20 Best Things to Do in Miami with Kids

Pack up for an adventure in the vibrant Miami playground!

Miami is the fantastic part of the US that shines with massive amounts of sunlight and sandy beaches. Miami has colourful communities, neighbourhoods, fun attractions, interactive museums, and great outdoors. Your kids can enjoy building sandcastles on Miami Beach, seeing wild animals up close at the Miami Zoo, and having a blast splashing around in different children's interactive play parks.
When you visit Miami, be prepared for surprises around every corner of this amazing city. Read on to discover the 20 most exciting things to do in Miami with your kids; this will be a vacation your family will talk about forever!

At Miami Beach, the beautiful, sandy beach provides a fun place for families. Children may have fun splashing in calm, shallow water while parents relax nearby, and there are many options available for older children, such as paddleboarding or taking an introductory surfing lesson along the shoreline.

Many of the parks that are located along the beach, especially near South Pointe Park, have shaded play areas that allow children to use their energy climbing, swinging, and then cooling off in fountains after being out in the sun all day. There are several places located within walking distance of the beach where families can rent bicycles or rollerblades to ride along the beautiful promenade while enjoying views of the ocean.

Families can also get cool, refreshing treats like ice cream or fresh-squeezed juice at various cafes located near the beach.

Address: Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States

With this 90-minute adventure, start your day off on the busy streets of South Beach while seeing some of the amazing Art Deco architecture throughout the South Beach area, and then turn into a boat as you splash into Biscayne Bay. The highlight of the tour is splashdown time, a guided tour of the city where you will glide past some beautiful waterfront mansions.

Address: 1661 James Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States

Located in the centre of South Beach, Flamingo Park covers 36 acres and has an aesthetic feel to it. Its large aquatic center boasts 2 pools: an 8-lane lap pool for older kids and the wading area "splash zone." Younger kids will love playing in the splash zone with fountains, slides, swings, and a shallow, zero-depth entry pool with a fun water mushroom feature.

Families with older kids who would like to play outdoors can take advantage of the many sports facilities available, such as a playground for climbing or a baseball field. Head over to Venetian Pool, located in a historic coral rock quarry filled with fresh water daily.

Address: 1200 Meridian Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States

Check out the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science, located downtown. The 250,000-square-foot museum consists of 4 major buildings featuring exciting hands-on, interactive exhibits that allow children to use their sense of touch, taste, sound, and sight.

In addition to the constantly changing exhibitions such as "The World of Bugs" and "The Genius of Leonardo da Vinci," the permanent displays include "From Feathers to Flight." Kids can also explore the beautiful three-level aquarium or view the stars in the planetarium.

Address: 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, United States

The Miami Children's Museum is located on Watson Island in downtown Miami. There are 14 different galleries, each with a different theme, ranging from a full-size cruise ship to pretending to be a presenter in a TV studio. They have a multisensory room that provides a calming experience for children with autism and sensory processing disorders.

Address: 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL 33132, United States

Zoo Miami has over 500 species of animals, from majestic elephants and friendly gorillas to koalas, crocodiles, ostriches, and camels on 750 acres of South Miami Heights. Children can play in the splash pad, ride on the carousel, visit the children’s play areas, or relax on the monorail.

Also check out Jungle Island, a theme park with over 1,000 species of tropical birds, tigers, alligators, and lots of fun activities with the animals. You will also see lots of feeding shows and attractions such as the amazing Luminosa light show, the Treetop Trekking ropes course, and the Jungle Splash water park.

Address: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177, United States

All performances here are given by talented young performers aged 6–18. The theatre has helped create many Broadway performers, and therefore, you can expect to see great performances from this theatre.

Address: 9806 SW 77th Ave, Miami, FL 33156, United States

For children who enjoy sports, attending a live professional sporting event in and around the Miami area would be an incredible experience to have. Miami has many different professional sporting organizations. You could go see the Miami Marlins (MLB – Baseball), Miami Heat (NBA – Basketball), or Miami Dolphins (NFL – Football).

The Miami Dolphins are located at Hard Rock Stadium, which is located in Miami Gardens, approximately 30 minutes from downtown Miami. Approximately 30 minutes north of downtown Miami, in Fort Lauderdale, are additional sporting options such as Inter Miami CF (MLS – Soccer) and Florida Panthers (NHL – Hockey).

Address: Hard Rock Stadium, 347 Don Shula Dr, Miami Gardens, FL 33056, United States

As the largest outlet mall within the city, there are around 250 different stores at Dolphin Mall, encompassing an array of popular brands including Bloomingdale's, H&M, and Ross Dress for Less, plus Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue and Old Navy Outlet.

The Dolphin Mall has live music every Saturday and Sunday, and also has a 19-screen movie theatre that shows a wide variety of films for families. After shopping, there are a number of very good casual dining venues in the food courts of the mall, including Buffalo Wild Wings and Charcoal’s Latin Grill.

Address: 11401 NW 12th St, Miami, FL 33172, United States

The Museum of Ice Cream was created to accommodate people of all ages. You can jump right into the infamous sprinkle pool, sample many different types of ice cream, and get to explore creative and unique, multi-sensory exhibits that educate you about ice cream’s history.

Located only a short distance from the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, you can easily experience both facilities in one day to allow for a nice combination of fun and learning. With no charges for cancellation, tickets provide you with a flexible option for your visit or itinerary.

