Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Pembroke Pines, FL

  • Published 2022/12/24

Pembroke Pines sits in Broward County, Florida, about 22 miles north of Miami.

American Indians were the first settlers in the area about 4,000 years ago.

The city was only incorporated in 1960, taking its name after Edward J. Reed, a member of Britain’s Parliament for the County of Pembroke.

Since then, Pembroke Pines has developed into a small, thriving area providing unforgettable experiences for tourists.

Check out the free things to do in Pembroke Pines, Florida!

Explore the Chapel Trail Park Nature Preserve

Landscape of Chapel Trail Park Nature Preserve

Sunshower Shots / Shutterstock.com

There is a lot to see in Florida, including the quaint city of Pembroke Pines, where you’ll find the Chapel Trail Park Nature Preserve.

This 450-acre passive park is one of nature’s best-kept secrets in Pembroke Pines and one of the many spaces where you can relax and take a breather.

Heron at Chapel Trail Park Nature Preserve

Sunshower Shots / Shutterstock.com

Grasslands and tree-lined paths decorate the park, including a 1,650-foot boardwalk that gives you a panoramic view of the wetlands.

The Chapel Trail Park Nature Preserve also offers canoe rentals.

If you want to enjoy the area without spending a dime, you can always hang out by the large pavilion.

Turtle peaking out of the water at Chapel Trail Park Nature Preserve

Sunshower Shots / Shutterstock.com

Check Out the Exhibits at the Studio 18 Art Complex

Art lovers will have a blast checking out the exhibits at the Studio 18 Art Complex along Poinciana Dr.

This art gallery is one of the many spaces where you’ll see Pembroke Pines’ finest artistic works.

Studio 18 Art Complex features a great selection of rotating exhibits.

The city of Pembroke Pines is generous enough to let you sneak a peek at some with no admission fees.

Everything in this gallery could catch your eye, from photography, painting, and sculpture to glasswork, mixed media, and textile arts.

Studio 18 Art Complex is also a facility for holding art classes and rental spaces for artists to use the private studios for their works.

Bring Your Dogs on a Walk at the Craig Rupp K-9 Dog Park

Your furry friends deserve to have fun at Pembroke Pines, so stop by Craig Rupp K-9 Dog Park on Johnson St.

The wide field is enough for your dogs to run around, sniff the grass, or even fetch a couple of balls.

The park also has two separate play areas designed for big and small dogs, giving you the perfect opportunity to guide them in their exercise session.

You’ll even find some of the facilities to help train your dogs or even teach them a set of new tricks.

Feel free to wait or relax by the benches scattered across the Craig Rupp K-9 Dog Park as your pets run around.

Swing by the Holiday Art Market

Make the holiday season more festive and creative at the Holiday Art Market at the Frank Art Gallery.

Located along Pembroke Pines’ City Center Way, the annual event is a treat for art lovers who want to enjoy their trip by checking out the city’s local art scene.

If you want to catch a glimpse of the holiday-themed exhibits in Pembroke Pines, save the date for the Holiday Art Market.

Check out the works created by indie artists while exploring the gallery with complimentary refreshments and Hors D’oeuvres.

You’ll even find art prints and home goods decorating the gallery, accompanied by live music delighting the visitors.

Sing along to the Tunes at Savor the Sounds

Make your trip to Pembroke Pines extra fun by joining the Savor the Sounds event at the Charles F. Dodge City Center.

Pembroke Pines holds many city-wide events designed for everyone to enjoy, and most of these gatherings are incredibly family-friendly, too.

Savor the Sounds is an event where you’ll discover the city’s culture through music and food.

Combine good food with good music, and you should keep returning to Pembroke Pines for this spectacular event every year.

Sing along to the tunes and show appreciation for Pembroke Pines’ local musicians, accompanying artists who do live painting sessions.

Work up a Sweat at Tanglewood Park

There’s always enough time to exercise, even when exploring the streets of Pembroke Pines.

If you’re looking for a great space to sweat it out, you might want to check out Tanglewood Park on 1st St.

Tanglewood Park offers a quiet yet active place for those who want to engage in physical activities in Pembroke Pines.

The grassy fields are great for running or doing your stretches, and there are also other facilities you can try if you’re up for it.

These include the basketball and volleyball courts, paddle ball and racquet courts, and a pavilion.

Join the Events at the Charles F. Dodge City Center

One thing about Pembroke Pines that makes it stand out from other cities is the welcoming atmosphere that all residents and tourists feel.

The city welcomes people by hosting several events at the Charles F. Dodge City Center along City Center Way.

Charles F. Dodge City Center sits in the heart of Pembroke Pines, which makes it an excellent venue for city-wide events ranging from concerts to art shows.

