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.
Valentine Event
6:30 p.m. Saturday, February 14, Long Key Natural Area, 3501 SW 130th Ave., Davie, 954-357-8797, $5, Reservations are required.

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. Browse the day hike and night hikes online.
For information on night hikes and other nature walks, call each park, or refer to the parks website. These are some of 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, 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
Sign up for the South Florida on the Cheap newsletter. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Photo: Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. Photo courtesy of Broward Parks and Recreation
More places to enjoy nature
- Free park after dark at Biscayne National Park
- Join Bird-friendly Gardening Day in South Miami
- Use telescopes for free at Fox Observatory in West Broward
- Free: Festival Days at Jupiter Lighthouse, March 21-22
- Free daytime entry through March at Winter Equestrian Festival, Wellington
- Top things to do in February in Palm Beach County
- Explore aquatic life at Sandoway Discovery Center in Delray
- Things to do Valentine's Day in South Florida, free, inexpensive and a few indulgences
- $10 entry to Orchids & Arts Festival, Miami Beach
- Get in Gear free monthly bike ride in North Miami









South Florida on the Cheap is a member of 