By: Kara Franker
If you’re looking for easy-on-the-wallet adventures, you’ll find plenty of fun and free options in Greater Miami.
Relaxing and playing on the beach will be your number one choice for free fun in Greater Miami, but the area offers an abundance of other budget-friendly family adventures, too. Hop aboard a free trolley or the Metromover to get to neighborhoods where you can admire artwork, visit amazing museums and explore parks.
Grab your camera to explore Wynwood, and the world's largest collection of street art.
Arts and Culture
Venture to the Wynwood neighborhood to explore the world's greatest collection of street art on a self-guided tour. Colorful murals adorn the sides of warehouses-turned-studios, inspirational messages are painted on the sidewalks, and even the crosswalks in Wynwood have an artistic element. (Note that Wynwood Walls does require paid admission, but much of the art in this neighborhood is available at no charge.)
Get an introduction to the Miami Beach art scene during the Culture Crawl on the third Thursday evening of each month. Walk, bike or drive to your favorite places, or ride the free trolley to visit venues offering special exhibits and programs for the event. See art, hear music, watch a film and meet some of the people who work behind the scenes to create shows and exhibits.
Take a free self-guided tour of Art Deco architecture on South Beach.
On Ocean Drive in South Beach, you’ve seen those iconic, brightly colored buildings in plenty of movies and magazines. Art Deco architecture is an important part of Miami Beach's history. Head to the Miami Design Preservation League’s Art Deco Welcome Center and pick up a guide so you can embark on your own free self-guided tour. Or, pay for one of the daily ticketed tours and learn about all of the Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modern (MiMo) styles found in the historic district.
Want to catch a flick with the family? Head to SoundScape Park at the New World Center in South Beach for the Soundscape Cinema Series for free movies on the lawn on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. from October through May. Take in a classic while enjoying the architecture of Frank Gehry in the 2.5-acre public park. Additionally, on select dates the park hosts free WALLCAST Concerts, where you can see a free performance by the New World Symphony projected on the wall.
Ugo Rondinone's Miami Mountain, on the grounds of The Bass museum.
Marvelous Museums
On the grounds of Collins Park in South Beach, The Bass contemporary art museum offers free admission on the last Sunday of every month. Admission is free for kids ages 6 and younger every day. Inside the landmark building, you’ll see incredible pieces created by the likes of Ugo Rondinone, Sylvie Fleury and many more international artists.
Also in South Beach, admission is always free at The Wolfsonian–FIU; all you need to do is book your entry time in advance. At the museum, which showcases arts and artefacts from 1850 to 1950, you can see art exhibits, sit in on informative talks and attend special youth and family programs.
ICA Museum promotes local, emerging and under-recognized artists.
Admission is always free at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, (ICA) in the Miami Design District. Again, you just need to book a timed entry ticket in advance. This museum presents cutting-edge exhibitions from emerging, upcoming and celebrated artists from Miami and all over the world.
Admission is free from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays to tour the Freedom Tower in Downtown Miami. The 1925 building, which has been called the “Ellis Island of the South,” houses exhibits detailing the exodus of Cubans to the United States. Inside, you can see photographs, artwork and collections of articles.
A day on the beach is a great choice, and Miami has many to choose from.
Beaches and the Outdoors
One of Miami’s main attractions is its ideal weather for beachgoers. Check out all of the beaches in Greater Miami to find the perfect one for you.
There is a minimal fee to park at the beaches of Key Biscayne, a residential island off of mainland Miami, but it’s worth it because this is an incredibly beautiful spot. Crandon Park Beach is a three-mile-long beach with walking and biking trails, beach volleyball nets, shelters for shade and barbecue grills available for the ideal beach day. At the tip of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is known for its pristine beach and historic lighthouse.
Free Trains and Trolleys
When heading from point A to point B for free fun in Miami, consider the Metromover. This free elevated people-mover loops throughout the Downtown Miami and Brickell areas. It will take you to the doorstop of restaurants, shops and museums and is a great way to get around without your own transportation.
You can also take one of the many free trolleys throughout Greater Miami. Whether you’re in Miami Beach, Downtown Miami/Brickell, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Homestead, Wynwood or Doral, there are plenty of attractions you can check out. Feel free to jump on and off as many times as you need. For more information, see How to Use Miami’s Trolley System.