DISCOVERING CULTURAL GEMS Local Museums for Family Fun

Many moms and dads are in search of fun activities to do with their kids when the weather is scorching. Thankfully, Fort Lauderdale and Miami are home to some of the best museums in the country. There are actually some amazing options a bit closer to home. Here are a few ideas to spend a few hours with the kids that don’t require spending a whole day traveling to the “big city.”

Young at Art Museum

8000 W Broward Blvd, Suite 1208, Plantation www.youngatartmuseum.org

954-424-0085

The Young at Art Museum is an engaging and innovative art museum located in The Broward Mall in Plantation. It is specifically designed to cater to the interests and creative development of children and families. The museum offers a wide range of exhibits and interactive art experiences that encourage exploration, imagination, and hands-on learning.

The museum's mission is to provide inspiring and educational experiences through art to enrich the lives of young visitors and promote their understanding and appreciation of art and culture. It aims to foster creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression in children, nurturing their artistic talents and encouraging them to think creatively about the world around them.

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum

8000 W. Broward Blvd, Suite 1422, Plantation www.islandspacefl.org

954-999-0989

The Island SPACE Caribbean Museum is the first and only brick and mortar pan-Caribbean heritage museum in the United States. The museum's mission is to "preserve, promote, and celebrate the Caribbean heritage of South Florida and the broader diaspora community."

The museum's collection includes artifacts, iconic paraphernalia, cultural relics, and historical data representing South Florida's Caribbean communities. The Island SPACE Caribbean Museum offers a variety of educational programs and events for all ages. These include field trips, adult education classes and community events.

Plantation Historical Museum

511 North Fig Tree Lane, Plantation www.plantation.org

954-797-2722

The Plantation Historical Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the city and its surrounding area. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage and cultural legacy of Plantation through various exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and documents. It covers a wide range of topics, including the early pioneers and settlers, agricultural history, local industries, community development, and significant events that have shaped Plantation's past.

The museum provides an educational and informative experience for visitors of all ages, allowing them to learn about the roots and evolution of the city while gaining a deeper appreciation for its historical significance.

Kiddie Academy of Plantation

9621 W Broward Blvd, Plantation kiddieacademy.com

954-990-0333

Infant care-kindergarten is available at the academy. Their core belief is that children’s days should be fun-filled, learning-based and safe. Through hot, family-style meals and daily educational activities, they create an environment kids love and parents trust.

Sagemont Preparatory School

1570 Sagemont Way, Weston sagemont.com

954-389-2454

Sagemont Preparatory School inspires academic excellence, through intellectual exploration, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Students in Pre-k through grade 12 are encouraged to take responsible risks and develop a deep understanding of social responsibility as active agents of change.

Plantation United Methodist Preschool

1001 NW 70th Ave, Plantation kidsatplaypumc.net

954-584-6246

A fully licensed and accredited, developmental childcare and Christian learning center serving infants through 3-year-olds. Their goal is to help children grow spiritually, emotionally, socially, intellectually, and physically.

St. Gregory Catholic School

200 N University Dr, Plantation saintgreg.com

954-543-0399

St. Gregory, the Great Catholic School, partners with parents to affirm strong Catholic values and academic excellence. This provides students the foundation to become moral, productive members of society.

Tiny Planet Preschool

16098 W State Rd 84, Weston tinyplanet.education

954-384-4884

Tiny Planet Preschool is committed to providing the best educational experience possible in a loving and caring environment. It offers a bilingual curriculum and follows a multi-disciplinary approach to learning. At Tiny Planet, teachers incorporate the use of Mac computers, iPads, digital cameras, and Apple Smart TV, to support the learning in each of the classrooms.

Our Savior Lutheran School

8001 NW 5th St, Plantation fastdir.com/oursaviorplantation/ 954-370-2161

All students from pre-school through middle school are educated and encouraged to excel in academics, leadership, discipleship, and Christian service.

NSU University School

3375 SW 75th Ave, Davie uschool.nova.edu

954-262-4506

NSU University School is an independent, college preparatory school that educates students in grades junior kindergarten through twelfth grade. The school prepares students for productive lives and leadership roles through a program that focuses on academic excellence, extracurricular participation, and service to others.

World of Learning

4129 NW 88th Ave, Sunrise worldoflearningacademy.com

954-742-7189

An Apple accredited school recognized by the state of Florida with the Gold Seal certification for excellence in early childhood education. The program is developmentally appropriate and thematically based in all areas such as reading, phonics, language arts, fine/gross motor skills, arts and crafts, science, mathematics, and more.