With fantastic weather, miles of sandy beach, colorful art deco, and an incredible art scene, it’s easy to see why Miami is a fantastic vacation destination. What many don’t realize is that the city holds a treasure trove of activities for families. Read on to discover why Miami is at the top of our list as a fun vacation destination with kids.
Can’t Miss Art Experience – Superblue
A mind-bending world of labyrinths, projections, and installations can be found at Superblue, a groundbreaking technology experience by teamLab. Superblue is like an art amusement park for the curious. Visitors here will find incredible art moments as they journey through 50,000 square feet of large-scale art experiences. Completely immersive and powered by visitor participation, here you can control a digital waterfall with your movements, put your heartbeat to the glow of 3,000 lights, walk through a euphoric cloud environment, and so much more. Read our full review HERE.
- WHERE: 1101 NW 23 Street, Miami, FL
- WHEN: Daily. Check online for schedule
- TIPS: Admission to the Massless Clouds Between Sculpture and Life add-on experiences starts at $12. Be sure to book in advance. As with anything, weekends are busiest. The least busy times are weekday afternoons.
- MORE INFO: Website
Tour Historic Art Deco Buildings
Ice-cream colored pastels by day, and glaring neon lights by night, Miami’s South Beach is a treasure trove of Art Deco architectural delights. The vibrant Miami Art Deco District has the largest concentration of Art Deco architecture in the world. There’s no shortage of architecture to see, the National Register of Historic Places has designated over 800 (!) historic buildings in the area alone. It’s so fun to explore for all ages. Our favorite has always been to take a tour of these buildings at night to see the bright neon lights.
- WHERE: Ocean Drive has a large concentration of Art Deco (and makes for a great walk!)
- WHEN: Any time day or night! Visit during the evening to see the neon glow
- TIPS: Swing by the Art Deco Welcome Center to learn more about the historic buildings. They offer free (self-guided) tour information as well as guided options.
- MORE INFO: Wesbite
Mingle with a Flamingo
A bucket list experience that’s a leg above the rest – you can mingle with the Flamingos at Jungle Island! Jungle Island is an intimate zoological park located in the heart of Miami, just minutes from Downtown and South Beach. Park guests can enjoy animals and informative exhibits while strolling by streams and waterfalls and lush foliage. There’s more than just a tropical trail to discover. Jungle Island also offers hands-on interactions where you can go on guided behind-the-scenes and meet some wild friends. During the Flamingo encounter, visitors are able to feed and interact with some tall friends, all while learning interesting facts from the keepers who care for them. An experience you will never forget. See our video HERE.
- WHERE: Jungle Island. 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail.
- WHEN: Time of encounter changes based on day, check website for details.
- TIPS: Animal encounters for ages 6 and up. Participants between Age 6 – 16 need to be accompanied by an adult participant. Advance registration required (and spots fill up quickly!).
- MORE INFO: Website
Take a Wild Treetop Trekking Adventure
Step into an epic adventure at Treetop Trekking Miami, South Florida’s only aerial adventure park. Conquer the jungle as you trek among the treetops among swings, logs, cargo nets, suspended bridges, and of course, ziplines. With multiple courses to choose from, this unique aerial adventure park has activities for everyone. The Explorer Trek and the Thrill Seeker Trek are for ages 9+, and the Discovery Course is perfect for ages 5+. There’s also a Treewalk Village playground for little ones! It’s a great adventure for families, groups, couples or anyone looking for a unique (and fun) day outside. See our video HERE.
- WHERE: Jungle Island.1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
- WHEN: Open daily (except Tues) from 10am – 4pm
- TIPS: Be sure to wear closed toe shoes for the Trek!
- MORE INFO: Website
Get Artsy at PAMM
The Pérez Art Museum Miami – also known simply as PAMM – is Miami’s contemporary art museum. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum is constantly hosting new exhibitions. Visit before September to “dive in” to the Swimming Pool installation, part of Leandro Erlich: Liminal exhibition which showcases a survey of his work. Constructed to be viewed from either above or inside the pool, this incredible immersive installation allows viewers to look down and see people “underwater” through a transparent (water contained) glass layer.
