Miami, Florida is no longer a haven only for grandparents, but a very kid-friendly place, rich in cultural diversity and just plain fun. Perhaps it’s the pervasive influence of the Latin culture with its multi-generational families, maybe it’s the warm climate that encourages relaxation, or the fact that most of Miami’s family attractions are built around the great outdoors, incorporating palm trees, water and open sky. Whatever the reason, Miami is a fun and affordable place for a long weekend, or even a full week.
Most of the really good, large, beachfront hotels have smart and well-designed Kids Clubs of one sort or another, and almost all can arrange for evening childcare with a day’s notice.
For our pick of the most fun things to do in and around Miami, with any age in every season, check out this comprehensive Miami attractions for kids and family guide. For general information on the Miami area, contact the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (800/933-8448; 305/539-3000).
Great Fun for the Kids
(Toddler to Age 8)
Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami, Florida 33132
305/400-7000
Home to over 2,000 exotic birds, alligators, a petting zoo, and a children’s playground, this nature park is a great choice for little ones. The staff makes low feeding stations available for some “hands-on” action and special photo opportunities. There are also wildlife shows and interactive exhibits scheduled frequently. Beautiful botanical gardens stretching over 12 acres (the gardens are wheelchair accessible) serve as a gorgeous backdrop for a half-day visit.
Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
305/361-5705
Whales and sharks and seals – oh my! Without a doubt, the main attraction here is Lolita, the resident killer whale who performs in a highly orchestrated, highly drenching (if you’re sitting near the tank) show twice daily. (Make sure to call ahead for specific times). It may not be up to the calibre of other marine parks, but the aquarium has an impressive sea lion show and shark presentation making it a fun afternoon for little ones. Many sea movies have been film here and their Swim with Dolphins Program is one of the best, done in a nurturing and educational atmosphere.
Butterfly World
3600 W. Sample Road, in Tradewinds Park
Coconut Creek, Florida 33073
954/977-4400
Butterfly World opened its doors in 1988, making it the first butterfly house in the United States. A mammoth 8,000-square-foot, screened enclosure houses thousands of butterflies in a natural rain forest environment complete with flowers, trees, a waterfall, a cave, and cooling tropical mist. Extensive outdoor gardens surrounding the enclosure round out the grounds. Young kids will no doubt love being in the midst of these beautiful creatures.
Fun for Older Children
(Up to Age 18)
Miami Science Museum
3280 South Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33129
305/646-4200
Currently a low-slung Spanish style building surrounded by palm trees and bright bougainvillea, this simple one-story affair is quite unlike any museum. With some exhibits indoors, but mostly outdoors, the museum has a full-scale learning center with free-access computers for after school programs, a state-of-the-art Planetarium, and a variety of rotating exhibits. One of two big attractions is the Wildlife Center, a rehabilitation haven for injured wildlife, specializing in Florida-native raptors. The brand new museum to be known as the Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a totally modern take on the original, set to open in 2016. The palm trees and bright bougainvillea will still be there, but the new museum will rise vertically in Museum Park near the water and the new Perez Art Museum.
The Museum Of History Miami
101 W. Flagler Street
Miami, Florida 33130
305/375-1492
Covering 10,000 years of Florida’s history, this museum holds a wide range of exhibits and features a collection of 37,000 artifacts primarily from the 20th century, sure to entertain and inform older children and adults for a few hours. In addition to their permanent collection and visiting exhibitions, the museum also runs frequent walking tours of Miami neighborhoods, a great way to get to know the city.
Wolfsonian Museum
1001 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
305/531-1001
This renovated Art Deco warehouse at the corner of 10th Street houses one of the world’s most intriguing design collections (sculpture, posters, household items, really an enormous variety) from the modern era between 1885 and 1945. The permanent collection is a design buff’s dream, and there are often temporary shows which may be of interest to your family. Since it’s a stroller-friendly place that charges no admission on Fridays from 6pm-9pm, we think it’s a worthwhile stop for every age group before dining at one of the hip South Beach cafes.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road
Coral Gables, Florida 33156
305/667-1651
Named after the world famous plant explorer Dr. David Fairchild, Fairchild Topical Botanic Garden includes 83 acres dedicated to the conservation and research of an unrivaled collection of tropical plants. With a two-acre rainforest, open-air butterfly garden, bird sanctuary, and ever-rotating selection of art exhibits, Fairchild is sure to offer an educationally and culturally stimulating afternoon of botanical beauty. Don’t miss their beautiful collection of glass works by artist Dale Chihuly, whose organic glowing shapes fit it with the lush, tropical landscaping. Open daily from 9:30-4:30, admission includes tram tours, walking tours, and shuttle service. Generous discounts are available for those who choose an eco-friendly mode of transportation to Fairchild. Watch this video tour for a first-hand look at what the garden has to offer:
Fun for the Whole Family
Miami Zoo
12400 S.W. 152 Street
1 Zoo Boulevard
Miami, Florida 33177
305/251-0400
Rated by experts as one of the best zoos in the world, this is a place where you don’t feel bad for the animals. It is totally cage-less and the preservation of natural habitats, the imaginative use of coral rock, grassy areas and shady plains creates a positive environment. Gaily colored and wrapped packages filled with fruits, food and clothing are even placed in the fields for the chimps to open on Christmas morning. Far beyond the 500 species of lions, tigers, bears, reptiles and birds, don’t miss the exotic creatures in The Amazon and Beyond. To get the most out of your visit, we suggest you take the (air-conditioned!) monorail for a good overview, attend one of the classes or shows, then see some of the scheduled keeper talks and animal feedings. Also offered are tram tours that take guests behind the scenes to see such things as the zoo hospital. Florida: Mission Everglades highlights native Florida ecosystems and educate the public about conservation and preservation of the state’s wildlife habitats. The best time to visit is morning or late afternoon when the sun gets lower.
