Family travel in Miami

From Sloths to Airboat Rides, Miami Has Plenty for Families with Children

America’s adult playground is great for kids, too - especially if they love the beach, the water, and exotic animals.

8 June 2023

As a city teeming with Latin American culture, Miami is a place where family is of the utmost importance. So while it may be best known as a place for adult indulgences, the local culture dictates that almost everywhere is open to families. It’s not at all uncommon to see children out at dinner past 10 pm, and movies, theaters, and other cultural attractions cater to kids as well. Family travel in Miami has its challenges, sure, like preparing children who aren’t used to the humidity. Or occasional language barriers that might confuse younger kids. But for the most part, families can have a great time in Miami, provided you know where to go.

Is Miami a Family-Friendly City?

Teach them some Spanish

While you may know enough Spanish to get around the city, you might take your trip as an opportunity to teach your kids a few helpful phrases, too. This way, if they get lost or need to read a sign, they’ll know what they’re looking at.

Though Miami is best known as a destination for adult pursuits like late-night dance clubs and world-class restaurants, it’s also fantastic for families. You may not want to bring them along to a Michelin-starred dinner, but plenty of the city’s top restaurants are filled with children. And Miami’s abundance of sunshine and warm weather means you’ll find plenty of ways to help your kids burn off their excess energy. Here’s a look at the best things in Miami for families.

Where to Go and What to Do as a Family

Much like with everything in Miami, the bulk of the best stuff for families to do is outdoors. But even if the weather isn’t cooperating, families can find enjoyable stuff to do. Whether touring museums or taking an airboat ride through the Everglades, Miami’s never lacking in family-friendly fun.

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Sprawl Out on a Family-Friendly Beach

Nothing makes us smile back on childhood like building sand castles and burying our siblings in the sand on a long, sunny beach day. While some of Miami’s beaches can be rowdy, hitting the sands at Crandon Park or Billy Baggs Cape Florida State Park will find you sharing the sand with mostly local families and other small children. You can also find a quieter, more family-oriented beach further north, around 79th Street in Miami Beach.

Educate your Kids on South Florida’s Marine Ecosystem

The Frost Science Museum downtown is one of the most kid-friendly spots in the city. Alongside its educational exhibits on South Florida’s environment, it also has children’s sections devoted to learning the basics of water management and introducing them to the cuddly characters in the Everglades. Children will especially delight in the planetarium shows, where the wonders of space are spelled out on a 67-foot spherical screen.

Take an Airboat Ride in the Everglades

The special landscape of the Everglades makes for some fantastic afternoon hikes, but depending on the weather may be too hot and humid for little ones. Instead, venture down the Tamiami Trail to the Miccousoukee Indian Village. You’ll find an abundance of airboat operators who’ll gladly take you into the river of grass, and maybe introduce your kids to their first alligator along the way.

Kayak and Mountain Bike Through Natural Florida

If your kids are big into mountain biking, take an afternoon to explore Oleta River State Park. It’s home to Miami’s only outdoor mountain biking course, where your family can jump through miles of trails that meander through the hardwood hammock. If you’d rather get out on the water, you can rent both tandem and single kayaks from the park’s on-site marine center, and explore mangrove channels and inlets before heading out into Biscayne Bay.

Feed Free-Roaming Monkeys

Monkey Jungle is the reverse of every zoo you’ve ever been to. Where usually people walk free and animals sit inside enclosures, at this park in south Miami-Dade families walk through a covered mesh pathway, while primates swing overhead. Monkey Jungle is home to primates from around the world, from South Asia to Africa, and you’ll also spot sloths, lemurs, and even giant tortoises. Kids are encouraged to feed many of the animals too, who’ll walk right up to your human cage and say hello.

Play with Parrots and Trek Atop the Trees

You’ll never see a kid happier than when they’re petting a sloth. It’s about the cutest photo op you can get, and the animal encounters at Jungle Island are about as close as you can get to these little guys.

Colorful tropical birds fill the shady paths through Jungle Island, which sits between Miami and Miami Beach. The park currently has free admission, where you can get up close and personal with parrots and macaws, then learn all about them in interactive shows. Jungle Island also offers encounters with sloths, lemurs, and other adorable little creatures. And daring children can attempt Jungle Island’s ropes course, where you’ll navigate obstacles and zip lines high above the animals below.

Paddle Around Key Biscayne

The calm waters off Crandon Park in Key Biscayne make it a perfect place for families to kayak or paddle board. You can rent either right on the beach, then slowly work your way up the Key Biscayne shore as you immerse yourself in the island’s turquoise waters.

Dip into the Venetian Pool

The old rock quarry that’s been transformed into a Mediterranean Revival public swimming hole is endlessly popular among local families. While the kids enjoy the cool waters inside the Venetian Pool, adults will enjoy perusing the walls of historic photos, that tell of a time when it was a hot spot for stars from the golden age of Hollywood.

Take Your Family Out to the Ballgame

If you’re visiting during the spring or summer, Miami has both college and professional baseball games that make for fun and affordable evening activities. The Miami Marlins play at Loan Depot Park from April through September and offer four tickets for $44 on Wednesdays. If Wednesday doesn’t work, Marlins tickets are still the most affordable of any pro sport in the city. For something a little homier, head to Mark Light Stadium in Coral Gables and catch the Miami Hurricanes in action. The intimate little ballpark is a community gathering place of sorts, and kids will especially enjoy the fruit-infused milkshakes.

How to get Around Miami with Kids

If you’re bringing kids to Miami, you’re going to likely need to rent a car. Public transportation isn’t always easy to navigate, and the high-speed Brightline train can get expensive when buying four or five tickets. Make sure you book a vacation rental with parking or calculate the cost of parking at your hotel into the overall expense. You can also try taking ride-shares or taxis, but as van taxis and ride-shares cost more, that will end up being more expensive than renting a car.

About the author

Matt MeltzerMatt Meltzer has been a travel writer for over a decade, covering U.S. domestic locations and hotels for Thrillist, Fifty Grande, Matador Network, Conde Nast Traveler, and other top publications. He's won multiple travel journalism awards from the Society of American Travel Writers and North American Travel Journalists Association, and currently resides in South Florida.