Say hello to summer (almost) with 4 ways to save on South Florida attractions, concerts

Kari Barnett, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
·6 min read

With summer fast approaching, thoughts of road trips, lounging at the beach or pool, camping under the stars, movie nights and barbecues dance in our heads.

If you’re ready to start making plans, or want to sprinkle some fun on your days even before summer kicks off, here are ways to do that — and save — on attractions, concerts and more in South Florida.

South Florida Adventure Pass

Ready for adventure on a budget this summer? Watch butterflies flutter about in their aviaries, learn about Florida’s native wildlife, experiment with STEM science and hop on an airboat as many times as you want with one pass.

Now in its eighth year, the South Florida Adventure Pass includes unlimited admission to four popular Broward County attractions from May 15 to Sept. 30. They are:

Cost is $55 per pass, and $45 for kids age 3 to 12. Annual pass-holders or members of the attractions can choose to upgrade to the South Florida Adventure Pass for $45, or $35 for kids age 3 to 12.

Purchase the pass in person at any of the locations, or online through southfloridaadventurepass.com or any of the participating attractions’ websites.

Butterfly World executive director Mary Jane Vanden Berge called the pass an “unbeatable deal.”

“Not only is it a budget-stretcher for local families and tourists at a time when it is truly needed, but it’s also a vehicle to support our industry, acquainting everyone with the wealth of fun science and nature-based attractions in our region,” she said.

What’s not to miss at Butterfly World? “Nothing beats the wonder of entering the expansive Tropical Rain Forest Aviary, with thousands of live butterflies flying at all levels around you,” Vanden Berge said. “Our budgies and lorikeets are also crowd favorites.”

Sawgrass Recreation Park CEO Christina Soverns Schwartzman said time spent outdoors and exploring hands-on museum exhibits or meeting new animals is essential for mental wellness and childhood education.

“When you visit Sawgrass Recreation Park, make sure you check out the Gator Grill for a delicious lunch or visit the Sawgrass Mining Co. to mine for your own gems and sharks’ teeth,” she said. They also offer Everglades tours and airboat rides.

At Flamingo Gardens, one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Florida, roam 60 acres with thousands of tropical and subtropical species of plants and trees while observing a large collection of Florida native wildlife — alligators, bobcats, panthers, peacocks, a bear and flamingos.

Visitors also can explore the historic Wray Home Museum.

“Be sure to take the narrated tram tour through the hardwood forest to the wetlands and visit the new Butterfly Conservatory in the Pollinator Garden,” said Keith Clark, executive director of Flamingo Gardens. “It’s more important than ever that children get outside to explore nature and interact with others. The South Florida Adventure Pass is a great way to experience nature and the natural sciences on a regular basis throughout the summer.”

In addition to the “Expedition: Dinosaur” exhibit coming May 19, the Museum of Discovery and Science will be opening the Discovery Spot, a new exhibit for early learners, MODS president and CEO Joseph P. Cox said.

“Whether it’s the roar of life-like animatronic dinosaurs or imaginative play within iconic Florida environments, this summer at MODS will be spectacular fun,” he said.

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The museum offers interactive exhibits, wildlife habitats and wild animal encounters, an outdoor Science Park, STEM science shows and demonstrations.

Live Nation Concert Week

Nothing says summer like spreading a blanket on an amphitheater lawn and grabbing some drinks and snacks while you watch your favorite performer giving it their all onstage. Throw in a fiery sunset and fans singing along with every word, and you have the ingredients for a perfect night out.

With the return of Live Nation’s Concert Week from May 10 to 16, you can purchase tickets on a budget: $25 for more than 300 acts from various genres this year. Venues include iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park in Miami and The Fillmore Miami Beach.

Some of the shows in the promotion include: Fall Out Boy, Matchbox Twenty, Boy George and Culture Club, Foreigner, Disturbed, The Smashing Pumpkins, Slightly Stoopid, Zac Brown Band, Jason Aldean and H.S. Reunion Tour 2023 featuring Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Too $hort and others.

Concert Week tickets are $25, including fees, with taxes added at checkout. Look for the ticket type labeled “Concert Week Promotion” while supplies last. For a list of concerts included in the promotion, visit LiveNation.com/ConcertWeek.

Free Cone Day

Cool off with your favorite ice cream flavor served in a free mini cone or cup from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at Häagen-Dazs in Gulfstream Park Village Center, 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach.

The store has handed out more than 4,000 scoops in past events.

In addition to free ice cream, visitors can check out the Carnaval Village pop-up family event with free entertainment including an interactive DJ, unicyclists, stilt walkers and an aerialist. There will be themed masks for the first 1,000 kids.

“This is the only Häagen-Dazs in the country to offer this special promotion and we look forward to welcoming the community to enjoy this family friendly event,” said Alex Schreer, director of experiential marketing for Gulfstream Park Village.

RSVP for Free Cone Day to be entered to win a $200 Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Party at gulfstreampark.com/promotion/free-cone-day-at-haagen-dazs.

Blue Star Museums

A summer of free museum admission for active-duty military personnel and their families kicks off on Saturday, May 20 (Armed Forces Day), offered through Blue Star Museums, a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums.

Through Monday, Sept. 4 (Labor Day), a service member and up to five family members can visit a participating location throughout the state. There are eight Blue Star sites in Broward and Palm Beach counties, including:

“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to provide engaging and educational programming and experiences for families of active-duty military members,” the museum’s Cox said in a statement. “We are thankful and honored to extend programs, such as Blue Star Museums, to express our gratitude to those who serve this country as active-duty military personnel and family members who miss their loved one during their service.”

MODS also is offering a $5 upgrade for Blue Star Museums guests to watch an IMAX documentary film on the big screen.

While the active-duty service member does not need to be present to redeem admission, families must show military identification.

Visit arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums for a list of participating locations and additional information.