Fort Lauderdale's big parks: Mills Pond (157 acres), Holiday Park and Snyder Park, with its dog swim and nature trail. Hours, addresses and phones.

Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. Hours, sizes and amenities come from each park’s page on the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation website. Parks and Recreation office: 1150 G. Harold Martin Drive. City help line: 954-828-8000.

Fort Lauderdale’s city parks range from a 157-acre lake park to small riverfront greens, plus the city’s beaches and the Riverwalk downtown. The biggest are Mills Pond Park, Holiday Park and Snyder Park. Each park has its own hours, posted on its city page.

What this means for you

  • For dogs: Snyder Park has a dog park and a dog swim area; Holiday Park has a dog park (improvements under way).
  • For boats and kayaks: George English Park has a ramp and a kayak landing.
  • For kids in summer: Carter Park and Riverland Park have pools with water playgrounds.
  • Holiday Park’s playground is closed for a rebuild expected to finish in summer 2027.

The major parks

Park Address Phone Hours Acres
Mills Pond Park 2201 NW 9th Ave. 954-828-8943 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 156.91
Holiday Park 1150 G. Harold Martin Drive 954-828-5383 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. 93.44
Snyder Park 3299 SW 4th Ave. 954-828-4585 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Nov.-Feb.); 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (March-Oct.) 90.85
Carter Park 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd. 954-828-5411 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 21.43
George English Park 1101 Bayview Drive 954-828-4620 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 15.37
Riverland Park 950 SW 27th Ave. 954-828-5320 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 10.55
Esplanade Park 400 SW 2nd St. 954-828-7275 See park page 1.92

Bar chart of park sizes in acres: Mills Pond Park 156.91, Holiday Park 93.44, Snyder Park 90.85, Carter Park 21.43, George English Park 15.37, Riverland Park 10.55, Esplanade Park 1.92

What each park has

  • Snyder Park is the city’s nature park: a nature trail, bike trail, butterfly garden, disc golf course, fishing, a volleyball court and a playground. Its bark park is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from September to April and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. from May to August, and dogs can swim during park hours. Parking is free except at special events. The park is closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. The FORT pickleball club and the Lakeside Restaurant are inside.
  • Holiday Park has lighted athletic fields, full basketball courts, pickleball and racquetball courts, a roller hockey rink, a gym, a walking and jogging trail and a dog park. The Jimmy Evert Tennis Center and the Baptist Health IcePlex, the Florida Panthers’ practice rink, are on site. Parks bond work began in May 2026 on a new playground and dog park improvements; the city expects to finish by summer 2027, and the playground is closed until then.
  • Mills Pond Park has lighted athletic fields, a playground, fishing, a radio-controlled car track and water skiing on its lake. The office is open noon to 6 p.m. weekdays. A new concession and restroom building is under construction with parks bond money.
  • Carter Park has a track and field complex, a boxing gym, tennis courts, lighted fields, a playground and the Carter Park Pool and water playground.
  • George English Park, by the Intracoastal, has a boat ramp, a canoe and kayak landing, fishing, tennis and pickleball courts, a playground and the George English Tennis Center.
  • Riverland Park has a pool and water playground, lighted fields, full basketball courts and a walking and jogging trail.
  • Esplanade Park is a small riverfront park on the Riverwalk downtown, where Light Up Lauderdale and Winterfest Family Fun Day are held.

Beaches and the Riverwalk

Fort Lauderdale Beach runs along A1A with a waterfront walkway. Check beach conditions and flag warnings from Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue before you swim. The city also lists a Canine Beach for dogs.

Between the beach and the Intracoastal is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, run by the state; see the Florida State Parks page for hours and fees.

Downtown, the Riverwalk follows the New River through Esplanade Park.

Bigger parks nearby

Broward County runs regional parks near the city; see Broward County Parks.

Programs, rentals and rules

Classes, camps, athletics and pavilion rentals are booked through the city’s registration site. Park rules are on the rules and regulations page.

Related: things to do this month and getting around.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest park in Fort Lauderdale?

Among city parks, Mills Pond Park at 2201 NW 9th Ave. is listed at 156.91 acres, followed by Holiday Park at 93.44 acres and Snyder Park at 90.85 acres.

Where can I take my dog swimming in Fort Lauderdale?

Snyder Park, 3299 SW 4th Ave., has a dog park and dog swimming area, open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November to February and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from March to October.

What time do Fort Lauderdale parks close?

Hours vary by park: Holiday Park is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Carter, George English, Mills Pond and Riverland parks 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Snyder Park closes at 6 p.m. in winter and 7 p.m. from March to October.

Is there a boat ramp in Fort Lauderdale?

George English Park, 1101 Bayview Drive, has a boat ramp and a canoe and kayak landing, along with tennis and pickleball courts.

Is parking free at Snyder Park?

Yes. The city lists parking at Snyder Park as free, except during special events.