fun things to do in south florida today
23. They often offer free admission to moms and dads on Mother's Day and Father's Day and free admission on special days for residents of certain South Florida cities (proper ID is required). Things you need to know before you go to the Honda Classic. Liz Doup. Groups of 10 people with masks, hayrides, music, singing, sâmores, and bring your snacks. These restaurants have specials for Palm Beach Intl. They often offer free admission to moms and dads on Mother's Day and Father's Day and free admission on special days for residents of certain South Florida cities (proper ID is required). You can visit these reptiles, as well as explore boardwalk trails, butterfly gardens, and amazing outdoor aquariums featuring thousands of tropical fish, for a suggested donation of only $5 per person. The tours are offered to residents and visitors. More than 31,000 acres of The Palm Beachesâ most precious ecosystems are protected by the Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM), and how lucky we are. 24. Attend outdoor concerts at Old School Square from October through January. Recommended for Free Things to Do because: A fun place for the family to spend the entire day with lots of trails, wildlife, concessions and water activities. Winding pathways lead you on a sightseeing expedition of a beautiful oasis in the tropical stream garden rose garden butterfly garden palm garden and Idea Garden. Peter Ptschelinzew/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images. Encompassing nearly 144,000 acres of northern Everglades and cypress swamp, this prized refuge provides habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife such as the wood stork, snail kite, American alligator, and Florida sandhill crane. Thankfully, our year-round sunshine and creatively cheap residents have come to the rescue with a lot of fun things to do that donât cost a penny. As a rescue and rehabilitation center for sick and injured sea turtles, Gumbo Limbo plays a vital role in protecting Boca Ratonâs local ecosystem. Finished soaking up the shops and spas? Greater Fort Lauderdale offers an astonishing array of spas and wellness centers where you can allow yourself to be pampered and leave ready to check out world-class shopping centers like Sawgrass Mills, The Galleria, and Las Olas Boulevard. 4. Try Peanut Island, a spit of land in ⦠The most popular things to do in Southwest Gulf Coast with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Paddle Marco Kayaking SRQ Tours and Rentals Paradise Adventures Sarasota Sarasota Paddleboard Company Sea Life The scenic Las Olas district, lined with palms and bordered with swanky shops, is the place to see and be seen... and that doesn't cost a dime. Follow the Underwater Snorkeling Trail at Phil Foster Park. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Mandarin Oriental, Miami Get a roundup every Thursday of the best events in South Florida, including concerts, parties and festivals. Travelers favorites include #1 Fort Lauderdale Beach, #2 Fort Lauderdale Beach Park and more. Water Sports in Florida Boat Rentals in Florida Dolphin & Whale Watching in Florida Gondola Cruises in Florida Speed Boats Tours in Florida Kayaking & Canoeing in Florida Parasailing & Paragliding in Florida River Rafting 10. During the colder months, manatees are drawn to warm-water outflows from the neighboring Florida Power & Light Company Next Generation Clean Energy Center, making this one of the top places to watch manatees in the wild. Here are the best things to do in Englewood, Florida: 1. Boat Show weekend. At the heart of the center is a full-service veterinary hospital where you can visit rehabilitating sea turtles. Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: A very Florida experience surrounded in its beautiful sub-tropical vegetation and unique wildlife. You probably wonât want to leave without buying something, so come out and snag amazing deals on tasty treats you canât find anywhere else. So, while you're in Key West you won't want to miss its Sunset Celebration. Daggerwing Nature Center in Boca Raton features a 3,000-square-foot exhibit hall with live animals and interactive exhibits, an elevated boardwalk through swampland, and a butterfly garden where you can spot the centerâs namesake Ruddy Daggerwing butterfly. These lush demonstration gardens were first planted in 1938 to give early Palm Beach residents ideas for their own home gardens. But the rotating exhibitions and permanent collections, all showcasing art made in (or unique to) The Palm Beaches, will let you see our region through the lens of our talented artists.