Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Coral Springs, FL

  • Published 2023/01/16

Visitors will be surprised by how much there is to do in Coral Springs in Broward County, only 20 miles away from Fort Lauderdale.

Chartered on July 10, 1963, Coral Springs was named after the Coral Ridge Properties, which master-planned and developed the city.

Residents and visitors to Coral Springs are in for a treat, as this family-friendly city offers a wealth of activities that can be enjoyed completely free of charge.

Be prepared to explore lush greenways, run along the meandering trails, and discover different parks featuring various activities.

Despite its predominance as a residential area, it also provides plenty of cultural experiences and recreational activities.

Best of all, walking or cycling through the extensive trail system provides a rewarding break from day-to-day life.

With these free things to do in Coral Springs, Florida, you will surely have an unforgettable time!

Hike a Trail at the Tall Cypress Natural Area

Trees at Tall Cypress Natural Area

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Set against 66 acres of natural beauty, the Tall Cypress Natural Area on Turtle Run Boulevard offers a wonderful respite from your hectic urban life.

Take a break from your routine and set off on the loop trail that winds through a cypress swamp full of ferns and slash pines.

Get lost in this urban forest as you experience its offerings like picnic tables, benches, restrooms, unpaved walking trails for adventurous hikers, and illuminated trails for a relaxing walk in the moonlight.

A swamp at Tall Cypress Natural Area

Microfile.org / Shutterstock.com

The Tall Cypress Natural Area has been protected thanks to the work of Coral Springs High School students in the 1980s and is home to a dense cover of cypress trees and slash pines scattered throughout the trail.

Visitors can still take advantage of outdoor amenities, although its navigation is challenging due to the densely overgrown fern and basin swamp species.

Take advantage of this exquisite natural area where you can enjoy nature’s beauty while having access to modern conveniences like shade areas and an open play area.

Spend a Fun-Filled Afternoon at the Betti Stradling Park

With its lush vegetation, gorgeous outdoor scenery, and a wide variety of fun activities for the whole family, Betti Stradling Park on Wiles Road is an ideal spot to spend an afternoon.

Adventurers of all kinds can find entertainment of their liking by taking a stroll, running with the dog, or going wild on the playground.

Betti Stradling was an environmentalist who strongly advocated for Coral Springs’ parks and green areas; the park honors her memory and carries her name.

The trail is an absolute must-see as it takes you through Florida’s gorgeous natural environment as you take in the bright sunshine.

Betti Stradling Park is the ideal destination for sports enthusiasts, whether it’s honing skills in basketball, baseball, and other ball games on its courts or pumping iron at its outdoor gym equipment; this park has all you need to stay fit while having a good time.

Bring some picnic snacks and get ready to breathe fresh air while exploring the terrain and having nature-filled fun.

Peruse the Books at the Northwest Regional Library

Northwest Regional Library provides more than the perfect place to kick back and relax.

It houses over 24,000 top-sellers books, fiction novels, DVDs, audiobooks, and readily available CDs.

Are you looking for something novel to try or entertain the kids?

Veterans HotSpots and kid-friendly Playaway LaunchPads are available for borrowing.

With an inventory of books in foreign languages, this library is equipped to meet the needs of its community members.

Besides books, public computers with screen auto reading software and outbound fax facility alongside scanners make this library a sound choice.

Furthermore, guests can participate in library-sponsored activities in its many rooms or see two captivating monuments outside: the Martin Luther King Jr. statue or the 9/11 Memorial.

So what are you waiting for?

Visit Northwest Regional Library on University Drive.

Fly a Kite at the Sherwood Forest Park

Sherwood Forest Park on 91st Avenue offers a perfect environment to go out and fly a kite with friends or family.

With its expansive open play area and wide selection of recreational activities, this park caters to all kinds of activities.

Whether it’s throwing bocce balls or horseshoes or playing a game of sand volleyball, you’re sure to find something meaningful and enjoyable at Sherwood Forest Park.

Even better, the park offers nature walking trails which are great for exploring with friends or family.

The lush wooded nature playground has restrooms and other amenities that can make any visit here fun and memorable.

