Cheap Things To Do

Oleta River State Park

By Valerie

Explore the trails in the lap of nature, cool off in the gentle waves of the shallow calm water, and paddle a canoe through the mangroves into lush lagoons… then around the bend and into Biscayne Bay surround by modern high rises and luxurious yachts.  The Oleta River State Park is a great place for… »

Scott Rakow Youth Center Ice Skating Rink

By Valerie

It’s cold in Miami Beach, but only in the ice arena.  So get out your sweater, don’t forget your hat and gloves and get ready for a chilly day and a lot of fun.  Prices and times vary so please check their website for exact information.
www.rinktime.com
2700 Sheridan Ave.
Miami… »

Incredible Ice

By Valerie

Put on your sweater and gloves and go cool down at Incredible Ice.  PLease check their website for hours and prices as they vary from time to time.
Incredibleice.com
3299 Sportsplex Dr.
Coral… »

Glacier Ice and Snow Arena

By Valerie

No better way to escape the heat than hitting the Ice Arena.  PLease check their website for hours and pricess as they are a bit complicated.
Glaciericeandsnow.com
4601 N. Federal Highway
Lighthouse… »

Kendall Ice Arena

By Valerie

It’s hot in Miami, so why not cool down at an Ice Arena.   The Public Skate hours and prices are a bit complicated so please check their website for exact times.  However, don’t miss the Cool Family Nights on Sunday evenings from 7:30 – 10:p.m.  It’s only $5 a person including skate rental!!
Kendall Ice Arena
10355… »

Everglades National Park

By Valerie
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Pack your bug spray and head out to the middle of the largest sub-tropical wilderness in the United States.  The Everglades National Park is sure to guarantee a full day of family fun and adventure.
Kayaking and canoeing are outstanding ways to visit the natural habitats the park has to offer. Paddle through a deep sea… »

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

By Valerie

Even though this park is an hour away from Miami, I had to include it here as it is one of my favorites for young children.  I have to admit that we were a bit disappointed when we first pulled up.  The beach area was small patch of rocks and it was overcrowded.  We immediately… »

Museum of Contemporary Art

By Valerie

An art-collecting museum known for its provocative and innovative exhibitions, and for seeking a fresh approach to examining the art of our times. Offers an active exhibition schedule, presenting eight to ten exhibitions annually along with a variety of public educational programs.
Galleries and MOCA Shop open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.,… »

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

By Valerie

To climb the narrow, winding iron steps to the top of an old lighthouse is an adventure for any age.  A visit to South Florida’s oldest structure is definitely a great afternoon getaway.  Sitting on what has been ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the nation, this national park has plenty of… »

Buehler Planetarium

By Valerie

The Beuhler Planetarium is located on the central campus of the Broward Community College in Davie in the middle of a beautiful tropical garden.  The shows are all under $5 but, best of all, they offer free viewing in the observatory 8 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  This is an exciting and educational… »

Culture Shock Miami

By Valerie

For just $5, high school and college students (ages 13-22) can experience these incredible cultural activities with that unique Miami style.  Students can buy tickets for only $5 to the best performances and two for $5 for museums in and around Miami-Dade. The first ticket must be used by a student, but the second ticket… »

Miami Art Museum

By Valerie

The Miami Art Museum is the city’s contemporary art museum. Located in Downtown Miami, the museum emphasizes art from the 20th century to the present. It is a wonderful place to visit for families as it is neither too big nor too small.  If you time your visit right, you may be able to meet… »

Wolfson Galleries

By Valerie

Located on the campus of the Miami Dade College, this museum presents examples of contemporary arts by emerging national and international artists. These ever changing exhibits are always exciting and fun.
Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday noon-6 p.m.
Free admission.
Miami Dade College/Wolfson Campus
300 NE 2nd Ave., Suite 1365
Miami, FL 33132
Phone: 305/237-3696
Visit the… »