Â. Known as âthe hot spot to chillâ for 22 years, this free, weekly open-air concert series takes place in one of The Palm Beachesâ most vibrant and bustling areas, the Clematis Street Entertainment District in West Palm Beach. Of course, no list of free attractions in The Palm Beaches is complete without, well, beaches! A giant mosquito, interactive touchscreen displays, and memorabilia from local sports stars like Jack Nicklaus are among the must-see exhibits at this museum, located inside a 1916 courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach. Find fun things to do in the Tampa Bay area, from concerts and theater shows to community events and festivals. Discover 272 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Florida from Dry Tortugas to The African Queen. Have up-close sea-cow sightings at Manatee Lagoon. You donât have to leave West Palm Beach to experience the Evergladesâyou just have to go to Grassy Waters Preserve, a pristine wetland thatâs part of the Greater Everglades watershed. While most people think of South Florida as being an expensive place to visit, there are actually a wide variety of things to do that will not cost a cent. Yet another great reason to visit Old School Square, the Winter Green Market has been a Saturday tradition in Delray Beach for over 20 years, with more than 65 vendors selling farm-to-fork produce, local fruits, artisan cheeses, jams, baked goods, and more. Enter your email address below. Between the breezy waterfront atmosphere, the boats passing by, and the free concerts on Saturdays, whatâs not to love? Beautiful Juno Beach is the preferred nesting ground for scores of sea turtles each year, and Loggerhead Marinelife Center serves to conserve their habit and help the public safely discover these beloved reptiles. Hop aboard the Downtown West Palm Beach Trolley. Jupiterâs exquisite outdoor amphitheater at Harbourside Place has become a major hotspot in The Palm Beaches. Hereâs a fun (and surprisingly easy) challenge for your next trip to The Palm Beaches: See how many little-to-no-cost activities you can pack into your itinerary. Hop aboard the Downtown West Palm Beach Trolley. 6 St. Patrickâs Day events to attend in the Palm Beaches. 10 Best Things To Do In Oldsmar, Florida Beaches, Kava, Sunsets & More: 7 Reasons To Visit Tampa Bay Top 15 Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Treasure Island, Florida, USA - Updated 2021 As fun to visit as it is to pronounce, Wakodahatchee Wetlands also offers boardwalks with interpretive signage, gazebos, and benches for simply soaking up a peaceful moment.Â, 21. Lake Placid — affectionately known as the Town of Murals — is where you'll find over 40 murals adorning buildings in the downtown area. Paddle through the marsh at Winding Waters in West Palm Beach, fish from the pier at North Jupiter Flatwoods, or spot gopher tortoise and osprey at Rosemary Scrub in Boynton Beachâand thatâs just skimming the surface. 18. Courtesy of Jungle Island. And, helping to keep the downtown beautiful are the one-of-a-kind sculptured trash containers scattered about town — a steam locomotive sitting on its own tracks, a larger than life turpentine bottle, a jail, and beautiful butterflies are just a few of the creative containers that stand ready to take on your trash. It's fun and it's free ... and the sunsets are unforgettable. Admittedly, getting to Key West and even staying there can be enormously expensive, but every penny saved on a vacation counts. 1. Located beneath Blue Heron Bridge on a crystal-clear section of the Lake Worth Lagoon, this 800-foot artificial reef fosters an incredible variety of marine life, from sea turtles to manatees to tropical fishâall just a few feet from the shore. Enter your email address below. Thereâs also an exhibit hall, nature trails, playgrounds, and a guarded beach just beyond the center. Bike the Palm Beach Lake Trail. 17. We Floridians have a thing for manatees. See the bounty of more than 90 vendors who gather each weekend at the waterfront Lake Pavilion to sell local produce, handmade crafts, exotic flowers, and much more. Activities at Grassy Waters Preserve include hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and dipnetting, plus low- or no-fee guided tours, âswamp trompsâ and kidsâ programs (check their calendar to sign up in advance). Okeeheelee Nature Center in West Palm Beach offers 2½ miles of trails, hands-on exhibits, and animal encounters featuring snakes and birds of prey. Go green at the West Palm Beach GreenMarket October through May. Dolphin watching is definitely one of the favorite things to do for anyone living in or visiting Southwest Florida. Stroll botanical gardens at the Society of the Four Arts. 12. Plan your