Sports and recreation

Island Water Sports in Deerfield Beach offers free surf and stand-up paddleboard lessons Saturdays at 7 a.m. The two-hour lessons are for ages 5 and older, weather permitting. The number of participants is limited, and registrants should sign up in advance to ensure a spot. To attend, participants register online. Island Water Sports is at …

Walking in nature has been shown to have a wide range of health benefits, both physical and mental. Experts say it can not only help reduce stress, but it also may improve one’s mood, boost creativity, and even improve cognitive function. So, grab the sunscreen and bug repellant, your comfy walking shoes, and if you …

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.  The arboretum is on about nine acres with a walking path. The route includes flowering tropical fruit trees, exotics, palms, wetlands, bamboo, natives, butterfly garden, …

The treasures of our national parks have a lot to offer, including hiking, biking, boating, canoeing, hunting, fishing, wildlife photography, birding, plus exploring native flora and fauna, and hopefully also finding peace of mind. So, if you’re a fan of wide, open spaces, where you only hear the sounds of nature, then the National Park …

Ask yourself: Are you interested in a naturalist-led group night hike to search for the superstars of the night like nocturnal animals?  How does a guided walk through a pine flatwood forest to encounter wildlife along with a red-shouldered hawk sound? Are you interested in learning more about and seeing up close an American alligator …

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, especially for fall that are free for all ages. Free Friday Hikes Fridays at 10:30 a.m.; free for all ages. Juno Dunes Natural Area Hike: …

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 climate change but also by the increase of red tide and toxic blue-green algae on sea creatures and ocean ecology. Situated on one of the …

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 Highway, incorporating Esplanade Park. It also serves as a scenic venue for food festivals and live jazz.   Riverwalk Photography Tips Jason Leidy, who’s with Middle …

If you love buying fresh fruit at a grower’s market, like banana, avocado, guava, dragon fruit or soursop, these are only a few of the native and exotic specialties you’ll find at Fruit & Spice Park this month in Homestead. Open: Daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You need to RSVP for daily tasting …

Think it’s too hot to garden? Perhaps you want to plant radishes, turnips and arugula right inside your South Florida home.  It’s doable, according to a horticulture program representative. Maybe you’ll be inspired. Ideally, you’ll be richly rewarded with a delicious sense of accomplishment and tasty freshly harvested produce. We asked for tips from a …

On the third weekend of each month, Manatee Lagoon hosts Sensory Saturdays for family members who prefer an inclusive experience with softer lighting, less noise, and still a lot of fun from 8 to 9 a.m. Admission and parking are free; advance registration required. Fun fact: Did you know the manatee’s closest living mammal is …