Clicky Skip to Content

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 …

Read More about Go wild: Parks and natural areas offer free & inexpensive nature excursions

All aboard! The Gold Coast Railroad Museum offers free admission on the first Saturday of every month, so get the family or friends together and head on out! The museum, at 12450 SW 152nd St. (next to Zoo Miami) houses historic trains as well as a number of interactive displays. Hours are 10 a.m. to …

Read More about Gold Coast Railroad Museum free first Saturday

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 …

Read More about Vista View in Davie offers fitness equipment and free weekday entry

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 …

Read More about Use telescopes for free at Fox Observatory in West Broward

Watch family-friendly films for free outdoors at ArtsPark in Hollywood.  Movies are usually 8 p.m. Fridays, with occasional exceptions. It’s wise to verify the event is on prior to venturing out.  Films include: Friday, December 19: Polar Express  Friday, Jan. 8, 2026: How to Train Your Dragon Friday, Jan. 23: Superman (2025) Friday, Jan. 30: …

Read More about Free films outdoors at park in Hollywood

  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., …

Read More about Free water shuttles to Deerfield Island park

Butterfly World is a popular walk-through attraction in North Broward with free-flight aviaries with tropical foliage and thousands of butterflies and birds from different parts of the world. Discount opportunities are offered. Regular prices are $32.50 for guests age 12 and older, $22.50 for children age 3-11 and free for age 2 and younger. However, …

Read More about Butterfly World in Broward offers discounts

The NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale offers free admission as part of Sunny Days/Starry Nights events from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. The events include activities for kids and adults. Often events include 2-for-1 deals on wine. Free hands-on art activities  The free first Thursdays events usually include …

Read More about Free entry days at NSU Art museum Fort Lauderdale

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 …

Read More about Ride a little train at Tradewinds Park in Broward

Walk into a library and walk out with a digital tablet. Or a robot. Or a Frisbee. Participating libraries in South Florida loan items like electronic devices, robotic devices and bird watching gear. Use your library account number. Obtaining a library account is free for eligible residents.  Broward libraries loan  Digital tablets for ages 18 …

Read More about Libraries loan laptops, toys & other gear for free

We all like to introduce our children to new experiences, and there are lots of things to do with kids in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. We have organized the best free or cheap things to do with kids on our events calendar. If you’re looking for places to take visitors in South Florida, …

Read More about Things to do with kids in South Florida this week

Living on the CheapSouth Florida on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

Living on the Cheap in the Media