next family vacation in Indian River County today A hub of arts and culture in Delray Beach, historic Old School Square is home to museums, theaters, and an open-air pavilion, which hosts a multitude of concerts and festivals throughout the year. Whether you need to get somewhere or just want to see the sights, the trolley is a scenic, no-cost way to explore West Palm Beachâs best attractions. Crandon Park Beach is a three-mile, lagoon-style beach with walking and biking trails, beach volleyball nets, shelters for shade and barbecue grills available for the ideal beach day. The trolley runs year-round from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sundays-Wednesdays and 11 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. Encounter wildlife at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. That's just the beginning, there are surprises in this little town around every corner. 5. Scooter, canoe, jet ski and other watersports are sure to thrill the family. Kids will love free activities like face painting and Junior Aqua Labs (pre-registration may be required, so check their website for more info). Explore pristine natural areas. Check out Floridaâs newest Major League Baseball stadium, Cool Today Park, which is the Atlanta Bravesâ spring training home. Shop Delray Beach Winter GreenMarket October through May. Enjoy the sea breeze at Manasota Key, Blind Pass and Englewood Beach Besides the suggestions listed below by city, visit the Web sites for some of South Florida's attractions — Jungle Island, Monkey Jungle and Flamingo Gardens. If youâve already got the gear, then you just need to get to Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach for a day of no-cost underwater adventure. While Florida seems like it's all pricey theme parks or sleek South Beach restaurants, the Sunshine State has plenty of fun and surprising activities that won't cost you a dime. Nothing says vacation like indulging in shopping and taking time for spas and wellness. Discover Pineapple Grove Arts District. These 25 spectacular natural areas are open from sunrise to sunset, with free admission 365 days a year. Free parking is available at the trolley stop that also connects to Miami-Dade bus routes. Manatee Lagoon is one such place dedicated to the conservation of this endangered animal through public education and discovery. The music calendar features a range of genres, from rock to country to Latin grooves that will have every member of the family on their feet. The Winged Wonders show is held in a 1,200-seat amphitheater, and Wild Adventures is a wild safari adventure. For the animal-lover and budding environmentalist, don't miss a visit to the Everglades, Butterfly World and Flamingo Gardens. Find routes here. Beyond sugar-white sand and turquoise water, there's art, culture, dining, shopping, nature, golf and spas. Hear free concerts at Rosemary Square on Fridays and Saturdays. Leu Gardens offers free admission on the first Monday of the month from 9 a.m.â 5 p.m. (407) 246-2620. leugardens.org. 8. 3. 9. At a cost of just $1 for pedestrians and $5 for cars, you can spend all day hiking, biking, birding, fishing, and paddling through the famed ârivers of grassâ in this rare and bewitchingly beautiful ecosystem. Things come especially alive on the weekends, but there are fun things to do at any time. Dale's expert tip : This is what Florida ⦠©2021 Discover The Palm Beaches, The Best Way to Experience Florida® | The Official Tourism Marketing Corporation for Palm Beach County |, 3 Islands, 3 Distinct Ways to Enjoy The Palm Beaches, Art Celebrating Diversity in The Palm Beaches, Respect the Locals: How to Protect Sea Turtles This Nesting Season. 15. Today, you can stroll through manicured grounds, tropical plants, and artfully placed sculptures for a relaxing respite thatâs about as Palm Beach as it gets. Two galleries, the People Gallery and Place Gallery, salute the individuals and environments that make The Palm Beaches such a special place. Palm Beach County operates multiple nature centers that provide hours of free fun for kids and grown-ups alike. 