When most people think of Miami, they think Spring Break crowds, nightclubs, and South Beach bars. “Kid-friendly” isn’t a term they typically associate with the Magic City.
Don’t let that misconception fool you.
From nature-based adventures to thrilling speedboat rides and waterparks, there are plenty of fun things to do in Miami for kids of all ages. Toddlers, young kids, tweens, and teens can all enjoy the city, and so can you.
Fun Things to Do in Miami With Kids: Quick Picks
Part of what makes Miami such a magical destination to explore with kids is the access to nature and learning, and the activities are also fun. For example, a thrilling speedboat ride around Miami and Biscayne Bay shows you famous sights like Star Island. The boat ride alone is an exciting adventure that older kids and teens can look forward to.
The beaches are another highlight and a must-do in Miami. If you want to avoid the heavy foot traffic of South Beach, North Beach is a quieter alternative that also has a playground. Pack a picnic, swimwear, and plenty of sunscreen, and you’ve got a budget-friendly day out.
A well-balanced, kid-friendly Miami itinerary has to include some of the museums. Small children can enjoy the Miami Children’s Museum, while older kids can learn about the ocean, space, and more at Frost’s Museum. Tweens and teens will also enjoy Frost’s, but for the art lovers, Wynwood Walls is something special and a little bit different.
Best Things to Do by Age
Some activities are better suited to certain age groups than others. A 17-year-old might not be as impressed with the Miami Children’s Museum as a 6-year-old would be. Similarly, a toddler might not be quite as excited about the Everglades as a 12-year-old.
To that end, here’s a quick list of which activities are best for each age group:
Toddlers: Pinecrest Gardens, The Miami Children’s Museum, South Pointe Park
Young kids: Zoo Miami, Jungle Island, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Tweens: The Everglades, the Frost Museum, Biscayne Bay boat tours
Teens: Wynwood Walls, Tidal Cove Waterpark, the Venetian Pool
Biscayne Bay With Kids
Miami, with all its fun and adventure, is still a city. Traffic congestion and crowds are par for the course when traveling to one of the most-visited cities in the US. But located nearby is Biscayne Bay, a major segment of the Intracoastal Waterway that also runs through Fort Lauderdale and Key West.
With the northern end surrounded by Miami and the southern end mostly undeveloped, Biscayne Bay offers a refreshing change of pace. This estuary-like lagoon is home to mangroves and sea grasses that are a haven for sea life.
Much of what you’ll do here falls within Biscayne National Park. These are some top picks.
Thriller Speedboat Sightseeing Adventure
If you’re in Miami, a Biscayne Bay boat tour is a thrilling way to see the skyline, famous attractions, and, of course, Biscayne Bay.
Departing from Bayside Marketplace in downtown Miami, this speedboat adventure allows you to see Biscayne Bay from the water. In addition to Star Island and Fisher Island, you’ll also see the U.S. Coast Guard Station, the Venetian Islands, and other waterfront landmarks.
Fee: From $84
Duration: 4 hours
Best for: Tweens and teens
Crandon Park
Located on the northern end of Key Biscayne is Crandon Park, where you’ll find an assortment of family-friendly activities. For outdoor fun, there are walking paths and skateboarding areas. Another highlight is the Crandon Park Amusement Center, which features an outdoor roller rink (you’ll need your own skates) and a playground with marine-animal sculptures.
Fee: No admission fee to enter Crandon Park; separate costs for some attractions
Hours: Sunrise to sunset; set hours for some facilities
Best for: Toddlers and young children
Junior Ranger Program
This is a fun activity you can do at most national parks in the US.
You can pick up a booklet at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. Your child earns a badge by completing the activities in the book. If they complete all the activities, they’ll earn a junior ranger patch.
Fee: Free
Hours: Dante Fascell Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Best for: Young kids
Beaches and Pools
A visit to Miami isn’t complete without a dip in the water. From beaches and pools to waterparks, Miami has an assortment of aquatic activities for kids. A beach day is a classic, while lounging at a landmark like the Venetian Pool offers resort-style relaxation. And then there are waterparks, creating a splash of fun for the whole family.
North Beach Oceanside Park
The bustle of South Beach could get overwhelming for children. North Beach Oceanside Park is a quieter, equally enjoyable option. The park, which spans roughly 28 acres, includes a playground with climbing and rope components. There are also lifeguards on duty, and you’ll have plenty of room on the beach to relax, have a picnic, and walk on the shore.
Fee: Free
Hours: Monday through Sunday from sunrise to sunset
Best for: Toddlers and young kids
The Venetian Pool
About 20 minutes away from Miami, you’ll find the Venetian Pool in Coral Gardens. The pool, which opened in 1924, features loggias, a portico, a bridge, and two lookout towers. A visit here is all about lounging and enjoying the European-style setting, something tweens and teens are more likely to enjoy.
Because a visit to the Venetian Pools is such a popular activity, it can get busy here, especially over weekends and during summer breaks. Once the facility reaches capacity, management stops allowing people in, so it’s worth calling ahead to see if there’s space.
