A nice place for a staycation

If you are taking a staycation this summer, Miami Lakes is a fun place to enjoy time off from work. The town offers lots of free or cheap activities. Here are just a few: Compete on municipal tennis and pickleball courts at Optimist Park ... Search for cow statues around town, an art project that pays tribute to Miami Lakes’ history as a dairy farm (hint: look for nine brightly painted bovines) ... Drop a line in the town’s free Summer Fishing Fun program at Optimist Park Marina. Register at TOML.Eventbrite.com to fish on Wednesday nights or Saturday mornings. Bait, safety vests and poles are provided ... Take your pooch to K-9 Cove to run off leash inside separate fenced areas for big dogs or little pups ... Bring your toddler or a book and spend a lazy August afternoon picnicking in verdant Graham Park, and visit the Farmer’s Market there on Saturdays ... Keep cool and have fun at CMX Cinemas (“Fantastic Four” anyone?) ... Get moving with the Miami Lakes Run Club, find the schedule on Instagram, @miamilakesrc ... Try three restaurants in town with dining deals during Miami Spice season (see page 8).  

--Reporting and photo of Graham Park by Linda Trischitta