Top Free Attractions Near South Florida

Spending fun in the sun is a must for vacationers in South Florida, but the area also offers much more than sandy beaches. And touring South Florida on a budget just got easier with the following list of free events. Whether you prefer arts and culture, jazz or a movie, there is something for everyone's taste. All of these family-friendly activities are available for your enrichment.

Miami Dade College (MDC) Museum of Art & Design

600 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 237-7700
www.mdcmoad.org

MDC's Museum of Art & Design, established in August of 2012, showcases renowned and contemporary works of art in styles such as Conceptual Art, Minimalism, and 60's & 70's Pop Art. MDC offers visitors what they call a "cultural, historical and educational" experience. The museum, located in the National Historic Landmark Freedom Tower at the college, has over 17,000 square feet of exhibition space. Their hours are Wednesday thru Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. with late hours on the first Friday of the month until 8:00 p.m.

Riverwalk Park Jazz

One River Plaza
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 526-5159
www.goriverwalk.com

The JM Lexus Sunday Jazz Brunch takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month. This free outdoor live concert series hosts the smooth sounds of the best in local jazz artists. You'll need some blankets, chairs and can bring your own picnic. And if you have pets who know how to behave in public, and are on a leash, they can join you in the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District.

ArtsPark Movie Night

1 N. Young Circle
Hollywood, FL 33020
(954) 921-3500
www.visithollywoodfl.org

ArtsPark at Young Circle holds a free Funtastic event for kids every Friday beginning at 5:00 p.m. Activities include the ever popular bounce house, face painting and a playground with a splash pad. Beginning at 8:00 p.m. a free family friendly movie is shown. All seating is on the lawn so be sure to bring your own blankets and beach chairs.

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(www.holocaustmemorialmiamibeach.org)

Holocaust Memorial

1933 Meridian Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 538-1663
www.holocaustmemorialmiamibeach.org

Opened in 1990, the memorial honors the six million Jews martyred by Nazis from 1933 to the end of World War II. While there you can view the Memorial Wall that lists those whose lives were ended in the Holocaust. Groups of ten or more will need to make advance reservations. They can also schedule a lecture/discussion with a holocaust survivor. The memorial is open to the public 365 days of the year beginning at 9:30 a.m. and closing at sunset.

Little Havana Viernes Culturales/Cultural Fridays

1637 S.W. 8^th St.
Miami, FL 33135
(305) 643-5500
www.viernesculturales.org

Prepare for a hot night under the stars when you visit Little Havana on the last Friday of every month. Stroll through the streets and view arts and crafts, play dominoes or watch a Cuban cigar being rolled. Then enjoy street musicians, dancers and other entertainment, or take one of twelve free walking tours of the surrounding neighborhoods with Dr. Paul George to discover the rich history of Little Havana. The tour begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Tower Theater (1508 S.W. 8^th St.) and no reservations are required. Cultural Fridays take place on 8^th Street between 13^th and 17^th Avenues, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.

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Ms. Clarke is an out-going, charismatic communicator and author of The Royalty Principle. Her personal testimony includes events which she refers to as "close encounters of the God kind." She has published Flash Fiction stories with Splickety Publishing Group and contributes to Examiner.com. Dylyce resides in Cocoa, Florida.