It’s also important to note that children under 3 years old or below 38 inches tall won’t be allowed in.
Fee: $23 for guests 13 and older, $18 for children 3 to 12 (fees subject to change)
Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Best for: Tweens and teens
Tidal Cove Waterpark
From Kid’s Cove for younger children to the FlowRider Triple for tweens and teens, Tidal Cove Waterpark has plenty to keep the whole family entertained. The park is located within the JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa, but it’s open to non-guests, too. The downside is that day passes are pricier than most of the other activities on this list.
Fee: Seasonal, starting at $55 and going up to $500 per person; free entry for children 3 and under
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily
Best for: Young kids, tweens, and teens
Animals, Zoos, and Wildlife
See the alligators of the Everglades, wander through the largest zoo in Florida, and experience rich eco-adventures while you’re in Miami. The city’s proximity to Biscayne Bay and the Everglades places it near diverse subtropical ecosystems. For families, that means things to do in and around Miami with kids include unique experiences with animals and the natural world.
Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami (or the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, if we’re using its full name) is the only subtropical zoo in the continental US. You’ll get to see more than 500 animal species and over 1,000 plant, tree, and palm species. You can go on narrated tram tours, rent pedal boats to explore the waterplay area, and visit open-air exhibits that recreate diverse animal habitats.
There are also rides and activities designed specifically for children, such as the Jungle Journey Playground, the Ocean Voyage Splash Pad, and mobile scavenger hunts that keep children engaged in the experience.
The zoo is fun for toddlers, but it’s very big, so little feet may get tired of walking. Pedal carts and strollers are available to rent.
Fee: $30 for adults 13 and older, $26 for children aged 3 to 12, free entry for children 2 and under
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (last ticket sold at 4 p.m.)
Best for: Toddlers, young children, tweens
Everglades National Park
Venturing into the Everglades is National Geographic brought to life. The national park houses over 360 bird species, 40 mammal species, and 50 reptile species. Getting to the Everglades does require almost an hour of driving from the city, but it’s worth it.
There’s no public transportation within the park, so you’ll want to come with either your own or a rental car.
Shark Valley Visitor Center, located at the end of the park, is a great place to start if you’re traveling with kids. There’s a 15-mile paved loop called Tram Road that allows you to see alligators, turtles, snakes, and birds. You can either walk, rent a bike, or take a tram tour of the route.
There are also plenty of other options within the park, and how much you do depends on how much time you have. Some group tours of the US include the Everglades in multi-day itineraries, and there are overnight facilities.
Fee: $20 to $35 for a standard entry pass; non-US visitors pay an additional $100 per person fee
Hours: The park is open 24/7, but vehicles don’t have access after 6 p.m.; visitor centers have their own hours (usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Best for: Tweens and teens
Jungle Island
At Jungle Island, you’ll be able to interact with animals like lemurs, sloths, and capybaras. The eco-adventure park offers a touch of adventure with aerial roping and zipline courses (great for teens and adults), and younger kids can explore a canopy playground called Treewalk Village.
If you’re stopping at Miami as part of a cruise, this is a fun, family-friendly option to try while you’re docked. It takes less than 10 minutes to drive to Jungle Island, which is located not far from South Beach and downtown Miami.
Fee: Purchasing tickets online is recommended; prices start at $29.95 for children 3 to 9 and $43.95 for visitors 10 and up; free admission for children under 3.
Hours: 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.)
Best for: Young kids, tweens, and teens
Museums and Hands-On Fun
The word “museum” may spark a groan and thoughts of boring school field trips, but Miami’s museums may change a reluctant young mind. For kids with a thirst for knowledge and a love of art, the city has a few must-see attractions for each age category.
The Miami Children’s Museum
Located on Watson Island, a short drive from the downtown area, the Miami Children’s Museum’s mission is simple: to foster a love of learning. The expansive facility hosts 17 galleries, and some of the exhibits children can explore center on soccer and art. There’s also a health and wellness center, a multi-sensory room, and outdoor exhibits. Plus, children may get to meet the museum’s mascot, Michimu.
Fee: $26, advance online purchase recommended
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Best for: Toddlers and young kids
Wynwood Walls
We’ve mostly been discussing the wildlife and water attractions in Miami, but the city is also known for its art. Wynwood Walls, an open-air museum, exemplifies this, and it’s worth visiting with tweens and teens interested in art. You’ll see large-scale art installations and massive murals. There are also indoor galleries and exhibitions, as well as a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs.
Fee: Tickets available online; free entry for children under 5, $5 for those between 6 and 17, $12 for adults
Hours: Open daily from 10.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Best for: Tweens and teens
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
An aquarium and a planetarium in one place—you won’t see that in many places, but you will at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. The three-storey aquarium is particularly noteworthy, and you may see hammerhead sharks, devil rays, parrotfish, and snapper. Other fun features are the touch tank, an aviary, and a 31-foot oculus lens.
