Free & Low-Cost Summer Fun in Pace & Milton: 2026 Ultimate Guide
- Mallory Hamilton
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Summer is here, and there’s no shortage of family-friendly fun around Pace, Milton, and the surrounding areas. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, educational programs, community events, or budget-friendly entertainment, Santa Rosa County has something for everyone.
We've rounded up some of our favorite free and low-cost activities to help you make the most of summer without breaking the bank.
🛝 Parks & Splash Pads
Benny Russell Park & Splash Pad (Pace)
A local favorite featuring a playground, walking paths, shaded seating, and a splash pad perfect for hot summer days.
Carpenter's Park (Milton)
Enjoy a playground, splash pad, picnic areas, and plenty of room for kids to run and play.
Milton Riverwalk
Take a stroll along the Blackwater River, enjoy a picnic, and explore downtown Milton.
🚶♀️ Trails & Nature Walks
Blackwater Heritage State Trail
A paved trail perfect for biking, walking, jogging, scooters, and strollers.
Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park
Explore peaceful walking trails, wildlife, and unique native plants.
Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site
Enjoy a boardwalk through wetlands and a free museum showcasing local history.
📚 Free Summer Library Programs
Santa Rosa County Library System
The 2026 Summer Reading Program theme is "Unearth a Story."
Both the Milton and Pace Libraries are offering free summer activities throughout June and July, including:
K–5 Family Programs
Preschool Story Time
STEAM Day
Inklings Teen Book Club
Summer Reading Challenges
These programs provide fun opportunities for children and teens to learn, create, explore, and stay engaged throughout the summer.
🎥 Free Summer Movies
Ridge Cinema 8 (Pace)
Looking for an indoor activity to escape the Florida heat?
Ridge Cinema 8 is offering free summer movies for kids throughout June, July, and August.
Featured movies include:
Shrek 2
Sonic the Hedgehog
The Wild Robot
Garfield
Kung Fu Panda 4
Dog Man
Trolls
And many more!
Doors open at 9:30 AM and movies begin at 10:00 AM.
Movies in the Park
Bring lawn chairs and blankets for free outdoor movie nights at Benny Russell Park.
🎳 Budget-Friendly Indoor Fun
Oops Alley (Pace)
Summer specials include:
Bowling for $5 per game
A great option for rainy days or hot afternoons.
🛍 Farmers Markets
Market of Pace
Saturdays | 9 AM–12 PM
The Market at Milton – Jernigan's Landing
Thursdays | 5 PM–8 PM
Shop local produce, baked goods, plants, handmade goods, and more while supporting local businesses.
🦋 Special Summer Events
Pollination Celebration
📍 Panhandle Butterfly House & Nature Center
June 20 | 10 AM–2 PM
Learn about butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other important pollinators through educational exhibits, family activities, and community vendors.
🍇 U-Pick Farms
Blue Basket Farms
Fresh blueberries, flowers, and seasonal produce.
Richie's Blueberries
A local favorite for fresh U-pick blueberries during the summer season.
The Florida Peach Farm
Worth the short drive for a unique U-pick peach experience and beautiful summer photo opportunities.
Whether you're picking blueberries or peaches, U-pick farms are a fun way to spend a summer morning while supporting local agriculture.
🚂 Free Museums & Historic Attractions
West Florida Railroad Museum
📍 5003 Henry Street, Milton
Admission is free, and families can explore:
Historic train cars
Railroad memorabilia
Model train displays
Children's train rides
Local railroad history
Open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM–3 PM.
🚣 Bonus: Local Low-Cost Adventure
Bob's Canoe Rentals
Spend a day tubing, kayaking, or canoeing on the beautiful Blackwater River.
✅ Tips for Summer Adventures
Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water.
Arrive early for popular events and splash pads.
Pack bug spray for outdoor activities.
Bring lawn chairs or blankets for outdoor events.
Follow event pages for weather updates.
Check U-pick farm pages before visiting.
Keep a change of clothes in the car for splash pads and water activities.
Whether you're splashing at the park, exploring a museum, picking fresh fruit, enjoying a free movie, or watching fireworks over the river, there are plenty of ways to make the most of summer in Santa Rosa County.
From all of us at Manning's Feed and Seed, we hope you have a safe, fun, and memorable summer!
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