Miami, a vibrant metropolis often associated with its electrifying nightlife and trendy bars, possesses a surprising duality. Beyond the pulsating rhythms of its adult entertainment scene lies a captivating family-friendly destination. The allure of its sun-kissed beaches is undeniable, but the city’s appeal extends far beyond the shoreline. A diverse array of attractions, including enriching museums, whimsical castles, majestic Renaissance villas, refreshing spring-fed pools, captivating animal encounters, and scenic hiking trails, solidifies Miami as an exceptional choice for a family vacation. The sheer abundance of sights and activities may warrant consideration of the Go City Miami pass, offering potential savings of up to 50% on admission to numerous attractions. Embark on an unforgettable journey with our comprehensive guide to maximizing your family’s experience in this dynamic city.
- Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Oleta River State Park
Escape the urban frenzy and immerse yourselves in the tranquility of Oleta River State Park. Situated approximately 30 minutes from downtown Miami, near North Miami Beach, this natural haven beckons with over 10 miles of exhilarating mountain bike trails, four miles of beginner-friendly paths, and three miles of smoothly paved trails, making it an ideal destination for a family bike ride. Remember that Florida law mandates helmet use for cyclists aged 16 and under.
Beyond cycling, Oleta River State Park offers a plethora of outdoor activities to suit every interest. Engage in camping adventures, cast your lines for a relaxing fishing experience, glide along the waterways in canoes or kayaks, test your balance with stand-up paddleboarding, explore the underwater world with snorkeling, take refreshing swims, embark on scenic walks or runs, enjoy the thrill of rollerblading, or simply unwind with a delightful picnic. The park also serves as a prime location for observing the region’s diverse wildlife, including majestic great blue herons, vibrant roseate spoonbills, playful dolphins, and gentle manatees. Oleta River State Park promises an immersive encounter with nature, providing an unforgettable experience for the entire family.
- Go On an Airboat Adventure in the Everglades
Embark on an unforgettable airboat adventure through the mesmerizing Everglades with Miccosukee Airboats. While certain sections of the Miccosukee Indian Village—which features intriguing exhibits, cultural artifacts, traditional Indigenous cuisine, and captivating alligator demonstrations—may be temporarily closed, the allure of the airboat tours remains undiminished.
Located approximately an hour from downtown Miami, these budget-friendly airboat excursions provide a unique glimpse into the lives of American Indians in South Florida. Glide across the "River of Grass" and witness the breathtaking beauty of this natural wonder. Enhance your experience by visiting the nearby Miccosukee Indian Gift Shop, where you can acquire authentic art, handcrafted goods, exquisite jewelry, and other souvenirs created by local Indigenous artisans.
- See the Florida Marlins Play Baseball
For an exciting day filled with family fun, attend a Marlins baseball game at loanDepot Park. Cheer on the Florida Marlins as they compete against teams from across the nation. Enjoy classic ballpark treats like peanuts and cracker jacks, and introduce your children to the thrill of professional baseball.
If time is limited or attention spans are short, consider opting for a ballpark tour. Available on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m., these tours offer a comprehensive overview of the stadium’s features and history, providing an engaging experience for all ages.
- Head to the Nearest Beach
Miami’s beaches offer a captivating blend of relaxation and recreation, providing endless opportunities for family enjoyment. Children can unleash their creativity by building sandcastles and splashing in the gentle tide pools at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, located just 20 minutes south of downtown Miami in Key Biscayne. Alternatively, they can delight in chasing the waves along the vibrant shores of South Beach. North Shore Open Space Park (also known as North Beach Oceanside Park), situated at the northern end of Miami Beach, is another popular family-friendly destination.
For a different ambiance, venture 45 minutes north to Hollywood Beach, renowned for its 2.5-mile pedestrian-friendly "Broadwalk" promenade. This popular spot, which opened in 1923, attracts joggers, cyclists, rollerbladers, and families seeking a leisurely stroll.
- Soak in the Culture of Little Havana
Immerse yourselves in the vibrant Latin scene of Little Havana, Miami’s cultural heart. Older children will be captivated by the colorful art, while everyone will relish the delectable Cuban cuisine. El Jardin, an open-air food court situated between 15th and 16th Avenues, provides a family-friendly setting for a delightful lunch. Budding artists will appreciate the vibrant mural adorning the exterior of Cafeteria Guardabarrenco.
Indulge in a sweet treat at Azucar Ice Cream Company, where you can savor unique flavors like orange blossom almond, guarapiña (sugarcane and pineapple), montecado (Cuban vanilla), and platano maduro (sweet plantain). Stroll along Calle Ocho (8th Street) between 17th and 12th Avenues, admiring the art galleries, enjoying casual dining, and experiencing the excitement of a local festival. If you’re visiting in March, don’t miss the annual Calle Ocho Festival.
- See the Colorful Murals in Wynwood
At The Wynwood Walls, a captivating outdoor museum spanning over 80,000 square feet, children will be inspired by the vibrant and thought-provoking murals created by renowned artists. This park-like setting offers ample space for stretching your legs and appreciating the artistic expressions.