11. Active Things To Do in Palm Beach On a similar note, there are a lot of ways you can actively interact with nature in Palm Beach. However, here are several ideas for things to do in Miami available at no charge: 332 Travel-Related Black Friday Deals You Need to Know About, Getting Around Miami: Guide to Public Transportation, A Guide to Gay Nightlife in Miami, South Beach, and Dade County, Best Free Things To Do in Phoenix, Arizona, 20 Top Things to Do With Kids in Miami, Florida, The Top 21 Things to Do in Portland, Oregon, The Top 17 Things to Do in Tampa Bay, Florida. Miami is another place that visitors might consider to be rather expensive to visit. Birders, bring your binoculars to spot as many as 178 species of birds at this western Delray Beach wetlands preserve thatâs part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Things To Do in South Walton. Meet sea turtles at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Theyâre our state marine mammals, and we proudly go to great lengths to protect them. An even more remote beach on Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is at the tip of the island, with fishing and a historic lighthouse. Have a day at the beach! Visitors and locals alike gather in the open-air central plaza to hear free performances in just about every genre of music, from laid-back acoustic sets to upbeat world music to cover bands cranking out your favorite throwback tunes. Jeniâs x Dolly Parton Strawberry Pretzel Pie ice cream is coming soon! There are lots of places where you can watch dolphins from Sanibel to Naples from dolphin cruises to watching these playful animals from the Fort Myers or ⦠Paddle through the marsh at Winding Waters in West Palm Beach, fish from the pier at North Jupiter Flatwoods, or spot gopher tortoise and osprey at Rosemary Scrub in Boynton Beachâand thatâs just skimming the surface. Fun things to do in Indian River County - Vero Beach Florida with listings of local fun attractions, resorts, dining, entertainment, museums, shops, and restaurants. Travel to other worlds at Cornell Art Museum. Itâs time to visit the many attractions that make Broward County fa⦠22. Admire gallery exhibitions at the Palm Beach Photographic Centre. No need to fly to the Bahamas for an island escape. 6. Go on only-in-the-Everglades adventures at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Admission to the parks is waived for trolley riders! Your view includes the South Beach, Fisher Island, the Cape Florida Lighthouse and more. 16. 2. Mar 26, 2021 The John D. MacArthur Beach I mentioned before is also a great place to snorkel, kayak, fish and take a hike at. No matter what kind of beach person you are, from sporty to relaxed to family-friendly to unspoiled and unpopulated, youâll find your perfect tropical beach along our 47 miles of sun-kissed coastline. 7. You can spend weeks exploring all the things to do in Central Florida for families beyond just Universal and Walt Disney World. From free concerts to wildlife encounters to world-class museum exhibitions, youâll be delighted by how much you can see and do here without ever needing to reach for your wallet.Â, Start things off with our list of 24 free (or nearly free) attractions that just might be the highlight of your visit.Â. Learn all about Boynton Beachâs wetlands (and the native wildlife that inhabits it) at the brand-new Green Cay Nature Center. Located less than a mile south ⦠Whether you want to sightsee, lounge on a beach, or get a history lesson, Florida has seemingly endless free things to do. This free museumâs location inside the stunning, Streamline Moderne-style Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. building in downtown Lake Worth is reason enough to visit. Small parks and green spaces are punctuated with over 60 benches perfect for enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Have lunch or dinner in ⦠Ranking of the top 21 things to do in Fort Lauderdale. Jungle Island in Miami, Florida encompasses an array of animals and plants as well as exciting interactive activities and shows. 13. Spy swamp things at Grassy Waters Preserve. Running along the western edge of Palm Beach, this 5½-mile trail affords both dramatic vistas and intimate peeks into some of the islandâs most palatial properties. Stop to snap a photo of Lake Worth Lagoon and the West Palm Beach skyline before reaching the trailâs terminus at the world-famous Sailfish Club, with its colorful sailboats and impressive yachts. 19. See us through our artists at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Make a reservation and pre-pay by Friday for the Sundayâs Childrenâs Zoo ( Call 561.792.2666 and ask for Nancy) **They are now offering bonfires to families on Saturday or Sunday Nights at the farm. Keep an eye out for Stiltville, a group of wooden houses built on stilts in the heart of Biscayne Bay. Listen to live music Saturdays at Harbourside Place. If youâre as hooked on Instagram as we are, then youâll love learning about the relevant-as-ever craft of photography at the Palm Beach Photographic Centre. If youâre looking for a fun trip around South Florida, look no further! Besides the suggestions listed below by city, visit the Web sites for some of South Florida's attractions â Jungle Island, Monkey Jungle and Flamingo Gardens. Plus, many museums offer military members free admission at any time with proper identification. The always-buzzing Rosemary Square offers shopping, dining, arts, and cultural experiences galore. The trolley stop is located at Losner Park at 104 N. Krome Avenue in downtown Homestead. 