Sometimes the best way to see a city is to imagine yourself living there like a local! Although Miami is known for its glitz, glamour, and flashy nightlife, you might be surprised to learn that it is actually a family-friendly city with plenty of activities for the kids.
With great weather throughout most of the year, there’s never really a bad time to visit Miami and enjoy all of the outdoor activities that the locals love. If the forecast calls for rain, don’t let it slow you down! There are also plenty of indoor options to keep the little ones happy and entertained.
Explore the best of Miami at these spots that your kids are sure to love!
Everglades Safari Park
Miami locals are very familiar with the alligator population and definitely know to keep their distance from the sharp-toothed reptiles. However, kids and adults alike have an opportunity to see them up close and personal at the Everglades Safari Park. Don’t worry…you’ll maintain a safe distance from the reptiles!
Hop aboard a guided airboat tour where you will get a front-row view of the lush vegetation of the everglades and learn all about the exotic wildlife that inhabits it. The tour also includes an alligator wildlife show, as well as a jungle walking trail with observation platforms and alligator exhibits. Lastly don’t leave without giving your brave little ones a chance to hold the world-famous baby alligator, Snappy! It’s a priceless photo op!
Cost: Adults $28, Kids 5-11 $15, Kids 4 and under Free
Venetian Pool
The Venetian Pool is located just a few miles outside of Miami and is definitely worth the short drive. Heralded as one of the most beautiful swimming pools in the US, this 820,000-gallon aquatic oasis is not to be missed! This historic former coral rock quarry built in the 1920s and once an exotic swimming destination for movie stars, is now open to the public and still holds all of its previous wow factor.
In a beautiful setting with tropical foliage and cascading waterfalls, locals aren’t the only ones arriving at this destination in droves. Bigger tots (over three years of age) will love swimming around in the cave-like grottos, under the waterfalls, and the signature bridge. You can also play the day away at the sandy “beach” area.
Cost: $20 per person (children under three years of age not permitted)
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach
Children must be at least 42″ tall to climb the lighthouse stairs to see the gorgeous views at the top of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach. Infants may be carried in a baby carrier, as long as the adult’s hands are free to use the handrails. If you prefer to pack light, consider renting a carrier from a local BabyQuip provider so that the whole family can enjoy this scenic adventure!
This relaxing beach is perfect for families. It’s definitely not overrun with the party-going crowd that frequents the more popular and rowdy South Beaches. With bicycle and quad rentals, plenty of white sandy beach areas to enjoy a picnic, a playground, as well as guided tours of the historic lighthouse, this is a full day of fun for the whole family.
Cost: Admission Free – Parking $8 per vehicle, Bike rentals $9/hr. Quad bike rentals range from $20 to $30 per hour depending on size/capacity
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Marlins Park
Live like a Miami local and check out their hometown baseball team at Marlins Park. Kids will get a kick out of the fireworks display that closes out the Friday night games. Or better yet, plan to attend a Sunday home game where little ones are invited to do a Diamond Dash around the bases. At the end of the game, you can enjoy watching your little athletes smile and shine!
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
In the spirit of enjoying the great outdoors, you would be hard-pressed to find a more scenic destination than the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. With plenty of interactive nature-oriented activities, your little ones will be fully engaged in this 83-acre preserve.
Check out the Wings of the Tropics exhibit where hundreds of butterflies flutter above enchanting your little ones with their beauty! Through interactive educational activities, they will learn all about exotic butterflies from all around the world. Don’t miss the Vollmer Metamorphosis Lab where you can see butterflies and moths transforming right before your eyes. There is also a family-friendly tram tour where guides highlight all of the various types of wildlife and points of interest throughout the gardens.
Cost: Adults: $25, Kids 6-17 $12, Kids 5 and under Free
Miami Children’s Museum
If you happen to catch a rainy Miami day, no need to worry. You’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of indoor museums to keep your little ones busy. The standout one that is sure to be a hit with the kiddos is the Miami Children’s Museum.
The locals love the interactive activities such as cranes and bulldozers in the Construction Zone. Kids can also happily explore the marine life in the Ocean Odyssey Exhibit. Get some energy out by pushing carts around and pretending to shop at the kid-sized Publix Supermarket replica. These exhibits are only a mere fraction of what this children’s mecca has to offer. Make a full day, or even two, out of this indoor experiential wonderland.
Cost: General Admission $20, kids under 1 year Free
Are you a Miami native? Comment below and let us know some of your favorite ways to live like a local with little ones!
Jennifer O’Neill is an Independent Quality Provider with BabyQuip, helping families travel lighter and happier. She is a mother of two boys and enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends and of course, traveling.
Love taking my Baby to Miami. It’s such a good place for people watching and I think my baby enjoys it too LOL!
I’m planning Miami as our next family vacation. I’ll try out some of these places.
I cant’ wait to go to the beaches in Miami. My kids love the sand!