Cheap Things for Your Family to Do While in Daytona Beach

If you live in or are planning on visiting the "Worlds Most Famous Beach" Daytona Beach, you need to know about the many free or low cost things to do and see. Whether your family enjoys a night bowling, miniature golfing or a beach outing there are many low cost alternatives.

First lets talk about bowling, you have a few choices in the area, New Smyrna Lanes, or Belaire Lanes. New Smyrna Lanes is right off of the North Causeway, which in its self is a great sight to see. The bowling center its self is small, with just 16 lanes, however it does feature a full bar and a variety of foods. From Pizza to Hot dogs and Beer to Jello Shots they seem to have something for everyone. The best part is the price on the right nights you can find your self playing for a dollar a game per person. They are kid friendly with bumpers, six pound balls and a small video game section. We spent a few hours there, played two games with five people and had sodas and a few pitchers of beer and we left just under forty dollars. If you want to stay closer to Daytona Beach you can visit Belaire Lanes, located on South Atlantic Ave in the Belaire Plaza. This bowling lane is a little larger and has been around as long as I can remember. The best night to visit in my opinion is Sunday after 9:30pm they offer quarter madness. They turn on the special lights, similar to cosmic bowling , each player pays a 10.00 cover charge and then bowling games, shoes, hot dogs and beers are all just a quarter. If you figure this out with a few games, and dinner how can you go wrong? A tip if you visit the Salty Dog Surf shop in the same plaza they offer cards for free bowling games complements of Salty Dog.

If miniature golfing is more your speed you might want to try Pirates Adventure golf, at the intersection of Dunlawton Ave and South Atlantic. If you check with your hotel they might even have free coupons as this is seen often. Little ones under 4 play for free reducing the cost even further. The atmosphere is great with many photo opportunities to share in. There are even 2 or 3 holes that offer a free game for the player who scores a hole in one, and yes it can be done. They very nice and kid friendly giving the children pint sized clubs and flags when the game is over.

If the beach is more your thing why not make a day out of it? If you head down South Atlantic South you will find your self in Ponce Inlet one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. In Ponce Inlet you will find Winter Haven Park, one of the best kept secrets. They have tables and grills so for a perfect day bring some hot dogs and hamburgers and make a cook out of it. There are nice clean bathrooms and an easy to follow walk way that takes you straight down to the beach. The beach offers no driving so its very family safe. If waves aren't your style then you can head to the end of ponce inlet and visit the ponce inlet park, here you will sit on the inlet side of the jetties, on a nice beach where your kids can never get out of sight. There are no waves here so there's no need to worry your kids will drown, most times depending on the tide the water is at best waist height. If you have a four legged friend they are also welcome on this beach. There is a 2.50 per car charge , but well worth it. There are several pavilions and grills to make a day out of it, or nature trails for those who want to venture off.