The sun is bright in the Sunshine State! Miami is best known for spring break and its party scene, but did you know it has a host of family-friendly activities, too? The city is home to several attractions that draw in people of all ages. The cultural diversity of the city also ensures that there’s always something interesting to learn. Both out-of-towners and locals are bound to discover something new every day in this smashing city. Join us as we take you through a list of family-friendly things to do in Miami!
Find a Family-Friendly Adventure
When adventure calls, grab a copy of Adventures From Scratch: Family Edition and find your next family experience. This interactive book has 50+ scratch-off adventures that the entire family will love. The scratch-off challenges are divided into categories like “Explore,” “Get Silly,” and “Discover,” and you’ll uncover something new on every page.
21 Family-Friendly Things To Do In Miami
1. Miami Children’s Museum
If you had to pick only one destination to take your family to in Miami, it has to be the Miami Children’s Museum. This place has it all—sprawling over 56,000 square feet, this interactive children’s museum has moving exhibits, a music studio, and a variety of immersive shows.
Located on Watson Island, this treasure trove is a riot of colors, lights, and shapes. The brightly colored exhibits include a mini cruise ship, a tank with Florida’s aquatic life, an interactive piggy bank, a kids’ gym, and many more. Your kids will have the time of their lives here, and the blissful nap right after will be worth it!
2. Bayfront Park
Located in Downtown Miami, Bayfront Park is a great space to spend some budget-friendly quality time with the family. You’ll be treated to stunning views of the city’s skyline as you take in the sunset. Turn around to watch the sun shimmer across Biscayne Bay, all the way to South Beach.
Since the entire area has waterfronts, you’ll be able to take relaxing strolls and enjoy the vibrancy and life of the city. Several playgrounds dot the area inside the park, so your children will have plenty of space to run around.
While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the murals on the wall!
3. Miami Seaquarium
Virginia Key’s claim to fame is the Miami Seaquarium, your one-stop destination for all things ocean. Spread across 38 acres, you’ll find hundreds of animals in this aquatic entertainment center. From dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, killer whales, and seals, there are a host of exotic animals you can take a peek at.
Gaze at sea turtles, manatees, and flamingos. The dolphin shows will have you ooh-ing and aah-ing, while the adorable turtles will have your little ones in splits. There’s also an underwater coral walkthrough, where you can wear a helmet and walk around a tropical reef. Talk about sea-zing the day!
4. Bayside Marketplace
You can’t come to Miami and miss Bayside Marketplace. This shopping center located on Biscayne Bay is one of the most popular areas in the city. With more than 150 stores, souvenir shopping will be a breeze here. You can also stock up on tropical clothing for the whole family and toys for the kids.
If you’re looking for something low-key, the Bayside Marketplace is the place to be. You can try plenty of outdoor family activities there. There are several speedboat and cruise tours available at the docks, so take your pick and go a-sailin’!
5. Everglades National Park
What’s Florida without some gators? At Everglades National Park, you’ll come face-to-face with some gators, manatees, crocs, and some stunning birds. The landscape of the wetlands has to be seen to believed. We recommend taking an airboat ride over the waters to make the most of it.
You can teach your kids all about the sawgrass mangroves and keep an eye out for some gators and birds. Meanwhile, you’re likely to find some turtles lounging by the riverbanks. Drop by the Anhinga Trail to spot some birds and head over to Shark Valley to get a panoramic view of the park.
6. Jungle Island
Located on Watson Island between downtown Miami and Miami Beach, Jungle Island is an interactive zoo like no other. Here, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with plenty of exotic tropical animals. Wave hello at lemurs, orangutans, kangaroos, and sloths as you take in the beauty of the stark green grass and the trees. With other 600 rescued animals from around the world, this park gives you a glimpse at the wild side.
Meanwhile, head over to the petting zoo for some TLC with baby goats and puppies. There are rock climbing walls, playgrounds, and even some escape rooms. If you’re in the mood for some adrenaline, you’ll love the 600-feet high skydiving simulator that takes you through a wind tunnel. James Bond who?
7. Perez Art Museum Miami
This art museum is sure to be a hit for the entire family because it has special kid-friendly zones where the tiny tots can draw and paint to their heart’s content. Located on Biscayne Boulevard, this new-age art museum also offers free entry for families on the second Saturday of every month. Art workshops, storytime, and other interactive sessions are held regularly to help kids get in touch with their artsy side.
This contemporary museum is home to stunning light and sound exhibits that will grab the entire family’s attention. Not only does it redefine art, but it shows you that art is everywhere. After you stroll through the outdoor sculpture garden, stop by the in-house restaurant to enjoy some snacks overlooking the bay.