Wolfsonian Collection- FIU

By Valerie

The Wolfsonian contains artifacts primarily of North America and European origin, dating from 1885-1945.  My children marveled at the posters from past World’s Fairs and were intrigued by the collection of American Industrial Design object.  From phonographs to model trains, this collection brings visitors back in time to the not too distant past.
Open Saturday-Tuesday noon-6… »

Miami Beach Botanical Garden

By Valerie

The serene, quaint and lush tropical gardens is a showcase for orchids, tropical trees, a Japanese garden and a “living wall” vertical landscape.  A hidden gem that allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.  One of my favorite places to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Open Tuesday – Sunday from 9 – 5.
Free… »

Holocaust Memorial

By Valerie

This inspiring and moving memorial is a tribute to the six million Jewish victims of  World War II.  It is well worth the time it takes to study and read the inscriptions on the walls of the tunnel-like passage and contemplate the horror of the period. Also featured is a Memorial Wall with the names… »

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

By Valerie

Vizcaya is an incredibly amazing chateau in the heart of Miami.  A visit here will make you think that you are personally wandering through the home of royalty in the middle of Europe.  My children loved exploring this castle-like home that is filled with art and furnishings, enormous windows opening up onto the Biscayne Bay,… »

MOCA at Goldman Warehouse

By Valerie

The Museums of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is an art warehouse space with an impressive display of modern art and scupltures.  My children love coming here as there is always something new to discover and explore.  As big fans of modern art, this museum always leaves my kids with something to talk about.  Situated in the… »

Gold Coast Railroad Museum

By Valerie

I took my family and my mother to this small “museum”.  Actually, it was more like visiting a train station than a museum.  Parked on the tracks are a variety of trains from different time periods, most of which you can freely climb aboard and explore.  What a delight it was to wander up and… »

Jewish Museum of Florida

By Valerie

The Jewish Museum of Florida is housed in a restored 1936 Art Deco building that features nearly 80 stained glass windows, a copper dome, and many Art Deco features including chandeliers and sconces.  This museum documents the long and rich history of Jews in South Florida.  A… »

Biscayne National Park

By Valerie

Pick up some snorkels and masks and come explore my children’s favorite beach in Miami.  Just standing in knee deep water, you will be able to witness an underwater world swimming around your legs.  Even if you don’t know how to snorkel, or your children are too young, a simple mask will do.  This shallow… »

Wings Over Miami Museum

By Valerie

My children have always loved to visit “airplane” museums and this one did not disappoint them!!  We have visited many throughout the country, and this is far and beyond their favorite.  Loaded with classic and military aircraft as well as modern day planes, a visit here is truly a unique family experience.  The most exciting… »

Bass Museum of Art

By Valerie

This small yet remarkable museum in the heart of the historic Art Deco district, housed in the historic 1930 Miami Beach Public Library, is a truly a gem in Miami Beach.  Visit the website for its upcoming and ever-changing  temporary exhibits.  Do not miss, however, it’s fascinating permanent collection which includes monumental tapestries, European Renaissance… »

The Barnacle Historic State Park

By Valerie

Built in 1891, this historic home was the residence of Ralph Middleton Munroe, and is Miami’s oldest house.  This is a true oasis from the 21st century.  Sit on the porch and you may see the dolphins swim by.  Stroll through the tropical hardwood hammock, that probably hasn’t changed much since the 1920s, and get… »

Lowe Art Museum

By Valerie

This exquisite little gallery has a superb collection of Italian Renaissance and Baroque paintings, Greco-Roman Antiquities, 17th-21st century Art of the Americas and Europe, and Asian, African and Native American art. It’s stunning Pavilion for Contemporary Glass features masterpieces by Dale Chihuly, Richard Jolley, William Carlson and many others. It also features 3-D art by… »

Pines Ice Arena

By Valerie

When it’s hot outside and your looking for an escape (or if you simply want to go out and have fun) head out to an ice arena.  Please check their website for hours and prices as they do vary.
www.pinesicearena.com
12425 Taft St.
Pembroke… »