Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden In Coral Gables - Free Admission Days

My family and I celebrated Earth Day at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, and we had a fun and frugal day out as a family. It was truly a free and frugal adventure as admission was free at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on Earth Day, which means we saved $62+ taxes.

While the regular admission prices to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden cannot be called frugal, the botanic garden in Coral Gardens do have free admission days a few times a year, so it surely does deserve a spot here at Florida Free and Frugal. 

Free Easter Events In South Florida

There are lots of free Easter events in South Florida this weekend, and I have tried to put together a few of them here at Florida Free & Frugal. If your local city is not on the list, go to your city's calendar of events, and you might just be lucky.

*** If you are looking for the 2012 South Florida Easter Events go here.  ****

Friday April 22, 2011

Event: Spring Egg Dive, Boca Raton

When: Friday April 22nd, 10:30 a.m.

Where: Meadows Park Pool, 1300 NW 8th Street, Boca Raton, FL 33486 

Details:Fun and prizes! Children ages 5 - 13. Children search for pennies at the bottom of the pool, and they then turn them in for plastic eggs filled with toys or special prizes. Free pizza and a drink, everyone will receive an egg for participation, and there will be raffles throughout the event.  

Contact Info:  561-393-7851

Event Website: http://www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us/rec/pools/

Saturday April 23rd

Event: Egg Hunt - Pembroke Pines, FL

When: Saturday, April 23rd 9 a.m. SHARP!

Cost: FREE 

Location: The Egg Hunt will take place at 2 locations:
Pines Recreation Center, 7400 Pines Boulevard &
Pembroke Shores Park, 501 SW 172nd Ave.
Don''t Forget your BASKETS! and Cameras!!!
The hunt will begin at 9:00 a.m.(Sharp)

Event Details: Children ages 12 and under are invited to hop on over to one of our 2 Easter Egg Hunts, Featuring over 26,000 eggs at each location (52,000 eggs). This free event includes an egg hunt, balloon sculptures, face painting, Bounce House, slides, a visit from Peter Rabbit, and holiday fun.

The first 500 kids at each location will receive a FREE pair of Bunny Ears courtesy of The Little Gym of Pembroke Pines.

Contact Info: 
Event Website: http://www.ppines.com/parks/specialevents/specialevents.html

Free Admission to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables Tomorrow April 22nd - Earth Day Celebration

Celebrate Earth Day tomorrow April 22nd, by visiting Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for Free. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables is offering free admission to everyone on Earthday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

For more details and for special Earth Day programs visit the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden website.  

This is great offer, as regular admission price to enter the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is usually $25 per adult a and $12 for children 6 - 17. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden also offers free admissoin on National Public Gardens Day, which is May 6th.

Free Performances at the Spring for the Arts Event at the Galleria Mall Fort Lauderdale April 23

This weekend the Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre will perform at the Spring for the Arts event hosted by the Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale. The performances by the Fort Lauderdale Children's Theatre will feature songs from Glee, Aida and Pinocchio.

At the “Spring for the Arts” event there will also be an arts showcase by ArtServe, a concert by The Girl Choir of South Florida and a month-long children’s art exhibition, “Look Who’s Living in the Trees,” from Young at Art Children’s Museum.

WHEN: Sat., April 23, 2011

Young at Art Children’s Museum from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (adjacent to Dillard’s upper level)

ArtServe from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (in front of Dillard’s upper level)

Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (in front of Dillard’s lower level)

The Girl Choir of South Florida from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (in front of Dillard’s lower level)

COST: Free

WHERE: The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale

2414 E. Sunrise Boulevard

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Free Admission To 8 Florida Botanical Gardens On National Public Gardens Day May 6

May 6, 2011 is National Public Gardens Day sponsored by Better Homes and Gardens, and to celebrate many botanical gardens across the country are offering free admission to their botanical gardens.

You must get a coupon at the Better Homes and Gardens Website, and bring it to your local participating public garden or botanical garden.

In Florida you can visit the following public gardens or botanical gardens for free on May 6, 2011 with your National Public Gardens Day coupon.

Coral Gables: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Miami: John C. Gifford Arboretum at the University of Miami*

Lake Wales: Bok Tower Gardens

Key Largo: The Botanic Garden at Kona Kai Resort

Jacksonville: Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

Fort Myers: Lakes Park Botanic Garden

Fort Pierce: Heathcote Botanical Garden

Milton: Milton Gardens of NW Florida

The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale’s “Free Spring for the Arts” Presents concerts by the Florida Youth Orchestra and the Symphony of the Americas.

