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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 …

Read More about Nature hikes, guided tours at Deering Estate in South Dade

  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., …

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YMCA South Florida organizations offer free swim lessons for water safety. The lessons are for kids, teens and adults.  Free lessons in 2026 are March 16 to March 20, and registration is required online.  YMCA facilities in Broward offering free swim instruction include Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood.  Residency in Broward is …

Read More about Water safety: free swimming lessons at YMCAs in Broward

Want to try a community bike ride? Then you might want to look into the City of North Miami’s monthly Get in Gear event.  The free rides take place once a month, usually on the second Saturday but it will vary.  Click here to RSVP. 2026 rides will be on… Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March …

Read More about Get in Gear free monthly bike ride in North Miami – canceled for March 14

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is a South Florida gem and if you’ve never been there, or it’s been a while, make sure you register for free admission early and mark your calendar so you don’t miss this upcoming event. Set against the scenic backdrop where river meets sea, this two-day celebration will spotlight the creativity …

Read More about Free: Festival Days at Jupiter Lighthouse, March 21-22

Teens from schools in South Florida are building watercraft from plywood and hopping aboard their DIY boats in the Plywood Regatta in Dania Beach. Plywood Regatta event in 2026 is 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 26, and watching the floating tournament is free for spectators.  Broward students from middle and and high schools are …

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If you’re a fan of watching champion equines compete in jumping and dressage events, then this is the time to visit Wellington and see live events for free! For the 2026 season at Wellington International’s Winter Equestrian Festival, spectators get free general admission Wednesday through Sunday during the main winter season (January-March) during daytime events. …

Read More about Free daytime entry through March at Winter Equestrian Festival, Wellington

The National Park Trust‘s annual Kids to Parks Day – created to encourage families to explore the great outdoors – happens yearly on the third Saturday in May. On Saturday, May 16, 2026, spend the day at local, state, and national parks and public lands at park events that promote discovery and exploration in the …

Read More about How to celebrate ‘Kids to Parks Day’ in Miami-Dade

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, …

Read More about Free stargazing in the park in Miami-Dade

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 …

Read More about Free entry: Daily feedings at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Happy Earth Day Earthlings. With an emphasis on protecting the planet, South Florida features a variety of fun Earth Day fests and other events focusing on the environment in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. Many events are free and include entertainment and fun for the whole family. Some feature free plants and other free …

Read More about Earth Day festivals & events in Broward

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.

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