Miami for Families and the Best Kid Friendly Things to Do

Miami Seaquarium is a captivating destination for families to learn about marine life while having fun. Home to an array of sea creatures, including dolphins, sea lions, and manatees, the aquarium offers exciting shows and animal encounters. Kids can get up close with marine animals through interactive experiences like feeding sea turtles or meeting dolphins. The Seaquarium’s underwater viewing areas allow families to see fish and sharks in action, while the park’s various exhibits teach children about ocean conservation. It's a perfect blend of entertainment and education.

Jungle Island is a thrilling interactive park that lets kids experience wildlife up close. Located in the heart of Miami, this tropical animal park features a wide range of exotic animals, including parrots, lemurs, and reptiles. Families can attend live animal shows, where they can learn about conservation and animal behavior. There are also opportunities for kids to interact with animals, such as feeding or holding them in supervised settings. The park offers fun activities like zip-lining and obstacle courses, making it an exciting adventure for families.

Located on Key Biscayne, this beautiful state park offers a blend of natural beauty and family-friendly activities. The park is home to the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, where families can take guided tours to learn about the area’s history and enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean from the top of the lighthouse. The park also has a pristine beach that is perfect for picnics and swimming, along with nature trails that offer the opportunity to spot wildlife such as iguanas and various bird species. Kids can explore the shoreline, collect seashells, or enjoy the playground while parents relax.

The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a peaceful, family-friendly escape in the heart of Miami Beach. The lush garden is home to a variety of native plants, water features, and walking paths, making it a great spot for families to enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by nature. The garden offers educational programs and workshops for children, where they can learn about local plants, insects, and the environment. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful landscape also make it a great place for a family picnic or to simply explore and enjoy the outdoors.

Deering Estate is a historical site and nature preserve that offers a quiet, educational escape for families. The estate features a preserved mansion, where children can explore the grounds and learn about the area’s history. The estate also has a variety of nature trails and wildlife, including birdwatching opportunities. Families can take guided tours that teach them about the estate’s history and the local ecosystem. It’s a great place to enjoy nature and history in a family-friendly setting.

The Coral Castle Museum is a fascinating and unique attraction for families interested in history and engineering. The castle was built by a single man, Edward Leedskalnin, who spent nearly 30 years constructing the monument from massive coral stones. The intricate carvings and mysterious construction techniques are sure to captivate kids and adults alike. The museum offers guided tours where families can learn about the legend of the castle and the mysterious story behind its creation. It’s a great mix of art, history, and mystery that will keep children engaged.

Biscayne National Park is a must-see for families interested in exploring Florida’s unique ecosystem. The park features stunning coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and a wide variety of marine life. Families can take boat tours or participate in snorkeling trips to explore the underwater world, where they can see colorful coral, tropical fish, and even dolphins. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching, making it an excellent destination for families who love nature and outdoor adventures.

Crandon Park is a family-friendly beach park located on Key Biscayne, offering beautiful beaches, picnic areas, and nature trails. The park is ideal for a day of outdoor fun with the family, featuring a calm and shallow shoreline that’s perfect for kids to wade in. The park also has a nature center with educational exhibits about the local wildlife, as well as bike paths and playgrounds for children to enjoy. It’s a great spot to spend a relaxing day by the ocean, with lots of space for kids to run and play.

Tropical Park is a large, well-equipped park that offers a wide range of activities for families. The park features sports fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts, making it an excellent spot for active families. Kids can enjoy the large playgrounds, while parents can relax in the shady picnic areas. The park also has a dog park, so families can bring their pets along. For nature lovers, the park has a beautiful lake with a walking path around it, providing a peaceful setting for a family stroll or bike ride.

The Miami Design District is a vibrant area known for its upscale shopping, art galleries, and interactive public art installations. Families can walk around the district, exploring the impressive architecture and large-scale sculptures. Children will enjoy the brightly colored playgrounds and fun, creative spaces scattered throughout the area. The Design District also hosts family-friendly events like outdoor movie screenings and arts and crafts activities. It’s a perfect destination for families looking to enjoy art, culture, and entertainment in a modern, creative environment.

Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum featuring vibrant street art and murals, making it an exciting place for families to explore and take in Miami’s artistic culture. Children can marvel at the large, colorful murals and explore the surrounding area, which is full of shops and galleries. The area is pedestrian-friendly, so families can take a relaxed walk while enjoying the art and stopping for snacks at local food vendors. Wynwood Walls is a unique experience that allows children to interact with art in an engaging and hands-on way.

