Florida Life

5 Ways to Have Fun in Florida Without Breaking the Bank

Erin Palmer

January 08, 2018

Florida kayak on beach shore

Don’t let the theme park admission costs fool you! Florida is a dream for people who want to have fun and save money.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Sunshine State and stay in budget. Get ready to have some fun!

Enjoy Foodie Fun

“Plantain chips and garlic dip

Florida is full of amazing restaurants. But going out to eat isn’t the only way for foodies to get their culinary fix.

U-pick farms are all over the state of Florida. These farms let you pick your own fruits and vegetables and buy them at a low cost.

Picking fruit and vegetables is a fun way to teach kids about farming. And cooking with fresh produce is a foodie’s dream!

Another fun idea is to gather a group of friends for a visit to a U-pick farm. Then have each person make a different dish using the produce and have a picnic.

It’s easy to find U-pick farms all across Florida. And it’s a cheap way to enjoy fresh food with your friends!

Spend Time in Nature

“Florida park walkway bridge

Let’s be honest, Florida is a stunning state. With so many natural wonders available, it’s easy to find beautiful places to visit.

Nature can be relaxing, adventurous or simply breathtaking. Better still, it can be enjoyed for free or at a low cost!

It’s easy to pack up a bag and plan a free beach day. The only real costs would be whatever you bring with you (bringing food is often cheaper than ordering food) and parking (if the beach doesn’t have free parking within walking distance).

Florida also has astounding state parks that offer a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, kayaking or horseback riding.

If you want to do some exploring, Florida’s parks have you covered! You can take a cave tour in Florida Caverns State Park or experience the state’s highest waterfall at Falling Waters State Park.

Entrance fees for state parks are often very inexpensive. Some of the activities have additional costs, but there’s plenty to see and do even if you simply walk around.

Find Local Events

“Florida town center plaza with lit trees

Cities all over Florida have their own local events throughout the year. From fairs and food festivals to parades and live performances, Florida has events for everyone!

Check out the community events in your area or go check out a new Florida city. Local events are fun and often very affordable to attend. You can even limit your search to free events to really keep costs down!

Explore Unique Attractions

Local events aren’t the only way to experience some of the culture of a community. There are also affordable and unique attractions all over Florida that are worth seeing.

You can often save money at the movies when you bring the family to a local drive-in movie theater. Florida even has some “dive-in” movies at local pools or beaches.

If you love a bargain, Florida is home to some excellent flea markets and outlet malls. If you want a colorful experience, you can head to “Whimzeyland” in Safety Harbor and see one of the brightest houses in the country that’s decorated with bowling balls and other recycled materials.

Take a Road Trip

“Florida street storefronts

If you want to combine the above ideas into a fun vacation, plan a Florida road trip! You can save money on lodging by camping at one of the state parks or finding a vocational rental instead of a hotel.

Choose a Florida highway and find some fun stops to enjoy along the way! You could take I-10 and stop at Suwannee River State Park or choose I-95 and stop at some of the East Coast beaches.

A little research goes a long way. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make memories!

Find a Branch or ATM

We’re local, serving multiple counties in Florida