Parks

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 …

Welleby Park in Sunrise is sporting fun features. For kids, amenities include a nature-theme splash pad for wet fun, a playground with a rubberized safety surface, and a Safety Town play area.  For a stroll, a boardwalk runs along a lake. Dogs are welcome to nose around Pawgrass Dog Park. Welleby Park, 954-747-4600, is at …

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 …

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. Tune in to the visual displays, scents and sounds of the outdoor environment. Some parks, botanical gardens and protected natural areas …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Delightful outdoor spaces are part of the appeal of South Florida.  For walking, biking & rollerblading, lots of folks love Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. The Broadwalk features Hollywood Bandshell offering free live entertainment. Hollywood Beach Broadwalk The promenade runs along the Atlantic Ocean with the rolling surf and breezy palms on one side and businesses, restaurants …

Dog owners know how important it is to take their pooches on long walks if they’re not lucky enough to have a fenced-in yard to allow them to run freely. But what if you can’t walk long distances with Fido or Sparky? Answer: You look for a nearby dog park. Here’s everything you need to …

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. – 9 p.m. Wednesdays, and usually include live entertainment or a DJ, activities and games for youngsters and local artisan vendors if you’d …

All U.S. national parks offer free entry on certain holidays every year – and we’ve got the schedule for 2024. This offer includes entry at Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park, off Key West.  Schedule for 2025 These are the fee-free days at U.S. National Parks for this year: Jan. 20: Birthday of Martin …