Fort Lauderdale beach (Photo: Envato)
Where are you going for Passover 2024? Pesach might seem far off but it will be here before you know it. Pesach 2024 begins on Monday night, April 22nd and ends on Tuesday night, April 30th. Are you considering a Passover Program in Florida?
Florida has long been a popular destination for Passover vacation. The Pesach programs in Florida started in Miami and then expanded to include Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Palm Beach and West Palm Beach. The weather in April is lovely, not too hot and not too much rain. Most of the Florida Pesach programs have or are near the beach, golf courses, water sports and water parks. Passover programs offer full board, minyan, lectures, shiurim and entertainment. Check out our blog about the allure of Passover programs in Florida for 2024.
You can certainly stay at the hotel and hang out by the pool or take advantage of one of the on-site activities. If you want to get out a bit on Chol Hamoed, there are plenty of activities to keep the family entertained. This article will focus on Miami Beach, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
Stick around till the end for expert planning tips!
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Aerial view of Miami Beach (Photo: Shutterstock)
Chol Hamoed Pesach activities in Miami Beach
Miami, often called 'The Magic City', is like nowhere else. It's where the energy of the city meets the calm of the beach. From its golden sands to its lively streets, there's always something happening. And come spring, especially around Pesach, the weather is just perfect. So, whether you're looking for family-friendly activities or a bit of culture, Miami's got you covered. Let's dive into some of the best activities the city has to offer during this special time!
- Miami Seaquarium offers a wide variety of encounters, exhibits, and shows, including Discovery Keys Shark and Stingray Interaction, Touch Pools, Dolphin Odyssey, Seal Swim, Penguin encounter, Sea Trek reef encounter, Rescue a reef, Penguin Isle and many more exciting things.
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark that boasts a beautiful Italian Renaissance-style villa and 10 acres of formal gardens.
- Wynwood Walls is located in Miami's Wynwood neighborhood, the Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum that showcases street art and graffiti from around the world.
- Flamingo Park is a 30-acre park with a kids' splash area, a zero-entry pool, a water mushroom, and an aquatic play structure with tire swings, slides, and lots of fountains. Landlubbers can check out a separate dry playground and climbing wall.
- Miami Children's Museum is a hands-on museum that offers interactive exhibits and programs for children.
- Zoo Miami is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida. It is home to over 3,000 animals from around the world.
- Jungle Island is a zoological park that offers animal shows, interactive exhibits, and a zip line.
- Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a state-of-the-art museum that features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an aquarium.
Universal Studios Plaza in Orlando (Photo by Aditya Vyas on Unsplash)
Chol Hamoed Pesach activities in Orlando
Orlando, often dubbed 'The Theme Park Capital of the World', is a place where childhood dreams come alive. Beyond the sparkle of its famous parks, Orlando offers a range of experiences, from natural and wildlife parks to a fun-filled entertainment complex. As spring blossoms, Pesach in Orlando brings pleasant weather, making every escapade even more enjoyable. Let’s embark on a journey through the best activities Orlando boasts during the Passover holiday!
- Theme parks - Orlando is known as the theme park capital of the world, with world-famous attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
- SEA LIFE Aquarium exhibits a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. It features Florida’s only 360 degree ocean tunnel. It is located in ICON Park.
- Lake Eola Park, located in downtown Orlando, features a serene lake with beautiful city skyline views, an amphitheater, Chinese pagoda, playground, and annual activities for visitors and locals to enjoy.
- Gatorland is a wildlife park that houses alligators, crocodiles, and other animals.
- ICON Park is an entertainment complex that features The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel, as well as shops, and attractions. Attractions include Madame Tussauds, Museum of Illusions and 7D Motion Theater.
- Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre garden with a variety of trees, palms, vines, roses, camellias, and more.
- Exotic Animal Experience is an animal sanctuary that offers visitors the opportunity to interact with exotic animals, including lemurs, kangaroos, and sloths.
- Tibet-Butler Preserve is a nature preserve with hiking trails and educational programs about Florida's ecosystem.
- Fun Spot America is an amusement park that has go-kart tracks, roller coasters, and other rides.
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale (Photo: Envato)
Chol Hamoed Pesach activities in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, often dubbed the "Venice of America," is a gem nestled along Florida's southeastern coast. Famed for its intricate network of waterways, luxurious yachts, and an inviting stretch of sandy beaches, the city blends a relaxed coastal vibe with an air of sophistication. Beyond its shimmering shores and stylish marinas, Fort Lauderdale is brimming with cool art spots, cozy theaters, and buzzing neighborhoods, each with its own unique flair. With April's light breezes rustling the palms, it's the perfect moment to explore all the laid-back charm and diverse experiences the city offers. Here's a glimpse into the wonders that Fort Lauderdale has in store for visitors over Pesach vacation.
- Las Olas Gondola Tours - take a romantic gondola ride through the canals of Fort Lauderdale's Venice of America.
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park has hiking trails, a lagoon, and a beach.
- Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a historic estate with a museum, art galleries, and beautiful gardens.
- Stranahan House is a historic house museum that offers guided tours and educational programs.
- History Fort Lauderdale has exhibits and programs about the history of the city and region.
- Museum of Discovery and Science features interactive exhibits and programs about science and technology.
- Butterfly World, located in nearby Coconut Creek, is a botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary that features butterflies, exotic birds, and tropical plants.
- Sawgrass Recreation Park, located in Weston, offers airboat tours of the Everglades, as well as animal encounters and exhibits.
- Young at Art Museum, located in Davie, is a children's museum that has interactive exhibits and programs.
- Flamingo Gardens, located in nearby Davie, is a botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary that includes flamingos, alligators, and other animals.
- Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, is a scenic walkway along the New River that has shops and entertainment options.
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Lake Eola in Orlando (Photo: Shutterstock)
Tips for planning
- If you are a member of the children’s museum, zoo or aquarium in your home state then you might be eligible for a discount through their reciprocal programs. Check the websites or give them a call before your visit to see if you are eligible.
- Check the museum, park or entertainment venue website for their hours of operation. Some museums are closed on Mondays. Other places are closed on certain days depending on the season. Be sure to double check so you don’t show up to find out that they are closed.
- Check that the activity is age appropriate. Some of the activities listed are for younger children, some are for teenagers and some are for adults. Check the websites to be sure that the activity is appropriate for your family or group.
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Miami Beach (Photo: Shutterstock)
Conclusion
If you already know that you are spending Pesach 2024 in Miami, Orlando or Ft. Lauderdale then I hope this list helps you with your Chol Hamoed activities plan. Still don't know where you will be for Pesach 2024? Check out our guide to Passover programs in Florida, including Passover programs in Miami, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
If you will be at a Pesach program then you don’t really need extra activities but some people like to get out of the hotel. If your family likes to check out museums, see the animals at the zoo or ride the roller coasters then this list is for you. If you are still exploring your options then check out our comprehensive guide to Passover programs in the United States as well as the complete guide to Passover programs around the world.
If you will be at a Pesach program then you don’t really need extra activities but some people like to get out of the hotel. If your family likes to check out museums, see the animals at the zoo or ride the roller coasters then this list is for you. If you are still exploring your options then check out our comprehensive guide to Passover programs in the United States as well as the complete guide to Passover programs around the world.
Stay tuned for Part 2 where we explore the thrilling activities in Tampa, Palm Beach, and West Palm Beach.