🎯 Family Life

Kids Activities in Pembroke Pines

Your starting point for family life in Pembroke Pines — from indoor playgrounds and ice skating to libraries, summer camps, birthday venues, and enrichment programs. The complete destination guide with every activity, attraction, and family-friendly venue is in our Explore → Family Fun section.

🏰 Rain or Shine

Indoor Play & Activities

Families enjoying planetarium show with projected starry night sky at Buehler Planetarium

Buehler Planetarium & Observatory

🔭 STEM & SpacePembroke Pines
40-ft dome theaterFulldome videoAstronomy showsTelescope nightsSTEM education
💡 Local's tip

Visit broward.edu/planetarium for show schedules and ticket information. The planetarium runs public shows on weekends and select weeknight evenings. Shows run approximately 45 minutes and cover topics ranging from solar system tours to deep-space exploration. Advance booking recommended for weekend shows.

Broward College's state-of-the-art planetarium features a 40-foot diameter domed theater with Definiti fulldome video system. Public planetarium shows cover astronomy, space exploration, and science education. Recently reopened in May 2026 after grants-funded technology upgrades. A unique hands-on STEM experience for curious minds of all ages.

Kids Empire Pembroke Pines — indoor playground with multi-level climbing structures and slides

Kids Empire

🏰 Indoor AdventurePembroke Pines
Indoor playgroundClimbing structuresToddler zoneBall pitsAC comfort
💡 Local's tip

Socks required — bring grippy socks for better traction on the climbing structures. Weekday mornings (10 AM–noon) are quietest. They offer military and first responder discounts. Sign the waiver online before arriving to save time at check-in.

A huge indoor play destination on Pines Boulevard with multi-level climbing structures, slides, ball pits, obstacle courses, and dedicated toddler zones. Air-conditioned, clean, and open daily from 10 AM — the perfect rainy-day or hot-afternoon solution when outdoor play isn't an option. Kids can climb, crawl, and slide for hours in a safe, supervised environment. Birthday party packages available.

⛸️ Get Moving

Active Fun — Ice Skating & Bowling

Pines Ice Arena — ice skating rink in Pembroke Pines with learn-to-skate programs

Pines Ice Arena

⛸️ Year-Round IcePembroke Pines
Public skatingLearn-to-skate (ages 3+)Youth hockeyFigure skatingBirthday parties
💡 Local's tip

Check the public skating schedule online — sessions vary by day and season. Friday and Saturday night sessions have music and lights (popular with older kids). Dress warm — it's cold on the ice even in Florida. The cafe has surprisingly good hot chocolate.

The only ice arena in Pembroke Pines — and a truly unique South Florida experience. Public skating sessions for all ages, learn-to-skate classes starting at age 3, youth hockey leagues, figure skating programs, and birthday party packages. The learn-to-skate program is excellent — patient instructors, small class sizes, and a clear progression from Snowplow Sam to Basic Skills to competitive levels. Public skating includes rental skates.

AMF Pembroke Pines Lanes — family bowling alley with arcade on University Drive

AMF Pembroke Pines Lanes

🎳 Family BowlingPembroke Pines
Bumper lanesBall rampsArcadeCosmic bowlingKids Bowl Free
💡 Local's tip

Sign up for Kids Bowl Free online before summer — kids get 2 free games daily (shoe rental extra). Sunday family specials are the best value for a group. Reserve lanes online for weekends — walk-in wait times can be 30-45 minutes on Friday/Saturday nights.

Full-service bowling center with bumper lanes and ball ramps for younger kids, a well-stocked arcade, food and drinks, and family-friendly pricing. Sunday family specials offer the best value. Cosmic bowling on weekend evenings adds black lights and music. The Kids Bowl Free summer program (register online) gives kids two free games per day all summer.

🏅 City Programs

Parks & Recreation — Youth Programs

City of Pembroke Pines Parks & Recreation — youth programs brochure cover with kids playing sports

City of Pembroke Pines Parks & Recreation

🏅 City ProgramsPembroke Pines
Youth sportsSwim lessonsDance & artsSummer campsResident discounts
💡 Local's tip

Registration for popular programs (swim lessons, summer camps) fills within hours — set a calendar reminder for the registration opening date, which is typically announced 4-6 weeks before the season starts. Residents register first. The program guide is published online quarterly.

The City of Pembroke Pines Parks & Recreation department runs a full calendar of affordable youth programs throughout the year — youth sports leagues (soccer, basketball, baseball, flag football), swim lessons, dance classes, martial arts, art workshops, after-school programs, summer camps, and holiday events. Programs are held at multiple locations including the Pines Recreation Center, Walter C. Young complex, and neighborhood parks. Residents get priority registration and discounted rates.

🚗 Worth the Drive

Family Day Trips Near Pembroke Pines

Flamingo Gardens Davie — 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary with flamingos

Flamingo Gardens

🦩 Family Day TripDavie
60 acresWildlife sanctuaryTram tourHistoric museumChampion trees
💡 Local's tip

The narrated tram tour is included with admission — ride it early before it gets hot. Otter and flamingo feedings are scheduled throughout the day. Pack a picnic — there are shaded areas near the entrance.

A 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary just 15 minutes from Pembroke Pines. See native Florida wildlife — flamingos, alligators, panthers, otters, eagles — in natural habitats. The narrated tram tour takes you through the tropical rainforest and wetlands. Historic Wray Home Museum on site. One of the largest collections of champion trees in Florida.

About This Guide

This kids activities guide was compiled from venue websites, city resources, and local parent recommendations as of August 2026. Hours, pricing, and program availability change regularly — check with each venue before visiting.

This is part of our Family Life collection. For the complete destination guide with everything from libraries to summer camps, see our Family Life Guide.

Know a great kids activity we should add? Let us know.

Discover More for Families

Explore our complete Family Life collection — libraries, playgrounds, birthday venues, and more.