Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Family-Friendly Momentum Continues

Aug 20, 2025

Earlier this summer, The Miami Herald spotlighted “Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Baby Boom,” revealing how our community has become a top destination for families with children over the last five years.

DowntownFTL is quickly emerging as a vibrant, family-friendly destination- and this summer’s activity makes that clearer than ever.

Flagler Village is buzzing with new energy—and families are at the heart of it. With more children calling DowntownFTL home, our parks and public spaces are becoming vibrant hubs for play and connection.

The reimagined Huizenga Park is taking shape while the Museum of Discovery & Science has become a go-to destination for young families. NSU Art Museum continues to offer an inspiring mix of exhibits worth exploring and offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month. The Broward Center recently wrapped up its popular summer theater camps, and the Baptist Health IcePlex continues to enhance its youth hockey offerings.

Kids letting their creativity run wild at the Museum of Discovery and Science, Fort Lauderdale’s hands-on play space at the Magna Title Studio.

And the momentum is only growing. Fresh data from this summer shows that:

• 1 in 3 families with children who moved to Fort Lauderdale last year chose DowntownFTL.

• The under-14 population downtown is projected to grow 48% by 2030- double the rate of the downtown-wide population.

• Children under 14 are now the fastest-growing age group in Fort Lauderdale’s urban core.

• Childcare employment in DowntownFTL has grown 20% in three years, driven by increased demand from families.

  
  

As DowntownFTL evolves, it’s clear: families are not just welcome, they’re shaping its future.