Unleash Endless Family Fun: 10 Spectacular Things to Do in Miami with Kids for Unforgettable Memories!
Miami is a bustling city with notoriously packed beaches and its own NFL team. Needless to say, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Miami, but are there things for kids to enjoy? Absolutely!
Part of what makes Miami a great place to visit is its large array of activities for all ages. Today, we’ve narrowed down a nearly-endless list to ten things we think your family will have a blast with when you’re in the area. We’ve tried to provide a balance of indoor and outdoor activities, as well as some budget-friendly attractions.
Things to do in Miami that the Kiddos will Love!
While this list is far from exhaustive, we wanted to show you some of our favorite pastimes and give you a good overview of the gems you can find nestled away in, or just outside of, the city. From natural wonders to museums and art, we’re pleased to report there are so many things to do in Miami with kids!
Now, in no particular order… let the fun begin!
1. Zoo Miami
One of the best things to do in Miami – or any city – is to go to the zoo, and Zoo Miami is particularly special!
Home to over 2,500 animals, you’ll find yourself traversing habitats from across the world along the four miles of walking trails. Meet lions in Africa, or head to Australia to chillax with the koalas! You can even admire a green basilisk – a super cool lizard that can run on water, earning it the nickname “The Jesus Christ Lizard.” (It’s just a bit different than the basilisk found in Harry Potter, LOL!)
For an extra fee, you can book special animal encounters where you can help feed a pygmy hippo, feed a rhino, or even pet a Galapagos tortoise (my personal favorite). There are also 45-minute narrated tram tours through the zoo, which are great for hot days!
For animal lovers, big and small, Zoo Miami has all the makings of a fantastic day!
2. Miami Children’s Museum
When looking for things to do in Miami with kids, you won’t find anything better geared toward your little ones than the Miami Children’s Museum!
A great choice for hot or inclement weather days, this museum is full of indoor fun the kiddos will love. There are over a dozen unique exhibits, each one with interactive elements that help younger children learn while they play. Learning should be fun, and the Miami Children’s Museum makes that a reality as it encourages young visitors to engage with the world around them.
Test your building skills in the Construction Zone or get creative and come up with a brand new song in the Music Makers Studio! Take on the important role of a veterinarian at Pet Central or relax on the Cruise Ship and learn about life at sea. One of the most notable exhibits is South Florida and Me, which provides children the chance to connect with nature from the Sunshine State.
In addition to the many indoor exhibits, there are also four outdoor areas that include classic playground equipment for some good old-fashioned romping.
3. Wynwood Walls
One of the most unique art museums on the block, Wynwood Walls is one the best budget-friendly things to do in Miami! Children can enter this outdoor art exhibit for free, while adults are $12 each.
A celebration of street art, you’ll see dozens of unique murals painted by amazing artists from around the world in this outdoor art museum. A fun way to indulge your creative side, and that of your kiddos, Wynwood Walls is a great opening for discussing art and capturing some great family photos!
Additionally, the Wynwood neighborhood has several yummy restaurants nearby, so you can indulge in some culinary artwork as well! (You’ll also find an outstanding entertainment center called FunDimension, which we’ll discuss in a bit!)
4. Everglades Alligator Farm
For animal fans and adventurers alike, the Everglades Alligator Farm is sure to be the highlight of things to do in Miami!
With daily alligator shows and feedings, there’s always something exciting happening on the farm. One of the coolest parts of the alligator show – aside from the expert handlers demonstrating how to capture a gator (do not try that at home!) – is getting to hold a baby gator. That’s right, at the end of the show, you’ll get to participate in the cutest photo-op on the farm!
In addition to touring the alligator farm, you can also book an added airboat ride. Lasting about 20 to 25 minutes, you’ll get to glide through the swamplands in search of wild gators, turtles, fish, and birds! (While sightings are not guaranteed, many people do end up spotting wild gators.) Between the speed and the wildlife, the airboat tour is truly exhilarating!
Kid Approved!
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5. Venetian Pool
We love Florida, but it gets hot. That’s why, when looking for things to do in Miami with kids, it’s imperative to include a way to cool down. Thankfully, the Venetian Pool has us covered!
Unlike your typical water park, this Italian-style retreat is fed by an underground aquifer with fresh spring water every single day. It’s been enchanting guests of all ages since 1923 and remains a favorite pool for visiting families today. With cave-like grottos and two waterfalls, this gorgeous pool has something to offer swimmers of all ages and expertise!