The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale’s “Spring for the Arts” presents free concerts by the Florida Youth Orchestra and the Symphony of the Americas.

The Galleria’s “Spring for the Arts” unite Broward’s arts groups from April 2 through April 30. The arts celebration was created to educate, inspire and motivate the community to embrace the arts.This month-long program will provide a platform for local arts groups to promote their organizations, plus raise funds for Funding Arts Broward, which provides grants to further the arts in our community.

WHEN: Sun., April 17, 2011

Florida Youth Orchestra from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. (in front of Macy’s)

Symphony of the Americas from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (in front of Macy’s)

COST: Free

WHERE: The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale

2414 E. Sunrise Boulevard

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

CONTACT: For more information, please call (954) 564-1036 or visit www.galleriamall-fl.com

April Free National Park Entrance April 16 - 24, 2011

Starting Saturday April 16 - 24 is Free National Park Week, where most of Americans National Parks will waive the regular entrance fee, This is a great week to explore the best of Florida free. Go have some frugal family fun by visiting some of America's most amazing treasures, and if you are in South Florida, this is a great time to to go visit the Everglades National Park.

You can find a list of all participating parks in the Free National Park Entrance days here.

This is the perfect time to have some free and frugal Florida fun, so make sure to stop by your local Florida National Park.

Canaveral National Seashore

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Dry Tortugas National Park

Everglades National Park 

(Before you go, read my post about the Everglades National Park here)

Gulf Islands National Seashore

 

Bahia Honda State Park Camping - Affordable Camping in the Florida Keys

Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys is one of my family's favorite places to visit, and it seems as if there is always something new to explore. Camping at Bahia Honda is extremely popular, but it takes a certain kind of camper to do. Camping at Bahia Honda State Park is in fact so popular, that all wishful campers are advised to book a camp site 11 months in advance. It is possible to book closer to your travel date, as there are cancellations, but booking in advance is definitely recommended. 

In 1966 a camp site at Bahia Honda would cost $2.06 you, and while the prices sure have increased since then, a camp site at Bahia Honda state park is still quite a bargain at $37 before taxen. In comparison surrounding private campgrounds run about $45 - $55 during high season, while you are likely to find comparable rates at the private campgrounds in the off season. Of course you will not get all of the amenities of staying at some some of the bigger private campgrounds in the Florida Keys, but you will get some beautiful surroundings, and a feeling of getting back to nature.

Macy's Aventura and Wilhelmina Casting Call 40+ models April 9, 2011

Macy's Aventura and Wilhelmina Models hosts the Wilhelmina 40+ Model Search - an open casting call for 40+ models - tomorrow April 9th, 2011 at noon - 5 p.m at Macy's at the Aventura Mall. The Wilhelmina 40+ Model Search is presented by Miraclesuit(R), and it is a nation-wide search for women ages 40 and over who are confident, beautiful and inspirational.

The grand prize winner will be chosen from 10 finalists in June at Macys Herald Square in New York City, and the winner will receive a Wilhelmina modeling contract, a photo shoot, a $1,000 wardrobe courtesy of Miraclesuit(R), a Randall Christensen makeover, a $1,000 Macy gift card, and a one-year supply of Trimwater.

The Galleria Mall Fort Lauderdale: Spring for the Arts - Free Dance Performances April 9, 2011

The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale’s hosts its “Spring for the Arts” event, and presents  jazz, hip-hop and contemporary dance performances by the Broward Dance Academy and spoken word and dance performance by Nest of Living Arts.

WHEN: Sat., April 9, 2011

Broward Dance Academy from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (in front of Macy’s)

Nest of Living Arts from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (in front of Macy’s)

COST: Free

WHERE: The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale

2414 E. Sunrise Boulevard

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

The Galleria’s “Spring for the Arts” event will unite Broward’s diverse array of arts groups from April 2 through April 30. The arts celebration was created to educate, inspire and motivate the community to embrace the arts. Spearheaded by The Galleria, this month-long program will provide a platform for local arts groups to promote their organizations, plus raise funds for Funding Arts Broward, which provides grants to further the arts in our community.