All these features combined make Sherwood Forest Park an ideal spot to spend a day flying a kite in the sun.

Take Some Photos at the Volunteer Park

Volunteer Park‘s vibrant foliage and amazing views make it a photographer’s dream destination.

Here, you’ll be satisfied if you’re looking for a thrilling basketball game, a peaceful stroll along one of the many hiking trails, or some quality family time in one of the park’s pavilions.

The park offers plenty of activities like basketball, sand volleyball, tennis, and a playground with slides and other equipment for the kids.

Benches are scattered about for sitting and admiring the surroundings, and outdoor gym equipment is available for those looking to work up a sweat.

On top of that, picnic tables give visitors an ideal spot to enjoy their meals while taking in breathtaking sights.

With all these features at Volunteer Park, it is no wonder this picturesque oasis on Creekside Drive remains an alluring destination for tourists and locals alike!

Explore the Wonders of Sandy Ridge Sanctuary

Sandy Ridge Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of pre-development Florida.

Spread across the sanctuary are Gopher tortoises, other wild creatures, and plants native to Florida, like Slash Pines and Cypresses.

A lake and marshes also add to the sanctuary’s charms.

Whether you fancy a picnic or need to take a break from it all, this sanctuary will not disappoint; it offers trails for strolling, benches for resting on, and a playground for your kids.

Supervised visits are available on the first Saturday of each month.

You can also enjoy picnic areas, restrooms, and water fountains.

Sandy Ridge Sanctuary is on 40th Street.

Visit the Ralph Diaz Memorial Park

The Ralph Diaz Memorial Park offers eight acres of green space for leisure and recreational activities.

It also boasts a picturesque setting with its tree-lined walking trails.

Ralph Diaz Memorial Park boasts an exercise station where you can have your daily workout with beautiful green surroundings and lots of shade.

Multiple vegetation species provide a calming activity for those who enjoy nature-watching.

The highlight is the outdoor gym equipment and a fenced event venue that kids and adults can enjoy.

Conveniences such as benches, restrooms, and additional walking trails invite you to explore this beautiful park further.

Whether for a simple stroll or hosting an event in a tranquil open-air atmosphere, Ralph Diaz Memorial Park on 19th Street will surely meet your needs.

Discover North Community Park

Discover the new North Community Park on Coral Springs Drive, a hub for athletes, nature lovers, and families alike, where one can play or take it easy in the great outdoors.

It features extensive options for exercise and recreation, from basketball courts and sand volleyball courts to soccer/football fields with artificial turf.

Practice your batting skills at the batting cages or hitting stations or jog around lakes and canals while you soak up the serenity of nature.

Set up an outdoor meal with friends or family at the park’s BBQ grills and picnic tables.

For a more lively experience, you can catch weekend tournaments held at the softball/baseball fields.

The fully equipped park includes grills, picnic tables, pavilions, restrooms, concession stands, benches, and shade areas for the comfort of guests.

The playground and walking trails (both lit and paved) are sure to keep kids entertained.

With convenient resources like Thorguard monitoring available at North Community Park, you’re guaranteed a safe and fun experience each time you visit.

Spend a Day at Mullins Park

Mullins Park is the perfect spot for locals and tourists to spend a day enjoying outdoor activities.

It is located on Ben Geiger Drive and is the ultimate destination for fun and recreation.

There’s something for everyone, from basketball courts to pickleball courts, fitness equipment areas, and swimming pools.

Picnic tables provide plenty of places to snack, while grills offer tasty treats.

Even if exercising is outside your agenda, there are multiple benches with shade areas scattered throughout the park offering restful reprieves from outdoor activity or just great spots to enjoy the fresh air.

Nature enthusiasts will also love taking a stroll through the picturesque walking trail.

Explore the Helena Freja Ramsay Memorial Garden

A memorial garden honoring Helena Freja Ramsay has been finished and approved by the city’s commission after years of work by the Rotary Community Garden.

The Helena Freja Ramsay Memorial Park started soon after Helena and 16 other people were senselessly slain on Valentine’s Day 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

A tribute made of bamboo and the vibrant, blooming flowers that Helena adored was made by her mother, who is also an active participant in the community garden.

