Swap Shop Flea Market Fort Lauderdale

The Swap Shop Flea Market in Fort Lauderdale has something for everyone. Whether you like the air conditioned indoor swap shops, the enormous outdoor flea market, farmer's market, outdoor fair grounds or the night-time drive-in movie theater there is something for all tastes.

The Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop opened it's doors in November 1963 as the Thunderbird Drive-In Movie Theater with one outdoor movie screen. Today it houses 14 movie screens in the largest drive-in movie theater and daily flea market in the world. The Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop includes a 180,000 sq ft air-conditioned shopping and entertainment building,a huge flea market, amusement rides and more on 88 acres.

The Swap Shop Flea Market Fort Lauderdale, FL

During the weekend the outdoor flea market becomes so large, that you may not be able to cover all the shops before your feet requests a break, but fortunately a lot of the small stands offer the same products. While it is possible to get a great deal at the Fort Lauderdale flea market, it is also possible to get a lot of cheap junk. Name brand items seemed rather expensive in my opinion, especially in the indoor shops, but if you are looking for cheap hats, shoes or summer clothing without an expensive name tag on, you can easily find a great deal. 

Inside the Swap Shop Fort Lauderdale

You might be able to find live entertainment, and there is a big upstairs video arcade for the kids. 

The outdoor farmers market is big, in fact during the weekend there are a couple of farmers markets, but I found it a bit amusing that each vendor was selling the same products ....at the same prices. The prices are mostly better than at a regular supermarket, but I still seem to be able to find most of the items cheaper at Aldi, when Aldi has produce on sale.

Uncle Bernie's Amusement Rides:

My oldest son had a blast on the amusement rides (thanks to his grandfather) at Uncle Bernie's, but again make sure to bring plenty of cash as the rides are not cheap. My middle son had his arm in a cast, and he was not allowed on any rides - not even a small merry go round, but my oldest son sure had a great time. 

1 ticket cost $1 

25 tickets cost $20

All day ride $18 per child

Each ride cost between 2 and 4 tickets = $2 - 4 dollars per ride.

Uncle Bernie's Reward Program:

Uncle Bernies offers rewards for good grades, so bring your report card.

You can find more information about the Uncle Bernie's Amusement Park here.

Parking:

There is a $3 parking fee

Read more about the:

Drive-In Movie Theater at the Swap Shop Fort Lauderdale

Frugal Tips and Mom Tips:

• Bring a cooler bag with cold water and drinks, as drinks are expensive. 
• Bring a stroller for your little ones
• Bring a hat and sunscreen
• Do your best to avoid using the restrooms as cleanliness is not a priority at the Swap Shop.
• Adults may ride free with a child for safety reasons on some of the rides at Uncle Bernie's Amusement park (check at the ticket stand for specifics)
• Bring your child's report card to get free tickets. 
• At times you can get lucky to be handed free tickets, as you walk around the swap shop area, so keep your eyes out for generous employees.

Opening Hours at the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop:
Sunday.........7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Monday........9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday.......9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday....9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday......7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday.........9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday......7:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Outside Hours
Sunday........Open 4:00 AM

The Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop and Drive-In Theater is located at:

3291 West Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Directions to the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop and Drive-In Theater:

Via I-95 (North or South) take I-95 to the West Sunrise Blvd exit (29B). The Swap Shop is one mile west of I-95.

Via I-75 (Sawgrass Extension) take I-75 to I-595, then go east to I-95 north, then.to the West Sunrise Blvd exit (29B). The Swap Shop is one mile west of I-95.

You can read more about the drive-in theater at the Swap Shop in Fort Lauderdale here.




Check out the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop website for more information, updated opening hours and movie showtimes.