Patti Roth

Organizations in South Florida offer free food distribution for families needing help. Some sites provide drive-through pickups, while others offer doorstep deliveries for eligible participants. Food distributions are in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Often the organizations accept volunteers and donations. This list is periodically revised to reflect new distribution sites. It’s wise to phone …

Entry is free for the Summer Symphony Series in Pembroke Pines. Delight in performances that feature the South Florida Symphony Orchestra.  Events in 2025 include: Sunday, June 8, 4 p.m. Set off on a musical journey for all ages filled with classical favorites and popular tunes with the string family.  Sunday, July 13, 4 p.m. …

For folks who sign up for the free Family rewards program at Ikea, participating restaurants in the home goods stores offer deals. Some deals require the Family rewards ID, others do not.  Ikea restaurant deals include: Valid to September 23 40% off meatballs, plant balls and veggie balls adult entrees       Ikea Broward, …

Trucks, including fire engines and other interesting vehicles, are on display for kids to see in person — and perhaps sit in the driver’s seat — at Touch A Truck in Pembroke Pines. Firefighters, police officers and others public safety personnel are usually at Touch A Truck events for kids to talk with. Touch A …

For an interesting twist on nightlife activities, register for evening nature walks at Broward parks.  Some parks occasionally offer night hikes in forests, prairies, on shorelines and other intriguing outdoor spaces. On the tour, you’ll savor distinctive nocturnal sights, scents and sounds of evenings in the wild. It’s a nice idea for a romantic date, …

If you’re eager to be out and about, Broward offers lots of events in September that are free or relatively inexpensive. Food trucks. Live music. Fall festivities.  Great for date nights, family activities and solo excursions. September events in 2025 in Broward Broward Attractions and Museums Month  Several Broward attractions offer 2-for-1 deals in September, …

If you like playing tourist in your hometown or if you are an actual tourist, nab a fabulous opportunity for 2-for-1 deals at attractions in Broward. Broward Attractions and Museums Month or BAMM, is in September and several popular venues are participating. BAMM also promotes attractions and museums that are free whenever you go.  The …

Hungry and ready to dive into the local restaurant scene? Then, Dine Out Lauderdale is for you. Participating Fort Lauderdale area restaurants serve their favorite dishes, often offering fixed-price meals at a discount. Dine Out Lauderdale is August 1 through September 30, 2025, with about 140 restaurants participating. Here’s how it works. Restaurants offer fixed-price …

Popular Jazz Brunch events offer an afternoon of free outdoor entertainment along scenic Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale. The events are usually 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on first Sundays, with performers at different points along Riverwalk and Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale. Featured events Quilts are on display 11 a.m. to 2 …

Ikea in Sunrise is hosting a free performance featuring South Florida Symphony Orchestra.  The event in 2025 is 5 p.m. Saturday, September 6, with registration required online.  Activities are offered at the store prior to the performance.  Ikea is at 151 NW 136th Ave, Sunrise 33325 Sign up for the South Florida on the Cheap newsletter. Follow …

Water Taxi on The Intracoastal Waterway runs scenic routes in Fort Lauderdale & Pompano Beach, and an express route from Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood. Information about Water Taxi and purchasing tickets is at 954-467-6677 or online. Discount opportunities are offered. Discounts include  Discounted $25 per-day fares for adults and $15 per-day for ages 5-11  valid …