Eyes to the Skies: Discover the fun of telescope nights, Boca Raton
Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton is a popular local community park that is home to Children's Science Explorium, Willow Theatre and it also features a vintage Carousel.
This is a park and a playground for kids of all ages. Many programs are free but may require advance registration; others have nominal fees to cover materials, etc. Check the monthly calendar for recurring events and details.
This is a 132-acre park that also features nature trails, an outdoor playground and lots of cool stuff to explore!
The Children's Science Explorium in Sugar Sand Park is a hands-on science center designed for children 5-12 years of age and their caregivers. It offers interactive exhibits, programs and demonstrations that bring the physical sciences to life. Many activities are free.
Admission to the is free, however a suggested donation of $5 per person is appreciated. The classic Carousel is only $1 per ride. Some activities require fees to cover the cost of materials or are being presented by outside hosts. Tickets to Willow Theatre productions are usually $10-$15.
Following is a sample of ongoing activities available at no cost.
Eyes To The Skies
(Recommended for Ages 8+)
- Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, at 8 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 11, 2027, at 7 p.m.
Discover the fun of telescope nights! These FREE, informal events are held in the Camino parking lot behind the Explorium (weather permitting). We will explore the skies using our computerized 16" LX200 Meade Telescope, computerized 8-inch Celestron CPC Deluxe Telescope, and star gazing apps.
Weekend Science Demos for age 7 and up:
Join the Explorium staff as they dig a little deeper into some exciting scientific principles that will surely spark your curiosity during these FREE 30 minute, interactive, demonstrations.
In addition to a permanent exhibit collection, the Explorium also offers visitors a variety of traveling exhibits each year. From rockets to molecules, the museum engages and teaches children about the fantastic world of science.
Visit this website for more details.
To keep up with the latest news, sign up for the South Florida on the Cheap newsletter. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Looking for more free and cheap things to do?
- Find all the free and cheap events in South Florida this week
- Find all the free and cheap events in South Florida this weekend
- See our day-by-day calendar of free and cheap events in South Florida
Other family activities
Day trip: Pepper Ranch Preserve native sunflower viewing, Oct. 9-11 - Imagine a panoramic view of fields bursting with Southeastern native sunflowers. Well, now's your chance to experience it for yourself, thanks to the Collier County’s Conservation Collier Program While the… 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 »
Sugar Sand Park: Lots of free and cheap activities, Boca Raton - Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton is a popular local community park that is home to Children's Science Explorium, Willow Theatre and it also features a vintage Carousel. This is… Read more »
Free: Seminole Indigenous Arts celebration, Nov. 6-7, Big Cypress - The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum will once again host the American Indigenous Arts Celebration, Friday & Saturday, Nov. 6-7, 2026, on the museum’s festival grounds in Big Cypress.… Read more »
Hayrides and campfires with s'mores at Broward Parks - Broward County parks are offering family evening events with hayrides. The evening event includes hayrides and roasting s'mores around a fire at parks in Hollywood, Deerfield Beach, Oakland Park, Fort… Read more »
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Volunteer 'Give-Back' Open House, Nov. 5 - If you love learning about the sea and its creatures and are looking for a way to give back to your community, the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton may… Read more »
Free: Haunted Nature Preserve, Lantana, Oct. 23 - The public is invited to attend a very special and spooky Halloween event to frolic among the Florida flora and fauna at this natural setting in Lantana. Take your little… Read more »
Feathers, Fangs, Fur, & Fun, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Oct. 25, Jupiter - Celebrate Halloween with the animals. There will be a costume parade, storytime and lots of fun family activities. Halloween Celebration at Busch Wildlife What: Trick-or-treating, Trivia, Tattoos, & more When:… 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 »
Top things to do in October in Palm Beach County - October is full of fall fun things to do, from Octoberfest through Halloween. South Florida has myriad activities, festivals and celebrations and many are free or cheap for families to… Read more »
Admission by donation: Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jupiter - Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter invites the public to participate in special activities. Daily admission is by donation (no set amount) to help sustain the facility and support animal conservation.… Read more »
Free tree giveaways for residents, Oct. 17 & 24 - As part of a municipal planting partnership between Community Greening and various localities in Palm Beach County, residents will be eligible to receive free trees to plant at their home;… Read more »
Free entry to LagoonFest, West Palm Beach, Oct. 31 - Whether your favorite marine animals are turtles, manatees, stingrays or crocs, you can celebrate them all at this annual event. LagoonFest When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to… Read more »
Sensory 3rd Saturdays at Manatee Lagoon, Riviera Beach, November-March - On the third weekend November-March, 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… 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 »
Free: HallowMarine event at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Oct. 17-18 - Get ready for the annual HallowMarine event at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Activities include sustainable trick-or-treating, interactive displays, discovery shows, a junior vet lab, a costume contest and parade, plus visits… Read more »
EDventures, Spooky Safari & Fall Festival, Boynton Beach, through Nov. 1, - Bedner's Farm in Boynton Beach is not just a local attraction that hosts seasonal events that include a pumpkin patch, farmers market, fall festival, and hayrides on a private farm.… Read more »
Reptiles, bugs, swamp tours & more, Grassy Waters Preserve - Take a walk on the wild side or view from a safe distance ... and discover what's hiding in the lush Florida wetlands at Grassy Waters Preserve in West Palm… Read more »
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 »
Harvest Festival weekends at Flamingo Gardens in Davie - Flamingo Gardens in Davie, a popular botanical and wildlife attraction, is offering Harvest Festival events. The events in 2026 are weekends in October included with regular entry fees. Harvest Festival… Read more »