Top Free Winter Activities For Families In South Florida

With the holiday season underway, holiday spending can become quite significant. Thankfully there are a number of wonderful activities and events that are actually free of charge – including special holiday-themed events. There are fun options available for the entire family such as the 52^nd Christmas on Las Olas as well as events aimed specifically for children that still leave the adults wholly entertained such as ArtsPark at Young Circle's Funtastic Fridays. Many of these activities and events also offer up educational value and they're great places to meet and interact with others from the community.

Gold Coast Railroad Museum
12450 S.W. 152nd St.
Miami, FL 33177
(305) 253-0063
www.gcrm.org

Visitors to the Gold Coast Railroad Museum may enjoy donation-based museum admission on the first Saturday of every month. The museum will accept whatever visitors may donate which includes free admission for families unable to afford donations. The event consists of food and fun activities as well as access to the museum's historic train exhibits. Train rides are often available for a small admission price on the Edwin Link Children's Railroad between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m.

ArtsPark at Young Circle
1 Young Circle
Hollywood, FL 33020
(954) 921-3500
www.hollywoodfl.org

Funtastic Fridays at ArtsPark at Young Circle is an exciting and entertaining free weekly event for children and their families. The event conveniently begins at 5 p.m. and continues for three hours of playing, creating and socializing. Children may run freely to play in the colorful and expansive playground or take part in special arts and crafts projects and educational yet entertaining activities. Music is provided by a DJ, there is a bounce house on site, the children can get their faces painted and more. While the event is marketed towards children, the parents certainly find themselves having an amazing time as well.

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Fort Lauderdale, FL
(954) 767-0686
www.winterfestparade.com

Date: Dec. 13, 2014

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is a dazzling affair filled with awe-inspiring decorations, designs and colorful holiday lights. The parade, beginning in Downtown Fort Lauderdale and going on to Pompano Beach, is a family-friendly event taking place on the 13^th of December. There are entry fees associated with registering boats of different types to participate in the parade; however, parade goers may enjoy the festivities at no charge. Guests may expect music, costumes, live entertainment, local personalities and celebrities and more.

Related: Ask A South Florida Expert: Easy Crafts To Do With Your Kids

52^nd Christmas On Las Olas
East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 258-8382
www.lasolasboulevard.com

Date: Dec. 2, 2014

Tuesday, December 2^nd brings five hours of winter wonderland fun to sunny Fort Lauderdale. The amazing street festival attracts over 40,000 visitors to the event to enjoy delicious food and beverages, live musical performances, photo moments with Santa and more. Holiday carolers sing classic holiday songs on stage while others sing while making their way through the event and down the boulevard. There is just so much to do and see on this magical evening including sledding down Snow Mountain presented by Anidjar & Levine and ice skating the night away at Chick Fil A's Skate Las Olas.

Coral Gables Museum
285 Aragon Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 603-8067
www.coralgablesmuseum.org

The second Saturday of every month is Family Day on Aragon at the Coral Gables Museum from 2 to 5 p.m. The event offers complimentary museum admission as well as children's activities such as arts and crafts. Family Day on Aragon is in conjunction with other Aragon Avenue businesses as well - Coral Gables Art Cinema and Books & Books. The cinema offers special discount admission films while the bookstore hosts special author events or book readings. Lunch may also be enjoyed at the delicious Books & Books Café which offers menu items that will please both the children and the adults.

Related: Top Parent Gathering Spots In South Florida

Chanoa Chen is a Fashion Merchandiser, Freelance Writer and Blogger. Chanoa has contributed stories to top firms including QVC Insider Germany and regularly contributes to CBS Local Miami and Examiner.com. She may be reached via: bokilovellc@gmail.com.