Clicky Skip to Content

Free & cheap things to do with kids this summer in South Florida

When kids are out of school for the summer, parents in South Florida appreciate ideas for fun things to do. Especially, if those activities are free, cheap or come with a discount. Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties offer lots of fun and entertainment for families, both indoors and outdoors.  

We have beaches, parks and pools, of course. We also have the Summer Savings Pass and the South Florida Adventure Pass, which offer substantial discounts on attractions.

Free museum days in Miami-Dade and free museum days and deals in Broward also continue through the summer.

It's always good to double-check with a venue before you head out in case something has changed.

Subscribe to the free daily newsletter.

A red-striped train at the station.

Bright Red boarding at the West Palm Beach Brightline station. Photo: Carolyn DiPaolo

Train Deals in Broward, greater Palm Beach and Miami Dade

Photo: Deposit Photos

Back to School events, some with free supplies

Free and cheap things to do with kids in Broward

Bubbles in Dania

Dania Pointe offers free Bubble Bash displays. Dania Pointe is a shopping, dining and entertainment plaza that offers free live entertainment and events, including bubble displays weekends.

Putt Putt in Pembroke Pines 

AllGolf putt putt in Pembroke Pines offers deals. AllGolf deals include free entry 4 p.m – 9 p.m. Tuesdays for kids 12 and younger with adult paying regular price of $11. AllGolf is at 950 N. Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines 33028, 954-441-1333, website. For 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursdays, the deal is all you want to play, including 36 holes, for $11.

Splash Adventure Photo/Broward Parks & Recreation

Pools, water parks and splash pads in Broward

Splash Adventure at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield & some other water parks and splash playgrounds  in South Florida offer reduced fees in the afternoons.

Lots of public parks feature splash pads that are open for free.

Splash pads include

  • Waters Edge Park in Tamarac offers a splash playground. Entry is free.  Tamarac Story Trail at Waters Edge Park
  • Osswald Park features a Splashpad, 2220 NW 21st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 33311, 954-828-6455, free entry, adults need to directly accompany kids 7 & younger
  • Mickel Park in Wilton Manors offers a Splashpad with squirting water for youngsters. Entry to the park, playground and Splash Pad are free. Mickel Park, 954-390-2100,  2675 NW 7th Avenue, Wilton Manors 33111 
  • City Park, 6600 Sunset Strip, Sunrise 33313
  • Flamingo Park, 12855 NW 8th Street, Sunrise 33326
  • Cypress Preserve Park, 9020 NW 38th Street, Sunrise 33351
  • Welleby Park, 11100 NW 44th Street, Sunrise 33351
  • City Park in Oakland Park, 3900  NE Third Avenue  33309, parking is free

Vista View Park, 4001 S.W. 142nd Ave.,  Davie 33330, includes a splash pad with 21 spray features. Entry to the park is free on week days and $1.50 for ages 6 and older weekends and holidays.

Story Trail in Waters Edge Park in Tamarac. Photo/city of Tamarac

Story Trail and Splash Playground

Enhance a walk in the park with a story. Tamarac Story Trail at Waters Edge Park features pages of a storybook displayed along a path.  The park includes a splash playground and other amenities. Entry is free.

Night Sky

Use telescopes for free at Fox Observatory in Sunrise.  Observatory in Markham Park is usually open Saturdays, weather permitting. Entry to the park is $1.50 for ages 6 and older until about dusk. If you enter in the evening, entry is free.

Photo/Weston Parks and Recreation

Skate Park

Entry is free for Tequesta Trace Park in Weston, which features a skate park. Other amenities include sports fields & roller hockey rink, exercise path and playground.

Model Trains in Davie

Old Davie School is offering a free exhibit featuring little railroads.

The model train display in 2023 is featured 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. week days June 12 – July 7  at the historical venue, 6650 Griffin Road, Davie 33314.

Photo/NSU Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale

Art Activities

Free entry day at NSU Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale, including August 3, includes free activities for kids. Sunny Days/Starry Nights events are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. first Thursdays. NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is at 1 E. Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, 954-525-5500, website.

Fern Forest. Photo/Broward Parks & Recreation

Nature fun

Free & inexpensive kid-friendly films & events

Photo/Tradewinds & Atlantic Railroad

Ride a teeny train

A little steam train runs on tracks around Tradewinds Park, usually 10 a.m. –  4 p.m. third full weekends, weather permitting. Fees are $1.50 for rides and $1.50 weekend park entry fee for ages 6 and older.

Free entry days at museums and attractions

Plantation historical museum offers free entry

Free outdoor concerts

Deals & Other Fun in Broward

Things to do with kids this summer in Miami-Dade

Photo/Frost Art Museum

Free Passport for HistoryMiami

HistoryMiami museum offers Miami-Dade residents opportunities for free entry. Pick up a “Passport” which allows kids and their families to peruse the exhibits for free during summer. Information is online.

