Parks

If you’re thinking about going out for dinner, perhaps you’ll venture to a park.  Food truck fare is featured at Volunteer Park in Plantation. Food trucks are at the park 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, and the events usually include live entertainment or a DJ, activities and games for youngsters and local artisan vendors …

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, …

Fix flat tires, adjust brakes and do other simple repairs on your bike at DIY repair stations at 7 parks in Weston. The fixit bike repair stations, which are free to access, include an air pump, select tools and a place to suspend the bike so the wheels spin freely. A QR label leads smart phone …

If you’re looking to soak  in the outdoors in South Florida, Fern Forest in north Broward is a lush oasis for nature walks and occasional free astronomy programs with telescopes. Delight in the scenic setting on your own or register for a guided hike. Most events are free or relatively inexpensive. Entry into the natural …

For frugal entertainment, Weston offers occasional outdoor movies that are free.  Outdoor films in 2026 include 7:30 p.m. January 24 “Superman”  8 p.m. March 6 “Smurfs”  Weather occasionally postpones plans for outdoor activities, so it’s wise to verify events are still scheduled before you go. For information, 954-389-4321 or refer to the Weston website. Other …

While lots of parks in South Florida are relatively flat, Vista View Park in Davie is distinctive for its relatively tall terrain, with parts about 65 feet above sea level. Entry to Vista View  is free on weekdays. On weekends and holidays, the fee is $3 per vehicle for up to 8 people or $20 …

The Tropical Audubon Society offers free birding field trips and other events for those who want to learn more about South Florida’s feathered friends (and our real snowbirds that pass through). The group also offers butterfly and plant trips, local outings in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties and trips to other parts of Florida. …

For a fun, unique and inexpensive activity in north Broward, hop aboard a little railroad.  The teeny train runs on tracks around a pond at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. Train rides offered third weekends Functioning model locomotives offer rides 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the third full weekend of each month, weather permitting. It’s …

Deering Estate is part of the Biscayne Bay IBA (Important Bird Area) and Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, a 2,000-mile, self-guided trail traversing 500 sites located throughout Florida and selected for their excellent bird watching, wildlife viewing and educational opportunities. The property sits atop the geological formation known as the Miami Rock Ridge, most …

The South Florida Amateur Astronomy Association offers telescopes at Fox Observatory in Sunrise for peering into the night sky. Fox Observatory is in Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise 33326.  The facility is usually open Saturdays from about dusk until about 11 p.m, weather permitting, and representatives of South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association …

  Deerfield Island is a natural area on the Intracoastal Waterway in north Broward that’s accessible by boat. Free water shuttle excursions to Deerfield Island Natural Area are weather permitting, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  The free boat shuttle service usually runs from a dock at Sullivan Park, 1701 Riverview Road, Deerfield Beach, at 10 a.m., …