Free Things to Do
Stroll Hollywood's famed 2 ½ mile Broadwalk along the beach. Snorkel (no boat needed) from shore along Lauderdale-By-The-Sea's three-tiered reef system and discover the many underwater treasures. Meditate as you focus on the sunrise by the pier in Deerfield Beach. People watch along Fort Lauderdale's beachfront promenade. Hop on the trolley in downtown Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District on Fridays and Saturdays to experience the lighthearted energy of Las Olas Boulevard.
EVENTS
Music: SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch, Riverwalk in downtown Fort Lauderdale. First Sunday of every month; Free concerts and dancing under the stars, Mon-Wed and Sat, Hollywood Beach Theater, Hollywood Broadwalk; Broadwalk Friday Fest,
Hollywood Broadwalk.
Sports: Cheer on the runners at A1A marathon in Feb along the beach; Dolphins Football Training Camp, July-Aug, Davie.
Free Festivals & Events:
Manors Masquerade, Halloween weekend, Wilton Manors
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, second Sat in Dec, along the Intracoastal
Christmas on Las Olas, Las Olas Boulevard, last Tues night in Nov
Las Olas Art Fair, Jan and Mar, downtown Fort Lauderdale
Lauderdale Air Show, last weekend in Apr, Fort Lauderdale beach
Stonewall Pride, June, Wilton Manors
Saturday Nite Alive, live entertainment June-Sept, Fort Lauderdale beach
Live mermaid swims, Wreck Bar, Fridays, 5:30pm, Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach
Feel FREE to look below for a complete list of free things to do.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN RESEARCH LIBRARY AND CULTURAL CENTER
- 2650 NW 6th St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-357-6282
- 60,000 sq ft jewel, only third of its kind in the U.S. A main library and a unique children's library with more Black history books and books written by Blacks than any other facility in the country. The auditorium and exhibit areas provide opportunities to exchange ideas and cultural values as well as promote an understanding and appreciation of the contributions of persons of African descent. Mon-Wed 10am-8pm, Thurs-Sat 10am-6pm, Closed Sundays. Free
ALLEY-OOP SKIM FLORIDA
- 220 East Commercial Blvd., Ste. B, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, 954-530-4954
- Learn to skimboard with some of the best instructors in the sport. Offering lessons, day camps, clinics, guided travel and everything a skimboard enthusiast could want. Since 2000, Alley-Oop has provided great programs teaching everything from the basics to the advanced levels of skimboarding. Open 10am-6pm daily. Free skimboard clinics every first Saturday of the month from 9am-10am in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. Located on the beach right next to Commercial Pier in front of town hall and Villas-By-the-Sea. Try a board, get some tips, and skim with the Alley-Oop crew. Lessons available any day of the week by appointment, call to see which program fits best. View videos here: http://vimeo.com/14829768.
ANNE KOLB NATURE CENTER
- 751 Sheridan Street, Hollywood, 954-926-2480
- Open: 9am-5pm
- The Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park's 1,500+ acres of coastal mangrove wetlands -- one of the largest urban parks in Florida -- is rich in native vegetation and wildlife, including many threatened and endangered species. Situated on about 20 acres along the Intracoastal Waterway, Anne Kolb Nature Center includes an exhibit hall with simulated mangroves, a 3,500-gallon aquarium, and a hands-on EcoRoom; an outdoor amphitheater; the Mangrove Hall rental facility (reservations required); a 68-foot observation tower; an Intracoastal fishing pier; and nature, biking, and boating trails. Free admission weekdays.
ARTSPARK AT YOUNG CIRCLE
- 1 Young Circle, Hollywood, 954-921-3500
- A great place to play as well as enjoy visual and performing arts programs that capture the diverse cultural life of South Florida.
