Free summer activities for kids Miami, Broward, Fort Lauderdale 2011

Many families are foregoing traditional vacations this year and having a staycation instead. Days at the park and beach are always fun, but after a few days parents usually hear "I'm bored". We've complied a list of free or inexpensive activities for children and families in Broward, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami Dade.

Free activities for the whole family at Bass Pro Shops
Come to Bass Pro Shops for a free family summer camp on Tuesdays and Thursdays 2-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays noon- 4 p.m. from now until July 10th

• Free shooting Gallery *
• Free shooting Range *
• Free Casting Targets *
• Free Photo *
• Free S'mores cookout
• Free crafts (Tues & Thursday 4-5 Sat & Sun 2-5)
• Free workshops for the entire family

The Bass Pro Shops Dania Beach and Islamorada locations are offering all activites.
* Please note:the Bass Pro Shop Miami location is only offering Crafts, Workshops, and S’mores
For more information visit the Bass Pro Shops website, here.
Attend a free kids clinic

• Lowe’s Build and Grow kids clinic (Free)
  Kids can have fun building with their parents at this free event every other Saturday at 10 a.m.

You can pre-register online at the Lowe’s Build and Grow website as spaces are limited.

• Home Depot Kids workshops (Free)
  Kids ages 5-12 can build a project every other Saturday at Home Depot.

For more information, visit the Home Depot Kids Workshop website.

• Craft workshops (Free)
  Kids can attend a free craft workshop at A.C. Moore and Michaels craft stores. Check your local store for schedules.

Almost free movies

• Families can enjoy $1 movies at Regal Cinemas on Tuesdays and Wednesday at 10 a.m. this Summer. Movies are rated G or PG.

You may remember Regal offered Summer movies free in previous year. With attendance down this year the company started charging $1. Still a great deal.

Click here: $1 movies at Regal Sawgrass 23 (movie schedule)

Visit a county water park
Families can enjoy an inexpensive day at a county water park. You cannot bring in outside food and drinks to water parks, but you can avoid paying expensive concession stand fees by pack a lunch in a cooler and eating outside. Most parks have picnic tables available.

Broward County Water Parks

•  Paradise Cove at C.B. Smith Park

Paradise Cove is Broward’s biggest and best water park.
Admission: $9.50/person for all-day admission and $6.50/person after 3 p.m. In addition, the park's gate admission fee of $1.50/person (children 5 and under free) will be in effect on weekends and holidays.

Paradise Cove is located at C.B. Smith Park
900 N. Flamingo Rd.
Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
Office: 954-357-5170
For more information, visit the Paradise Cove website, here.

• Tropical Splash water park

Tropical Splash water park is located at Central Broward Regional Park. This water park is smaller than Paradise Cove. It offers two water playgrounds, one for smaller children, and one for older kids.
Admission: $5 per person (Children under one year are admitted free) *In addition, the park’s regular weekend and holiday gate entrance fee of $1.50/person (children 5 and under free) will be in effect.
Tropical Splash water park is located at Central Broward Regional Park
3700 N.W. 11th Pl.
Lauderhill, FL 33311
Phone: 954-357-5400
For more information on Tropical Splash water park, visit their website, here.
Miami water parks

• Grapeland Water Park

Grapeland water park has slides and play areas for the entire family. Kids 5 and under can enjoy playing at Shipwreck Island. Adults and kids 6 and over can have fun at Pirate's Plunge. Families can also relax together in the Lazy River.
Open 7 days a week during the Summer 9.30am - 7.00pm
Admission: $5 for ages 2 thru 13, $10 for Miami -Dade County residents 14 and older, $12 for non-Miami-Dade County Residents 14 and older.
Grapeland Water Park is located at
1550 NW 37 Avenue,
Miami, FL 33125
For more information on Grapeland Water Park, visit the City of Miami’s website, here.

Free activities at Broward and Miami libraries

• All Miami-Dade and Broward libraries are offering free activities this summer for kids and adults. Please plan ahead, most activities require you to pre-register

Broward County public libraries website
Miami-Dade public libraries website