Things to do with kids in Miami
Miami is a great holiday destination for families with kids. This exciting city has numerous attractions and activities for children, many of which parents will enjoy too. From museums to parks and beaches, there's no shortage of places to take kids while on holiday here.
Miami favourites for kids include the outer-space exhibits at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, as well as the killer whale performances at the Seaquarium. Children also love seeing Jungle Island's exotic parrots, crocodiles, and penguins. One of the best beaches for children is Crandon Park Beach. Both the Gold Coast Railroad Museum and the Miami Children's Museum will provide hours of amusement.
Summer tends to be a bit too warm and stormy to enjoy with kids on holiday in Miami; most families prefer to visit in winter when the temperatures are a bit more comfortable, and off-season rates for accommodation and attractions are available. Families also generally choose to avoid the Spring Break antics of March, when the student-filled beaches could be inappropriate for children.
Miami Seaquarium
At least half a day is required to fully enjoy south Florida's premier attraction. The Seaquarium is world-renowned for its marine life shows and attractions. Another favourite sta…
Miami Seaquarium
At least half a day is required to fully enjoy south Florida's premier attraction. The Seaquarium is world-renowned for its marine life shows and attractions. Another favourite star is the sea lion Salty and his colleagues, who amuse and amaze with their antics. It is even possible to arrange close encounters with some of the animals. The Miami Seaquarium is set in a tropical paradise boasting wonderful views of the city, an extra perk for those who can drag their eyes from the animal shows. Visitors should be sure to check the official website for a schedule of show times before planning their day.
Website www.miamiseaquarium.com
Jungle Island
Formerly Parrot Jungle, Jungle Island is a new complex offering an exciting array of wildlife from parrots and macaws to crocodiles and penguins. Visitors can witness over 200 parr…
Jungle Island
Formerly Parrot Jungle, Jungle Island is a new complex offering an exciting array of wildlife from parrots and macaws to crocodiles and penguins. Visitors can witness over 200 parrots at the Manu Encounter, the world's only aviary replicating the clay cliffs of Manu, Peru. At the Parrot Bowl, a gaping amphitheatre, visitors can be entertained by the clever antics of cockatoos, parrots, and macaws. It's worth looking out for the rare albino alligator and 21-foot crocodile at the Serpentarium. The waterpark featuring the 168-foot Hippo Slide, with an exhilarating 40-degree drop is also a favourite. The theme park is full of fun and interesting animals to marvel and interact with.
Website www.jungleisland.com
Crandon Park Beach
Aside from providing a beautiful sample of Florida's famed sand and sea, Crandon Park Beach also has an Amusement Center with a carousel, a roller rink, a splash fountain, and a pl…
Crandon Park Beach
Aside from providing a beautiful sample of Florida's famed sand and sea, Crandon Park Beach also has an Amusement Center with a carousel, a roller rink, a splash fountain, and a playground for kids to enjoy, making it a very good option for families on holiday. The Crandon Park Gardens are a haven for indigneous plants and animals, and there are a few picnic spots to enjoy as well. The beach itself is long and spacious, ensuring that it seldom feels crowded, and there are plenty of picturesque palm trees providing shade. The water deepens very gradually so that the shallows are extensive and safe for kids.
Gold Coast Railroad Museum
Kids will be delighted by the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, which offers train rides, toy trains to play with, and interesting model train exhibits. The museum's railroad car collect…
Gold Coast Railroad Museum
Kids will be delighted by the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, which offers train rides, toy trains to play with, and interesting model train exhibits. The museum's railroad car collection includes President Roosevelt's historic Ferdinand Magellan carriage. In March each year there are Thomas the Tank Engine rides for children. Model train building sessions take place between 10am and 2pm on weekdays, and between 11am and 4pm on weekends. Tours are conducted at specific times each day and cost a small additional fee.
Website www.gcrm.org
Miami Children's Museum
The child-sized exhibits at the Miami Children's Museum are both colourful and interactive. Kids can explore the museum's simulated hospital, supermarket, or fire station, playing …
Miami Children's Museum
The child-sized exhibits at the Miami Children's Museum are both colourful and interactive. Kids can explore the museum's simulated hospital, supermarket, or fire station, playing and moving anything they like. The Mount Michimu rock-climbing wall offers a fun physical challenge for older children, while the Music Makers Studio allows children of all ages an interactive auditory experience. The museum ensures that there's always something going on to entertain visitors and many fun activities and play areas are always available. For safety reasons, children are not allowed into the museum unaccompanied by an adult, and adults are not allowed into the museum unaccompanied by a child. The Miami Children's Museum is the perfect family attraction for a rainy day in the city!
Website www.miamichildrensmuseum.org