Free Friday Five -- Five things to do for Free in Florida

Welcome to Free Friday Five -- a list of five free things to do for Free in Florida. I'm hoping to make this a weekly event. Send me your suggestions!

1. Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville
2. Holocaust Memorial, Miami
3. Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, St. Petersburg -- see an earlier posting with photos.
4. Downtown Disney, Orlando
5. Environmental Learning Center, Vero Beach -- see earlier posting.

Happy Daytripping!

Environmental Learning Center, Vero Beach

Another great idea for FREE family entertainment. The Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach is a 64-acre campus that teaches about Florida's habitat.

The island campus is located just west of Disney's Vero Beach Resort at the base of the Wabasso Bridge.

Ospreys nest on the campus and telescopes are set up offering a close-up view of the birds in their nests with their young.

Hands-on activities include a touch tank, dry lab and manatee puppet demonstrating how manatees eat.

The 64-acre campus also includes boardwalks for mini-hikes through marsh, hammocks and mangrove forests. It's a great way to spend a couple of hours quietly while learning about Florida's environment. Get out of the heat by visiting the gift shop. There's also a lending library of nature and environment books for adults and children.

The ELC also offers free guided nature walks and canoe and pontoon tours (for a nominal fee). Groups can arrange for an overnight sleepover at the ELC.

Admission to the Environmental Learning Center is free to everyone.

Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. In the winter months, this is extended to 4 p.m.

Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach

(772) 589-5050
http://www.discoverelc.org/

The beach -- Florida's original free daytrip

This is a given, which is why I'm making this my first post on cheap Florida daytrips. The beach is the ultimate free day. The best part is that there is a beach within driving distance of virtually every place in Florida.

Surfers prefer the Atlantic coastline, while those on the Gulf side (when there isn't a gigantic oil spill to avoid) love the warm, waveless waters that almost feels like you are stepping into a bathtub.

Tips: Visit a less touristy beach such as those found along the Treasure Coast in Vero Beach and Fort Pierce for quiet solitude. Wabasso Beach in Indian River County is a public Atlantic Coast beach with a lifeguard located right next door to the more pricey Vero Beach Disney Resort. Only difference is the price -- free. And free parking that is usually plentiful. On the other side of the coast, beaches in Indian Shores don't seem crowded. There is public parking along Clearwater and Indian Shores beaches, but space is limited, so prepare to drive around looking for an empty spot during the hot summer months.

Pack a lunch and cooler with drinks. Bring some boogie boards that Wal-Mart sells for under $20. (Boogie boards are optional. I've never bought one and always had fun on the beach.) And you have an inexpensive day out with the family.

Just don't forget the sunblock.