Free and cheap things to do in Miami with kids during the holidays

The kids are home from school and relatives are visiting. You need a game plan that's inexpensive because you broke the piggy bank on all the holiday gifts.

Here are the free and cheap things to do with kids in Miami during the holidays:

Miami Outboard Club Holiday Boat Parade

The always interesting and politically incorrect King Mango Strut Parade is Dec. 29 at 2 pm through downtown Coconut Grove along Commodore Plaza. It's the best way to catch up on all the year's craziest events and definitely one of the most creative parades around.
Pay a visit to George Merrick Park at 400 Biltmore Way in Coral Gables across from City Hall and enjoy the holiday decorations. Kids can take photos with Santa, play in and on several holiday-themed miniature houses, slides, a small stationary train. Snacks like popcorn, hot chocolate and churros are for sale. The park is decorated until Jan. 6.
See our ongoing list of free and cheap holiday events
Watch kids compete in basketball, golf and more sports by searching for “Junior Orange Bowl” on our site – now through Dec. 30
Up to 43% off Miami City Ballet’s The Nutcracker Dec. 14-20

Holiday light displays

Pinecrest Gardens Nights of Lights for $5 through Jan. 1
Zoo lights at Zoo Miami $9.95 plus tax through Dec. 29
Various local malls, including the Magical Snowfall at Dolphin Mall, through Jan. 5.
Santa's Enchanted Forest through Jan. 5. A season pass allows for unlimited visits. Canceled for 2020.
Winterland at Pinto's Farm in South Dade runs from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5. Tickets are on sale for $13 online and includes unlimited rides.