head over to Tavolino Della Notte. This place has it all: pasta, pizza, seafood, and more. Plus, the atmosphere is cozy and romantic, so it’s perfect for a date night.
American
For some classic American fare, check out Big Bear Brewing Company. This place has a great selection of burgers, sandwiches, and salads, as well as some of the best beer in town. Don’t miss their Brew Pub Burger and Kodiac B.
Bars
If you’re looking for a place to grab a drink, there are plenty of bars in Coral Springs. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is a fun spot with great food and beer. They also have a wide selection of cocktails and wine.
Unique Spots
For a unique dining experience, check out Rock n Roll Ribs. This place is owned by Nicko McBrain, the drummer for Iron Maiden, and it’s full of rock memorabilia. The food is also delicious, with a focus on BBQ and comfort food.
Whatever you are after, Coral Springs runs it. So go on, eat and drink properly.
Fun Activities for Kids and Families
Coral Springs works with your family. A day out or a birthday party, there is plenty here to keep everybody going. Here are the strongest things to do in Coral Springs with children:
Panthers Ice Den
If your children skate, Panthers Ice Den is the place. This is where the Florida Panthers hockey team practices, so the ice is properly kept. They run public skating sessions, along with group lessons and private ice time. And it takes the heat off a Florida day.
Wildlife Camps
For the animal followers in your family, check out the wildlife camps in Coral Springs. The Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital runs summer camps for children where they work the local wildlife and conservation. They also run events through the year, their annual Wildlife Festival among them.
Special Events
And on events, Coral Springs is always running something for families through the year. From seasonal festivals to outdoor film nights, there is always something on. Check the city’s event calendar for what is happening while you are here.
Other Fun Activities
If you want more things to do in Coral Springs with children, here are some more ideas:
Visit the Tall Cypress Natural Area for a scenic hike
Play a round of mini-golf at Putt’n Around
Check out the Coral Springs Museum of Art for some culture
Go bowling at the Brunswick Zone
Spend the day at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex
Whatever your family follows, Coral Springs runs it. So pack the children up and head down for a day or a weekend.
Where to Stay in Coral Springs
So you are planning a trip to Coral Springs, Florida? Strong choice. The city runs the country, the entertainment and the quiet all at once. But before you pack, you need somewhere to sleep. We have that covered.
Coral Springs runs accommodation at every budget and every preference. From smart hotels to motels that will not hurt, it is all here. Here are the strongest places to stay in Coral Springs:
Hotels
If you want the smart version, Coral Springs runs hotels that will look after you properly. The Marriott Coral Springs Hotel, Golf Club and Convention Center works if you want the city’s golf courses. The other strong option is the Courtyard by Marriott Coral Springs, which sits near the main attractions.
Motels
If you are watching the money, there are strong motels in Coral Springs. The La Quinta Inn & Suites Coral Springs University Drive works if you want to save without giving up comfort. The Coral Springs Motor Inn is the other option that will not hurt, running clean and comfortable rooms.
Vacation Rentals
If you want something more private, rent a vacation home or condo. This works for families or groups of friends who want to stay together. There are strong vacation rentals on sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo.
Camping
And if you would rather be outside, camping is the answer. The Quiet Waters Park in Coral Springs runs camping facilities with everything you need. You get the country while staying close to the city.
Wherever you stay in Coral Springs, the trip will hold. So pack your bags, book it, and get ready to take this city.
Day Trips from Coral Springs
So you have worked all the things to do in Coral Springs. But do not pack yet, because you cannot leave Florida without the nearby cities. Here are the day trips to take:
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, known as the Venice of America, is a short drive from Coral Springs. With its beaches, its museums and its nightlife, you will want to stay. Take a walk along Las Olas Boulevard, which runs shops, restaurants and galleries. And if you want a run at something, take a water taxi and work the city from the water.
Coconut Creek
Coconut Creek is one nobody sends you to, and it earns the visit. This city is known for its nature preserves, Butterfly World and the Tradewinds Park and Stables among them. And if you want shopping you will not get elsewhere, head to the Promenade at Coconut Creek, which runs high-end boutiques alongside local shops.
Hollywood
No, not that Hollywood. We mean the Hollywood in Florida, a short drive from Coral Springs. Hollywood Beach is one of the strongest beaches in the area, with clear water and soft white sand. And that is not all of it, because Hollywood also runs an arts and culture scene, with galleries, theaters and live music venues.
Boca Raton
Boca Raton works for a day trip. The Boca Raton Museum of Art earns the stop for anybody who follows art, with its collection of contemporary and modern work. And if you want to be outdoors, head to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, where you can work the nature trails and the local wildlife.
Delray Beach
Delray Beach is a city that keeps turning things up. The Pineapple Grove Arts District earns the stop for anybody who follows art and design, with its murals and its galleries. And if you want beach time, head to the Delray Municipal Beach for the sun and the water.
So there they are. A run of day trips that will hold the Florida trip together. And bring your sunscreen.
Best Time to Visit Coral Springs
On Coral Springs, timing matters. The strongest time to come depends on what you actually want to do. Here is what to expect through the year:
May
May works if you want to miss the crowds and have Coral Springs quiet. The weather runs warm without being punishing, and there is plenty to do outdoors. And you will find strong prices on hotels and flights, because it is not peak season.