For families with older children or teenagers interested in art and history, the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum offers an interactive and educational experience. The museum’s collection includes art, design, and historical artifacts from the early 20th century, and its exhibits cover topics like social change, architecture, and industrial design. The museum regularly offers family-friendly events and workshops, where kids can create their own art or explore exhibits through scavenger hunts. The museum is a great place for families to learn about art and history in a fun and engaging environment.

The Miami Children's Museum is a hands-on space filled with educational exhibits designed for children to explore, learn, and play. Young kids will enjoy engaging with the museum's interactive displays, including the "Supermarket" exhibit, where they can shop for groceries, or the "Pet Clinic," where they can pretend to be veterinarians. The museum also offers arts and crafts stations, music rooms, and a play area that mimics real-world professions, all designed to encourage imaginative play and learning. It's a fantastic spot for fostering creativity and curiosity in kids.

Located in Pinecrest Gardens, the Fairyland Playground is a whimsical, family-friendly park that’s perfect for younger children. With its enchanted forest theme, the playground features a variety of play structures, including slides, swings, and climbing walls, all designed to spark children’s imaginations. The playground is set in a beautiful garden environment, offering plenty of space for kids to run and explore. It’s a great place for a fun and safe day of outdoor play, with the added bonus of being located in a peaceful, scenic setting.

Lummus Park, located in the heart of South Beach, is a popular family-friendly park with a beautiful beach. The park offers a variety of activities for families, including playgrounds, volleyball courts, and plenty of open space for running and picnicking. Kids can enjoy the beach, which is perfect for building sandcastles or splashing in the waves. The park also has shaded areas where families can relax and take a break from the sun, making it a great place to spend a few hours outdoors.

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a stunning historical estate that combines architecture, art, and beautiful gardens. The mansion, built in the early 20th century, features elaborate rooms filled with art and period furniture. The gardens surrounding the estate are vast, providing plenty of space for children to explore and enjoy. There’s a small, shaded area where kids can spot turtles and fish in the water features. The outdoor gardens offer winding paths, fountains, and a rich variety of plants that families can stroll through, making it a peaceful outing for all ages.

Bayside Marketplace is a waterfront shopping and entertainment complex where families can shop, eat, and enjoy live music and performances. It’s a lively spot for children, who can ride the colorful carousel or enjoy the outdoor space by the water. Kids can also take boat tours from the marina, offering a unique way to see the city and nearby islands. With plenty of family-friendly dining options and a vibrant atmosphere, Bayside Marketplace is a great destination for a fun family outing.

The Miami Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country, featuring over 3,000 animals from around the world. With lush landscapes and spacious enclosures, the zoo offers a natural environment for animals, and it provides plenty of opportunities for kids to learn about wildlife. Families can enjoy the zoo’s many themed areas, such as the Amazon and African exhibits, or take a ride on the monorail for a scenic tour of the park. The zoo also has a children's zoo where kids can interact with farm animals, including goats and pigs.

Oleta River State Park is a natural gem located in the heart of Miami, providing families with a variety of outdoor activities. The park is perfect for a family adventure, offering miles of hiking and biking trails through mangrove forests. Families can rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the calm waters of the Oleta River, spotting wildlife such as manatees, birds, and fish along the way. The park also has picnic areas and a playground, making it a perfect spot for a day of outdoor fun in nature.

South Pointe Park is a scenic waterfront park located at the southern tip of Miami Beach. This family-friendly park offers expansive green areas for picnics, walking paths, and playgrounds. Children can enjoy the splash fountain, which is especially popular during the warmer months, and the park provides a safe, enclosed area to run and play. For families with an interest in boating, the park is also home to a marina, offering a relaxing atmosphere with stunning views of the ocean and Star Island.

The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a lush, tropical paradise that’s perfect for families looking to connect with nature. The garden features a wide variety of plant species, including rare tropical plants and orchids, making it an exciting place for kids to explore. The garden offers seasonal family-friendly events, such as butterfly releases, and educational programs that teach children about the environment and conservation. Families can stroll through the garden’s pathways, visit the tropical fruit pavilion, or take a guided tour to learn more about the plants and wildlife that inhabit the space.

This state-of-the-art museum is an exciting destination for families, offering an immersive experience into science, technology, and nature. The museum features a stunning planetarium, which offers interactive shows about space, stars, and galaxies. The hands-on exhibits encourage children to explore various scientific principles, from physics to biology. The highlight for many visitors is the three-story aquarium, where kids can observe marine life up close, including sharks and colorful fish. With special workshops and interactive displays, the museum is perfect for fostering a child’s interest in science and discovery.