It doesn’t cost a fortune to play in paradise. In fact, all around the Sunshine State, you’ll find plenty of events and activities that won’t cost you a dime. We’ve categorized these activities by region for easy planning.

NORTH

Tallahassee
Explore Florida’s Historic Capitol for free. Check out photographs, recordings and audiovisual displays at the museum, as well as the restored 1902 Governor’s office, chambers of the House of Representatives, Senate and Supreme Court. Visit the official website for more information.

Jacksonville
Every Saturday from April to November, amble through 150 booths of fresh produce, arts, crafts, prepared foods and more at the Riverside Arts Market. Also featured are live performances at the amphitheatre and various kids’ activities. Learn more at www.riversideartsmarket.com.

See the beer-brewing process at the Budweiser Brewery. Learn how they brew this iconic American beer while marveling at the high-speed packaging operations. The brewery is only one of five Budweiser breweries in the country.  Guests 21 and over can enjoy a complimentary tasting following the tour. Call 904-696-8373 or visit www.budweisertours.com.

Gainesville
The Florida Museum of Natural History, located on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, is the state's official natural history museum. With the exception of the Butterfly Rainforest, the permanent exhibits are free to all visitors. Visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu for more information.


CENTRAL

Daytona Beach
Sun Splash Park features an interactive water fountain, decorative walkways, a shaded playground, volleyball courts, picnic areas and more. The four-acre facility also provides free, off-beach parking. More information is available online at Volusia County’s website.

Also in Daytona Beach is the Southeast Museum of Photography, one of only 12 specialized museums of its kind in the United States, and one of fewer than 30 throughout the world. For hours and further information, visit the museum’s website.

Port Orange
Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens is set amid 12 acres of lush botanical gardens and features the remains of an English sugar mill. The gardens were once home to the 1940s theme park, Bongoland. Life-size dinosaur statues remain and are still a favorite with children.  The gardens also house a human sundial. Visit Volusia County’s website for details.

Port St. Lucie
The PGA Historical Center offers free admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily during season, and Monday through Thursday during the summer. Explore the legends and stories of this great sport in an 8,300-square-foot facility. Learn more at the center’s website.


SOUTH
Naples
On the first Saturday of the month from November to April, check out Naples’ Art in the Park, featuring painting, photography, jewelry and sculpture. While you’re there, tour the von Liebig Art Center, also free of charge. Visit the art center’s website for specific dates.

West Palm Beach
Every Thursday night is Clematis By Night, a free concert series in downtown West Palm Beach. Enjoy free music, sidewalk shopping and food from 6-9:30 p.m. Learn more at the West Palm Beach City Calendar website.

While you’re in West Palm Beach, try the free walking tour of Worth Avenue. The tour is conducted by James Ponce, proclaimed Palm Beach's only "Two Legged Historical Landmark" by the Palm Beach Town Council. Tours are led on select Wednesdays throughout the season and every Saturday during the summer. Check out the schedule on Worth Avenue’s website.

Islamorada
Florida Keys Community Concert Band, a group of volunteer musicians playing at the high-school level, performs six free concerts from November to April at Islamorada Founders Park (MM 87). These outdoor concerts are on scheduled Saturdays at 4 p.m. Find out more and check the schedule on the Keys Community Concert website.