Free Friday Five -- Five Free Things to Do in Florida

Florida is filled with things to do and see that don't cost anything. Here are five ideas for a day trip that have free admission:

1. Fort Matanzas, St. Augustine. Historic fort. Visit during "Living History Day" for a free re-enactment with musket demonstrations and cannon firings. Living History Days are Aug. 7, Sept. 11, Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 11. For hours and directions, visit Fort Mantanza's web site.

2. Orlando Brewing Company, Orlando. Free brewery tours Monday through Saturday at 6 p.m.

3. National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola. Bi-planes, vintage uniforms and other exhibits. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

4. Okeeheelee Nature Center, West Palm Beach. About 2.5 miles of nature trails.

5. Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center, Tampa. See manatees swimming in the wild and exhibits. Open Nov. 1 through April 15.

Free Florida July 4th daytrips

I love the Fourth of July. Not only is it a commemoration of this country's birthday, but there are usually plenty of activities scheduled in Florida. No need to pay for theme park tickets when the family has plenty of things to do that don't cost a dime!

In Orlando, the Orlando Sentinel has compiled a list of July 4 parades, festivals and ideas for free activities.

This list compiled by the St. Petersburg Times contains free activities in the Tampa Bay area. Note: some items on this list cost money.

On the Treasure Coast? Here is a list by Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers on free July 4 activities from Indian River County to Palm Beach County.