Photo: Gulfstream Casino
Photo: Eric Miller
Photo: Jen Rav
Gulfstream Park Racing
★4.5(7,555 reviews)$Sports
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 6 and up. Older elementary and middle school kids enjoy the arcade games and outdoor village atmosphere, while teens appreciate the variety of dining options. Younger children can have fun at the arcade, though the venue's late hours and adult-oriented primary attraction (horse racing) make it better suited for older kids during family-friendly daytime hours.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Gulfstream Park Racing in Hallandale Beach offers much more than just horse racing for families visiting the Aventura area. This entertainment complex features a vibrant outdoor village with family-friendly dining options, an arcade to keep kids entertained, and weekend activities that make it a surprisingly fun destination for families looking for something different to do together.
Highlights
- ✓Arcade games with tickets and prizes that kids can redeem
- ✓Outdoor Village with pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining areas
- ✓Weekend family events and special activities
- ✓Multiple casual dining options in one location
- ✓Opportunity to see horses and explain racing in an educational way (when age-appropriate)
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit during weekend daytime hours when family-friendly activities are most active and the atmosphere is more appropriate for children
- 2.Head straight to the Village at Gulfstream Park outdoor shopping area where most kid-friendly dining and entertainment options are concentrated
- 3.The arcade can get busy during peak hours; arrive earlier in the day for shorter wait times on popular games
- 4.Check their event calendar online before visiting as they host special family-friendly events and festivals that offer extra entertainment value
- 5.Parking is plentiful but can fill up during racing events; use the Village parking areas for easiest access to family amenities
Best Time to Visit
Weekends during daytime hours (10 AM - 5 PM) are ideal for families, as this is when special family activities are typically scheduled and the atmosphere is most kid-appropriate. Avoid evening hours when the venue shifts to a more adult-oriented nightlife scene.
What to Know
The venue is free to enter with various dining and entertainment options available at individual costs. Ample parking is available, and the outdoor village setup makes stroller navigation easy for families with younger children.
Seasonal Notes
South Florida's mild winters make this a year-round destination, though the outdoor village areas are most comfortable during cooler months (November-April). Racing season typically runs January through April, when special events are more frequent. Check for holiday-themed activities during major celebrations.
Nearby Eats
The Village at Gulfstream Park has numerous on-site family-friendly restaurants including casual chains and quick-service options. For nearby alternatives, Aventura Mall (10 minutes north) offers extensive food court options that cater to picky eaters of all ages.
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