40-plus always free things to do in South Florida

Life is South Florida keeps getting more expensive. We try to help you with that by sharing information about free and cheap things to do.

We also found 40-plus places in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties that are always free. The next time you are looking for something fun to do, check out this big list.

And, if we have missed some of your favorite free places to go, leave us a comment and we'll add those to our list.

Free admission to visit with Mia & friends at Manatee Lagoon - If you haven't been to Manatee Lagoon in a while, it's time for a family visit. Exhibits include three life-sized manatee statues, a seagrass exhibit and a Florida mangroves exhibit.… Read more »
Admission is always free at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center - If you're on a quest to discover a place where you can take the kids and enjoy the day for next to nothing, then the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in… Read more »
Entry to Cornell Art Museum in Delray Beach is always free - The Cornell Art Museum in Delray Beach has no admission fee, however donations are appreciated. The Museum is housed in the restored 1913 Delray Elementary School building on the Old… Read more »
'Love' murals decorate buildings & walls in Broward - Vibrant public art pieces are drawing attention on an array of buildings and structures in Broward. Each features its own design with a shared theme focusing on unity and respect. … Read more »
Welleby Park offers water playground & dog park with free entry - Welleby Park in Sunrise is sporting fun features. For kids, amenities include a nature-theme splash pad for wet fun, a playground with a rubberized safety surface, and a Safety Town… Read more »
Touring vintage Miami's historic buildings - Despite Miami-Dade County's modernization, historic buildings can still be found throughout the region. Look closely and these buildings have stories to tell. Map out your route and take a drive… Read more »
Weston Regional Park offers playground, volleyball & other amenities - Sports enthusiasts and families are drawn to Weston Regional Park for its array of features and free events. The park amenities include: shaded playground roller hockey rinks beach tennis pickle… Read more »
Use telescopes for free at Fox Observatory in West Broward - The South Florida Amateur Astronomy Association offers telescopes at Fox Observatory in Sunrise for peering into the night sky. It's a fun and frugal idea for a date, a family… Read more »
Painted fish pop at public places in Pompano - For a playful spin on public art displays, Pompano features a plethora of vibrant fish sculptures. Painted Pompano is a public art project that offers a variety of fish sculptures… Read more »
Free: First Friday Art Walk & 'anytime' Art Trail in Delray Beach - Delray Beach offers a robust arts and entertainment vibe, including the popular self-guided First Friday Art Walk, and the "any time" Art Trail. Both offer public art displays, murals, installations… Read more »
Miami-Dade bike trails: See where you can ride - Miami-Dade is filled with great trails that allow you to be active with your bicycles on a budget. Whether you want to mountain bike or just take a nice cruise,… Read more »
Free wheeling: Pompano skatepark offers free entry - The skatepark in Pompano Beach is open to the public and entry is free. The skatepark, with a variety of features for tricks and style, is at 1701 NE 8th… Read more »
Free entry & free rides onto Deerfield Island - Deerfield Island is a natural area on the Intracoastal Waterway in north Broward that's accessible by boat. Free water shuttle excursions to Deerfield Island Natural Area are weather permitting, Fridays,… Read more »
Pirates exhibit & other displays in Plantation, with free entry - Vintage fire truck. History of pirates display. In addition to a variety of exhibits, Plantation Historical Museum offers occasional entertainment and activities like trivia events. The museum usually is open… Read more »
Loggerhead Marinelife Center: Free entry, $6 audio tours, Juno Beach - There are plenty of activities at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 U.S.-1, Juno Beach. Admission is free, however some of the programs do have participation fees. Here are some popular ones… Read more »
Arboretum displays exotic & native vegetation and entry is free - For an easy nature excursion, the Deerfield Beach Arboretum features about 200 trees from different parts of the world. The nickname for the venue is "Tree Zoo." Entry is free.… Read more »
Ride the free Water Trolley on the New River in Fort Lauderdale - For a fresh approach to navigating sights and shopping in Fort Lauderdale, step aboard a free water trolley. The LauderGO Water Trolley ferries guests along a river route to an… Read more »
Fern Forest is ideal for nature walks & entry is free - If you're looking to soak in the outdoors in South Florida, Fern Forest in north Broward is a lush oasis for nature walks and occasional free astronomy programs with telescopes.… Read more »
See sea turtles in pool at environmental education venue in Hollywood & it's free - Watch a rescued turtle dine on greens. With a focus on protecting oceans and their wildlife inhabitants, Marine Environmental Education in Hollywood is open to the public with exhibits and… Read more »
Downtown Hollywood murals: Take a free walking tour - For a fun free outdoor activity, embark on a walking tour in downtown Hollywood. The downtown district features vibrant murals on the exteriors of structures in a quaint downtown setting.… Read more »
Riverwalk is delightful for waterfront walks, photo ops & festivals - Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk offers a delightful stretch along the New River for sightseeing, photography and romantic walks. Riverwalk runs along the river from about Southwest Fifth Street east toward Federal… Read more »
