Northwest Florida on a Budget

Free and Low-Cost Fun for Families with Kids

A vacation in Northwest Florida can be a lot cheaper than, say, a trip to Orlando's theme parks or a Caribbean cruise, but it doesn't have to be any less entertaining.

That's especially true for families with young children. The area boasts a low-key, laid-back appeal rather than the hyped-up, go-go-go atmosphere of Disney or other more commercialized destinations. So visitors here can actually relax on their vacations, and kids can enjoy real-world attractions -- white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, dolphin-spotting and so on -- rather than contrived and artificial ones.

And when you've all had enough of the sun and surf, there's still plenty to keep you entertained without the need for endless visits to the nearest ATM: free play areas, bargain shopping and low-cost, family-friendly amusements.

So what stops should the budget-conscious family consider for its Northwest Florida vacation itinerary? Check out some of these:

Navarre Beach. Cost: Free entrance, free parking. (The former 50-cent toll-booths at the beach entrance off of Highway 98 have been removed.) Plus, the miles-long beach has recently been replenished with native white sand (to replace sands washed away by the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005).

Eco-Beach. Cost: $10 will rent you a beach cruiser bicycle for the whole day, and there are miles and miles of smooth bike trail along the main beach road. Eco-Beach, which also sells beach gear, beach-wear, snacks and beverages (including beer and wine), also offers 24-hour fishing pole rentals for $10.

Cocodrie's. Cost: $1.50 and up. This friendly, New Orleans-style restaurant on Navarre Beach serves cocktails, appetizers and full meals at a variety of prices. A side of rice or sourdough bread will set you back only $1.50 (minus tip), but the best deal is the soup and salad. For $8.95, you get your choice of a bowl of soup (a BIG bowl) and a house or Caesar salad. Go for the shrimp and artichoke soup: it's creamy, filling and to-die-for ... well worth the price.