Location for our stay (6 nights)

Question

Hi all

I'm planning a trip to South Florida in November. We are a family of 4, boy is 11 and girl is 9.

So far, based on the price of redemption. I'm planning for a round trip from YYZ to West Palm Beach

During our stay, we are likely to do the following:

- Visit alligator park/air both tour

- See NBA Miami Heat

- Go to a Waterpark (Rapid Waterpark or Tidal Cove)

- Mini golf/ movie/outlet shopping

=> Where should we stay?

Is there a way to minimize the drive?

Answer

For a 6-night family trip to South Florida in November with kids aged 9 and 11, your itinerary involves visiting an alligator park, taking an airboat tour, seeing an NBA Miami Heat game, enjoying a waterpark, mini-golf, movies, and outlet shopping. Given these activities, location and minimizing driving will be key.

Recommended Base Location:

Fort Lauderdale area: Staying near Fort Lauderdale provides a central location between West Palm Beach (arrival airport), Miami attractions, and the Everglades. It’s roughly 30–40 minutes to Miami, 40–50 minutes to West Palm Beach, and about 30–60 minutes to airboat tour locations in the Everglades.
Hollywood or Dania Beach: These towns offer family-friendly hotels, easy access to beaches, and are closer to the Florida Turnpike and I-95 for day trips.
West Palm Beach area: Staying here can reduce driving to your airport but increases daily drive time to Miami-based activities like the Heat game and certain waterparks.

Activity-Specific Considerations:

Alligator parks/airboat tours: Many are near the Everglades and western Broward County. Staying in Fort Lauderdale or Dania Beach provides roughly 30–50 minutes driving time.
NBA Miami Heat game: You’ll need to drive about 30–40 minutes from Fort Lauderdale to Miami’s FTX Arena. If staying in West Palm Beach, expect roughly 1.5–2 hours.
Waterparks: Rapid Waterpark is in West Palm Beach, while Tidal Cove is in North Miami Beach. Staying midway, like Fort Lauderdale, balances drive times (45–60 minutes each way).
Mini-golf, movies, outlet shopping: Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood have multiple mini-golf options, family movie theaters, and nearby outlets (Sawgrass Mills is about 30 minutes west of Fort Lauderdale).

Accommodation Tips:

Choose a hotel with a pool and kid-friendly amenities since your itinerary includes active days.
Look for places near I-95 or the Florida Turnpike for easy access to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
If beach time is a priority, stay closer to Fort Lauderdale Beach or Hollywood Beach for a nice balance of relaxation and proximity to activities.

Summary:

Staying in Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood provides the most central and convenient location for your planned activities. You minimize total driving time, have access to beaches, and are within reasonable distance to Miami and West Palm Beach for your excursions.