Parks

Free beach parking might seem like a dream in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, but plenty of spaces can be found along Palm Beach County’s 37 miles of coastline.   The free beachside parking spots get easier to find as you travel north from Boca Raton to Tequesta.   To keep up with the latest news, …

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 …

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 …

Tradewinds Park in northwest Broward features an educational farm with sheep, a pig, and other animals. Farm tours are usually offered on weekends for $3 a person. Entry for Tradewinds Park on weekends and holidays is a separate fee, $3 per vehicle for up to 8 people. On tour, depending on the day, participants likely …

Pondhawk Natural Area is among the delightful areas of wilderness within the urban and suburban fabric of South Florida. It’s open to the public for free. It includes wetlands and a fun StoryWalk and is in Boca Raton. For insider info, Lee Lietzke of Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM) offers his …

Are you interested in a naturalist-led group night hike to search for the superstars of the night like nocturnal animals?  How does a guided walk through a pine flatwood forest to encounter wildlife along with a red-shouldered hawk sound? Are you interested in learning more about and seeing up close an American alligator or Florida …

Woofing Waters Dog Park within Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach offers water-spritzing features for dogs. It’s a fun venue for water-loving pets and people who adore their dogs. Entry fees are $5 per day for up to 3 dogs in a family. On weekends and holidays, fees for Quiet Waters Park apply. Entry fees …

Female sea turtles like the South Florida shoreline for laying eggs. They waddle out from the waves in the darkness onto the beach, deposit dozens of eggs into a sand nest, then return to the water. It’s a part of nature that Florida residents delight in — especially if they see it in person. Several …

Join the Sea Turtle Conservation staff as they release rescued hatchlings back to the ocean under the cover of darkness. Online reservations are open for residents and Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards members for $10; others for $15. Event dates & times: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings July 17 -Aug. 10, from 8 to 9:30 …

Topeekeegee-Yugnee Park in Hollywood – or TY Park, as it’s known – is popular for a variety of outdoor activities. South Floridians love it because it’s a great venue for walking, running or skating on a shady path around a lake lined with oaks. It’s also a venue for festivals and entertainment. TY Park is  …

When evenings are little cooler, many folks like to spend more time outdoors, in nature. And if you are the eco-adventurous type who enjoys daytime birdwatching, owl walks and nature trails or campfires and night hikes, here is a list of some of the best that Miami-Dade Parks have to offer. Check specific park websites …