6. Phillip and Patrica Frost Museum of Science
Explore the vast frontiers of scientific discovery – from the ocean to the human mind – at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science!
Dive into the three-level aquarium, viewing the local ecosystems of Florida like never before! Touch a stingray on the top deck before heading down below to watch sharks and tuna swim above your head. If unveiling the mysteries of the deep wasn’t enough, then try heading into space in the museum’s planetarium! This expansive state-of-the-art theater has a tilted screen that wraps around the audience, giving viewers a nearly-360-degree experience of outer space.
Other exhibits include The Power of Science, which explores the biggest advances in varying fields, like marine studies and human health. You also won’t want to miss Feathers to the Stars, which examines the history of flight – starting with feathered dinosaurs! There’s even a gallery in the museum dedicated to woolly mammoths. Natural history comes to life in a vibrant way at this science museum!
There are also touring exhibits that occasionally rotate through the museum. As of writing, Mummies of the World is on display, providing a poignant look at human history (and even ancient animals!).
Enjoying a day at the science museum is one of the coolest things to do in Miami with kids, and with the rotating exhibitions, it’s something you can do multiple times, too!
7. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
When looking for things to do in Miami, heading to the beach seems like an obvious choice. After all, there’s nothing better than a beach day! However, Miami’s beaches are notoriously crowded, so if you’re looking for something a little less busy, we recommend heading to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park!
Just a few minutes from Miami, this gorgeous state park has so much to offer! While it gets super busy on weekends, there is a capacity limit, which keeps the crowd in check. (That being said, it’s probably a good idea to arrive early and visit on a weekday if possible!)
Often ranked as one of the top beaches in the nation, you can spend time relaxing on the sand or cooling off in the turquoise waters. Thanks to an offshore reef, the waves here are gentle, which is great for the kiddos! There’s also a playground and picnic pavilions, a cafe, and historic tours of the Cape Florida Lighthouse and keeper’s cottage, as well as numerous hiking trails to explore. In other words, it’s everything you need for a full day of outdoor fun! Just don’t forget the sunscreen!
8. Puttshack
For fans of fun and games, Puttshack delivers an incredibly unique mini-golf experience. Housed indoors, three nine-hole courses are waiting to be conquered! Bright and surprisingly high-tech, there are also burgers and pizza on the premises. As the mini golf courses can be a bit challenging, the recommended age range is seven and up, and after 8:00 p.m., Puttshack hosts a 21+-only crowd. However, during the day, Puttshack is a great – if not uniquely Floridian – a place to play for the young and young at heart!
9. FunDimension
One of the best things to do in Miami that both kids and parents will love is taking a day trip to FunDimension. The ultimate entertainment center in Miami, FunDimension is more than an arcade (although it does have great arcade games!) – it’s a space designed specifically for kids and parents to enjoy!
Kiddos will love the crazy selection of activities: laser tag, bumper cars, VR, a dance revolution machine, an indoor playground, rock climbing, and, of course, arcade games with prize redemptions! You can hang with the kids or chillax with friends while the little ones do their own thing. There are comfortable areas for adults to kick back and chat over a cup of coffee and dine on delicious food from the in-house restaurant.
FunDimension is conveniently located in the Wynwood neighborhood (of Wynwood Walls fame) and does not require – or even take – reservations. Just walk in and let the fun begin!
Thanks to FunDimension, Wynwood Walls, and several great restaurants all being in close proximity, exploring the Wynwood neighborhood can definitely make up a well-packed day if you want it to!
10. Monkey Jungle
Embark on a rainforest adventure when you visit Monkey Jungle in Miami!
Specializing in all things primate, Monkey Jungle is an 80-year-old attraction that’s still going strong. However, it’s not just the monkey magic that makes it unique when compared to other wildlife facilities. Designed with a revolutionary set-up, Monkey Jungle is a place where primates run free, and people are caged!
The primates have expansive areas where they can roam, while humans are confined to the mesh-covered pathways. This allows for safe and amazingly natural encounters. From giant gorillas to pint-sized squirrel monkeys, there are several species to observe and enjoy at Monkey Jungle!
There are so many things to do in Miami, and these are just ten of our favorites!
We hope you and your family enjoy your time in the big city! Tell us about your trip and which activities were your favorites in the comments below!
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