Patti Roth

While lots of parks in South Florida are relatively flat, Vista View Park in Davie is distinctive for its relatively tall terrain, with parts about 65 feet above sea level. Entry to Vista View  is free on weekdays. On weekends and holidays, the fee is $3 per vehicle for up to 8 people or $20 …

For frugal entertainment, Weston offers occasional outdoor movies that are free for kids and adults.  Outdoor films in Weston Regional Park in 2025 include: 7:30 p.m. November 1 “Transformers”  Outdoor films in 2026 include 7:30 p.m. January 24 “Superman”  8 p.m. March 6 “Smurfs”  Weather occasionally postpones plans for outdoor activities, so it’s wise to …

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, …

Free Fall events for kids and families are offered at several parks in Fort Lauderdale. Fall Festival events  in 2025 at  Fort Lauderdale Parks. Riverland Park Fall Festival is 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. November 8 at Riverland Park, 950 SW 27th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 33312 Croissant Park Fall Festival is 1 p.m. to 4 …

For a price break on a fun activity in Broward, roller skating is $12 on Wednesdays in  Davie. The price includes skate rentals. The $12 deal is offered 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Galaxy Skateway.  The regular price is usually about  $15-$20 with skate rentals. Recommendation: Phone first to ensure the venue is …

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 …

Taste foods from different regions of the world at Riverwalk International Food Festival in Fort Lauderdale. Riverwalk International Food Festival in 2025  is 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday,  November 15 at Esplanade Park on the scenic Riverwalk promenade along The New River.  Entry is free. Food and drinks from food trucks and regional restaurants …

Plantatation is offering a free shuttle for lifts within a designated area that includes plenty of plazas with restaurants and shops. Download the app to request the Freebee shuttle. The electric vehicles travel in the Midtown district.  The area is within University Drive and Pine Island Road and includes The Fountains plaza, Plantation Walk others.  …

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: Free entree November 9-11 for active duty and veterans with ID  Ikea Broward, 151 NW 136th Ave, Sunrise 33325 …

Food trucks, entertainment and games are included at free Food Truck events in Tamarac.  Food truck events in 2025 are 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. second and fourth Fridays at Tamarac Village Amphitheater, 9090 NW 57th St., Tamarac. Entry and parking are free.  Sign up for South Florida on the Cheap newsletter. Follow us on …

Walk into a library and walk out with a digital tablet. Or a robot. Or a Frisbee. Participating libraries in South Florida loan items like electronic devices, robotic devices and bird watching gear. Use your library account number. Obtaining a library account is free for eligible residents.  Broward libraries loan  Digital tablets for ages 18 …