YMCA of South Florida invites families to enjoy Little Builders Fun Fest at Holiday Park with interactive activities

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Families across Fort Lauderdale will soon have a chance to trade a typical weekend outing for something far more hands-on—and a little unexpected. On May 2, the grounds of Holiday Park will transform into a lively, construction-themed playground as the YMCA of South Florida hosts its upcoming Little Builders Fun Fest, a free event designed to bring children, parents, and the wider community together.

Set to run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event will take place at the future site of the Holiday Park YMCA Family Center and Broward Health Emergency Department. The location, situated next to The Parker at 707 NE 8th Street, is still under development, but for one day, it will open its gates to families eager to get a preview of what lies ahead.

Rather than simply observing construction from a distance, children will be invited directly onto the site, turning what is usually a restricted space into an interactive environment filled with activity and imagination. The event, hosted by the YMCA of South Florida and presented by GULF-ANF Joint Venture, aims to connect the community with a project that is expected to serve generations.

The focus, however, is not just on the future—it is on creating a memorable experience in the present.

Young attendees will be able to dive into a wide variety of activities, each designed to spark curiosity and creativity. From blueprint design stations to fossil digs, the event blends education with play in a way that feels natural rather than structured. Children can climb into vehicles during the popular touch-a-truck activity, sign a steel beam that will become part of the future building, or test their energy on a construction-themed obstacle course.

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For those who prefer building to exploring, the STEAM Mega Blocks area offers an opportunity to construct and create, while the Little Builder Photo Experience allows families to capture the moment in a setting that mirrors a real construction site.

Organizers have ensured that every child leaves with more than just memories. Each participant will receive a hard hat and construction vest, along with a Little Builder certificate and a photo takeaway. Special giveaways will also be distributed, adding an extra layer of excitement for younger visitors.

Food will not be an afterthought. Free snacks and snow cones will be available for children, while families looking for more substantial options can purchase meals from child-friendly food trucks stationed nearby.

Behind the fun and games lies a broader purpose. The Little Builders Fun Fest is meant to introduce families to the vision behind the new YMCA Family Center and the adjacent Broward Health Emergency Department. Once completed, the site is expected to become a key community hub, offering both wellness services and critical healthcare access.

“We’re excited to welcome families to experience the future of the Holiday Park YMCA in such a fun and interactive way,” said YMCA of South Florida President and CEO Sheryl A. Woods. “This event gives children a chance to explore, create and imagine while helping families connect with the incredible impact this new YMCA Family Center and Broward Health Emergency Department will have on our community.”

That sense of connection is central to the event’s design. By inviting families onto the construction site, organizers are offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at a project that will eventually serve them. It turns a distant concept into something tangible—something children can walk through, touch, and even help shape, if only symbolically.

At the same time, the event reflects a growing trend of community-focused development, where large-scale projects are introduced not just through announcements, but through engagement. It is one thing to hear about a new facility. It is another to stand where it will rise and imagine its possibilities.

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Parents and guardians are encouraged to register in advance, with online pre-registration open until April 30. Parking for the event will be available at The Parker, making access straightforward for attendees.

As the date approaches, anticipation is building—not just for a day of entertainment, but for what it represents. The Little Builders Fun Fest is more than a family event. It is a glimpse into the future of a community space still taking shape, and an opportunity for families to feel part of that journey from the very beginning.

For a few hours on a Saturday morning, construction will pause, and imagination will take over.