BASS PRO SHOPS
- 200 Gulfstream Way, Dania Beach, 954-929-7710
- Features indoor waterfall, archery and shooting range, 39,000-gallon aquarium and restaurant. 160,000 sq. ft. showroom dedicated to the outdoor enthusiast, including fishing, hunting, boating, camping, athletics and golf. Mon-Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 10am-7pm.
CENTRAL BROWARD REGIONAL PARK
- 3700 N.W. 11th Place, Lauderhill, 954-321-1170
- 110-acre multipurpose facility, with four soccer/football fields, two cricket fields, netball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts and water playground. 8:00am-7:30pm. Free weekdays. $1.50 per person. Click here to read about the International Cricket Match between West Indies and New Zealand on June 30-July 1, hosted at Broward Central Regional Park
DESIGN CENTER OF THE AMERICAS (DCOTA)
- 1855 Griffin Rd., Ste. A-282, Dania Beach, 954-920-7997
- One of two world-famous design furniture show rooms. The environment at The Design Center of the Americas is suitable for any event requiring an elegant, understated setting.
DOWNTOWN HOLLYWOOD
- 330 North Federal Highway, Hollywood, 954-921-3016
- Characterized by quaint sidewalk cafes, tree lined streets, brick-lined walks, unique boutiques, shops, art galleries and dozens of excellent restaurants. In the heart of downtown ongoing events and programs, as well as festivals may be enjoyed in the 10-acre ArtsPark at Young Circle.
FERN FOREST NATURE CENTER
- 201 Lyons Rd. South, Coconut Creek, 954-357-5198
- This 247.1-acre Urban Wilderness Area takes its name from the abundance of ferns (more than 30 species) found on the property. Offering a beautiful and serene setting for a wide variety of special events or just a calm place to relax away from the urban hustle and bustle. With a picnic shelter, amphitheater, and the Royal Fern Hall. Fern Forest's facilities are a perfect choice for weddings, corporate events, and family gatherings. Free weekday admission.
FESTIVAL FLEA MARKET
- 2900 W Sample Rd, Pompano Beach, 954-979-4555
- An indoor open-air, old-world market. A shopping paradise a quarter-mile long with over 500 shops, restaurants, fragrance outlets, cosmetic stores, shoe stores, clothing shops, jewelry stores, home furnishing stores and boutiques. A variety of brand name products at bargain prices. Going Bananas Farmer's Market: fresh produce, delicious deli and scrumptious seafood, along with a wide selection specialty items. Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am-6pm.
GALLERIA FORT LAUDERDALE
- 2414 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-564-1015
- A truly world-class shopping experience. Popular destination for fabulous restaurants, sophisticated stores and world-class service. Anchored by three major department stores: Neiman Marcus, Macy’s & Dillard’s. Other famous retailers and specialty shops include Apple, Coach, Williams-Sonoma, Cole Haan, J. Crew and Pottery Barn. A premier Fort Lauderdale dining destination, with restaurants like The Capital Grille, P.F. Chang’s, Seasons 52, Blue Martini and Trulucks. And there's no better way to complete a perfect day than by being pampered at the Red Door Spa by Elizabeth Arden. Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 12-6pm.
GALLERY AT BEACH PLACE
- 17 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-764-3460
- An exclusive all-in-one entertainment destination on Fort Lauderdale beach offering a unique blend of shopping, dining, live musical performances and events all along the beachfront, two blocks north of Las Olas Blvd. You can get to Beach Place via water by either Water Taxi or River Taxi. Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight.
HOLLYWOOD OCEANFRONT BROADWALK
- A1A east to the ocean between Sheridan St. and Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 954-921-3404
- 2.2 mile long pedestrian promenade, combined with dramatic coastal views of Hollywood Beach. Newly reconstructed path for walkers, bicycle lane and jogging path. Outdoor cafes from organic farmers market and juice bar, to gourmet meals and ice cream cones.
ISLAND WATER SPORTS SURF SHOP
- 1985 NE 2nd St, Deerfield Beach, 954-427-4929
- Managed by professional surfer Cheyne Cottrell, this pro shop has all the goods to get you out on the waves. A knowledgeable staff of professional surfers is able to assist you with any clothing or equipment queries as well as take you on the water for some lessons, free on Saturdays!
