Friday, October 24, 2014

Life's A Beach ~ Really !



Sometimes the best therapy is a day at the beach! With miles and miles to choose from, South Florida beaches are a perfect day getaway! Bring an umbrella and chair, and that book you've been meaning to read, and pick a secluded spot to let the waves relax away that stress. Have children? A bucket and shovel will keep them occupied for hours! Don't forget the sunscreen! Best of all, besides some minimal parking fees, its all free! I like to bring a small cooler of water, and some snacks for the kids. I also bring a mask and bag for shells. Here are some of my favorite spots below!

Ft. Lauderdale Beach (photo by author)
 

Fort Lauderdale

The southern end of the beach, south of Las Olas Boulevard, has basketball courts, volleyball nets, grills and picnic tables. At the northern end (Sunrise Boulevard), just across A1A, sits Birch State Park with canoe rentals, playgrounds and nature trails (popular with skaters and cyclists). Just south of the park, nestled in lush surroundings west of A1A, sits the colorful, art-filled Bonnet House, formerly a private home now open to the public. Birch sate park has been a favorite of my children, because it borders the intercoastal waterway on the west side and has some great picnic tables to view the boats cruising up and down!

Kite surfer on Ft. Lauderdale Beach (photo by author)

Hollywood Beach and the Broadwalk

HOLLYWOOD BEACH  Sun-Sentinel photo
Hollywood is a little bit of Old Florida and definitely a family vacation place.Take a stroll, eat some Italian water ice, catch the free concerts at the beachfront bandshell. In Hollywood, unlike Fort Lauderdale to the north, restaurants and shops run along what's called the Broadwalk, a wide 2-mile long paved path on the beach. (You can rent bikes and other pedaled vehicles to travel its length).
Ocean Alley has a great live WEB CAM  , and great food as well! Check out their WEB SITE .
Visit Florida.org  is also another great source for events and activities along the Hollywood Beach!
A few miles north is Dania Beach in John U. Lloyd State Park. Which has deep roots in South Florida's efforts in racial equality. Before its purchase by Florida state, in 1973, it was known as "colored beach" as described in Beaches For All .

South Florida County Parks Are A Great Way To Play

South Florida County Parks Are A Great Way To Play


Broward County Parks Photo

Calypso Bay at Quiet Waters Park (photo by author)


South Florida has some great places to go if you need some fresh air. I am a mother of two very young, and active children, and have found some very nice parks in Broward County. If you live in Dade County, don't fear, activities can be located at Miami Dade Parks, and Open Spaces as well. Many are open year round, most holidays, and days when the kids are out of school! Besides playgrounds and open green areas, there are usually scheduled activities and wonderful nature to explore! Check out some links below, to explore mostly free or low cost family fun! With the South Florida weather, the sun is almost always shining!

Broward Calendar of Events 

Dade County Activities Include:

Arts & Crafts

A variety of cultural arts programs are offered for youth to explore and discover their own interests and talents and gain a deeper appreciation of artistic forms and influences.

Sports

The Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Department offers a variety of athletic programs for children and adults of all ages. Miami-Dade Parks welcomes children and adults with disabilities. If you need accommodation to participate, call 305-755-7848 (V/TDD).

Extreme Sports

Time to shape up! We love being fit, and helping others to get fit in unconventional ways that break up the routine of the monotonous workout, is our specialty.


Pompano Beach Park Aquatic Center (photo by author)

Broward County Activities Include: