Fort Lauderdale Florida
Frugal Fun? It Can Be Done!

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Fort Lauderdale, Florida and its surrounding area have become quite grown up over the years.

Spring Break's rowdy college crowds have been driven away and have mostly migrated to other beaches such as Daytona or Cancun, leaving Fort Lauderdale to give itself a much needed makeover.

The city and county have spent millions of dollars in upgrading, beautifying and marketing the area as a premium destination.

Fort Lauderdale ,Florida is the home of hundreds of miles of canals that earned Fort Lauderdale the nickname, Venice of America.

In these waterways you can find amazing mansions as well as luxury yachts parked at the dock in the front.

Yet along with the glamour and upscale image of the city are the down-to-earth and simple pleasures that everyone can experience.

Fort Lauderdale doesn't have to cost too much for families who want to spend some time here on vacation.

Ideas for Things To Do: All Priced Just Right for
Frugal Fort Lauderdale Florida Fun

Hop on a Trolley
The Sun Trolleys are the bright red and yellow tram-looking buses that are either free or costs around $1. Using bio-diesel fuel, this is a great way to get around the touristic spots in the downtown and Fort Lauderdale beaches areas of the city.

You can just wave one down if you are along any of its four routes and they'll stop to pick you up. You can go down Las Olas Boulevard all the way to Fort Lauderdale Beach on a Sun Trolley.

Go To The Beach
This is a very easy choice for great frugal fun. Pack a cooler full of drinks and snacks. Grab a large blanket or beach towel and take everyone to the some of the best beaches in the country. They are clean and most are equipped with public restrooms, showers and are located close to restaurants and shops.

Parking near the beaches is plentiful and very reasonably priced; anywhere from about $.75 cents to $1.75 per hour if you use metered parking. Some of the more popular beaches may cost just a little bit more.

Have Pizza For Lunch
Try a gourmet slice from Pizza Rustica. From its humble beginnings in Miami, it has grown to several franchises in the United States and even Europe. There's a small Pizza Rustica near the corner of Oakland Park Boulevard and A1A near the beach or there's a larger restaurant in the historic district of Hollywood.

One huge rectangular slice can feed a very hungry appetite. A Quattro Formiaggi pizza is no ordinary cheese slice topped with asiago, gorgonzola, swiss and mozzarella. The Rustica comes with prosciutto, mozzarella, sundried tomatoes and artichokes. There are lots more mouthwatering choices on the menu. Priced at less than $5 a slice, these pizza creations are most definitely affordable.

Go Shopping
The Sawgrass Mills Mall is one of the largest outlet shopping malls in the United States. This is top choice for great prices on designer brands names in a dizzying array of shops divided into three distinct areas; the main mall inside; the Oasis outside and the Collonade for luxury brands, all at discounted prices. Two other shopping spots with even lower-priced items, but not necessarily designer brands, are the Swap Shop and the Festival Flea Market.

Go Fishing
Get the sense of freedom and space of the open water without getting your feet wet or getting sea sick. There are four fishing piers in the area; Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Dania Beach. It costs as low as $1 per person to go sightseeing (no fishing) on the pier or approximately $4-$7 if you want to go fishing (price may vary in each location). Each pier has its own bait and tackle shop where you can buy or rent pretty much everything you need to catch the big one.

Tour the City by Boat
There are several boats that give tours of the New River but the Water Taxi is unique since it's not really a tour but a mode of transportation.

A $15 whole day pass allows you to get on and off designated stops along its routes.

It's a great way to leave the driving and traffic behind and enjoy the scene gliding by.

Hang Out By the River
One of the best free events in Fort Lauderdale is the Sunday Jazz Brunch held every first Sunday of the month at Riverwalk located downtown by the New River. There are 4 or 5 local jazz artists simultaneously playing on different stages for easy listening and fun dancing. This is another good excuse to go out on a picnic!

Summer Waterpark Fun
If you happen to be traveling to Fort Lauderdale, Florida during the summer, consider visiting one of the areas local waterparks or sometimes called water playgrounds for a few hours. Part of the county's park program, they are usually open from May until September, with June-August as peak season. Much smaller than its Orlando counterparts, they are not so overwhelming for the smaller children but large enough for older kids and adults to enjoy.

Go on a Power Walk
Fort Lauderdale Beach and Hollywood Beach are two of the most popular promenades with paved walkways, lots of shops and restaurants and rentals for bikes or scooters. These are great for relaxed walking with the family. But if you're really motivated and want some exercise, then you can go on a power walk starting from the busy shopping area of Las Olas Boulevard and head east.

Along the way is a sampling of some of the grand homes located along those famous Fort Lauderdale, Florida canals. Stop a while to gaze at the sailboats and yachts anchored at the docks.

Enjoy the royal palms that line the street and the tropical foliage peeping from stone walls and manicured driveways. At the end of this close to three-mile power walk is Fort Lauderdale Beach and the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Dip your feet in the water for a little while and then take the trolley back to where you started!

Great weather, wonderful beaches and unique attractions are all part of what makes Fort Lauderdale, Florida a great place that the whole family can enjoy without breaking the budget. Beauty and fun don't always come with a hefty price tag and if you look close enough, it's not so hard to find affordable family fun. Your family deserves it!