As long as you don't work and only want to go to a park between the hours of 9am and 5pm. I was also kicked out by rude staff. I thought County parks were open from sunrise to sunset. This is a County owned park, so it's very disappointing to have these hours. The best nature is visible at sunrise, and people walk parks after work to unwind! I guess parks aren't for the working people anymore?
I was only able to explore a small part of the center because I was there for a training, but from what I experienced it was nothing short of magical. Oh BTW, the meeting room boasts the best view you could have for any type of class, training or event you could plan. It has a kitchen area that should be on a TV cooking show, and ample chairs and tables to host family, friends, or coworkers.
If you come here you want to make absolutely sure that nothing is left visible in your car. There has been a number of break ins primarily taking place later in the day towards closing time when there are less people around. You also want to bring some bug spray with you especially if you plan on going through the woods. The last time I was here this month was not bad but I have been here when the mosquitoes were so thick I literally ran for my life. This a great and cheap (no fee) place to relax in nature and decompress from the stress of the work week.
One of Fort Lauderdale’s best kept secrets!! Beautiful park and picnic area, great trails that are kept clean and accessible, and the best part is, the park rangers know an awful lot about the animals and the general aspects of the the park and its flora and fawna. I am not sure that I spelled “fawna” correctly, but you get the point. It is a beautiful place to visit. I highly recommend a visit there!!
As it is so aptly named, there are tons of ferns, and native vegetation throughout the nature center. The staff, in addition to being extremely helpful and pleasant, do an incredible job of maintaining the park. Even with all of that, entry is free during the week and only $1.50 on the weekends.
If you love being immersed in nature, follow the boardwalk. It will lead you head over heels to happiness.
Free and my 3 year olds love to wander on the boardwalks through the forest. The nature center has puzzles and toys for young kids to enjoy.
I've only been once so far and I already love it. I plan to visit often, but might wait until it cools down again. Not because of the temperature, since the lush Forest does an incredible job of reducing the heat, but because The State Bird of FL, the mosquito, has resumed their annual residence and are in full flight.
When you first enter you follow an elevated boardwalk to the two story visitors center. The lower level has a ranger station with some educational displays. To the left is an amphitheater with bench seating. On weekends I have seen folk concerts and weddings held here. Also on the lower level you will find the bathrooms and water fountains. The second floor is a reception area called Royal Fern Hall complete with a kitchen that can be rented for weddings and meetings. Every Halloween they do a nice program for the kiddies up there. Once a week they also offer yoga in the park. There is a sign advertising it at the entrance from Lyons Road.
Once you go around the visitors center you will come to a small gate that will take you out to the paths. The path to the left is the Cypress Creek Trail. It is a half mile elevated boardwalk that loops back around to the start. This is the only good area for a wheelchair. The path to the right takes you over a small bridge and out to the back field and a path that goes through the woods. Here you will find the one mile Prairie Overlook Trail that has a small elevated covered observation platform with benches. Maps for everything are at the visitors center.
This nature center is around the corner from my house and I have been coming here for years so it will always hold a place in my heart. I primarily come here to run. There is not a lot of visible wildlife compared to some of the other nature centers in the area although I have seen butterflies, raccoons, armadillos, and a really large land turtle on the grassy plains part in the way back.
Fern Forest Nature Center is a US Park based in Coconut Creek, Florida. Fern Forest Nature Center is located at 201 S Lyons Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33063, USA.
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