If you are on a budget, there are still plenty of fun and inexpensive or free things to do if you live near Clearwater Beach, Florida. Unfortunately, I don’t live in Florida but we do try to vacation there often as you will probably be able to tell from the wide range of pictures I have below. The sand is some of the most brilliant, white, and soft sand you will find., which is one of the many reasons we love to visit Clearwater Beach.
The Pier
Photo Credit: Aunt Beth
One of our favorite things to do during the day or during the evening while in Clearwater is to visit the Pier. There is a playground for the children or take a walk down the Pier and watch the boats come in or see what the fishermen are catching. There is oftentimes free entertainment in the evenings as well as vendors set up along the Pier and surrounding sidewalks. Check out Sunsets at Pier 60 to see the latest information.
When we were here on Spring Break this year, they had some blow up water attractions near the Pier that were inexpensive for the kids to enjoy! It was around a $1 a turn, which I thought was decent when you compare the cost of a water park. Enjoyment without spending your entire day gone from the beautiful beach.
There are many artisans along the Pier and will vary from time to time including musicians, street performers, and artisans. The kids – even the big one – had some balloon animals created by a nice man, who was only asking for donations. This year we were able to watch part of a man-eating fire show before the rain started. There is always a variety of entertainment!
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Save 25% when you buy your tickets online for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. General admission includes entry to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure along with a FREE Jolly Trolley ride to and from! In case in you didn’t know, Winter is the dolphin that inspired the movie Dolphin Tale!
The Beach
The beach is FREE, just find yourself a place to park and you can have an entire day of enjoyment in some of the most beautiful sand you will find in the world. Sand toys are inexpensive and cups and bowls always work too! I will admit that when we go to the beach, I sort of become a bum. I would personally be happy to stay on the beach the entire day just enjoying the sand, the fresh air, and relaxing with a good book.
Find a seashell or two. Hey it’s free entertainment. The best kind, right?
Photo Credit: Aunt Beth
Plus, you will find these fun spots to take photos with your kids! They are all over the beach for your photo enjoyment.
Parks
It seems like no matter which area we stay at in Clearwater Beach, Florida, there is always a nice park nearby with play equipment for the kids. If you know my family, you will know these are super old photos as the kids are still so little.
Our typical day is usually hitting the beach, grabbing a bite to eat, and enjoying a walk around the Pier area and down the main drag. Let me know your favorite things to do in Clearwater Beach!
Come back tomorrow to see links for staycation ideas for over 80 cities!
Christina says
May 21, 2013 at 10:21 pmThat is practically my back yard! We love the Clearwater Marine Aquarium… and loving walking around Pier 60 at night with the vendors and entertainment. Certain times of the year they have movies too, my kids love that (in the grassy area by the pier). Not Clearwater (just gulf blvd) but we also love Maderia Beach and Johns Pass. Sand Key is also nice.
Brandon says
May 21, 2013 at 7:40 pmMy family and I have been to Florida every spring break over the last few years and Clearwater Beach was by far one of the most beautiful places to stay! We made a point to visit Crabby Bill’s restaurant every year, which had a great family atmosphere and really good, affordable food. Would love to visit the Aquarium next time we go!