The Frost Planetarium, with its auditorium that allows viewers an almost 360-degree virtual experience, is sure to excite, too. The museum’s exhibits are just as fun, with the Science Behind Pixar opening on October 10, 2026 and running until April 11, 2027.
Fee: Free entry for children 3 and under, $24.95 starting rate for children aged 4 to 11, and $29.95 starting rate for adults aged 12 and up
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Friday to Sunday
Best for: Young kids and tweens
Parks, Gardens, and Outdoor Play
Struggling to get your young ones off their phones and into the outdoors? Visiting parks and gardens is a fun thing to do in Miami for kids, and it’s a great alternative to screen time. Spend a day in Coral Gardens at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, enjoy a show at Pinecrest Gardens, or combine beach time with outdoor play at South Pointe Park.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Nature is the focus at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Here, children are encouraged to engage with the natural world in the Children’s Garden. They can also meet more than 40 species of butterflies at the Wings of the Tropics exhibit and wander into Fairchild’s outdoor tropical rainforest. Between all the exploring, you can also enjoy a family picnic in the garden.
Fee: Free entry for children 2 and under, $15.95 for children 3 to 11 on weekdays and $18.95 on weekends, $29.95 for visitors 12 and up on weekdays and $32.95 on weekends. Book online for a $5 discount.
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Best for: Young kids
Pinecrest Gardens
Designated a National Historic Landmark in 2011, Pinecrest Gardens was once the site of Parrot Jungle, which moved to Watson Island and is now known as Jungle Island. Pinecrest Gardens preserves the original Parrot Jungle’s historical landmarks, and there’s also a botanical garden and open-air amphitheater that hosts concerts and other shows year-round.
That might not sound like it should be on a list of fun things to do with kids in Miami, but there’s lots to do here. There’s a water playground, petting zoo, outdoor chess area, sensory garden, and large playground. Family movies are also screened, and the Pinecrest Gardens Farmers Market is on every Sunday.
Fee: Free entry for children under 2, $8 for visitors aged 2 to 64
Hours: open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; farmers market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sundays only)
Best for: Toddlers and young kids; also good for tweens and teens
South Pointe Park
For an easy, gently paced day, South Pointe Park is a relaxed option. Located at the southern tip of Miami Beach, the park has several noteworthy features, including a 20-foot-wide promenade, a motion-activated splash zone, and barbecue areas. On the horizon, you’ll be able to see the downtown skyline, cruise ships docked at PortMiami, and Fisher Island.
Children can have fun at the playground, which features a jungle gym, but you can also enjoy active family time by running, cycling, or skating down the winding paths. The park’s beach is watched over by lifeguards, and you can rent umbrellas and chairs for a classic beach day.
Fee: Free
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset; pier open from 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Best for: Toddlers to teens
Final Tips for Visiting Miami With Kids
It probably doesn’t need saying that traveling with kids requires some preparation. That goes beyond making sure you have wet wipes and emergency snacks in their backpacks. There are some location-specific tips that apply to enjoying Miami with kids.
Getting Around
Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around. If you’re in the city for a few days and planning a number of excursions, you’ll be traveling quite a bit across a spread-out area. Public transportation won’t always be an option, and getting an Uber everywhere will get expensive. A car rental is also advisable if you’re planning on venturing beyond the city to visit the Everglades or Coral Gardens.
Also note that while some locations are free, you may have to pay for parking. At the beaches, in particular, there will likely be parking meters. Garages also come with fees.
Costs
Budget for more than just entry fees. Parking, as mentioned, is a common cost to account for. You’ll also be paying for food within facilities and potentially other rentals (like bikes, boats, and beach equipment). These small costs add up quickly and could derail your budget if not accounted for.
With that said, some things to do with kids in Miami are free, like the beaches. You could take public transportation for a low cost to spots like South Beach and pack your own picnic. Little Havana, which is also a great destination to visit, is another low-cost excursion, and the food and drinks there are affordable.
Best Time to Visit
There are a few factors shaping the best time to visit, including both the time of day, time of week, and time of year.
Best time of the day: Miami is popular for its sunny, subtropical weather, but it can get very hot. Try to plan outdoor activities for the early morning or later afternoon, when the sun is less intense. Also pack hats, as well as water and plenty of sunscreen.
Best time of the week: Miami gets busy over weekends, and some spots, like the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, have higher weekend rates. Try to book in advance wherever possible if you’re visiting over weekends to ensure space.
Best time of the year: The best time to visit Miami, similarly to destinations like the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, is from December to April. The weather is most comfortable during this period; however, for a less crowded experience, May through November are ideal.
Well, there you have it: a list of fun things to do with your kids while you’re in Miami. Do one or two while docked at the cruise port, or build a bunch into an itinerary if you’re in the city for an extended stay. Most of the activities on this list are enjoyable for all age groups, so if you have a toddler, a 5-year-old, and a 12-year-old, everyone can have a good time.