JOSH'S ORGANIC GARDEN
- Harrison St at the Broadwalk, Hollywood, 954-456-3276
- Every Sunday: Bushels of healthy, fresh, 100% certified organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds & dried fruit and juice bar.
LAS OLAS BOULEVARD
- Las Olas Blvd., P.O. Box 30013 Fort Lauderdale, 954-937-7386
- Known as the shoppers' paradise. Where else can you find such a wide variety of quality stores? And the ambience of the boulevard makes shopping even more of a pleasure. Have a leisurely brunch at a sidewalk café, browse and shop at fabulous boutiques, galleries, specialty stores and fabulous fashion houses and then spend a romantic evening dining at one of Las Olas' many wonderful restaurants!
LAS OLAS FARMERS MARKET
- Las Olas Blvd & 12th, P.O. Box 30013 Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-4166
- Held every Sunday. Featuring exceptional products such as farm fresh fruits and vegetables, culinary herbs, tropical plants and orchids, fresh baked breads and pastries, local honey, handmade soaps and wonderful baskets.
OLD DILLARD MUSEUM
- 1009 NW 4th Street, Fort Lauderdale, 754-322-8828
- Listed on National Historic Register. African and African American galleries of cultural artifacts in traditional settings.
RIVERWALK
- Along the New River, from SW 2nd Street to Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, 954-463-4431
- Lush tropical landscaping and winding walkways link attractions, restaurants and shops on Florida's most beautiful mile in downtown Fort Lauderdale along the historic New River.
SAWGRASS MILLS
- 12801 W Sunrise Blvd, Sunrise, 954-846-2300
- North America’s largest outlet mall with more than 400 retailers including internationally recognized brand-name stores, full service-restaurants, entertainment venues and the most sought-after luxury outlets, offering something for the entire family. Mon-Sat 10am-9:30pm., Sun 11am–8pm
SNAKE WARRIOR'S ISLAND NATURAL AREA
- 3601 S.W. 62nd Ave, Miramar, 954-357-5161
- 53.3 acres in size. Atlantic coastal ridge, archaeological islands, lake, and eight created wetlands.Vegetation: Live oak, gumbo limbo, redbay, strangler fig, cypress, red maple, wild coffee, beautyberry, fire bush, pickerel weed, eel grass, alligator flag, spatterdock, duck potato, and rushes. Great site to observe wading birds and ducks, wood storks, little blue and tricolored herons, anhinga, white ibis, and osprey. Snake Warrior's Island is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, which is a collection of 489 sites throughout Florida selected for their excellent bird watching or bird education opportunities. Concrete trail, interpretive signage, shelter, benches, and picnic tables.
SWAP SHOP
- 3291 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-791-4791
- A 180,000 sq ft air-conditioned shopping and entertainment complex featuring brand-name merchandise, international restaurants and 14-screen drive-in theater. Open daily.
THE VILLAGE AT GULFSTREAM PARK
- 501 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, 954-458-0145
- The Village at Gulfstream Park is South Florida's newest outdoor shopping and entertainment destination, featuring a sizzling collection of fashion boutiques, home accessory shops, signature restaurants, outdoor cafes and nightclubs. Delight in designer fashions from clothing retailers such as Bobby Chan, Claudio Milano, Martier and Apricot Lane, or indulge in home furnishings from favorites like Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Z Gallerie and The Container Store. Enjoy an eclectic assortment of unique dining and entertainment experiences from around the world including Brio Tuscan Grille, Cantina Laredo, Texas de Brazil, III Forks, Cadillac Ranch, The Cheese Course, The Playwright Irish Pub and more, as well as one of the area's newest nightclubs—Santo Lounge. The Village at Gulfstream Park is located adjacent to the legendary Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino.
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