More to see! All of Argentine artist Leandro Erlich’s work have an underlying narrative of illusion – playing on the act of perception and its possibilities. Others include The Cloud, Erlich’s glass sculptures of ephemeral beauty, and the labyrinth Changing Rooms (which is epic – and great for kids). Find printable resources designed by PAMM’s Teaching Artists for families and children of all ages. The questions and activities in these guides encourage looking, speaking, listening and curiosity. Bonus: it’s just getting better. Yayoi Kusama’s installation opens at PAMM on March 9th (preview photo above). See our video HERE.
- WHERE: 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami
- WHEN: Closed Tue/Wed. Monday, Friday – Sunday 11am – 6pm. Thursday 11-6pm.
- TIPS: Free Museum admission every second Saturday of the month. If you are visiting for Leonadro Erlich: Liminal – Be sure to check the weather! Swimming Pool is located outside of the museum. If it is raining (or has recently rained) the exhibit closes for safety reasons.
- MORE INFO: Website
Have a worldly experience at Frost Science Museum
One of the only institutions worldwide boasting a state-of-the-art planetarium, cutting-edge aquarium, and science museum – The Frost Science Museum is one not to miss. Make a splash in the museum’s three-level Aquarium, where you’ll touch a stingray, come face-to-face with sharks and more; or Hurtle through space, or climb aboard an asteroid in the Planetarium! The museum’s permanent exhibitions are dedicated to South Florida’s biodiversity, the physics of light, aviation, the human body and more. Bonus: PAMM is literally steps away – making it possible to explore both in a day.
- WHERE: 1101 Biscayne Blvd Maurice A. Ferré Park, Miami
- WHEN: Open daily.
- TIPS: Check the calendar for special events, including the popular laser shows.
- MORE INFO: Website
Putter-Up!
You’ve never played mini golf like this before! Bright lights and electronic greens, Puttshack Miami is mini golf infused with technology, and a blast to play. Forget the score card – the specially designed golf balls automatically track and link to the game. Add in DJs on the weekends and Instagrammable aesthetics, it’s a vibe.
- WHERE: 701 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL
- WHEN: Open daily. Check website for schedule
- TIPS: Recommend players be aged 7+ because the game can be quite challenging. You must be 21+ to enter this location after 8pm (Last tee time 7pm).Food and beverage available.
- MORE INFO: Website
Walls of Fun – Wynwood Walls
Have a little art fanatic? Head for the walls! Wynwood Walls is an outdoor park museum with 35 larger-than-life murals by some of the world’s most acclaimed artists. More to see – the Wynwood neighborhood is home to dozens of galleries and museums.
- WHERE: The Wynwood Welcome Center is located at 266 NW 26th Street
- WHEN: Open daily. Check hours online
- TIPS: Free entry for kids age 12 and under
- MORE INFO: Website
Make a Splash on South Beach
Ready for a day of fun in the sun? Head for the beach! Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent all along South Beach. Be sure to swing by Lummus Park, which runs along Ocean Drive from 5th to 15th streets – the park offers restrooms, a playground, grassy areas, and volleyball nets. There’s also a popular park path for roller skating, bike riding or running.
- WHERE: Ocean Drive between 5th and 15th street
- TIPS: Don’t miss the larger than life Miami Beach sign on Ocean Drive and Sixth St – the perfect spot for a family photo op.
- MORE INFO: Website
WHERE TO STAY: The Gabriel South Beach
Located on Miami’s famous strip and only steps from the ocean you’ll find The Gabriel South Beach, a Hilton Curio Collection Hotel. A rare amenity for a historic Art Deco Ocean Drive property, the Gabriel South Beach has not one, but two (!) swimming pools, including a show-stopping, glass bottom pool on the roof with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Prefer the beach? Guests of the property can walk across the street and take advantage of the beach amenities, including umbrellas, cabanas and even games such as toss across and Jenga. See our video HERE, and read our full review HERE.
- WHERE: 640 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL
- MORE INFO: Website
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