Best free things to do in Broward

Posted by:
Author Patti Roth

Some of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach and other towns in Broward are free. Allow your wallet a break and browse these recommendations.

Places with free entry

Photo/ArtServe

ArtServe Fort Lauderdale

The venue offers a gallery and gift shop with an emphasis on work featuring South Florida artists.

It is usually open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's wise to phone first to verify the day you're interesting in attending.

ArtServe is at 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Parking is free.

Studio 18 In The Pines

The venue displays the work of local artists, entry is free, 954-961-6067 , 1101 Poinciana Drive, Pembroke Pines. The venue includes artists studios, and if they are open, you are able to watch the resident artists work.

Plantation Historical Museum

Plantation Historical Museum includes exhibits, occasional trivia games and other events, and often model train displays.

The venue usually is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with some exceptions.

Plantation Historical Museum, 954-797-2722, is at 511 N. Fig Tree Lane, Plantation 33317. Parking is free.

Broward libraries

Broward library branches offer plenty of free amenities, including use of high-tech equipment, workshops, and live entertainment.

Museum of Art, Coral Springs

The gallery , 954-340-5000, is at 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs 33065.

Outdoors

Parks

Broward regional parks and natural areas offer free entry most week days, and several parks and natural areas, including Fern Forest with an elevated boardwalk in North Broward, are free on the weekends. Activities and features at the parks vary. Free amenities may include playgrounds, basketball courts, picnic tables, geocache treasures and paths for hiking, biking and jogging.

Local municipal parks usually are free and some offer amenities like dog parks, splash playgrounds and sports facilities. Parks include Water's Edge Park in Tamarac with a splash playground and story walk, Weston Regional Park and Deerfield Arboretum.

Murals

Downtown Hollywood Murals features about 45 vibrant murals on buildings and sidewalks in easy walkable route, and it's free. Information about the artwork and artists is online.

Free entertainment

Live bands on Hollywood beach

Hollywood Bandshell is an oceanside venue with live bands usually 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays, and it's free. The bandshell is along a pedestrian promenade featuring restaurants, hotels and shops, if you'd like to enhance your Valentine's Day excursion with a drink or snacks.

The Hollywood Beach Bandshell is at 320 Johnson St., Hollywood. Parking at the beach is $3 per hour Monday through Thursdays and $4 per hour Friday through Sundays. Residents of Hollywood may apply for a discounted rate. Parking information is available online.