When contemplating a getaway with multi-generational appeal, look no further than Hollywood on Florida’s southeast coast. From the 35-acre oceanside Broadwalk Historic District (complete with walkable promenade) to the 10-acre downtown ArtsPark to the natural beauty of the area wetlands, there's no shortage of family-friendly attractions. Best of all, the city always keeps budget-conscious visitors in mind, creating a year-round roster of free entertainment options.

Ready for some family fun? Let us count the ways … 

1. Get close to nature.

Eco-adventures abound at Anne Kolb Nature Center, a mangrove-filled enclave in 1,500-acre West Lake Park with a guided pontoon boat tour, a 68-foot observation tower, an exhibition hall with 3,500-gallon aquarium (only $1) and free walking trails.

2. Frolic at the water's edge.

Charnow Park has kids' best interests at heart with its mini climbing wall, interactive splash fountain and shady picnic pavilions only a shell's toss from the sands of Hollywood Beach.

3. Unlock the imagination.

ArtsPark at downtown's Young Circle unites a playground, interactive fountain and a Visual Arts Pavilion where artisans showcase their skills with free, kid-friendly events. Stop in on Saturdays for Imagination Hour (storytelling and activities); weekends also feature arts and crafts displays and live music.

Hollywood pulls out all the stops with Funtastic Fridays for Kids, a weekly event in Anniversary Park that includes a free bounce house, clowns, face painting, music, games and more.

4. Make Friday especially festive.

Hollywood pulls out all the stops with Funtastic Fridays for Kids, a weekly event in Anniversary Park that includes a free bounce house, clowns, face painting, music, games and more. Several downtown restaurants have a “kids eat free special” from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays, and two garages offer two free hours of parking throughout the day.


5. Lounge on an award-winning beach. 

There's no charge to hit Hollywood's 7 miles of sand, which made the list of "Best Beaches for Families" in Fodor's Travel Guides 2009. Hollywood Beach has received the Blue Wave Beach Award from the not-for-profit Clean Beaches Council for 11 years running in honor of its natural, eco-friendly beauty.

6. Bound along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk.

The 2.5-mile oceanfront promenade along Hollywood Beach has provided prime people-watching since the 1920s. Biking, inline skating and sunset strolls top to-do lists here in this car-free zone.

7. Book a great room.

Reserve a hotel online under the "Rise and Dine" promotion at www.VisitHollywoodFL.org between now and Sept. 30, 2009, and receive a free breakfast and bike rental for two. Choices run the gamut from large resorts to Superior Small Lodgings with 50 rooms or less. There are plenty of options that welcome Fluffy and Fido, too!

8. Experience open-air entertainment.

Savor free live performances ranging from world grooves to jazz to flamenco at the seaside Hollywood Beach Theatre during the Broadwalk Friday Fest. Ocean breezes included.

9. Make some finny friends.

The first in a three-tiered coral reef system begins within kicking distance of Hollywood Beach. A mask, fins and snorkel are all that's needed to mingle with local parrotfish, grunts, rays and sergeant majors. Step offshore at Greene Street, three blocks north of Hollywood North Beach Park, for top views of this tropical underwater world.

10. Find inspiration in the arts.

The third Saturday of the month brings a free ArtWalk to historic, tree-lined downtown Hollywood. Amble along the sidewalks as soothing music fills the air, artists bring their studios to the street and local galleries stay open late to spotlight local, regional and international talent.

This article is brought to you by the Hollywood Office of Tourism. To plan your own family getaway to Hollywood, visit www.VisitHollywoodFL.org.