


Jungle Queen Riverboat
About
The Jungle Queen Riverboat offers a memorable 3-hour cruise along Fort Lauderdale's scenic waterways where kids can spot wildlife, admire mega-yachts and waterfront mansions, and enjoy an all-you-can-eat BBQ dinner with a live entertainment show. This vintage paddlewheeler combines sightseeing, dining, and entertainment into one easy family outing that keeps children engaged from start to finish.
Highlights
- ✓Spotting manatees, dolphins, and tropical birds along the waterways
- ✓All-you-can-eat BBQ dinner with ribs, chicken, corn, and shrimp
- ✓Stop at a private tropical island with alligator viewing
- ✓Live vaudeville-style comedy and variety show
- ✓Viewing mega-yachts and stunning waterfront mansions from the water
Pro Tips
- 1.Book the dinner cruise that includes a stop at their private tropical island where kids can see alligators and exotic birds up close
- 2.Arrive 30 minutes early to secure outdoor deck seating on the upper level for the best wildlife viewing opportunities
- 3.Bring sunscreen and hats for daytime cruises, as the open decks offer limited shade
- 4.Request seats near the aisle if you have young children who may need frequent bathroom breaks
- 5.The all-you-can-eat BBQ is included in dinner cruise tickets, so come hungry and skip the pre-cruise meal
Best Time to Visit
The dinner cruise departing around 7:00 PM is ideal for families, as it includes the meal and show, plus cooler evening temperatures. Weekday cruises are less crowded than weekends, making it easier to move around the boat and spot wildlife.
What to Know
Tickets start around $30 for adults and $20 for children (ages vary by cruise type). Free parking is available at the dock. The all-you-can-eat BBQ dinner is included with dinner cruise tickets and features ribs, chicken, shrimp, and kid-friendly sides.
Seasonal Notes
Operates year-round with Florida's pleasant weather. Winter months (December-March) offer the best wildlife viewing as manatees seek warmer waters. The boat is partially covered but bring light jackets for evening cruises during cooler months.
Nearby Eats
Coconuts and The Wreck Bar are nearby casual waterfront spots with kids' menus, though most families find the all-you-can-eat BBQ included in the dinner cruise more than sufficient.
More Activities Near Fort Lauderdale
Butterfly World
Butterfly World offers an enchanting experience where kids can walk among thousands of free-flying butterflies in massive screened aviaries filled with tropical plants and flowers. Children are mesmerized watching butterflies land on them, exploring the colorful hummingbird gardens, and discovering fascinating insects in the bug zoo, making it an educational and magical outing that sparks curiosity about nature.
East Las Olas Boulevard
East Las Olas Boulevard offers families a delightful European-style promenade experience right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. This tree-lined boulevard combines shopping, dining, and entertainment with easy access to waterfront parks and water taxi rides, making it perfect for a leisurely afternoon exploring with kids who can walk comfortably.
South Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard
South Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard offers the perfect blend of beach fun and family amenities along Florida's stunning coastline. The calm, gentle waves make it ideal for young swimmers, while the expansive sandy shore gives kids plenty of room to build sandcastles and play. The beachfront promenade is perfect for family bike rides or evening strolls, with playgrounds strategically placed to keep little ones entertained between beach sessions.
Flamingo Gardens
Flamingo Gardens offers families a delightful combination of botanical beauty and up-close wildlife encounters in a lush 60-acre tropical paradise. Kids will be thrilled to see native Florida animals including alligators, panthers, bears, otters, and of course, the signature flamingos, while parents appreciate the educational value and well-maintained grounds perfect for a leisurely stroll or narrated tram ride.