Miami may be well-known for its trendy nightlife scene and celebrity-worthy beaches, but beyond the glitz and glamour is a perfect family destination full of culture, exciting activities for kids and plenty of opportunities to lounge on the golden shores. We’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly activities in Miami to make sure you hit all the highlights. As an added bonus, the Brightline train allows for easy access to all these locations around the Miami area and kids ride free all summer!
1/8 Zoo Miami
Courtesy of Zoo Miami
Considered one of the top zoos in the US, this large tropical zoo is well worth the hype. The zoo holds over 2,000 animals sure to wow kids of all ages. For even more excitement, children can get close and personal with giraffe feedings on site.you can also sign up for camel rides. There are several fun kid zone areas on site with water play, so make sure to bring your suit!
2/8 Sawgrass Recreation Park
Courtesy of Visit Florida
Head to this park to ride one of Miami’s most popular airboat activities in the Everglades. You can pick which type of tour you prefer online in advance, depending if you want a private tour, regular 30-minute boat ride, or a nighttime tour for added adventure. The airboat takes you through miles of the glass water through Florida’s wildlife where you can see various types of animals including turtles, iguanas and alligators. Brave kids are even allowed to hold the baby alligators (it’s safe, we promise!). You can also purchase the South Florida adventure pass with Evergladestours.com to have access to sawgrass park, flamingo gardens, unlimited roller skating, young at Art Museum, and Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.
3/8 Wynwood Art Tour
Take the kiddos on a tour of this world-famous street art area. Art tours are offered daily for this colorful area north of Downtown Miami. You can sign up for private tours or ride in style on a fun golf cart tour around the murals. Even hard-to-please teens will love posing with the vibrant walls. Kids will also love getting a graffiti art lesson and painting on the walls themselves.
4/8 Jungle Island
Conveniently located between South beach and Downtown Miami, head here for a full day of interacting with animals at this incredible eco-adventure park that is over 20 acres. Other activities available onsite include a water park, Wind Tunnel Flight (minimum age 4), Nerf games, ziplines, and various animal interactions you can sign up for in advance, including meeting lemurs.
5/8 Philip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Courtesy of Philip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science
This massive museum packs interactive fun into every single one of its six floors. This place is designed for kids to be hands-on explorers by touching, smelling and playing with the exhibits that feature technology, wildlife, and a planetarium. Inside the planetarium visitors can use the 3-D visual system to enhance their space experience. Or, head to the aquarium to spot sharks and more marine life. Pro-tip: Book your ticket and shows online before arriving since this place gets very crowded.
6/10 Venetian Pool
Courtesy of the City of Coral Gables
Located just outside of the Miami Airport, head here on a very hot day to cool off in these iconic, spring-water filled pools. Kids will love exploring the grottos and splashing in the waterfalls. Keep in mind children must be over 3 years old to enter.
7/8 Tidal Cove Water Park
Courtesy of JW Marriott
This brand-new waterpark just opened in Aventura and is located on the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry property. Guests of the property can hang out here for free, but you can get also get a day pass for $75 during the week and $105 on weekends. While that may seem like a hefty price tag, kids are sure to have a blast on the seven different water slides, as well as floating on the lazy river and catching waves on the surf simulator. The day pass also includes access to the hotel’s restaurants, swimming pools and Âme Spa & Wellness Collective.
8/8 Flamingo Park
Be sure to add this 34-acre park to your list on a hot day in Miami! They have a kid’s interactive play pool that is beach entry. You will also find multiple sport courts, fields and shaded play-ground areas to beat the heat if you don’t stay in the aquatic center.
By Becca Ingle