With an average yearly temperature of 76 degrees Fahrenheit and 3,000 hours of sunshine, Ft. Lauderdale is a true beachside paradise. Resident families and visitors alike can enjoy all of the sun, fun and sand at their disposal any day of the week.
And they can do much of it for free! In fact, many of the best family activities in Ft. Lauderdale can be enjoyed free-of-charge. So, if you live in the area or are visiting for a few days, make sure to try out these four 100 percent free activities that will give everyone in the family a great time and fond memories.
Ft. Lauderdale Beach
Everyone from six-month-olds to 100-year-olds can enjoy a day at the beach! Aside from possible parking fees and the supplies you bring, beach days in Ft. Lauderdale can be absolutely free.
Set up some shade, lay down some towels, and hit the beach with kids in tow. They can build sandcastles, dig themselves a personal tide pool, go seashell collecting, walk the shoreline, body surf, or simply enjoy the weather and scenery. Make sure to pack a lunch and plenty of cold beverages while you are at it. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!
Secret Woods Nature Center
Enjoy the outdoors while staying in the shade at Secret Woods Nature Center. This free nature center is perfect for children six and up who don’t mind walking or younger children who can ride in a stroller when they get tired. No pets allowed, though, so Fido will have to stay at home.
Voted the Best Nature Center in 2015, this 57-acre Urban Wilderness Area immerses your family under the shade of laurel oaks, live oaks and other native plants. Choose between their 3,200-foot boardwalk trail that takes you along New River or their mulched 1,200-foot nature trail. Classes and art installations are also available to enjoy at the Monarch Interpretive Center.
Ft. Lauderdale Antique Car Museum
Any kid over six, or adult car lover, would enjoy this museum filled with 25 antique, pre-war motor carriages. There is no entrance fee, although they do request a donation to help them with vehicle upkeep and overhead. See their collection of rare Packard Automobiles as well as their gallery of Franklin Delano Roosevelt photos, books, and memorabilia.
Shopping Centers Galore
Ft. Lauderdale is home to some of the most vibrant, eclectic, and diverse shopping experiences around. Buying anything naturally requires money, but browsing won’t cost you a thing!
Consider taking your whole family to the Florida Swap Shop, a sprawling 180,000 square foot air-conditioned complex full of unique shops, attractions, restaurants, and activities.
You could also visit the Gallery at Beach Place, a beautiful shopping center with a sunny open air pavilion that is located right by the beachfront.
Enjoying Free Family-Friendly Activities in Ft. Lauderdale
All of these fun and scenic activities prove that you don’t have to break the bank in order to have a good time with the family in Ft. Lauderdale, so get out there and have a good time this year! Consider further enhancing the family vacation with a new set of wheels, too.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.