CONTACT: For more information, please call (954) 564-1036 or visit www.galleriamall-fl.com

Borders Store Closing: Sunrise Boulevard, Plantation Florida - Close Out Sale

Borders is in the process of closing down 200 of their 500 Borders book stores across the country including at least 15 Borders stores in Florida. I am sad to see that the Borders in Aventura has already closed, and the Borders on Sunrise Boulevard next to the Sawgrass Mills Malls is closing down as well.You can find a full list of the Borders store closings at the Borders.com

The 15 Borders stores in Florida which have closed or will close in the near future includes:

  

Fort Lauderdale:

Borders, 2240 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale (Gallaria Mall) 954.566.6335      

Plantation:

Borders, 12171W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation (By Sawgrass Mills) 954.723.9595     

Free Events In Florida: Palm Beach - April Frugal Family Fun

There are lots of free events in South Florida, and if you take the time to look around in your community you will find lots of frugal family fun activities. I have listed a few of the free events and free activities in Palm Beach county below, but the best place to start is at your city website's calendar of events.

Free Events in Palm Beach County, Florida April 2011

Sunday April 3rd

Event: Music in the Park, Boca RatonWhen: Sunday April 3rd, From 4 pm
Where:  Mizer Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Reel, Boca Raton. (Located on Federal Highway just south of Glades Road)
Details: Concert by the Florida Youth Orchestra
Contact Info:  561-393-7827 
Event Website: http://www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us/rec/specialevents/

Thursday April 7th

Event: Family Game Night, West Palm Beach When: Thursday April 7th, From 6-8 pm
Where:  West Palm Beach Public Library, 411 Clematis St., West Palm Beach,

Details:The library will provide board games, but you can bring your own too.  Play with your family or come and make new friends.
Contact Info:  561-868-7703
Event Website: http://www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us/rec/specialevents/

Free Events In Florida: Miami - April Frugal Family Fun

South Pointe Beach, Miami Beach, Fl

There are lots of free events in South Florida, and if you take the time to look around in your community you will find lots of frugal family fun activities. I have listed a few of the free events in Miami below, but the best place to start is at your city website's calendar of events.

A day out with the family does not have to break your family's entertainment budget, and by participating in free or low-cost local activities you not only show support for your local community, but you also help your feel apart of their community.










Free Events in Miami, Florida April 2011

Saturday April 2nd

Event: Annual Riverday Festival

When: Saturday April 2nd, From 11 am - 4 pm

Where: Lummus Park, 250 NW Drive, Miami

Details: Free event celebrating the history and culture of the Miami River. Live music, river boats, historical re-enactments and more.

Event Website: 

Contact: 305-644-0544 

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Event: Soundscape Cinema Series @ExoStage*

When: Wednesday, April 6, 2011; 8:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Location: Miami Beach Soundscape - 400 17th Street, Miami Beach, FL

Event Details: Featured Movie: Inception*

The Exostage is an open, grassy viewing area faces a 7,000 square foot projection wall on the eastern front of the New World Center building, complete with a world-class audio system.

Contact Info: 

Event Website: http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/parksandrecreation/prPortalf.aspx?id=15892

Free Events In Florida: Broward - April Frugal Family Fun

There are lots of free events in South Florida, and if you take the time to look around in your community you will find lots of frugal family fun activities. I have listed a few of the free activities and free events in Broward county below, but the best place to start is at your city website's calendar of events.

Free Events in Broward, Florida April 2011

Saturday April 2nd

Concert on the Green Dania Beach

When: Saturday April 2nd, From 3 - 6 pm

Where:  On the lawn of the historic Nyberg-Swanson House in Dania Beach across from the city hall. (102 West Dania Beach Boulevard, Dania Beach, FL 33004).

Details: Featuring "THE DELUSIONS" Red Hot Rock-n-Roll Some seating is available, but bringing your lawn chairs is recommended. There will be arts and crafts vendor, and there will be refreshments for purchase in case you forget your cooler at home. 

Event Website: http://www.greaterdania.org/

Event: People and Plant Day

When: Saturday, April 2nd 10:00am until 3:00pm.

Cost: FREE

Location: Esplanade Park, 20 N. New River Drive, Fort Lauderdale

Event Details: Earth Day celebration

Contact Info: 

Event Website: http://peopleandplanetday.com/

Event: Moonlight Movies in the Park: Despicable Me

When: Saturday, April 2nd 7:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Location: Weston Regional Park, 20200 Saddle Club Road, Weston, FL

Event Details: Bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a movie outdoors.

Contact Info:  954-389-4321

Event Website: http://www.westonfl.org/Events/EventsCalendar.aspx

Event: Funshop Creation Station (Hollywood)

When: Saturday, April 2nd  4:30 -5 p.m.

Cost: FREE 

Location: ArtsPark at Young Circle, Hollywood Boulevard and U.S. 1, Hollywood, Fl.

Event Details: Interactive Children's Art activity

Contact info: 954-921-3500      

Event Website: http://www.hollywoodfl.org/parks_rec/special_events.asp