Trying to keep kids busy all summer without spending a fortune? Same.
The good news: Stuart and Jensen Beach have plenty of free and budget-friendly things to do. We've got a list of 12 things to do in Martin County when you're looking to have fun for less this summer.
1. Attend a free family-friendly event
We maintain a monthly list of FREE Martin County events just for you! Find the list here, or look for the ⭐️ star emoji on our calendar. Some of the recurring free events are:
- The Home Depot Kids Workshop on the first Saturday of each month
- Lowe's Kids Workshop monthly
- Michaels' Kids Club (usually twice monthly)
2. Cool off at the fountains at Indian Riverside Park.
This large public park has a waterfront space, boardwalk, fishing pier, and interactive play fountains. The fountains are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but may close due to inclement weather or scheduled maintenance on Tuesdays.
3. Head to a library
Visit any of the 6 branches of the Martin County library for free! Not only can you enjoy the free books, early literacy iPads, Playaway® Bookpacks, and more, but you can also enjoy 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! Additionally, the library has idea labs which include a 3D printer, button maker, Cricut, driving and flight simulators, Glowforge and more. Don't forget that a library card also gives you access to free eBooks, eAudiobooks, and magazines through Libby.
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! Find information about Martin County beaches.
5. Go bowling
Jensen Beach Bowl participates in the Kids Bowl Free initiative. All you have to do is complete a quick online registration to sign your kids up! Click here to find out more about the registration process. Make sure you read the fine print, and please note that you will need to rent (or bring) bowling shoes.
6. See a movie
Regal Movie Theater at the Treasure Coast Mall is offering Summer Movie Express, where you can see select family movies for only $1 per person from June 1 through August 13. Click here to see the schedule!
Epic Theatres Stuart is offering a $2 Kids Summer Movie Series every Wednesday from June 3 to August 5, 2026. Click here to see the schedule.
7. Have fun at a playground
Check out our list of the best playgrounds in Stuart and Jensen Beach which lists amenities (such as the amount of shade available), and pick out the perfect playground for your family to visit.
8. Visit the Hobe Sound Nature Center
Admission to the Hobe Sound Nature Center is free. You can walk the trails, enjoy the Lagoon beach access, and explore the small museum. There are also free family-friendly programs offered, such as Sunday Snake Brunch. Learn more here.
9. Go fishing
Kids under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license, and adults can join in the fun without a Florida license on select dates. License-free freshwater fishing days are June 13–14, 2026, and saltwater fishing days are June 6–7 and September 5, 2026. Read more about Florida fishing and hunting licenses, or see when other states' free fishing days are.
10. Participate in a summer reading challenge
A free activity that helps kids avoid the summer slide AND earns them a reward? Sounds like a win to us! Check out our round-up of reading reward programs and challenges to find one (or multiple!) to participate in.
11. See if you qualify for free or reduced admission to museums
There are a few programs that may help reduce your family's admission costs to fun places!
- Museums for All—free or reduced admission to participating museums for those receiving SNAP benefits
- Blue Star Museums—free admission to participating museums for active-duty military members and their families
- Bank of America's Museums on US®—free admission for Bank of America cardholders to participating museums on the first full weekend of every month
- Teacher Passes—educators receive free admission to select Florida attractions
12. Sign up for the Planet Fitness® High School Summer Pass®
If you have a teenager aged 14–19, they can register for a free summer pass to Planet Fitness®! The pass gives them access to their chosen club from June 1 through August 31, 2026. This is a great way to keep teens active! Click here to register.
13. 100 Easy Ideas for Kids + Printable Bucket List
Look over our list of 100 things to do this summer (most free or low-cost) when you're out of ideas or can't handle hearing "I'm bored" one more time.
Make sure you sign up for our free e-newsletter to learn about more free and low-cost things to do throughout the year!
