The Best Free & Cheap Summer Activities for Kids in Broward & Palm Beach County (2026)

Summer break is here, and if you're like most parents, you're already hearing the same question: "What are we doing today?"

The good news? Keeping the kids entertained this summer doesn't have to drain your wallet.

From free bowling and summer reading programs to discounted movies, free workshops, and family-friendly rewards programs, there are plenty of ways to create memories without spending a fortune.

We've done the research and rounded up some of the best free and budget-friendly summer activities available to families in Broward and Palm Beach County.

⚠️ Important: Programs, dates, participating locations, and promotions can change throughout the summer. We recommend visiting each organization's official website before heading out to confirm availability and participation.

🎳 Kids Bowl Free

If you're looking for one of the best free family activities available this summer, Kids Bowl Free should be at the top of your list.

The program allows registered children to bowl two free games every day throughout the summer at participating bowling centers.

Families simply create a free account and select a participating location near them.

Rather than maintaining a list of bowling centers that can change from year to year, we recommend using the official Kids Bowl Free location finder to find participating centers in Broward County, Palm Beach County, or wherever your summer travels take you.

👉 Official Website: https://www.kidsbowlfree.com

Why we love it: Bowling is indoors, air-conditioned, family-friendly, and can easily save a family hundreds of dollars over the course of the summer.

🏋️ Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass

Planet Fitness typically offers its High School Summer Pass program for teens ages 14-19, providing free access to participating clubs during the summer months. Participants can take advantage of fitness equipment, workout resources, and select Planet Fitness locations.

Check the official program website for current dates, eligibility requirements, and participating clubs.

👉 Register Here: https://www.planetfitness.com/summerpass

Why we love it: It's a productive way for teens to stay active while escaping the South Florida heat.

📚 Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

This longtime favorite rewards kids for reading throughout the summer.

Children can participate in the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program by completing reading activities and submitting a reading journal. Rewards, eligibility requirements, and participating locations may vary, so check the official program page for current details.

👉 Program Details: https://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/our-stores-communities/summer-reading-program

Why we love it: It encourages learning while giving kids something exciting to work toward.

🍕 Pizza Hut BOOK IT!

Many parents remember this program from their own childhood.

Pizza Hut's BOOK IT! program encourages reading through reward-based challenges and literacy initiatives. Program availability, participation options, and reward structures may vary, so families should check the official BOOK IT! website for current offerings.

👉 Program Details: https://www.bookitprogram.com

Why we love it: Reading plus pizza is a pretty effective combination.

🐭 Chuck E. Cheese Summer Fun Pass

The Summer Fun Pass provides families with access to games, discounts, rewards, and repeat visits throughout the summer.

For families with younger children, it can become one of the better entertainment values available.

👉 Learn More: https://www.chuckecheese.com/funpass

Why we love it: Great rainy-day option and perfect for those scorching summer afternoons.

🎮 Dave & Buster's Summer Pass

Older kids and teens often love Dave & Buster's.

Their summer promotions typically include game play packages, rewards, and discounts designed for repeat visits throughout the season.

👉 Learn More: https://www.daveandbusters.com

Why we love it: A fun indoor option for families with older children.

🛠️ Home Depot Kids Workshops

Home Depot continues to offer free hands-on workshops where children build simple projects and take them home.

Many workshops include a certificate and collectible pin.

👉 Register Here: https://www.homedepot.com/workshops

Why we love it: Free, educational, and surprisingly fun.

🔨 Lowe's Kids Workshops

Lowe's offers a similar workshop program designed specifically for children.

Projects change throughout the year and often fill up quickly.

👉 Register Here: https://www.lowes.com/events/register

Why we love it: Another excellent screen-free activity for kids.

🛼 Kids Skate Free

Many roller-skating centers across Florida participate in the Kids Skate Free program.

Registered children receive free skating sessions throughout the summer.

👉 Learn More: https://www.kidsskatefree.com

Why we love it: A classic activity that helps kids burn off some energy.

