12 Ways To Stay Cool In Fort Lauderdale During The Summer

For Fort Lauderdale residents, summer can be a season of mixed emotions. Yes, the sun is out and shining, but with all that sun comes the heat and humidity. And here in South Florida, when we say it gets hot–we mean hot. 

Sometimes it’s hard to be active and do things outside during the summer months. With that being said, we have compiled a list of 12 things you can do in Broward County when it’s too hot to go to the beach or hang by the pool.

Hit A Hole-In-One

There is nothing better than doing an outdoor activity inside with air conditioning. Mini golf can be an afternoon date with your special someone, or perhaps a fun-packed afternoon with the kids. With its elaborate decorations and glow-in-the-dark course, we recommend Monster Mini Golf as the go-to mini golf facility in the area.

9533 Westview Drive, Coral Springs; 954.526.5115; monsterminigolf.com/coralsprings 

Get Cultured

Fort Lauderdale has an array of museums to choose from including the Museum of Discovery and Science, as well as the NSU Museum of Art. The Museum of Discovery and Science has multiple permanent exhibits to walk through, including a simulated Everglades airboat tour, a river otter exhibit, a new outdoor park and a prehistoric Florida exhibit, which allows you to walk back in time to when giant sharks roamed the South Florida coast and saber-toothed cats hunted mammoths. 

For those looking for a relaxing day appreciating art, the NSU Museum of Art has what you’re looking for and more. With different exhibits that are constantly being changed, the NSU Museum of Art will always have something new on display so your visit will never be the same as the next. 

Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale; 954.467.6637; mods.org

NSU Museum of Art, 1 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954.525.5500; nsuartmuseum.org

Reach New Heights

With 87 roped routes and 25 lead routes that are constantly changing, Coral Cliffs is the place to try your luck at indoor rock climbing. Specializing in rock climbing for all levels, this gym offers classes and gear rentals, including climbing shoes. With day pass options and membership offers, Coral Cliffs gives visitors a chance to explore the world of rock climbing no matter the weather.

3400 SW 26th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale; 954.321.9898; coralcliffs.com

Test Your Wit

Locked in a room with only clues and puzzles to guide your way out, Think Escape Games brings Fort Lauderdale all the adventure and mystery you desire. With three different themed rooms ranging in difficulty and a new Mayan Ruins room coming soon, Think Escape Games is a great way to get out of the summer sun.

2635 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954.233.2663; thinkescapegames.com

Explore By Boat 

Enjoy the outdoors and all its sites and views—with the comfort of air conditioning and a full bar. Carrie B Cruises’ 1.5-hour tours along Fort Lauderdale’s New River, Intracoastal Waterway and Port Everglades feature outdoor seating on the second floor and a closed first floor with air conditioning. Beginning downtown, the tour takes you along some of Fort Lauderdale’s most iconic spots like the Stranahan House, the Riverside Hotel and Las Olas Isles.

440 N. New River Drive E., Fort Lauderdale; 954.642.1601; carriebcruises.com

Fly High

If aquatic journeys are not for you, try an aerial adventure instead. Join Fort Lauderdale Air Tours on one of its six different air tours. Options include the Everglades air tour, the Key West air tour and the romantic Champagne sunset scenic flight. Fort Lauderdale Air Tours is an activity that allows you to bask in the beautiful scenery without the heat. The air tours range from 30-minute excursions to day-long trips. 

1525 NW 56th St., Fort Lauderdale; 954.399.0049; fortlauderdaleairtours.com 

Pamper Yourself

A spa day with a relaxing massage or a rejuvenating facial to beat the heat will always be the right choice, where sweating is done only in the sauna. Fort Lauderdale is a hot spot for spas due to the amount of resorts in the area. Click here for our list of recommended spas in South Florida. 

Watch Oscar-Winning Films

If you are looking for a new way to watch film, including movies you might not be able to watch at traditional theaters, check out Savor Cinema. This small independent theater is known for the unique movies it offers, including Oscar-nominated films like "The Shape of Water" and "A Fantastic Woman."

503 SE Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale; 954.525.3456; fliff.com

Release Your Inner Picasso

Who said painting is only for artists? Sip wine while painting your own masterpiece with the guidance of an instructor at Painting with a Twist. With multiple locations in South Florida, this art studio gives its guests the opportunity to participate in different themed classes, so there's always something new to paint.

5810 S. University Drive, Ste. 106, Davie; 954.533.6181; paintingwithatwist.com

302 S. University Drive, Plantation; 954.706.5522; paintingwithatwist.com

15971 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines; 954.829.4070; paintingwithatwist.com

720 Riverside Drive, Coral Springs; 954.773.7928; paintingwithatwist.com

1185 S. Federal Highway, Deerfield Beach; 954.482.0515; paintingwithatwist.com

Jump Around

Trampolines and foam pits galore, Sky Zone Trampoline Park will bring out the inner child in everyone. With an ultimate freestyle jumping area, dodgeball court, foam zone, the Skyslam, the Sky Ladder and a new rope course, Sky Zone will have you jumping for joy. 

1834 SW Second St., Pompano Beach; 954.417.3999; skyzone.com/fortlauderdale

Spread Your Wings

Even if there isn’t a breeze outside, there’s always a breeze at iFLY. With the use of wind tunnels, iFLY gives you the opportunity to experience the thrill of skydiving without falling from thousands of feet above the ground. 

11690 West State Road 84, Davie; 954.280.4359; iflyworld.com

Be A Drama Queen 

If music and culture are some of your favorite things, check out the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. A great way to escape the Florida heat is to catch a matinee, whether its a musical or play. The Broward Center offers matinees for almost all of its musicals and plays. The 2018 summer lineup includes "Jersey Boys" and "Rock of Ages."

201 Southwest Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954.462.0222; browardcenter.org

Want the inside scoop on new restaurant openings, the best parties in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County? Sign up to receive our Insider's Guide, a weekly newsletter delivered to your email every Thursday morning with a list of the must-attend events in the area. Interested in a print subscription? Click here.