Say hello to summer (almost) with 4 ways to save on South Florida attractions, concerts

With summer fast approaching, thoughts of road trips, of lounging at the beach or pool or camping under the stars, of movie nights and barbecues dance in our heads.

If you’re ready to start making plans, or want to sprinkle some fun on your days even before summer kicks off, here are ways to do that — and save — on attractions and more in South Florida.

South Florida Adventure Pass

Ready for adventure on a budget this summer? Watch butterflies flutter about in their aviaries, learn about Florida’s native wildlife, experiment with STEM science and hop on an airboat as many times as you want with one pass.

Now in its eighth year, the South Florida Adventure Pass includes unlimited admission to four popular Broward County attractions now through Sept. 30. They are:

Cost is $55 per pass, and $45 for kids age 3 to 12. Annual pass-holders or members of the attractions can choose to upgrade to the South Florida Adventure Pass for $45, or $35 for kids age 3 to 12.

Purchase the pass in person at any of the locations, or online through southfloridaadventurepass.com or any of the participating attractions’ websites.

Butterfly World executive director Mary Jane Vanden Berge called the pass an “unbeatable deal.”

“Not only is it a budget-stretcher for local families and tourists at a time when it is truly needed, but it’s also a vehicle to support our industry, acquainting everyone with the wealth of fun science and nature-based attractions in our region,” she said.

What’s not to miss at Butterfly World? “Nothing beats the wonder of entering the expansive Tropical Rain Forest Aviary, with thousands of live butterflies flying at all levels around you,” Vanden Berge said. “Our budgies and lorikeets are also crowd favorites.”

Sawgrass Recreation Park CEO Christina Soverns Schwartzman said time spent outdoors and exploring hands-on museum exhibits or meeting new animals is essential for mental wellness and childhood education.

“When you visit Sawgrass Recreation Park, make sure you check out the Gator Grill for a delicious lunch or visit the Sawgrass Mining Co. to mine for your own gems and sharks’ teeth,” she said. They also offer Everglades tours and airboat rides.

At Flamingo Gardens, one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Florida, roam 60 acres with thousands of tropical and subtropical species of plants and trees while observing a large collection of Florida native wildlife — alligators, bobcats, panthers, peacocks, a bear and flamingos.

Visitors also can explore the historic Wray Home Museum.

“Be sure to take the narrated tram tour through the hardwood forest to the wetlands and visit the new Butterfly Conservatory in the Pollinator Garden,” said Keith Clark, executive director of Flamingo Gardens. “It’s more important than ever that children get outside to explore nature and interact with others. The South Florida Adventure Pass is a great way to experience nature and the natural sciences on a regular basis throughout the summer.”

In addition to the “Expedition: Dinosaur” exhibit, the Museum of Discovery and Science will have a Discovery Spot, a new exhibit for early learners, MODS president and CEO Joseph P. Cox said.

“Whether it’s the roar of life-like animatronic dinosaurs or imaginative play within iconic Florida environments, this summer at MODS will be spectacular fun,” he said.