Miami is well known for its nightlife. But as you wait for the night to come to life, make sure you dedicate some time of the day to the little ones. From waterparks, zoos, interactive museums and even good old-fashioned time with nature, here are ten of the best places to take your kids in South Florida.
Below are ten of the best.
Miami Children’s Museum
980 MacArthur Causeway,
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 373-5437
If your children have not taken a field trip to the Miami Children’s Museum, let them experience this educational institution. While some may think of museums as glorified history lessons, this place is something completely different. Prices range from $22 for general admission or $15 for Florida residents. A popular exhibit the kids will love is the music-maker studio, where there are eight interactive components that fully engage the little ones in a variety of music-based activities. With other exhibits like a sketch aquarium and a Castle of Dreams, your children will leave here wondering where the time went and asking when they can come back for more.
Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 400-7000
Kids are often fascinated with the irregularities of life. They see birds all the time, but it’s not every day they see a macaw or a cockatoo. This zoological park includes not only thousands of bird species, but also large cats, lemurs, snakes, snapping turtles, and alligators. However, Jungle Island is not just engaging animal shows and informative exhibits. It also offers a petting zoo and a water park called Parrot Cove Beach. City of Miami commissioners voted unanimously to give the zoo a complete makeover, making it more of a theme park. Prices depend on what specific experience you want, but overall they range from $42 to $100.
Tidal Cove Waterpark
19999 W Country Club Dr.
Aventura, FL 33180
(786) 279-6152
In Miami where there is no such thing as a winter season, it helps to know a good waterpark. Tidal Cove Waterpark is undoubtedly one of the best options. Kids can enjoy everything from waterslides to the Lazy River. There is even a Kids Cove where everything is dedicated to the little ones. Adults can join in on the fun too with the Constrictor, the Master Blaster, and the Aqua Drop, which features an intense, almost-vertical drop for the ultimate thrill seeking, freefall experience. Prices depend on the day you want to visit; weekends are more expensive. Overall, prices range from $55 to $200, with kids 3 and under free.
Zoo Miami
12400 SW 152nd St
Miami, FL 33177
(305) 251-0400
Zoo Miami is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida. Kids here can feed animals like giraffes, camels and rhinos, watch presentations where they get to see up close and personal some of the zoo’s most fascinating critters and wildlife, enjoy tram and boat tours, and jump on the carousel and other rides! Kids can also enjoy dedicated kid zones such as playgrounds and water play areas. Prices range from $22.95 for those 13 and older, to $18.95 for 3 to 12. Kids 2 and under enter free.
The Berry Farms
13720 SW 216th St
Miami, FL 33170
(786) 701-8100
Have a kid who is fascinated by nature and all it has to offer? The Berry Farms is the place to take them. Besides the obvious strawberry fields, this farm holds a number of activities such as harvest, winter, strawberry, and sunflower festivals. They also sell a variety of strawberry dishes and drinks, but if your kid is more on the picky side, they also have many kids’ favorites like cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders. Admission prices range from $17 for those aged 13 and up, and $13 for kids aged 3-12 on weekends. Weekday prices go from $11 for those aged 13 and up, and $9 for kids aged 3-12. Kids 2 and under are free.
Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway,
Miami, FL, 33149
(305) 361-5705
Since 1955, Miami Seaquarium has been one of South Florida’s most well-known tourist attractions. Their dedication to conservation and educating kids on marine life has been what keeps people coming back. They offer a variety of experiences from dolphin and sea lion shows to up-close dolphin experiences (which is an added expense), they have exhibits for a multitude of animals such as manatees and turtles, kids will never run out of things to see and learn. With a starting ticket price of $40-$50 per ticket, there are many different ticket plans, so everyone can find what works for them.
Knaus Berry Farm
15980 SW 248th Street
Homestead, FL 33031
(305) 247-0668
Family-owned and operated since 1956, Knaus Berry Farm offers berry picking, baked goods, and lots of history. Originally, Knaus Berry Farm started off selling their strawberries, which you can pick yourself on one of their fields, they would eventually add the bakery which sells their famous cinnamon rolls and other baked goods. It’s an experience the whole family will cherish and you can celebrate by buying some ice cream or pastries (cash only) at the farm store.
Everglades Holiday Park
21940 Griffin Road,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33332
(954) 434-8111
In South Florida you’re bound to see an alligator so why not head to the Everglades to get up close and personal with them. Everglades Holiday Park offers airboat tours and gator shows to get a closer look at the native wildlife. With ticket prices going for $36 for adults and $24 for kids 3-11, it’s a Florida exclusive attraction you won’t want to miss.
Venetian Pool
2701 de Soto Boulevard,
Coral Gables, FL, 33134
(305) 460-5306
With how hot it can get in Florida it’s important to stay cool and the Venetian Pool is just the place. Named after Venice, Italy, the pool is unlike any other, it was created from a coral rock quarry and is filled with 820,000 gallons of spring water which is fed to the pool from an underground aquifer. It’s fun and relaxing for the whole family, if you’re not a resident of Coral Gables tickets to get into the pool will be $16 for kids 3-12, and $21 for adults 13 and above, while it may be a bit steep it’s got something for everyone.
Phillip and Patricia Frost Science Museum
1101 Biscayne Blvd,
Miami, FL, 33132
(305) 434-9600
Located in Downtown Miami, the 250,000 square foot building is divided into four parts, the Planetarium, the Aquarium, and the North and West Wing. At the Frost Museum you can learn about anything from the ocean to the Everglades, to the human cell to space, there is so much to see and do at the Frost Museum. Not only is it educational but there are tons of photo ops such as the Oculus Lens above, so you can be sure to capture the memories. For adults tickets will run $30, and for kids 3-11 it’ll be $22.