A maze was created for the 17 people hurt at the high school, not just as a memorial to them but so that anyone traveling through it might practice healing meditation on the circular path.

Recently added features include seats, an angel fountain, flowerbeds, and mature trees.

You can find the garden on Sportsplex Drive.

Let Your Furry Friends Have a Blast at Dr. Paul’s Dog Park

The Dr. Steven G. Paul Dog Park is an excellent place for your favorite furry buddy to have fun, with its many trees, loungers, and pergolas.

Situated in the Sportsplex, Dr. Steven G. Paul Dog Park is one of the earliest dog parks of its kind in Florida.

Dr. Steven G. Paul, a veterinarian with a lifelong dedication to the health and well-being of dogs, was the one who pushed for the creation of a dog park in Coral Springs; he came up with the idea while traveling in Boston when he saw a dog park in the city.

It was in the early 1990s when the construction of the dog park began that it bears Dr. Paul’s name.

Dr. Steven G. Paul Dog Park features playgrounds on two acres of land and offers securely fenced places ideal for dogs of all sizes to enjoy off-leash playtime.

This public play area is available to all guests and their dogs at no charge and offers everything a dog and their owner would require for an excellent outing.

A concrete pathway that is appropriate for running and walking is also available.

Explore the Stunning Coral Springs Artwalk

Explore the stunning Coral Springs ArtWalk, a safe and aesthetically pleasing space for pedestrians and cyclists.

Visitors can delight in the sights of six art installations and attractive sidewalks.

The 1300 square feet of art walk and 300 feet of seating wall create a unique character for the park as an event center and entertainment area.

Native floral species are plentiful here.

Moreover, four permanent works of art adorn the pathways, while at various times throughout the year, there is also a series of rotating artworks on display.

For anyone looking to take in some public art in stunning surroundings, The Artwalk in downtown Coral Springs is a must-visit destination.

Stroll through the Shores of the Riverside Park

A stroll at Riverside Park tops any summer to-do list.

This waterside paradise has everything you need for a great day outdoors—boat docks, lakes and canals for fishing, and trails.

Riverside Park is an open play area with plenty of running room for some rounds of frisbee or tag.

It also has court games like basketball, pickleball, and sand volleyball.

With picnic tables and grills, it is the perfect spot for a picnic, a walk through nature, or an afternoon of playtime with the kids.

The park also features pavilions, shaded areas, and benches, should you fancy a pause between your activities.

Take Photos Like a Pro at the Poinciana Park

If you’re hoping to take your photography skills to the next level, Poinciana Park is an ideal destination, with its beautiful scenery inspired by the six-acre field filled with Poinciana trees.

This recreational park on 89th Way offers plenty of activities for fun seekers and photographers.

Additionally, if you’re searching for a more lively atmosphere, the park features tennis, basketball, and sand volleyball courts that provide ample opportunity to snap action shots.

There’s also an open play space or playground, barbecues, and picnic tables for younger visitors.

For those looking for a peaceful escape, don’t fret, as Poinciana Park has plenty of benches available to relax in or use as reading spots.

If you prefer more adventurous activities, there is a path specifically designed for jogging and walking, which provides an array of different terrains and backdrops, perfect for creating fantastic landscape photos.

Participate and Enjoy the WorldFest

WorldFest is an annual event that celebrates the cultural diversity of Coral Springs and its surrounding area.

Held each year during spring, attendees can enjoy free activities and performances that honor different cultures’ music, dance, cuisine, and more.

On stage, spectators can look forward to seeing engaging acts from around the world—a Colombian musical ensemble and a Brazilian dance troupe.

Cooking demos are sure to excite food enthusiasts’ palates with tastings of various cuisines.

Families will be glad to know that a Kids World section is also filled with fun activities for all ages.

If you’re looking for a fantastic experience, come to WorldFest in Coral Springs to enjoy a lovely afternoon of cultural entertainment from around the world.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Coral Springs provides an experience like no other.

It offers plenty of spaces where you can relax amid nature or participate in sports activities.

Take advantage of all these free things to do in Coral Springs, Florida, on your next trip.

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