Free Art for Kids

Miami Beach Botanical Garden offers free art classes for kids.

Other free fun in Miami-Dade

Photo/Tri-Rail

Deals & discounts in Miami-Dade

Free and Cheap Things To Do With Kids This Summer in Palm Beach County

Photo/Manatee Lagoon an FPL eco-discovery center

Manatee Lagoon

Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach offers waterfront deck & interactive exhibits & it’s free  Other amenities include picnic area, shop and an augmented reality 3D animated solar tree exhibit.

Bubbles in West Palm

Bubbles & fun in West Palm

Afternoon Discounts at Rapids Water Park

Rapids Water Park in Riviera Beach is relatively expensive.  A discount price of $30 is  usually offered 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with taxes and $15 parking extra. 

Rapids Water Park offers afternoon discounts

Photo/Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

Other fun & deals in Palm Beach county

Fitness & recreation

Robotics, AR & Electronic devices

For kids, teens & adults, exciting & educational electronic devices are free to borrow from participating local libraries.  Broward libraries loan electronic & robotic devices, fitness equipment & other gear

Fern Forest Photo/Broward Parks & Recreation

Outdoors

Lush parks with shady trees and nature paths.  Lovely waterfront promenades. Refreshing pools and waterslides. South Florida offers a wealth of delightful outdoor spaces for family-friendly excursions. Examples include

Parks & Outdoor Fun

For a splurge

Sea Turtle Walks & other turtle events oceanside in South Florida

Sign up for the South Florida on the Cheap newsletter. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

More free and cheap things to do with kids in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Free admission, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding, daily, Boca Raton

12:30 pm to 12:50 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Shark & Stingray Feedings, Delray Beach

1:00 pm | $10.00 | Sandoway Discovery Center, Delray Beach

Loggerhead Marinelife Center: Fish Feeding Talks

1:30 pm to 12:00 am | FREE | Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach

Public Walking Tour, Manatee Lagoon, WPB

2:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

Kids play free mini-golf deal in Pembroke Pines

4:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Discounted | AllGolf

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Free admission, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding, daily, Boca Raton

12:30 pm to 12:50 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Shark & Stingray Feedings, Delray Beach

1:00 pm | $10.00 | Sandoway Discovery Center, Delray Beach

Loggerhead Marinelife Center: Fish Feeding Talks

1:30 pm to 12:00 am | FREE | Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach

Public Walking Tour, Manatee Lagoon, WPB

2:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

Reptile Encounter: Jupiter

2:30 pm | FREE | Riverbend Park, Jupiter

Animal feedings at nature center, WPB

3:30 pm | FREE | Okeeheelee Nature Center, West Palm Beach

$9 deal for roller skating in Davie

6:00 pm to 8:30 pm | Discounted | Galaxy Skateway Davie

$12 Adult Skate Night in Fort Lauderdale

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $12.00 | Xtreme Action Park

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Free admission, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding, daily, Boca Raton

12:30 pm to 12:50 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Shark & Stingray Feedings, Delray Beach

1:00 pm | $10.00 | Sandoway Discovery Center, Delray Beach

Loggerhead Marinelife Center: Fish Feeding Talks

1:30 pm to 12:00 am | FREE | Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach

Public Walking Tour, Manatee Lagoon, WPB

2:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

Animal feedings at nature center, WPB

3:30 pm | FREE | Okeeheelee Nature Center, West Palm Beach

Play all you want mini-golf deal in Pembroke Pines

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $13.00 | AllGolf

Free Third Thursdays in Surfside

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | 93 St. Collins and Harding Avenues

Live music at Doral Yard

7:00 pm to 9:30 pm | FREE | Doral Yard

Friday, March 22, 2024

Kids read to dogs during 'Furry Tales' at Miami libraries

FREE | Miami-Dade Public Library System

Free admission, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding, daily, Boca Raton

12:30 pm to 12:50 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Shark & Stingray Feedings, Delray Beach

1:00 pm | $10.00 | Sandoway Discovery Center, Delray Beach

Loggerhead Marinelife Center: Fish Feeding Talks

1:30 pm to 12:00 am | FREE | Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach

Public Walking Tour, Manatee Lagoon, WPB

2:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

Animal Feeding: Aquatic Turtles, Boynton Beach

2:15 pm | FREE | Green Cay Nature Center & Wetlands, Boynton Beach

Animal feedings at nature center, WPB

3:30 pm | FREE | Okeeheelee Nature Center, West Palm Beach

Night market at Dania Pointe

5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Dania Pointe

Live entertainment at Dania Pointe

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Dania Pointe

Live Music at Doral Yard

8:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Doral Yard

Free outdoor films in Hollywood

8:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Hollywood ArtsPark

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Kids read to dogs during 'Furry Tales' at Miami libraries

