Parks

Set your sights for an adventure in the South Florida wilderness. Perhaps you’ll navigate a shady path through a lush forest. Or perch yourself on a riverbank where herons are wading in the water and turtles are poking their heads out. Tune in to the visual displays, scents and sounds of the outdoor environment. Some …

Pools, water parks and water playgrounds in Broward offer refreshing fun. Some venues, especially municipal pools, offer entry without spending a wad of money.    You can find splash pads with free entry, pools and water parks that don’t cost much, and even some water parks that offer discounts in the afternoons. If you’re looking …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

  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., …

It’s free to play outdoor Bingo at a park in Sunrise. Participants receive a game packet for about nine games, while supplies last.  The events in 2026 are usually third Sundays, and entry is free. Games are at 3 p.m. and participation is limited. The event includes entertainment and prizes. The venue is Village Art …

The popular and free Southern Cross Observation Deck is open in Miami-Dade at Bill Sadowski Park. The public is invited to visit with amateur astronomers from 7:30 to 10 p.m. each Saturday, weather permitting. A sense of wonder and discovery draws our eyes to the night sky. When you gaze up at the night sky, …

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 Boca Raton is definitely a place for the whole family to enjoy an authentic outdoor Florida adventure. NOTE: Normally, general admission is free, however special …