Fort Lauderdale is always a blast for family travelers looking for a getaway packed with great weather, great beaches and plenty of fun. But this month the fun reaches a whole new level with the first Barbie Dream Fest, a three-day event celebrating all things Barbie.
The event, at Broward County Convention Center, will be packed full of Barbie-themed fun, photo opps, inspiration and empowerment. You can explore a life-sized Barbie dream house that is fully interactive and offers plenty of great photo opps, or you can star in your very own Barbie-inspired fashion show. There will be a 1980s-style roller rink complete with neon lights, Barbie-themed roller skates and a live DJ, and you’ll want to visit the Totally Hair Glam Bar for a Barbie makeover, too.
Museum of Discovery and Science © Visit Lauderdale
The Barbie Dream Fest isn’t just about recreating your favorite Barbie moments in real life — there will also be amazing speakers delivering talks over the course of the event. Women like two-time WNBA star Angel Reese, NASA aerospace engineer Dr. Swati Mohan and Emily Calandrelli, host of “Emily’s Wonder Lab,” are just a few of the big names in attendance to give talks to inspire and empower guests of all ages.
Although there will be plenty of Barbie action to keep you busy at the Dream Fest, you’ll probably still want to get out and explore some of the great experiences Greater Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Grab Sunday brunch at Wreck Bar at B Ocean Resort, where brunch is accompanied by an underwater mermaid show. After brunch, head to I Scream Gelato for a sweet treat to keep your Barbie pink-themed trip going.
I Scream Gelato © Visit Lauderdale
Greater Fort Lauderdale has 24 miles of sandy beach stretching across eight charming beach towns, all waiting to be explored with their own great beaches for swimming and water sports. That means plenty of ways to have a Beach Barbie weekend, but don’t forget about Scientist Barbie. At Museum of Discovery and Science, families can enjoy interactive activities and exhibits to inspire a life of learning and discovery.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedCaribbean
Apr 16, 2026A New Kind of Luxury Kids’ Club Emerges in Bermuda
Family travelers looking for resorts with the ultimate Kids’ Club should consider checking out Rosewood Bermuda. The hotel has reimagined its children’s program to feature more hands-on and educational activities beyond basic crafts and movie nights.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Hotels
Apr 15, 20268 Hotels to Consider for International Tea Day Travel
Celebrate International Tea Day May 21 with family travel to these properties around the world offering standout tea service experiences.
Hotels
Apr 14, 2026IHG Properties for World Cup Stays
Millions of fans are expected to travel for this year’s FIFA World Cup, taking place throughout North America this summer. With 11 host cities in the United States, the event gives family travelers the perfect reason to plan a soccer-focused getaway. IHG Hotels & Resorts boasts properties in and around these host cities, ideal for multi-city World Cup travel.
Cruises
Apr 14, 2026Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key is First Cruise Destination to Earn KultureCity Sensory Inclusion Certification
Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key in Grand Bahama was recently certified as the first cruise destination to earn KultureCity’s prestigious sensory inclusion certification. KultureCity, a non-profit organization training staff and certifying venues with sensory-inclusive modifications, partnered with Carnival Cruise Line for six years.
Hotels
Apr 13, 2026Two Family Escapes Where the Water Park Is Included
With travel costs on the rise, family travelers may be rethinking their spring and summer getaways and seeking out destinations where the built-in entertainment is included. Instead of adding expensive tickets and excursions, look for resorts that deliver high-impact experiences with water parks and activities all included in the stay. Two options, in The Bahamas and Orlando, offer just that:
ShareThis