8. Monkey Jungle
If your kids feel up for some monkey business, there’s no better place to be than Monkey Jungle. At this 30-acre park, you’ll find primates of all kinds. Take a look at humankind’s closest ancestors and learn all about evolution among orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees. Additionally, you’ll watch howler monkeys, capuchins, and squirrel monkeys playing in their enclosures and snacking on bananas. This makes it one of the most popular family-friendly things to do in Miami.
Since the preserve has more than 300 animals, you’re sure to come across some fascinating animals. The Wild Monkey Swimming pool is our favorite part. Here, the whole family can giggle at monkeys diving, splashing around, and enjoying a poolside soak in the sun. You can also safely feed the monkeys some sweet treats through the screen.
9. Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls is one of the most stunning art galleries in the heart of Miami. This space spans an impressive 80,000 square feet and is home to breath-taking murals. The murals which take 16 countries of the world as inspiration are all drawn by famous artists around the world. If you feel up for some epic Instagram shots, Wynwood Walls is the place to be.
The natural lighting and the vibrant walls make the best photo ops. After you’re done taking in the outdoor art installations, don’t forget to check out Morelia Gourmet Paletas. This family-owned restaurant serves authentic Mexican ice pops that will liven you up in the middle of summer!
10. Flamingo Park
Now, while you won’t find flamingos in Flamingo Park, this outdoor facility has a lot more to offer. Located on Meridian Avenue, Flamingo Park is South Beach’s most famous hangout spot. This 35-acre park has something for every family member. In case you’re looking for some space to relax and take in the gorgeous views around, enjoy a picnic on the lawns. If you want to run and spend some energy, there’s a track and football field too.
This Park is also pet-friendly, so don’t hesitate to bring your pooch along. The huge playground has a jungle gym that your little monkeys will love. Toddlers can giggle on the choo-choo train while tweens have plenty of trees to climb. This charming neighborhood park has it all!
11. Venetian Pool
Prepare to gape at pretty much the most spectacular pool in all of Miami. Built out of a coral rock quarry, the Venetian Pool is surrounded by stunning Italian architecture that will transport you to Rome in the golden ages. This huge spring pool has hidden grottos, waterfalls, and other sculptures that your children will love exploring.
With tropical palms and coconut trees lining the sides, the Venetian Pool is a must-visit mini water park if you’re up for a vacation-themed pool party. The pool is open to the public every day, but we recommend going there during a weekday to escape the crowd.
Keep in mind that children under 3 are not allowed inside the water.
12. HistoryMiami
What makes Miami, Miami? How did the city’s vibrant history shape how it is today? If you’re curious about these questions, HistoryMiami has all the answers. This Smithsonian affiliate museum is home to some of the most important artifacts from the city’s past. Nothing is boring about this history museum either. There are plenty of interactive exhibits, movie night, storytime, and special tours organized for children and families.
This museum has exhibits on some of the most iconic monuments of Florida. We especially love ‘Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida,’ an exhibit that shows you the lesser-known side of the Sunshine State.
13. Cape Florida Lighthouse
The oldest structure in Miami-Dade, this lighthouse was once a beacon of light along the coast. The structure is almost two hundred years old and stands proud amidst the rocks and the waves.
This lighthouse is also a symbol of Miami’s history, as it has survived numerous battles, attacks, explosions, and disasters. The lighthouse was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. Here, you’ll be able to climb to the top and get panoramic views of Miami Beach, the Atlantic Ocean, and Cape Florida. If you’re lucky, you might spot some dolphins too.
14. Safari Edventure
When you have kids, you might want to use every outdoor activity and experience to teach them something. If you’re on the lookout for something that educates and entertains your kids all at once, the best place to be is Safari Edventure. This adventure park has more than a hundred species of rescued and rehabilitated animals, from wolves and tigers to kangaroos and sloths. You’ll be able to observe the animals in recreations of their natural habitat.
Additionally, you’ll have a wonderful time petting and feeding some of them too. The guides at the park will teach you all about these animals, so your children will have an interactive science lesson. Now that’s what we call an edventure!
15. Lee and Tina Hills Playground at Bayfront Park
In case you want to explore Downtown and find a place for your kids to expend your energy, this part is a must-visit. The park is ocean-themed, which means that there are some adorable sea-creature-themed toys and playthings. You can take your toddler around in a stroller area while the older kids have a riot playing on the slides, bouncers, and see-saws.
In addition, there’s a stunning art installation—a wave wall with figures of sea creatures etched all over. Set your phone up against a stone on the other side so you can get a family self-portrait against one of Miami’s famous walls!
16. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Miami loves science so much that there’s a Museum Park full of the best museums in the city. Out of the ones at Museum Park, our favorite is the Frost Museum of Science. Built overlooking Biscayne Bay, this museum will make you fall in love with science all over again. Sprawling over an impressive 250,000 square feet, this museum is home not only to a huge aquarium but a planetarium too!
The museum is spread across four buildings with multiple interactive exhibits. For instance, you can watch Leonardo da Vinci’s experimental machines come to life in the ancient tech division. Then, your kids can try their hand at invention at a DIY engineering lab.
If you’re going here, make sure to set aside some time to check out the rooftop terrace where you can learn about urban farming and other sustainable methods. If you make it here at night, you can enjoy some stargazing at the rooftop terrace. Meanwhile, the aquarium houses hammerhead sharks, rays, and other tropical fish. The planetarium boasts 8K video technology that will sweep across multiple galaxies.
17. FunDimension
You can’t go wrong when there’s fun in the name!
FunDimension is a hybrid recreational space with both indoor and outdoor activities. From trampolines, outdoor mural exhibits, and playgrounds to a sprawling indoor 7D theater, there’s something to keep the whole family entertained come rain or shine. The 15,000 square feet entertainment complex is also home to an indoor laser tag arena and an illuminated bumper car zone so you can challenge the family to a game. Whoever wins this game bags some serious bragging rights!
18. Matheson Hammock Park
This gorgeous park by the ocean is different when compared to the others because it has a man-made atoll pool. This pool naturally fills with water and is flushed with the tidal action of Biscayne Bay. This gives the park a distinct, breezy look. The beach does not have high tides, which means that you can safely explore the area with children. The entire family can go swimming in the tranquil waters and enjoy the gorgeous views.
Meanwhile, go kiteboarding or kayaking in the waters if you’re up for some adventure, or hold sandcastle-building contests with the little ones. The circular beach is the perfect spot to take in the calm ocean breeze and enjoy some seafood among coconut groves. The nearby trail is ideal for novice hikers.
19. Miccosukee Indian Village
Get a sneak-peek into the fascinating lives of the Miccosukee Tribe in this heritage village. You’ll walk around native houses built with traditional materials and stroll through replicas of Indian villages. You can also opt for a guided tour if you’d like more info about the lifestyle of the Indians.
Not only can you view demonstrations, exhibits, and artifacts that reflect the tribe’s ancient customs and traditions, but you can also take part in entertainment shows. The one that caught our eye was the alligator wrestling contest, where men wrestle huge gators. This show is world-famous; you’ll learn about the complex relationship between man and the wild amid nature!
20. Zoo Miami
No trip to Miami is complete without visiting the Zoo. It is one of the most family-friendly things to do in Miami, as you can’t go wrong with a zoo. The special thing about Zoo Miami is that it is the only subtropical zoo in the country. Located in South Miami heights, you’ll be able to spot animals like hippos, gorillas, vipers, Komodo dragons, giraffes, tree kangaroos, and other exotic animals.
The zoo is home to thousands of animals from Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. The kids can also feed and pet animals at the animal encounters zone. Also, get a birds’ eye view of the facility from atop a monorail ride between the trees. There’s a carousel that your toddlers and preschoolers will love!
21. Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Step into the world’s largest holiday theme park and prepare for some Christmas joy in the middle of the tropics!
Santa’s Enchanted Forest offers more than a hundred rides in addition to magic shows, acrobatics, games, and carnival performances. You’ll be able to snack on winter staples like gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate as you stroll around the holiday-themed carnival and adjoining eateries.
Take a walking tour to explore the premises. Sing along at Christmas karaoke and take photos in front of South Florida’s tallest Christmas tree. Get into the Christmas spirit with some gifting ideas, too. Then, pose next to Santa Clause, go on a roller coaster ride to the North Pole, and find out if you’ve been naughty or nice!
Closing Thoughts
Miami is full of things to do with the entire family. The best part is that you can take along an interactive book like Adventures From Scratch: Family Edition to keep the fun going. With this book, you can turn every minute of your family vacation into something unforgettable. The kiddos will love the activities too. You can customize Check out the highlights of the book to see for yourself.
Which of these amazing family-friendly things to do in Miami are you most excited about? Shout them out in the comments section!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Miami, Jungle Island and Monkey Jungle will bring your crew even closer to nature, while Safari Edventure is a great spot to learn about animals.
When you need kid-friendly things to do in Miami, the Frost Museum of Science has cool exhibits and a planetarium the whole family will love. Then, you can head to Spun Candy for some sweet treats!
Check out Bayfront Park, Matheson Hammock Park, or Flamingo Park. Bring along an interactive book like Adventures From Scratch: Family Edition for some fun on the go!