25 Awesome Free Things To Do in Miami This Summer With Kids

Free splash pads and spraygrounds are easy ways to enjoy the summer without breaking the bank. Photo courtesy of City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation
Free splash pads and spraygrounds are easy ways to enjoy the summer without breaking the bank. Photo courtesy of City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation
6/11/23 - By Lindsey Scannell

Looking for something fun and free to do in Miami with your kids this summer? Here's a list of awesome FREE things to do in Miami and South Florida sure to put smiles on everyone's faces. Whether it is a family summer concert or a must-see Miami festival, there are great options for free things to do in Miami and South Florida.

Get more ideas to have a fun summer break with our Ultimate Miami Kids Summer Vacation Guide, filled with awesome summer activities and events sure to entertain any kid!

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Free Summer Events in Miami for Kids 

1. Beaches

South Florida has some of the best beaches in the nation, and what better way to enjoy the summer than a day of sand and surf. Read the Best Kid-Friendly Beaches Near Miami for spots to bring little ones in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.

2. Splash Pads and Spray Parks

Beat the heat during summer by spending the day at South Florida and Miami splash pads and spray parks. Many of these wonderful oases are FREE!

 
Spend a free day outdoors aboard kayaks and canoes at South Florida's lush nature preserves. Photo courtesy of Deerfield Island

3. Nature Preserves and Parks

There are so many amazing nature preserves and parks that offer families free and fun interactions with nature, animals, and more.

4. Bike Trails

Go on one of the most scenic bike trails in south Florida. The Lake Trail provides more than five miles of flat, traffic-free space for cyclists, joggers, dog walkers, and stroller striders.

5. Turtle Time

In Hollywood, view daily sea turtle feedings with educational presentations about resident green sea turtles at the Marine Environmental Education Center. The facility works to protect the oceans and sea turtles, and offers exhibits and a saltwater pool where visitors can watch rescued sea turtles swim and eat. Free admission but donation suggested.

6. Deerfield Island Park Boat Ride

This free boat ride takes you to Florida's only island park, a nature refuge on the Intracoastal. The island is accessible only by boat and the free shuttle runs from the mainland on weekends only.

7. Feed the Animals

At Boynton Beach's Green Cay a naturalist leads a free animal feeding presentation for all ages with no reservation required.

8. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

This outdoor nature center in Jupiter has its own wildlife hospital. Walk the trails through woods and wetlands to see creatures like alligators, bald eagles, and otters. Donation requested.

9. Local Libraries

South Florida libraries are wonderful spots to enjoy free fun and check out books to read all summer long. Use our Guide to the Best Kids' Books for helpful ideas and get involved in a Summer Reading Program with Prizes.

10. Sugar Sand Park

Sugar Sand Park features an all-inclusive playground, splash pad, and a free science museum for children. The 132-acre park also has a carousel and a theater with regular family programming.  Entrance to the park is free.

11. Free Museums

If you have a large family, museum ticket prices can add up fast—check out these museums that offer free entry days.

12. Free Outdoor Music

Miami summer concerts and free music festivals are great ways to enjoy the warmer months.

13. Free Outdoor Movies

Pack snacks, grab your chairs or blanket, and enjoy a free movie under the Miami stars. Fun summer movie nights include ArtsPark Movie Night in Hollywood and Movies By Moonlight in Fort Lauderdale.

14. Michaels Camp Creatology

Head to your local Michaels store to create fun themed projects this summer, during June and July. Bring your own supplies or purchase in store.

RELATED: Frost Science Museum: Miami's Must-See Family Attraction

15. Free Car Shows

Take the kids to free car to see upgraded, vintage, and cool vehicles. Check out Caffeine & Chrome in Coral Springs and Supercar Saturdays in Hollywood.

16. Free Farmers Markets

Many South Florida farmers markets have activities, kids areas, and more entertainment. Try Las Olas Oceanside Park Farmers, Antique, and Artisan Market in Fort Lauderdale, Night Market on the Lawn in Dania Beach, Lake Worth Farmers Market Oceanside in Lake Worth, Southwest Ranches Farmers Market in Southwest Ranches, and Artisan & Vintage Market at Festival Marketplace in Pompano Beach.

17. Playgrounds

South Florida has amazing playgrounds, large and small, with tons of equipment for all ages.

 
Learn about diversity on Cultural Satudays at Dania Pointe. Photo courtesy of the event

18. Cultural Saturdays at Dania Pointe

Celebrate cultural diversity at with live entertainment, dance classes, samba workshops, dazzling fire dancers, and many other activities.

19. Food Truck Fridays

Beyond food truck fare, families will enjoy live music, bounce houses, and kids activities.

20. Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

In addition to many library programs, kids can stay motivated to read this summer with the help of Barnes & Noble's summer reading program. Kids read a designated number of books and complete a reading journal to receive a free book in-store during July and August.

RELATED: West Palm Beach with Kids: 40 Things to Do in West Palm Beach, Florida

21. Family Day at the Underline

In Miami bring your family for a free and special day of exploration, learning, and art at the Underline. Event is free but registration is required.

22. Water Games

Cool down with free fun with our list of 25+ Water Games for Kids to Play All Summer Long, which includes imaginative ways to play with water.

23. Florida's License-Free Fishing Days

The second weekend in June hosts Florida's license-free fishing days, where residents and non-residents the opportunity to try out fishing without having to purchase a license.

24. Painted Rocks

Spend an afternoon painting rocks and placing them around the backyard, by the patio, front door and throughout your neigborhood.

25. Kids Bowl Free Program

Sign your kids up for free bowling this summer! Register on the Kids Bowl Free site and select your closest participating bowling alley to receive two free games per day all summer long.

Look for more free and fun things to do in South Florida by visiting our events calendar!