41 Things To Do in Miami With Kids

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Visit some of Florida’s beautiful native fish in the 10,000 gallon aquarium, Planetarium and exhibits on the Everglades, Nanotechnology, States of Matter, a collection of rare space artifacts and rocks from outer space and more. Outdoors there is a mini-golf course designed to educate about natural Florida habitats and a science nature trail connecting 15 new exhibits, including a physics forest, human sundial, gem panning station, shark tooth dig pit, dinosaur walk and picnic areas. Young children will enjoy the discovery center and outdoor playground.

Cost: $17.95 adult/child $13.95 (3-12)

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Families can stop by the front desk for the latest Art Find activity, challenging you to locate works of art all over the Museum. If you complete the challenge, you can return it for a special prize. Look, See, Create activity books are located throughout the exhibits and will inspire visitors of all ages to make their own art. Be sure to visit the outdoor sculpture garden as well. On one Saturday per month, the museum offers a workshop for families/intergenerational groups that feature artistic family fun for all ages to learn and create.

Cost: $12 per person, Free for kids 12 and under

Tracy Snyder Molina:  This hands-on science center offers semi-permanent interactive exhibits pertaining to all aspects of the physical sciences. The Explorium also hosts traveling exhibits about the human body, outer space, natural disasters and more. Check the website for current exhibits. They offer a variety of activities including monthly Science Squad classes with a different topic each month, monthly Make & Takes drop-in classes and free Weekend Science programming. There's also an interactive Science Playground to explore and carousel.

Cost: Suggested donation of $5 per person. $1 per carousel ride.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Kids and parents will love all the opportunities for imagination and pretend play at this museum. Activity Centers include Bank & Post Office, Grocery Store, Puppet Theater & Stage, Science & Engineering, Vet Office and Health Care Center. Outside there is a pirate ship where pirate adventures come to life with interactive games, stories, treasure maps and theater shows and children can learn to speak Pirate! They also offer a variety of enrichment programs and classes.

Cost: $5 per person

Tracy Snyder Molina:   Spend some time with up to twenty thousand exotic butterflies from all over the world as you stroll through tropical flowering gardens enclosed in six giant screened aviaries. You can hand feed the colorful parrots in the Lorikeet Encounter, explore the Botanical Gardens and Macaw Landing, cross the Suspension Bridge and check out the Live Bug Zoo, Laboratory, Outdoor Cafes, Gift Shop and Garden Center to complete your family fun adventure at Butterfly World.

Cost: $29.95 adult/$21.95 child (3-11).

A Tradewinds Park gate fee of $1.50 per person is in effect on weekends and holidays.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  You can't live in South Florida and not make a trip to the Everglades. At Sawgrass Recreation Park embark on a thrilling Everglades airboat adventure. During the tour you'll learn fun facts about this unique ecosystem while you take in the exciting sights. Keep an eye out for native and endangered Florida wildlife as you skim across the glassy water. After your boat ride check out the exhibits including turtles, iguanas, peacocks and Cannibal, the 1000 pound alligator. Night tours are also available.

Cost: $22.95 adult/$12.95 child (4-12). Florida resident annual pass is available.

Tracy Snyder Molina:   This Ft. Lauderdale museum provides imagination activation for the whole family! Each exhibit allows kids to explore the hidden art in their surroundings. Learn about foreign cultures, ancient customs and a world of fantastic adventures. Make musical instruments from discarded objects and STOMP to the beat, pretend to ride a NYC subway train or discover how an artist interprets his or her culture and traditions and how they influence their art. You'll even have a chance to make a masterpiece of your own.

Cost: $14 per person/$12 for Broward County residents

Tracy Snyder Molina:   At the Museum of Discovery and Science the numerous large aquariums with everything from fish and adorable otters to baby alligators will delight the animal lovers. The Prehistoric Florida area features a giant 50-foot Megalodon, live dig pit, saber-toothed cat and an Imperial Mammoth. The Everglades Airboat Adventure allows visitors to experience the twists, turns and stops in a simulated airboat ride through the Everglades. A storm center with hurricane simulator, recycling robot and science theater are just a few more of the highlights.

Cost: $17 adult/$14 child (2-12)

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Plan a visit to this 60-acre garden and sanctuary featuring native, rare and exotic plants and animals. Take a narrated tram drive through some of the last original jungle growth in South Florida, wander the botanical gardens including interactive children's garden and visit the wildlife sanctuary, home to the largest collection of Florida native wildlife including alligators, eagles, otters, bobcats, panthers, peacocks, and flamingos. The Wray Home Museum gives visitors a glance at life in South Florida in the 1930s.

Cost: $19.95 adults/$12.95 kids (3-11)

Tracy Snyder Molina:  If you're looking to escape the noise and the hustle and bustle of daily life, check out the secluded beauty of mother nature at this state park. Take a walk through a canopy of palms, hardwoods and mangroves, look for manatees traveling the canal, snorkel along the close-to-shore coral reef, or just relax in the shade while enjoying a picnic at one of seven pavilions, all with water, electricity, picnic tables and barbecue areas. Tip: The seventh pavilion overlooks Port Everglades where you can watch the cruise ships and barges arrive and depart.

Cost: $6 per vehicle

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Bring your bikes or rent some and explore the 15 miles of mountain bike trails in this oasis of hardwood hammocks and mangroves just steps from Miami. Canoe, stand-up paddleboards and kayak rentals are also available to paddle along the mangrove forests and then relax on the sandy beach, swim in the salt water lagoon off Biscayne Bay and enjoy a picnic in the picnic pavilion area.

Tracy Snyder Molina:   For something more off the beaten path, head west to the Miccosukee Indian Village. The Miccosukee tribe has called the Florida Everglades home for a long time and much of their history and culture is still preserved here. Tours are given daily and families can watch wood carving, basket weaving, dollmaking and beadwork demonstrations. Ride on an airboat and catch their famous live alligator wrestling show. Tip: The Miccosukee Indian Arts & Crafts Festival in December makes for a fun family outing.

Cost: Alligator Shows - $15 adult/$8 child (6-12), Airboat ride $20 adult/$12 child (6-12)

Tracy Snyder Molina:   Check out the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami's "Family Day” program offered on the third Sunday of every month. This monthly program features interactive activities and performances for geared for all ages.

Cost: Free admission, guests are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  In Miami's former Warehouse District, Wynwood Walls features brightly colored murals created by world-renowned street artists, representing 16 countries around the world and covering more than 80,000-square feet of space. Kids and adults alike will enjoy checking out this lively and ever-changing outdoor display of street art with plenty of fun photo opportunities. Private walking tours are available.

Cost: Free

Tracy Snyder Molina:   Little Havana is one of Miami’s most well-known and colorful neighborhoods. Enjoy Cuban specialties and a cafe con leche at Versailles, stroll along Calle Ocho, watch the boats go by on the Miami River and admire the vibrant mural depicting the faces of famous Latinos like Celia Cruz, Ruben Dario and Selena. Kids will get a kick out of checking out the costumes at Casa De Los Trucos (House of Tricks) and enjoying some of Miami's best ice cream at Azucar Ice Cream Company.