Lakes, Fishing, Boating and Walking Trails
The quiet waters in the name are the park's string of lakes, which cover much of its 427 acres. You can fish from the banks, rent a kayak or pedal boat, or walk and bike the paved path that winds between them.
What's here
- Lakes for bank fishing.
- A marina with kayak, canoe, paddleboard and pedal-boat rentals in season.
- A paved biking, jogging and walking path.
- A nature trail and a pollinator garden.
Good to know
Florida requires a freshwater fishing license for anglers 16 and older. There's no swimming in the lakes; swim only at Splash Adventure.
Fishing
Bank fishing is allowed around the lakes. Broward doesn't publish a species list for these lakes; South Florida park lakes commonly hold largemouth bass, sunfish and catfish. Live worms or small lures work for panfish, and soft plastics along the weed lines for bass. Catch-and-release is good practice in a busy park.
Stay clear of the cable lake while Ski Rixen is running, and of the campground shoreline if you're not camping.
Boat rentals
- Single kayak or paddleboard: $15 an hour, $25 for two hours, $35 for four.
- Double kayak or canoe: $20 an hour, $30 for two hours, $45 for four.
- Security deposit: $15.
Rentals are at the marina by Woofing Waters, generally on weekends and in season; pedal boats have been part of the fleet too. Rates are Broward's fee schedule. Call 954-357-5100 to check what's running before you go.
Walking and biking path
A paved path loops through the park past the lakes, shelters and playgrounds: easy, flat and good for strollers, kids on bikes and an evening walk. Mountain bikers have their own trails; walkers aren't allowed on those.
Nature trail and pollinator garden
A short nature trail with marker posts leads through native plants, and the park's pollinator garden draws butterflies most of the year. Look for herons, egrets, ibis, anhingas and ospreys around the lakes, and turtles in the shallows.
Safety
Alligators can live in any Florida lake: keep children and dogs back from the water's edge and never feed wildlife. When the lightning horn sounds (a 15-second blast with a strobe), get off the water and paths; three short blasts mean all clear.
When to go
Early mornings and the last hour before the 7:30 p.m. closing are coolest and best for fish and birds. Weekday mornings are the quietest of all, and free to enter.
See the rest of the park
Lakes & Trails is one of 9 featured areas at Quiet Waters Park.