🎥 Discount Summer Movies

Movie theaters remain one of the best bargains for families during the summer.

Many national theater chains, including AMC, Regal, and Cinemark, frequently offer discounted summer movie programs featuring family-friendly films.

Participating locations, schedules, and pricing vary by theater, so check your local theater's website for current offerings.

Why we love it: Family movie outings at a fraction of normal ticket prices.

🏛️ Bank of America Museums on Us

If you have a Bank of America debit or credit card, you may qualify for free admission to participating museums during select weekends.

South Florida often has participating cultural attractions included in the program.

👉 Learn More: https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us

Why we love it: A great excuse to explore museums and cultural attractions you may have overlooked.

📖 Palm Beach County Library Summer Programs

Palm Beach County Libraries offer one of the best free resources for families during the summer months.

Many branches host:

• Reading challenges
• Educational programs
• Crafts
• Guest performers
• Family events

👉 Learn More: https://www.pbclibrary.org

📚 Broward County Library Summer Programs

The Broward County Library System offers an impressive lineup of free activities throughout the summer.

Families can often find:

• Reading programs
• Educational activities
• Crafts
• Family events
• Special performers

👉 Learn More: https://www.broward.org/library

Why we love it: Many parents forget about the incredible amount of free programming offered through our local libraries.

🌴 Free South Florida Activities Families Often Forget About

Sometimes the best summer activities don't cost anything at all.

🌿 Nature Centers

Explore some of South Florida's natural beauty at:

• Green Cay Nature Center
• Wakodahatchee Wetlands
• Fern Forest Nature Center
• Daggerwing Nature Center

🏖️ Beach Days

Some of our favorite family-friendly beaches include:

• Deerfield Beach
• Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
• Delray Beach
• Juno Beach
• Jupiter Beach

🛝 Parks & Playgrounds

Many parks throughout Broward and Palm Beach County feature:

• Splash pads
• Walking trails
• Playgrounds
• Nature areas
• Sports courts

Best of all, most are completely free.

☀️ The Bottom Line

You don't need an expensive vacation or a massive entertainment budget to create an unforgettable summer.

With a little planning, programs like Kids Bowl Free, Planet Fitness Summer Pass, Barnes & Noble Summer Reading, Home Depot Workshops, library programs, and discounted movie deals can help fill your calendar with affordable family fun all summer long.

Take a few minutes to register for the programs that fit your family best, and you'll have plenty of answers the next time the kids ask: "What are we doing today?"

🏡 Considering a Move to Parkland or Nearby Family-Friendly Communities?

If you're exploring Broward or Palm Beach County with your family, Parkland is one of the most sought-after destinations for parents looking for top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of outdoor space. See the Best Neighborhoods in Parkland, FL for Families from Homes by Cusi for an in-depth look at where families are settling.

For families weighing a move to the area, the Parkland, Florida Real Estate Market Guide 2026 offers a detailed look at current trends, pricing, and what buyers should know.

🏡 Thinking About Buying or Selling in South Florida?

If you're considering a move to Broward or Palm Beach County, our friends at Homes by Cusi share expert insights on the local market, neighborhood guides, and home buying tips on their blog.

📚 Sources & References

🎳 Kids Bowl Free — https://www.kidsbowlfree.com

🏋️ Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass — https://www.planetfitness.com/summerpass

📚 Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program — https://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/our-stores-communities/summer-reading-program

🍕 Pizza Hut BOOK IT! — https://www.bookitprogram.com

🐭 Chuck E. Cheese Summer Fun Pass — https://www.chuckecheese.com/funpass

🎮 Dave & Buster's — https://www.daveandbusters.com

🛠️ Home Depot Kids Workshops — https://www.homedepot.com/workshops

🔨 Lowe's Kids Workshops — https://www.lowes.com/events/register

🛼 Kids Skate Free — https://www.kidsskatefree.com

🏛️ Bank of America Museums on Us — https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us

📖 Palm Beach County Library System — https://www.pbclibrary.org

📚 Broward County Library System — https://www.broward.org/library