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.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
When I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
Helpful, unique and bif it works, Great.
2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
I really like your post!
This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
What a timely bit now! Thank you so much for this good
post. I saw your publications previously, however this one I believe
the very best. How did you find numerous facts?
I enjoy the way that you organize everything, as it is actually simple to read.
In general, I can recommend this guide to everybody who’s
interested in that topic.
As North America’s fastest multi-launch coaster, it’s expected to draw in adrenaline enthusiasts, including those from the group Busch Gardens Williamsburg Fans, which has been updating their Twitter and website with information on the ride.
Good day! I simply want to give you a huge thumbs
up for the great info you have right here on this post.
I’ll be coming back to your blog for more
soon.
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article. Thank you for providing these details.
Can you tell us more about this? I’d care to find out more
details.
Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m inspired!
Very helpful info particularly the last phase
🙂 I deal with such info much. I used to be looking for this certain information for a long time.
Thank you and best of luck.
The blog shared is interesting to read. Got some useful information of Chicago which will be really helpful before planning a trip to this place. Thanks for sharing this!
Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
Amazing post! We are currently linking to this article on our site.
Keep up the terrific writing.
Best regards,
Boswell Dencker
Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
You are doing a great job with https://myfamilytravels.com site.
🙂 Congrat!
Awesome post!
Thanks for sharing..
I really like your post!
this is a really good stuff
Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
Thanks for such a beautiful post, very informative and useful article
Thank you for publishing this awesome article. I’m a long time reader but I’ve
never been compelled to leave a comment. I subscribed
to your blog and shared this on my Twitter. Thanks again for a great
article!
Chicago is a famous place that has many impressive landscapes.
Most visitors like traveling there.
I am always looking online for tips that can facilitate me. Thx!
helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
Thank you so much for your beautiful article!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
Awesome Post!
Thanks for sharing..
Thanks for sharing a great post!
Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.