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Free and cheap things to do with kids in Miami, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Have fun with your children without emptying your wallet.

Floridians know how to celebrate the winter holidays, even if “winter” doesn’t mean here what it means elsewhere. The snow may be fake or manmade, but the fun is real. South Florida has holiday parades, boat parades, Christmas tree lightings, menorah lightings, holiday concerts, family festivals and more. Many events are free or cheap. We …

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For a holiday treat, the Galleria in Fort Lauderdale features an assortment of performances from regional organizations.  Galleria mall is at 2414 East Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 33304. Entry and parking are free  In 2025,  entertainment includes   1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, December 6 Broward College Premier Jazz Combo  1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, December …

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Festive theme decorated trees and a Hanukkah display are featured at a free Winter Wonderland exhibit in Plantation.  The indoor exhibit at Plantation Historical Museum includes a mini train village, a gift shop and occasional extra festive events. Extra events feature Santa and live entertainment. In 2025 the display with about 40 trees  is open …

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Visitors to the city’s Holiday in Paradise annual celebration can once again enjoy a free Polynesian show at the West Palm Beach waterfront, with a high energy show for all ages. Aloha Islanders Tropical Holiday Spectacular When: Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. Where: Waterfront Commons, NewDay USA Stage on the Waterfront …

Read More about Free: Aloha Islanders Tropical Holiday Spectacular, West Palm Beach, Dec. 21

Watch family-friendly films for free outdoors at ArtsPark in Hollywood.  Movies are usually 8 p.m. Fridays, with occasional exceptions. It’s wise to verify the event is on prior to venturing out.  Films include: Friday, December 19: Polar Express  Friday, Jan. 8, 2026: How to Train Your Dragon Friday, Jan. 23: Superman (2025) Friday, Jan. 30: …

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Holiday lights and decorations glisten at a display in Pembroke Pines.  The drive-by version is offered Mondays to Thursdays, and the weekends feature a walk in event with entertainment, photo ops, and a fun zone.  Oasis Church in Pembroke Pines hosts Christmas at the Oasis.  In 2025, the display and events are 6:30 p.m. to …

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Here’s a holiday treat: Take the kids to a musical stage show to see this traditional tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Players from the Atlantic Coast Theatre for Youth bring the story to life. Plus, this inviting 155-seat theatre gives each audience member a close-up view.  THE SNOW QUEEN When: Sunday, Dec 21, 2025: Two …

Read More about See ‘The Snow Queen’ on stage at the Willow Theatre, Boca Raton, Dec. 21

Get ready for goodies and gelt, games, dreidels and lots of latkes to celebrate the miracle of lights. Here’s a sample list of some of the upcoming festivities we found. Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, Boca Raton Chabad of Boca Raton will host its annual Chanukah Festival, from 2 to 6 p.m., with menorah lighting at …

Read More about Chanukah and Hanukkah celebrations in Palm Beach County

Drive by Tropical Park at night and you’ll see millions of holiday lights and a huge ferris wheel and probably get squeals from the kids in the car. What was once called Santa’s Enchanted Forest is now known as Christmas Wonderland and they are offering deals and discounts perfect for these last two weeks of …

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The iconic all-pink Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is touring South Florida and will be making three stops in Miami-Dade County. Fans can expect brand-new treats and limited-edition merchandise, including the following: 10th Anniversary-themed merchandise Apparel Collectibles & cup ornaments Sweet Treats When & Where: Miami • Location: CityPlace Doral (Fountain Plaza) • Date: Saturday, Jan. …

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Going out to see holiday lights is an important part of the holiday season. In South Florida, many of those lights are on palm trees and not on evergreens, but that doesn’t make them any less desirable. Florida Christmas lights are still beautiful, and we also have beautiful weather in which to enjoy outdoor light …

Read More about Where to see holiday lights in Broward, with map added

Living on the CheapSouth Florida on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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