Parks

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, …

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 …

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 …

Enhance a walk in the park with a story along the way. Waters Edge Park in Tamarac features a story trail. Story trails, also referred to as story walks, are outdoor exhibits featuring pages from a storybook displayed along a path. It’s a free activity for families with kids — and a great way to …

Pull out your favorite swimwear. The water playground at Quiet Waters Park offers occasional extra events and opportunities for discounts. Splash Adventure is an interactive shallow water playground with slides and spritzy features. Quiet Waters Park, 954-357-5100, is at 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach 33442.  Water playground fees & discounts Splash Adventure is inside …

Weather update, check; pumped up tires, check; water and energy bar, check. Then, put on your bike shorts, grab your wheels and helmet and go explore and discover something new in The Palm Beaches – for free! You don’t have to be a snowbird or visitor to enjoy the Florida outdoors. If you’re not up …

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 …

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 …