As mentioned in the last blog post, Miami has a reputation for being an expensive place. However, if you know where to look, you can find fun activities for family outings, get togethers with friends, or solo exploration around Miami that are free to you. Here are two more of Dr. Colin Knight’s favorites.
Second Saturdays Art and History Downtown: This is a three-for-one freebie! Two of the best Miami museums, the Perez Art Museum Miami and History Miami, are free on the second Saturday of the month. Admission to both for a family of four would normally set you back by $52-$86 depending on the age of the children. In addition to free admission, they both offer free art activities for children. The third freebie in this trio is the Miami Metromover. Use the Metromover to go from one museum to another for free! History Miami is near the Government Center station and the PAMM is at the Museum Park Station.
Cost: FREE + FREE + FREE = FREE
When: Second Saturday of the month from 1-4 pm (PAMM) and noon to 4 pm (History Miami)
Location: PAMM, 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami FL 33132; HistoryMiami, 101 W Flagler St, Miami FL 33130
Contact: PAMM, 305-375-3000; History Miami, 305-375-1492
Miami Beach Botanical Garden: Fairchild Tropical Garden is my favorite Miami attraction. I’m a member. I go often. However, visiting Fairchild is far from free. For a family of four expect to pay $50-$74 to get in depending on the ages of the children. The Miami Beach Botanical Garden, however, is free! It’s not huge, but it’s a pleasant oasis near the convention center. You can walk around the west side of the garden to see the Holocaust Memorial which is also free. Even if your children are too young to appreciate the meaning of the memorial, the monumental sculpture and all the turtles swimming in the pond are sure to capture their attention. And, since you’re at the beach already, it’s also free to walk down Lincoln Road Mall, by the water at South Pointe Park, or go get sandy at the beach itself.
Cost: FREE
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm
Location: 2000 Convention Ctr Dr, Miami Beach FL 33139
Contact: 305-673-7256
