What many people don’t realize is that Miami is more than just a tropical paradise and all-night party mecca for the 21-and-over set. The city is also a family-friendly haven with top museums, great shopping and street art on every corner. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the top family-friendly attractions to check out on your next Miami trip.
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for the whole family, head to the Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami. Formerly known as the Miami Science Museum, this Smithsonian-affiliated museum is huge and filled with hands-on exhibitions that cultivate kids’ natural curiosity. Highlights include Da Vinci’s Inventions, a life-size replica of the machines dreamed up by Leonardo, a three-level aquarium and even an IMAX theater with views of sharks and other sea creatures.
Another science-themed attraction is the Miami Children’s Museum, which aims to ignite kids’ natural curiosity with a plethora of creative and interactive exhibitions. Kids will love exploring the two-story luminous sand castle and winding slide, while older kids will enjoy a visit to the Sketch Aquarium, where their drawings will be transformed into animated, digital parts of the underwater world.
The Miami Seaquarium in Key Biscayne is a must-visit for animal lovers of all ages. The massive oceanarium features a variety of different animal encounters, from dolphin and penguin encounters to swimming with seals in a two-level tropical splash playground. The museum also houses a planetarium and an interactive indoor/outdoor Everglades exhibit.
Miami has a number of great shopping destinations, including the massive Dolphin Mall, where your kids will have a blast browsing everything from makeup and accessories to toys and books. Or, for a more cultural experience, head to Little Havana on a guided tour, where your kids will have a chance to see firsthand the city’s vibrant Cuban culture.
If your kids are sports fans, be sure to attend a professional baseball or basketball game during your stay in Miami. This fast-paced action will get the blood pumping and the entire family involved.
There’s no shortage of outdoor activities in Miami, either. The Oleta River State Park is a beautiful nature preserve just north of the city that’s perfect for hiking, biking and enjoying nature. The park offers a number of trails that showcase the lush tropical surroundings, including a cypress swamp and mangrove forest. It’s a perfect place to take the kids to let off some steam and make some memories.