September
September also works in Coral Springs. The weather is still warm, but the crowds have gone, so you are not fighting for a spot on the beach. And plenty of the local attractions run discounts and deals through this stretch.
November
November works in Coral Springs if you want to be outdoors. The weather runs mild, and there are plenty of events and festivals on. And you miss the peak season and get the place quiet.
March
March is peak season in Coral Springs, and with reason. The weather runs right and there are plenty of events and festivals. But you will need to book your accommodation well ahead, and you will be sharing the place.
Whenever you come to Coral Springs, the trip will hold. Just pack sunscreen, shoes you can stand up in, and the willingness.
Unique Experiences in Coral Springs
When you are in Coral Springs, you have timed it. This city runs experiences you will not get elsewhere. From miniature golf to escape rooms, everybody is covered. Here are the strongest of them in Coral Springs:
Monster Mini Golf
Are you tired of the same mini golf? Then head over to Monster Mini Golf. This indoor course is not the usual putt-putt. The course runs under black lights, and the decoration is spooky and genuinely funny. You will be golfing with monsters, ghosts and other creatures. It works with children and it works for a night out with friends.
Butterfly World
If you want somewhere quiet, Butterfly World earns the stop. This indoor butterfly sanctuary holds thousands of butterflies from around the world. You can walk through the gardens and get close to them. It is where to slow down.
Shade Pavilion
Coral Springs is known for its weather, but sometimes you need to get out of the sun. That is what Shade Pavilion is for. This outdoor pavilion is covered, so you can be outdoors without taking the whole of it. It works for a picnic or for sitting with a book.
Mother’s Day Out
If you are a parent, you know how hard it is to find time for yourself. That is what Mother’s Day Out is for. This program gives parents a break while trained professionals take the children. You can drop them off and get part of a day back.
Snorkel and Scuba Dive
Coral Springs sits near some of the strongest snorkeling and scuba diving in Florida. You can work the reefs and see marine life across the board. And there are plenty of educational programs if you are new to snorkeling or scuba diving.
Escape Rooms
If you want something that tests you, take one of Coral Springs’ escape rooms. These rooms are built to work your problem-solving and your teamwork. You have to work together on the puzzles and get out before the clock runs down. It is how to get friends together properly, or find out what you have.
Miniature Golf
If you want the classic Coral Springs day, take miniature golf. There are plenty of courses to choose from and all of them work. It is how to spend a day with friends or with the family.
Coral Springs runs plenty you will not get elsewhere. A quiet day out or a run at something, both are here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to spend a day in Coral Springs without breaking the bank?
Start the day with a walk in the Tall Cypress Natural Area. It costs nothing, and the country out there does its own work. After that, head over to the Coral Springs Museum of Art, which is also free to walk into. You get work from local and international artists. And finish the day with a picnic at Mullins Park. It is how to spend a day without spending anything.
Are there any hidden gems in Coral Springs that tourists often miss?
Yes. One of ours is the Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital. It is where to work the local wildlife and get close to some of the animals. The other one is the Coral Springs Farmer’s Market. It is where to buy fresh produce and homemade goods from local vendors.
What are the top family-friendly activities in Coral Springs?
There is plenty in Coral Springs that works with families. One of ours is the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex. It takes the heat off a hot day and runs water slides for the children. The other strong option is the Coral Springs Museum of Art, which runs interactive exhibits that work at any age.
Where can I find the best food and drinks in Coral Springs?
There are plenty of strong restaurants and bars in Coral Springs, but our picks are Big Bear Brewing Company, which pours craft beers alongside pub food that holds you, and Bonefish Grill, which runs the freshest seafood in town. For something more casual, check out the El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant, which pours the strongest margaritas around.
What’s the most unique thing to do in Coral Springs?
If you want something in Coral Springs you will not get elsewhere, take the Zombie Scavengers Scavenger Hunt. It runs you across the city solving puzzles while the “zombies” try to catch you. It gets your pulse up and it works with friends and family.
What’s the story behind Coral Springs’ unusual name?
The story runs that the name “Coral Springs” comes from the natural springs that were once here in numbers. Those springs were said to be full of coral, which gave the water a colour of its own. The springs are not what they were, but the name stayed and became part of the city.
Frequently asked questions about Coral Springs, Florida
What exactly is inside the Coral Springs museum of art over there, then, really now, in the end?
Contemporary art, and they keep changing all of the exhibits round on you in there too. There is the classic work in there as well as all of the modern pieces too. It costs nothing at all to walk into and it runs the interactive exhibits for the children. Free.
How many butterflies are there in the Butterfly World garden near Coral Springs, then, really now?
Over 20,000 of them in there, and they come from right around the whole of the world. You walk right through the gardens and they go past you the whole way along it. There are the birds in there too, alongside all of the butterfly species on it. Indoors.
Which park near Coral Springs actually runs all the airboat rides, then, really now, these days?
Everglades Holiday Park, which is only a short drive out from Coral Springs itself there. The airboat takes you straight out through the whole of the basin swamp on it. You may see the alligators out there, and if you are lucky then you get the panthers. Camera.
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