South Beach
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
A 15-block area at the southern tip of Miami Beach, this ‘tropicool’ stretch along the Atlantic Oceanfront has a style all its own. As one of the hippest, trendiest spots on the East Coast, South Beach is a great area for people-watching. You may spot a model being photographed on the sand, a rock star out for a stroll, or an enormous cruise ship leaving the Port of Miami. This busy stretch of gold sand (and the wild roller rink in MacArthur Park) may not be the best spot for a relaxing afternoon, but it’s sure worth a visit to check out “the scene.”
Art Deco District – Welcome Center
1001 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305/672-2014
The Art Deco District of Miami is a world-renowned area that covers about one square-mile of the heart of South Beach. A whole neighborhood comprised of wild and colorful 1920s and ’30s architecture, the area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. No visit to Miami would be complete without a guided walking tour of the Art Deco District and its celebrity residents. A good place to start is the Miami Design Preservation League headquarters, where maps, guided tours, self-guided audio tours and Art Deco souvenirs are available. If you don’t have time to take a whole tour, you can learn about this design movement at the new Art Deco Museum on the premises. Since 2015 marks the centennial of Miami Beach, there are many events scheduled throughout the year. Closed Monday.
Lincoln Road Mall
Between Alton Road and Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
This fun outdoor mall is a long pedestrian zone packed with high end boutiques like skin care guru Kiehl’s, clothing shops like Anthropologie, Quiksilver, and Banana Republic, a movie theatre, and lots of street musicians and mimes. The scene is always kid-friendly, as many shops are tucked into restored, two-story Deco landmarks and the walkway itself has fountains and public art on display. On Sunday, every two weeks from October to May, the Lincoln Road Antiques & Collectibles Market has booths which take up the walkway and provide lots of vintage and Deco memorabilia and collectibles. Don’t miss the sunset and late-night people and pet watching, when Lincoln Road’s many outdoor cafes and cafe creatures really come to life. Metered parking is available in municipal lots both north and south of the mall.
Wynwood Art District
561 NW 32nd Street (location of Bakehouse Arts Complex)
Miami FL 33127
Since graffiti artists began using the long walls of warehouses and abandoned factories as their canvas more than a decade ago, Miami’s Wynwood Art District has become a fast-gentrifying area of restaurants, public art works, and high design shops. With more than 70 galleries, a few small museums and workshop collections in a rambling neighborhood that is bounded by North 36th Street, I-95 on the west and N.E. First Avenue on the east, it’s a must-see for visitors interested in the new. Start at the Wynwood Kitchen & Bar (2550 N.W. 2nd Avenue) with its famous interior murals and art garden, then stroll from there, or do a driving tour before you decide which area you want to walk in. Frequent weekend events, green markets and street fairs.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 S. Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33129
305/250-9133
Built in 1916 by the Chicago industrialist James Deering, this 34-room Italian Renaissance-style villa is loaded with period furniture, textiles, sculptures, and paintings from the 15th century on. Highlights inside the house include a rug that Christopher Columbus walked on and a restored historic village. Outside the house, 10 acres of manicured gardens and ornate fountains overlooking Biscayne Bay are really quite impressive and fun to stroll. Check their website for many seasonal festivals and performances on the grounds.
Venetian Pool
2701 de Soto Boulevard
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
305/460-5306
The only pool on the National Register of Historic Places, this 820,000-gallon pool was formed from a rock quarry in 1923. With two waterfalls, coral caves, grottos and stone bridges, the Venetian Pool, which is fed with cool spring water, sees nearly 100,000 visitors every year. Open seven days a week during the summer season (limited days during off season), the pool also offers courses in children’s swimming, adult swimming, and water safety. Coolers are not permitted on the premises, but the Venetian Poolside Cafe has a variety of family-friendly menu options. It is fun for the whole family; the only catch is that for safety reasons, children under the age of 3 are not granted entrance.
Bayside Marketplace
401 Biscayne Blvd., R106
Miami, Florida 33132
305/577-3344
This marketplace consists of 16 beautiful waterfront acres along Biscayne Bay, with many shops, restaurants and a large marina. Street performers and musicians frequent the area, and the harbor view makes for a great shopping/eating atmosphere characteristic to many popular waterfront markets. Allow a few extra hours to join a coastal cruise such as the Biscayne Lady past the lovely villas of many film and music celebrities whose estates line the Intracoastal Waterway — a touristy treat.
Everglades National Park
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, Florida 33034
305/242-7700
An ideal daytrip from the Miami area, Everglades National Park is home to the largest remaining sub-tropical wilderness in the continental United States. Found within the winding fresh and saltwater streams and everglade prairies are crocodiles, alligators, armadillos, and a number of endangered bird species. Get the most out of your visit by joining up with a ranger-led hike or discussion.
Savings During Miami Attractions Month
If you’re visiting Miami during the month of October you’re in luck! The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau hosts Miami Attractions Month, offering printable coupons for discounted admission to many of these attractions. Check their site for other seasonal savings.
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On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.