Address: 851 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33132, United States

Oleta River State Park, with over 175 state parks across Florida to choose from, allows you to enjoy all of the state’s beautiful natural features. Oleta River State Park is located only 30 minutes from Miami, spanning approximately 1,000 acres of beautiful North Miami property.

Families can relax at the calm bayfront beach, fish from the pier, do some kayaking through the winding mangrove trails, do some snorkeling in the clear water, or ride the beautiful biking paths within the park.

Address: 3400 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160, United States

Dezerland Park is an excellent family place where kids can spend hours doing non-stop indoor activities. The large facility has a variety of attractions, including high-energy go-kart racing, bumper cars, and roller-skating. In addition, the park offers adventure-oriented activities, such as a trampoline park, rope course, and indoor rock climbing wall.

Other offerings for technology enthusiasts include immersive simulators and virtual reality zones.

For families looking for a little classic fun, there is a traditional arcade and glow-in-the-dark mini golf for kids of all ages. The entire park is approximately 250,000 square feet, and there is no charge to enter. You pay for each of the attractions you choose to visit.

Address: 14401 NE 19th Ave, North Miami, FL 33181, United States

FunDimension is a huge, fun-filled family entertainment facility located in Wynwood, with about 15,000 square feet of space. One of the best parts about FunDimension is its massive three-level indoor playground. In addition, kids can have fun with glowing bumper cars, laser tag battles, classic arcade games, bungee jumping, and a 7D cinema.

For adults, there is also an on-site bar. Parents can have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while their children play. You can buy a pass for one hour and then enjoy unlimited access to all of the FunDimension attractions.

Address: 2129 NW 1st Ct, Miami, FL 33127, United States

The Paradox Museum Miami is located in the lively Wynwood neighborhood and contains more than 70 mind-bending optical illusions. Guests can walk upside down, try their balance on the disorienting Paradox Tunnel, or disappear at the Camouflage Wall.

A fun and informative time for families, the Paradox Museum provides a great opportunity to spend approximately one hour with kids discovering innovation and curiosity through optical illusions.

Address: 2301 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127, United States

When traveling around Miami with teenagers in tow, the Graffiti Museum located in Wynwood is certainly one of those spots that shouldn't be missed. With the Graffiti Museum situated within the artistically enriched Wynwood district, known for its wonderfully crafted exterior mural art, you will find many pieces of art created by world-renowned graffiti artists.

There are also many exhibits detailing the progression of the graffiti movement from a rebellious counterculture in the 1960s and 70s to an accomplished global art movement. The exterior of the museum has many breathtaking murals painted on surrounding exterior walls and a thoughtfully curated gallery area.

While in this area, there are also some highly interactive art experiences, which consist of a guided tour through Wynwood Walls as well as instructional workshops where you can create your own works of art using spray paint—approximately 30 minutes long.

Address:  276 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127, United States

Families from all over flock to Crandon Park Beach for the combination of nature and recreation. This once 800-acre coconut plantation has been transformed into a beautiful outdoor paradise, with lots of greenery and open space.

Take in beautiful views while meandering through scenic walking trails, including those in the Bear Cut Preserve, where wildlife inhabits protected areas and coastal ecosystems abound. Enjoy swimming or just relaxing by the water in the calm ocean inlet. Children can enjoy the playground, and there is even a vintage carousel at the children's playground.

For those looking to be more active, in addition to roller-skating, there are many kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding excursions. The visitor center also provides an opportunity to experience nature through various educational programs and displays, providing a well-rounded day at Crandon Park Beach.

Address: 6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, United States

Biscayne National Park is located just minutes from downtown Miami, offering a beautiful natural escape that is perfect for families who love to experience the great outdoors. This unique water-based national park features amazing coral reefs full of brightly colored tropical fish and other marine life, making it an excellent spot for snorkelling.

Canoeing through the park’s mangrove forest and winding waterways is another way for visitors to explore and see the ecological diversity of Biscayne National Park. Most of the activities in the park are offered free of charge, including having children participate as Junior Rangers with rangers.

Address: 9700 SW 328th St, Homestead, FL 33033, United States

The Everglades is a national park that lies just outside of Miami. One of the most exciting ways to explore the Everglades is to take an airboat tour. The airboats are powered by an aircraft-style engine and can travel over very shallow water and deep into winding waterways and wetlands.

You will see alligators, turtles, and a variety of unique bird species that call this area home while surrounded by sawgrass and mangroves. The trip is composed of alternating periods of leisurely cruising and fast-paced excitement (up to 30 mph).

Address: Everglades National Park, Florida, United States

A guided tour of the Miccosukee Indian Village will highlight the unique culture and heritage of an authentic Native American community. Visitors can see exhibits and displays that tell the story of the Miccosukee people, such as their history, traditions, and daily life.

The village also has a small museum that will give you more detailed information about the tribe’s heritage. You will also be able to sample traditional foods and see crafts that have been produced by the tribe. There are equipment demonstrations of alligators at the Miccosukee Indian Village.

Address: Mile Marker 70, US-41, Miami, FL 33194, United States

If you're seeking a fun experience for your kids, then they'll love the Pirate Adventure Sightseeing Cruise, where they'll wear pirate hats and have their faces painted before embarking on an 80-minute cruise in two languages.

Address: 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, United States

Book your stay at Mondrian South Beach and enjoy stylish waterfront suites on Biscayne Bay, a stunning pool deck, and easy access to South Beach and Lincoln Road—reserve now.