Night hike at Fern Forest in North Broward, register by phone

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, fun with family and friends, or a solo excursion. 

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

The fee for night hikes at Broward parks and natural areas is usually $5 a person. Registration and reservations are usually required for the events. Some events are free. Phone  the park you're interested in for information and registration.  Providing your own 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. You can find the schedule of day and night hikes at Broward parks here.

Night hikes in 2024 include these:

• 8 p.m. August 2 Long Key Natural Area, 3501 SW 130th Ave., Davie, 954-357-8797, $5, reservations required 
• 7:30 p.m. August 9 Fern Forest, 201 Lyons Road S., Coconut Creek, 954-357-5198, $5, reservations required  
• September 7 Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise, 954-357-8868, $5, reservations required 
• 8 p.m. September 18 Long Key Natural Area, 3501 SW 130th Ave., Davie, 954-357-8797, $5, reservations required 
• 8 p.m. October 17 Long Key Natural Area, 3501 SW 130th Ave., Davie, 954-357-8797, $5, reservations required 
• bonfire/night hike 6:30 p.m. October 18 Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise, 954-357-8868, $4, reservations required 
• 7 p.m. November 15 Long Key Natural Area, 3501 SW 130th Ave., Davie, 954-357-8797, $5, reservations required 
• 7 p.m. November 15 Snyder Park, 3299 SW 4th Ave., in Fort Lauderdale 33315, presented by South Florida Wildlife, reservations are required 954-524-4302, info@southfloridawildlifecenter.org
• bonfire with S'mores/night hike 6:30 p.m. November 22 Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise, 954-357-8868, $4, reservations required 
• 5:30 p.m. November 23 Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise, 954-357-8868, $5, reservations required 
• bonfire with S'mores/night hike 6:30 p.m. December 6 Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise, 954-357-8868, $4, reservations required
• 7:30 p.m. December 13 Fern Forest, 201 Lyons Road S., Coconut Creek, 954-357-5198, $5, reservations required  
• 7 p.m. December 15 Snyder Park, 3299 SW 4th Ave., in Fort Lauderdale, presented by South Florida Wildlife, reservations are required 954-524-4302, info@southfloridawildlifecenter.org
• 6 p.m. December 20 Military Trail Natural Area, 4600 Military Trail, Pompano, 954-357-8109, $5, reservations required  

For information on other nature walks, call each park, or refer to the parks website. These are among the participating parks:

• 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
• Snyder Park, 3299 SW 4th Ave., in Fort Lauderdale,  presented by South Florida Wildlife, 954-524-4302, extension 30

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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Photo: Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. Photo courtesy of Broward Parks and Recreation

More places to enjoy nature

• LagoonFest 2024 coming to West Palm Beach
• Ideas for free & inexpensive dates in Broward
• Get in Gear free monthly bike ride in North Miami
• Monthly Coral Gables bike tour is fun and educational
• Scenic Riverwalk is delightful for waterfront strolls, photos & events
• Use telescopes for free at Fox Observatory in West Broward
• Free day at national parks on select holidays in 2024
• Morikami celebrates Japanese culture, Delray Beach
• Vista View Park in Davie offers fitness equipment, playgrounds and free weekday entry
• Free admission at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach

More free and cheap nature events this week