2. Browse striking images ranging from the historic to the ultra-modern in the 5,000-square-foot gallery, and sign up for workshops, lectures, and childrenâs events centered around the enrichment of life through photography. At the waterfront pavilion, you can catch live performances by the areaâs top bands, all with sparkling, moonlit Lake Worth Lagoon and neon Clematis Street signage lighting up the night. Ranking of the top 24 things to do in Miami. Explore family-friendly nature centers throughout The Palm Beaches. 20. Clearwater Beach will give you the kind of beach experience that you daydream about when youâre stuck in a cubicle and thinking longingly of Florida. Get an adrenaline rush at the beachside Flowrider Double for the ultimate surfing simulator experience. Learn about our heritage at the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum. The only swimming pool listed on ⦠Fun, fun, fun!! 10 things you should know about Peanut Island. Each tour lasts 45 to 75 minutes and everyone above the age of three is allowed to go. Looking for more fun things to do with your South Florida kid? Hop on the Yellow Line to scuttle between Rosemary Square, the lively Clematis District, and the Waterfront, and hop off to visit shops, restaurants, galleries, and other WPB must-sees. One of the most stunning gardens found in Florida, the Naples Botanical Garden is an overload for the senses. Travelers favorites include #1 Miami Beach, #2 Little Havana and more. Along the way, youâll pass landmarks like the Flagler Museum and a giant kapok tree originally brought here from the Amazon, as well as the backyards of stunning private homes. Also, military members and their families are admitted to nearly 100 of Florida's participating museums free from Memorial Day through Labor Day through the Blue Star Museums program. Dance the night away at Clematis by Night on Thursdays. Go birdwatching at Wakodahatchee Wetlands. Take a free ride on the Homestead National Parks Trolley any weekend from December through April for a tour of either the Everglades National Park or Biscayne National Park. 14. One of the most fun things to do in Orlando is to go on a guided tour of the gardens and the Leu House Museum. Riverwalk is Downtown Fort Lauderdale's center of arts, entertainment, shopping, dining, and nightlife. This contemporary art museum is a showplace for cutting-edge and thought-provoking artists in every medium. This eclectic Delray Beach âhood boasts mural-lined streets practically made for selfies, colorful storefronts for window (or actual) shopping, art galleries, and other cultural institutions, plus plenty of cafés and wine bars for when youâve worked up a thirst. If it works with your visit, donât miss First Friday Art Walks for great local art and free entertainment. Some Tampa Bay high school seniors wonât ⦠call for pricing 561-792-2666. Of course, with over 230 cultivars and 2,000 plants, thereâs no end to the variety of flora that you can view here. Here are 31 of them: Here are 31 of them: 1. This 23-square-mile park is home to a variety of native wildlife, from white ibis and great blue heron to bobcats. West Palm Beach GreenMarket in USA TODAY poll, hereâs how to vote! The fun activities and things to do in Florida continue into the night with the pulsating clubs of South Beach, Orlando and Jacksonville and at concert venues around the state. Thereâs also live music, shaded seating areas, and free kidsâ activities. Sign up for the Mommy Nearest newsletter! On Fridays during fall and winter, bring your lawn chairs or spread out a blanket for free live music, great people watching, and impossibly good vibes. Florida is a major stop on the concert circuit and acts If you happen to be visiting October through May, this frugal activity could keep you busyâand well-fedâfor the better part of a Saturday. A nominal fee gets you in the door (itâs always free for veterans and kids under 12), where you can explore ever-rotating exhibitions featuring leading artists from around the region and the world. Dawn Henthorn is a lifelong Florida resident and travel expert, former editor of Wire to Wire and Horse Racing Digest, and a journalist for Orlando Family Magazine. Explore the lush vegetation and floral scents at this 170-acre landscape that includes a LaGrippe Orchid Garden, Kapnick Brazilian Garden and Smith Childrenâs Garden.