Free admission at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach - The Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach was founded more than 40 years ago, but the challenges it faces today have not only been compounded by the effects of recent… Read more »
Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a nature oasis in the city - Have you visited the Miami Beach Botanical Garden lately? This 3-acre tropical oasis sits in the heart of Miami Beach, at 2000 Convention Center Drive, and is brimming with beauty.… Read more »
Free access to Daggerwing Nature Center, Boca Raton - Communing with nature has never been more fun and the Daggerwing Nature Center has so many opportunities for kids and their families to take advantage of the great outdoors. Admission… Read more »
Waters Edge Park in Tamarac includes a book walk, fitness & water playground & entry is free - Enhance a walk in the park with a story along the way. Waters Edge Park in Tamarac features a story trail. Story trails, also referred to as story walks, are… Read more »
Free entry for Skate Park in Weston - Dust off your skates & skateboards. The town of Weston enhanced Tequesta Trace Park with a skate park that includes ramps and rails. Entry is free. The park is open… Read more »
Entry by 'pay what you can' donation at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary - The aim is to "Nurture What's Wild" at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; closed on major holidays. Where: Busch Wildlife… Read more »
Free Florida reading program delivers books to eligible students at home - There is a statewide initiative being promoted by the Florida Department of Education that uses New Worlds Reading's books and activities to support students in strengthening literacy skills, building reading… Read more »
Free outdoor art displays, fitness programs & events at Village Plaza in Sunrise - Sunrise Parks & recreation department offers an outdoor event space at Village Art Plaza that is packed with sculptures and other vibrant outdoor art displays. Entry is free. Parking is… Read more »
Discover Palm Beach's Black Cultural Heritage Trail for free - Here's something you can do any time of year, but while the weather is pleasant, why not put on your walking shoes, grab your phone and maybe a friend and… Read more »
Coral Springs Museum of Art is always free - For art aficionados and folks interested in free things to do, the Coral Springs Museum of Art offers free entry every day to browse the exhibits and displays. Photo: Coral… Read more »
Free bike trails also good for walking in Palm Beach - Weather update, check; pumped up tires, check; water and energy bar, check. Then, put on your bike shorts, grab your wheels and helmet and go explore and discover something new… Read more »
Secret Woods in Dania offers nature walks - If you enjoy nature walks, Secret Woods in Dania Beach is a delightful natural area that's easily accessible for South Florida residents. The buildings are still closed because of storm… Read more »
Wyland bronze turtle & reef sculpture on display in Dania Beach - From internationally renowned artist Wyland, a bronze and steel turtle sculpture is poised at a new environmental public art display in Dania Beach. The 8,000-pound Sea Turtle Beach sculpture is… Read more »
Biking & walking in Boca Raton - Whether you're a walker or a biker, the City of Boca Raton has your back. Did you know there is an extensive network with 84 miles of bike lanes, shared… Read more »
Hollywood Broadwalk is a lovely oceanfront promenade - Delightful outdoor spaces are part of the appeal of South Florida. For walking, biking & rollerblading, lots of folks love Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. The Broadwalk features Hollywood Bandshell offering free… Read more »
Free admission to History Museum of Palm Beach County - Saving precious pieces of history is a passion for many people, especially the staff and members of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County who make the Richard and Pat… Read more »
Dania Arts Park features outdoor art displays with free entry & photo ops - Outdoor public art installations provide opportunities to admire works of art in an informal setting. Often, they're great for enticing photo ops. Dania is displaying some of its public art… Read more »
Pondhawk Natural Area is an urban oasis in Boca Raton with free entry & book walk - Pondhawk Natural Area is among the delightful areas of wilderness within the urban and suburban fabric of South Florida. It's open to the public for free. It includes wetlands and… Read more »
Free entry at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale - Entry is free to browse art exhibits at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale. The gallery and gift shop feature paintings, pottery, sculptures and other work of South Florida artists. The venue… Read more »
Free outdoor garden tours and events in Palm Beach - The Society of the Four Arts is home to peaceful, colorful gardens that you can visit for free almost anytime. In addition, the Garden Club of Palm Beach offers free… Read more »
Instagrammable spots in the Miami Design District - Whether you're an influencer or just someone who enjoys taking great pictures you're probably likely to be searching social media for Instagrammable spots around Miami. We've rounded up some great… Read more »
Stroll this free floral park in Coral Gables - There's a new floral park in Coral Gables! The Lamar Louise Curry floral park located at 2665 DeSoto Blvd. (across from Venetian Pool) is open to the public. “This is a… Read more »
StoryWalk displays offered on nature paths at parks - For a free family friendly activity outdoors, StoryWalk in Boca Raton invites you to enjoy a book while strolling along a nature path. StoryWalks presented by Boca Raton Public Library … Read more »