FREE | Miami-Dade Public Library System

Touch-a-Truck family event, Boca Raton

9:00 am to 12:00 pm | FREE | Spanish River Library, Boca Raton

Family Day at Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale

9:00 am to 3:00 pm | $0-12.00 | Bonnet House

Free admission, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Egg hunt at church in Weston

10:00 am to 11:00 am

Springfest with egg hunt in Tamarac

10:00 am to 12:00 pm | FREE | Tamarac Sports complex

Royal egg hunt in Sunrise

10:00 am to 1:00 pm | $5.00 | Sunrise Sportsplex

Regal Cinemas Saturday Morning Kids Flicks for $2

10:00 am | Discounted | Regal Cinemas

Easter Egg Hunt, Village of Palm Springs

10:00 am | FREE | Leisure Services & Athletic Complex, Village of Palm Springs

Free film: Sea Turtles of the Palm Beaches

10:30 am | FREE | Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach

Kite Festival in Miramar

11:00 am to 2:00 pm | FREE | Miramar Regional Park

Train rides, petting zoo, hayrides in Davie

11:00 am to 4:00 pm | $0-15.00 | Marando Farms

Easter Party & egg hunt for blind & visually impaired, WPB

11:00 am | FREE | Lakeside Presbyterian Church, WPB

Easter Egg Hunt, Delray Beach

11:00 am | FREE | Delray Marketplace

Science Stories for age 5+, Boca Raton

11:30 am | FREE | Sugar Sand Park, Boca Raton

Farm Tours at Tradewinds Park

11:30 am to 2:00 pm | $3.00-4.50 | Tradewinds Park

Free tour of the Adrienne Arsht Center

12:00 pm to 1:00 pm | FREE | Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding, daily, Boca Raton

12:30 pm to 12:50 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Shark & Stingray Feedings, Delray Beach

1:00 pm | $10.00 | Sandoway Discovery Center, Delray Beach

Holi Hai, Festival of Colors, West Palm

1:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | The Square, West Palm Beach

Live entertainment at Dania Pointe

1:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Dania Pointe

Alligator feedings at nature center, WPB

1:00 pm | FREE | Okeeheelee Nature Center, West Palm Beach

Loggerhead Marinelife Center: Fish Feeding Talks

1:30 pm to 12:00 am | FREE | Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach

Public Walking Tour, Manatee Lagoon, WPB

2:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

Free Family Fest Let Freedom Swing performance

3:00 pm | FREE | Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami

Spring Market with music, food, vendors, Boynton Beach

4:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Centennial Park, Boynton Beach

City of Homestead Easter Concert & Egg Hunt

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Losner Park, Homestead

Live Music at Doral Yard

8:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Doral Yard

Night sky viewing with telescopes in west Broward

8:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Fox Observatory

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Free admission, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Spring Fling with egg hunts in Fort Lauderdale

10:00 am to 2:00 pm | FREE | Las Olas Oceanside Park

Free film: Sea Turtles of the Palm Beaches

10:30 am | FREE | Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach

Train rides, petting zoo, hayrides in Davie

11:00 am to 4:00 pm | $0-15.00 | Marando Farms

Farm Tours at Tradewinds Park

11:30 am to 2:00 pm | $3.00-4.50 | Tradewinds Park

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding, daily, Boca Raton

12:30 pm to 12:50 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Shark & Stingray Feedings, Delray Beach

1:00 pm | $10.00 | Sandoway Discovery Center, Delray Beach

Family Sundays at Dania Pointe with entertainment & games

2:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Dania Pointe

Live entertainment at Dania Pointe

2:00 pm to 6:00 pm | Dania Pointe

Public Walking Tour, Manatee Lagoon, WPB

2:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

ArtScape celebrates International Women's Day, Miami Beach

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | Collins Park, Miami Beach

Ocean Drive Promenade Music Series

5:00 pm to 7:30 pm | FREE | Ocean Drive Promenade, Miami Beach

Tropical Sundays Live Music

5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Doral Yard

$12 Adult Skate Night in Fort Lauderdale

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $12.00 | Xtreme Action Park

Monday, March 25, 2024

Free tour of the Adrienne Arsht Center

12:00 pm to 1:00 pm | FREE | Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami

Free admission, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding, daily, Boca Raton

12:30 pm to 12:50 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Loggerhead Marinelife Center: Fish Feeding Talks

1:30 pm to 12:00 am | FREE | Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach

Public Walking Tour, Manatee Lagoon, WPB

2:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

 

Patti Roth

About Patti Roth

Patti Roth, the editor of Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap, scouts out state and national deals, discounts and coupons for our readers, finding the real deals and presenting them in an easy-to-read format. A veteran newspaper and magazine writer and a longtime South Florida resident, she has written for The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Travel and Life, E Environmental Magazine, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, US Architecture and Earth911.com. Send your cheap tips to her at info@fortlauderdaleonthecheap.com.

Living on the CheapMiami on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

Living on the Cheap in the Media