Free and cheap outdoor recreation in Broward

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 counties.

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
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

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

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

Mini Golf

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