Annual celebrations like the 4th of July are one of the many things you can look forward to, where you can also get a glimpse of the vibrant city life of Pembroke Pines.

When it’s not hosting big events, the city center provides an ideal space for exploring the Pembroke Pines surroundings, with laid-back benches and casual restaurants.

Take a Walk in Downtown Pembroke Pines

Get a good feel of Pembroke Pines’ thrilling city life when you take a walk around the downtown area.

A stroll in this historic space is a great way to immerse yourself in the local scene and see what downtown Pembroke Pines offers.

You’ll even find many small businesses around the area, which shows how much the city values its products.

You might even catch a couple of small events by the streets, where you can sing along or witness the many talents of residents.

Downtown Pembroke Pines also has a lot of accommodations in the area, which you can check out for their historical significance.

Walk around the Memorial Park

Parks are everywhere in Pembroke Pines, and they’re all worth visiting if you’re looking for a great way to explore the city on a budget.

During your tour, you’ll probably want to stop by the Memorial Park along City Center Way and take a good walk around.

The Memorial Park sits beside Charles F. Dodge City Center, so you can’t miss it.

The Memorial Park houses several sculptures made to commemorate the victims of 9/11.

Aside from these mini attractions, you’ll also find a special needs inclusive playground inside the peaceful area.

Look for Bald Eagle Nests

One thing you should know about Pembroke Pines is that it’s a beacon for wild animals because of its unique environment.

If you’re a nature lover slash bird enthusiast, you’ll have a great time looking for the perfect spot in the city to find a bald eagle’s nest.

Since a bald eagle chick was hatched in the area, tourists began visiting the spot along Pines Blvd to catch sight of a bald eagle.

The nest is visible from the ground, so bring your camera during your trip and snap some photos that would make a great souvenir.

The bald eagle’s nest has become so famous that the bald eagles dropping by the area are treated as local celebrities.

Unwind at Ben Fiorendino Park

Pembroke Pines is blessed with nature’s best views and peaceful scenery.

If you want a place to relax, go to Taft Street and sit on one of the benches at Ben Fiorendino Park.

The park gets its name from city mayor Ben Fiorendino.

It sits quietly by the lakeside, offering guests tranquil sights.

You can also take a morning walk along park trails leading deep into tree-lined paths.

Ben Fiorendino Park also has exercise facilities you might want to try if you wish to stay fit and active in Pembroke Pines.

Join the Festivities on Pines Day

If you happen to wander the streets of Pembroke Pines in April, stick around to catch the annual Pines Day.

Typically held at Charles F. Dodge City Center, Pines Day is a celebration of Pembroke Pines’ foundation day.

There are a lot of events and attractions to see during this event, so that you can expect a lot over the four-hour celebration.

Everything that happens during Pines Day is undoubtedly one for the books, from games and music to good food and pageants.

There’s even a selection of complimentary snacks and rides for the kids, making Pines Day an incredible family day event.

Discover the Local Art Scene during ArtFest in the Pines

ArtFest in the Pines is a two-day event that art connoisseurs will surely enjoy in Pembroke Pines.

The two-day cultural experience gives visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local art scene of Pembroke Pines.

Besides meeting talented artists, visitors can also check out the food trucks lined up in the area and other modes of entertainment everyone can enjoy.

You’ll see art in all forms, from jewelry and drawings to mixed media, fine handcrafts, photography, and more.

ArtFest in the Pines is a great way to spend your weekend in Pembroke Pines without spending too much on cultural experiences.

Let Your Kids Have a Field Day at Flamingo Park

There’s always something fun to do in Pembroke Pines, especially for kids who are always energized.

So if you’re visiting Pembroke Pines with your kids, let them have a field day at Flamingo Park on 122nd Terrace.

Flamingo Park is home to several facilities that your kids will enjoy, especially if they want to engage in physical activities.

Try the lighted baseball and softball fields, batting cages, and playgrounds.

While waiting for your kids to tire themselves out, feel free to hang out by the pavilion and read your favorite book.

Take Your Dog to Bow Wow Ween

Humans aren’t the only ones who deserve to enjoy the beautiful city of Pembroke Pines.

Bring your pets to the annual Bow Wow Ween event if you ever find yourself in the city during the spooky season.

Every October, the event happens at the Craig Rupp Dog Park.

Bow Wow Ween lets guests dress up their dogs and have them strut their stuff across the park.

Pick the best costume for your four-legged friend, and let it meet new friends.

Your dog might even win an award for the best costume!

Final Thoughts

There are many things to do in Pembroke Pines that make for great stories in the future, and the best part is that they don’t need to cost an arm and a leg.

Stick to this list of the free things to do in Pembroke Pines, and you should have a memorable budget-friendly adventure.

Plan your trip today!

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