For an interesting twist on nightlife activities, register for evening nature walks. 

Different parks occasionally offer evening nature walks in forests, prairies, on shorelines and other intriguing outdoor spaces. You’ll savor distinctive sights, scents and sounds of evenings in the wild.

It’s a nice idea for a romantic date, fun with family and friends, or a solo excursion.

Secret Woods in Dania Beach. Photo/Broward Parks & Recreation

The fee for night hikes at some parks is $5 a person. Early registration is often required for the events. Phone  the park for additional information and registration.  Drinking water and insect repellent are recommended.

Parks also offer nature walks in the day.  Day hikes usually are free. Weekend and holiday park entry fees apply at some parks.

Night hikes in 2023

• 7:30 p.m. December 8 Fern Forest, 201 Lyons Road S., Coconut Creek, 954-357-5198, $5, preregistration required  
• 7:30 p.m. September 16 Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise, 954-357-8868, $5, preregistration required
• 6:45 p.m. October 21 Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise, 954-357-8868, $5, preregistration required
• 6 p.m. November 4 Everglades Holiday Park,  954-357-8868, $5, preregistration required
• sold out  7:30 p.m. October 6 at Fern Forest, 201 Lyons Road S., Coconut Creek, 954-357-5198, $5, preregistration required  
• sold out  8 p.m.  August 30 Long Key Natural Area, 3501 SW 130th Ave., Davie, 954-357-879

For information on other nature walks, call each park, or refer to the parks website. Participating parks occasionally include these and others:

• Secret Woods, 2701 W. State Road 84, Dania Beach, 954-357-8884
  
• Fern Forest, 201 Lyons Road S., Coconut Creek, 954-357-5198
• Long Key Natural Area, 3501 SW 130th Ave., Davie, 954-357-8797
• Crystal Lake Sand Pine Scrub, 3299 NE Third Ave., Pompano Beach, 954-357-5100
• North Beach Park, 3601 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood, 954-357-5187
• Miramar Pineland, 3600 S. University Drive, 954-357-8776
• Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise, 954-357-8868
• Deerfield Highlands Nature Preserve, 701 NE 41st St., Deerfield Beach, 954-357-5100

DIY nature walks

South Florida offers natural treasures to enjoy:

• Fern Forest, features several nature paths, including its elevated boardwalk into cypress/maple swamp, 201 Lyons Road S., Coconut Creek, 954-357-5198,  feature Nature Trails & Free Entry at Fern Forest in North Broward
• Topeekeegee-Yugnee Park in Hollywood, includes tennis, picnic tables and a 2-mile paved path primarily around a lake for walking, running, biking and skateboarding, 3300 N. Park Road, 954-357-8811,  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, 954-357-8884,  feature
  
• Quiet Waters Park, includes a butterfly garden and nature path, 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, 954-357-5100 
• Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a lovely 2.5-mile length between waves rolling ashore and shops, hotels and restaurants,  feature
• Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk, a delightful stretch along the New River from about Southwest Fifth Street east toward Federal Highway, incorporating Esplanade Park,  feature

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Free & inexpensive things to do this weekend in South Florida

Other free and inexpensive nature events at parks and venues:

Friday, September 22, 2023

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Monday, September 25, 2023

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Entertainment calendar

Friday, September 22, 2023