Ideas for fun outdoors

Savor the outdoors in South Florida. Especially when the weather is inviting. There are many free and cheap outdoor places to go in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach.

Entertainment outdoors

Friday Night Sound Waves features live music oceanside in Fort Lauderdale, register online for free tickets, limited entry, read feature
Live music @ Gallupi’s restaurant, Live acoustic performers &/or bands outdoors week days & weekends,1103 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach 33062, 888-573-4632, reservations recommended for weekends,drinks & appetizer minimum encouraged,entertainment listing featured on website
Live music @ Marina 84 in Fort Lauderdale, usually 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays outside patio @ Marina 84 Fort Lauderdale, free, 2440 W. State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale 33312, 954-734-2424, website

Shopping Outdoors

Lots of artisan markets & farmer’s markets are outdoors, and some include extra activities Read feature — Farmer’s markets & flea markets in Greater Fort Lauderdale
Swap Shop outdoor flea market in Lauderhill is open every day, included in feature

Broward Parks & Pedestrian-Friendly Promenades

Parks and natural areas offer fresh air and open spaces for relaxing strolls, invigorating nature walks, flying kites, reading, playing tennis and tossing Frisbees. Each park offers its own flavor, features and amenities. No doubt, your favorite park is an urban or suburban oasis.

For many venues, entry is free or relatively inexpensive.

A few examples:

Photo: Broward Parks

Fern Forest, features several nature paths, including its elevated boardwalk into cypress/maple swamp, 201 Lyons Road South, Coconut Creek 33063, 954-357-5198, read our feature Nature Trails & Free Entry at Fern Forest in North Broward
TY Park in Hollywood, read our feature TY Park in Hollywood is lovely venue for outdoor exercise & relaxation
Secret Woods, includes a boardwalk overlooking the New River, and assorted other nature walks, 2701 W. State Road 84, Dania Beach 33312, 954-357-8884
Quiet Waters Park, includes a butterfly garden & nature path, 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach 33442, 954-357-5100
TY Park in Hollywood, includes tennis, picnic tables & a 2-mile paved path — primarily around a lake — for walking, running, biking & skateboarding, 3300 N. Park Road, Hollywood 33021, 954-357-8811,
Hollywood Beach Broadwalk — lovely 2.5-mile length between waves rolling ashore and shops, hotels & restaurants
Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk — delightful stretch along the New River from about Southwest Fifth Street east toward Federal Highway, incorporating Esplanade Park

Resources for Parks

Broward Parks
Florida State Parks
Municipal parks — search the parks tab on the website of any town

Free Water Trolley

Rivewalk Water Trolley ferries riders to 8 points along scenic New River. It’s free. Read feature

Outdoor Attractions

Flamingo Gardens in Davie features otters, flamingos and other wildlife habitats, among lush botanic gardens, read our feature
Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, features free-flight aviaries with butterflies and birds, read our feature
Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale, gardens-only entry is $10

Bonfires & Line Dancing Outdoors

Family Farms features bonfires with food for sale, vendors and occasional entertainment & open mic events Fridays and Saturdays about 5:30 p.m. to about 10 a.m. Entry is free.

line dancing lessons usually about 5:30 p.m. – about 7 p.m. Friday evenings, free
live music usually about 5:30 p.m. – about 7 p.m. Saturday evenings, free
hayrides 10 a.m. – about 7 p.m. weekends, $5

Farmily Farms is at 14950 SW 14th St, Davie 33326, 954-804-2850, website

Outdoor Art Display

Downtown Hollywood Mural Project includes about 28 vibrant paintings on the exterior of structures. Slip on sneakers and enjoy the art, enhancing the experience with information online or via an App. Touring the artwork is free. Fees may apply for parking. Read our feature

Outdoor Yoga, some free

Read our feature Outdoor Yoga & Other Exercise

Mini Golf & batting

AllGolf @ CB Smith Park in Pembroke Pines includes 2 18-hole mini golf course & a driving range, fees for miniature golf are $9 Mondays to Fridays, $10 Saturdays and Sundays for 18 holes, $2 extra for 36 holes, free for ages 4 & younger, 950 N. Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines 33028, 954-441-1333, website
- batting — $2 for 20 pitches, use bats for free with ID