Published: February 28, 2025
Hit the Beach. This fan favorite is a Spring Break essential. We really do live in paradise and should take every opportunity to indulge in it as often as we can. Slather on the sunscreen, pile into the car, and head to the ocean early to stake your claim in the sand. Bring enough water, snacks and supplies to settle in for the long haul. Soaking up a full day of sun and fun is something that never gets old.
Eyes up to the Sky. Whether you have an astronomy buff in the family, or not, gazing at the night sky through a professional-grade telescope is awe-inspiring. The Fox Observatory at Markham Park in Sunrise is open to the public every Saturday night from dusk to midnight, regardless of the weather. Run by the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association, there’s always someone there to dial in on the night sky, answer questions, and explain what you are looking at. The Cox Science Center and Aquarium also has an Observatory for night sky viewing (weather permitting). It is open on the last Friday of every month during the Center’s Nights at the Museum event. It is also open for solar viewing on select Saturdays.
Visit a National Park. There are many National Parks to explore, each with unique offerings. Get in tune with nature – and maybe even spot an alligator – at Everglades National Park; roam the stomping grounds of the Florida panther and black bears at Big Cypress National Preserve; take in the beauty of the clear, serene waters of Biscayne National Park; or explore the southernmost national park in the United States, Dry Tortugas National Park.
Sawgrass Mills Mall. Okay, if you keep it strictly window shopping, this activity is completely free. And air conditioned. This mall is a major tourist attraction and happens to be right in our backyard. The immense 2.7-million-square-foot shopping center features more than 350 stores and outlets including a number of high-end retailers and many family-friendly stores like the Disney Character Warehouse. Strolling the mall can easily keep you busy all day, and if you track your walking steps, this is a great way to meet your goal.
Spin Your Wheels. Bicycling is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, especially in the spring before the sizzling summer weather settles in. Many of the county parks in the tri-county area have paths for recreational and mountain biking. Brian Piccolo Sports Park & Velodrome in Cooper City even has a bicycle-racing facility. It’s one of three in the southeastern United States, and the only one in Florida.
Backyard Camping. Don’t underestimate the power of sleeping under the stars. Pitch a tent, light up your fire pit and voila, you are ready for a family-night in the great outdoors. You can add to the fun by telling campfire stories, creating a scavenger hunt, strumming a guitar, and cooking dinner over the fire (there are lots of ideas online). If you have an outdoor projector, level up your glamping game with an outdoor movie night. Don’t forget the s’mores!