After immersing yourselves in the murals, visit Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, where you can enjoy Latin-inspired small plates in a delightful outdoor setting.
- Commune With the Animals at Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the nation’s premier zoos. Its warm climate enables the zoo to house a diverse collection of animals from Asia, Australia, and Africa, surpassing the capabilities of other zoos in the United States. As one of the first free-range zoos in the country, Zoo Miami features cageless enclosures that allow animals to roam freely within their designated geographic territories. Animals that coexist peacefully in the wild are grouped together, replicating their natural habitats.
- Have Fun at the Miami Children’s Museum
The Miami Children’s Museum is an essential destination for families visiting South Florida. Its motto, "Play, Learn, Imagine, Create," is reflected in the museum’s interactive exhibits, which allow children to explore various aspects of the world, from supermarkets to television studios. Children can engage in art, music, banking, pet care, construction, health and wellness, and safety activities, gaining valuable knowledge and skills along the way.
- Learn About Sealife at the Miami Seaquarium
Located in the heart of the tourist area between downtown Miami and Miami Beach, the Miami Seaquarium offers a captivating glimpse into the underwater world. Witness an outdoor dolphin show and explore exhibits showcasing sea turtles, seals, penguins, sea lions, and manatees. Engage with marine life in touch tanks, participate in dolphin encounters, and stroll through a natural mangrove forest. Several dining and snack areas are available for your convenience.
- Do a Day Trip to Everglades National Park
Encompassing 1.5 million acres of swamps, sawgrass prairies, and sub-tropical jungles, Everglades National Park is a unique natural treasure. This vast expanse of wilderness is home to 14 rare and endangered species, including the American crocodile, the Florida panther, and the West Indian manatee. While much of the park remains untouched and accessible only to adventurers and researchers, visitors can explore designated areas through walking, camping, fishing, canoeing, alligator viewing, and learning about the local flora and fauna at the visitor centers.
- Explore the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is an architectural marvel located in Museum Park in downtown Miami. This museum offers an engaging learning experience for the entire family. Explore a three-level aquarium with a 31-foot-wide clear oculus, providing stunning views of sharks and other South Florida reef fish. The museum also features a 250-seat planetarium that transports visitors to outer space and beneath the ocean with immersive 3-D projections.
- Take the Miami Trolley Around Town
The Miami Trolley offers a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the city, particularly for families with young children. This free transportation service operates until 11 p.m., providing access to numerous Miami attractions. The hop-on, hop-off system allows you to customize your itinerary and explore at your own pace. The Trolley Tracker feature on the website provides real-time updates on wait times at each stop.
- Laugh in Monkey Jungle
Experience the unique and entertaining atmosphere of Monkey Jungle, where "the humans are caged and the monkeys run wild." This park in southern Miami-Dade County features carefully constructed wire pathways that allow visitors to observe various primate species as they scamper above, swing through trees, and interact with each other in ways rarely seen in captivity.
- See the Famous Coral Castle Up Close
Visit the Coral Castle Museum, an enchanting sculpture garden carved out of limestone. From 1923 to 1951, one man single-handedly created this 1,100-ton coral rock castle. Embark on a self-guided tour with audio guides or join a docent-led tour to learn about the castle’s fascinating history and construction.
- Visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
For children captivated by the opulence of fairy tales, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a waterfront Italian Renaissance-style villa, is a must-see destination. Explore the house and wander through its hedge maze labyrinth. The Discover Vizcaya audio tour offers an educational perspective on the property’s history and the native plants in the gardens. The museum also hosts monthly Family Programs, offering free admission with museum entry.
- Swim in the Venetian Pool
The Venetian Pool, located in Coral Gables, is a stunning freshwater pool created from a coral rock quarry. Fed by an underground spring, the pool features waterfalls and cave-like grottos. Built in the 1920s, the Venetian Pool was once a popular destination for movie stars.
- Learn All About Miami’s History
The HistoryMiami Museum offers exhibits showcasing 10,000 years of South Florida history. Attend family fun days with crafts, music, and storytelling on the second Saturday of each month. Explore Miami’s waterways, neighborhoods, architecture, culture, and history through coach, boat cruise, and eco-walking tours.
- Take in a Broadway Show
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway shows and children’s performances. During the summer, the theater hosts Camp Broadway Miami, a theater camp for children ages 10 to 17.
- Climb a Lighthouse
At Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, climb the stairs to the top of the 65-foot tall Cape Florida Lighthouse, the oldest standing structure in the greater Miami area.
- Play at Pinecrest Gardens
Pinecrest Gardens, formerly Parrot Jungle, is a park featuring tropical landscaping, a playground, a petting zoo, and a water playground. The gardens host concerts, farmer’s markets, and outdoor movie nights. Remember to bring swimsuits for the Splash ‘N Play zone. A visit to the Pinecrest Gardens is not to be missed.
