We get it. You want to have fun with your family, but you don't want to spend a lot of money. We've got 10 ideas for free or low-cost summer fun in Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce, Florida.
1. See our big list of FREE Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce events!
We maintain a monthly list of FREE St. Lucie County events just for you! Free events are happening almost daily throughout the summer, and we're always updating it. Find the list here!
2. Cool off at the fountains at MIDFLORIDA Event Center or Tradition.
Both of these splash pads are free and fun! More information on these places and low-cost community pools can be found in our Pools & Splash Pads Guide.
3. Check out the library
Visit any of the 7 branches of the St. Lucie County library for free! Not only can you enjoy the free books, children's launchpad tablets, children's storytime-to-go kits, and play 'n learn kits, but there is free family programming all summer long! See what's coming up on the library calendar, or check out our calendar, as we always include library events! Don't forget, a library card also gets you access to free movies, TV shows, e-books, audiobooks, music, and more with Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy.
4. Spend the day at the beach
There's nothing better than some sand between your toes and salt in your hair! The best part: it's totally free!
5. Go bowling
Saint Lucie Lanes is offering 3 free games of bowling every day for kids 15 and under. Sign up at the front desk, and call 772-241-9262 with any questions. You can also sign up for Kids Bowl Free - Stuart Bowl and Vero Bowl both participate. Click here to find out more about the registration process. If you sign up for Kids Bowl Free, make sure you read the fine print. Please note that you will need to rent (or bring) bowling shoes.
6. See a movie
AMC Port St. Lucie is offering Summer Movie Camp, where tickets to select family movies are just $3 on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the summer. Click here to see the schedule!
7. Go to a playground
Check out our list of the best playgrounds in Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce to find a playground that's a great fit for your family.
8. Visit the Oxbow Eco-Center
Admission is always free to this nature center in Port St. Lucie. You can walk the trails, enjoy the nature playscape, and explore the indoor exhibits. There are also free family-friendly programs offered weekly. Family exploration backpacks are also available for use to enrich your experience. Learn more here.
9. Visit the Manatee Center
Admission is just $3 per person and free for kids 5 and under at the Manatee Center in Fort Pierce, where you'll enjoy indoor exhibits, aquariums, a garden, and an observation deck. There is also a free storytime on the third Thursday of each month (please note that you must register for storytime). Learn more here.
10. Visit the St. Lucie County Aquarium
This small aquarium is a low-cost outing, with admission costing just $5 for adults, $4 for kids, and free for children under 4. The aquarium includes living models of six Florida marine and estuarine ecosystems. Kids will enjoy the interactive elements included throughout, as well as the touch tank. Make a day of the outing by enjoying the neighboring South Causeway Beach, which is perfect for little ones, and the nearby playground. Learn more here.
Bonus: Download the Ultimate Free Summer Guide for Kids: 100+ Fun & Easy Boredom Busters
We have all the free summer events we can find on our Macaroni KID Port St. Lucie events calendar, which is always free to view! You can also sign up for our free e-newsletter that will keep you in the know about happenings relevant to local families!
