Top 15 Kid-Friendly Adventures in Miami, for First-Timers and Locals
Frost Museum
By Rebecca Thompson
Jan. 23, 2025
I've been dragging my kids to Miami for years now, and I've got to tell you, this city's got more family-friendly attractions than a theme park has overpriced souvenirs. From hands-on museums to splash-tastic water parks, Miami's got enough to keep your little ones entertained and you sane. So buckle up, parents – we're about to dive into the best spots that'll have your kids begging to come back to the Magic City.
Picture this: You're standing in front of a massive aquarium, your kid's nose pressed against the glass, watching hammerhead sharks glide by overhead. That's the Frost Museum for you. This Downtown Miami gem is like a playground for curious minds, with everything from a planetarium that'll make you feel like you're floating in space to exhibits that'll have your kids asking questions faster than you can Google the answers.
Remember when water parks were just a couple of slides and a kiddie pool? Tidal Cove at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort didn't get that memo. This place is like someone took all your kids' water-based dreams and made them reality. With seven slides, a lazy river, and a FlowRider surf simulator, it's the perfect spot to cool off and tire out the little energy bundles.
Over in Allapattah, Superblue is what happens when art decides to swallow you whole – in the best way possible. The immersive installations, especially the mirrored labyrinth, are mind-bending enough to impress even the most jaded teenager.
4. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
At the southern tip of Key Biscayne, this park is where you go when you want to pretend you're on a deserted island – but with bathrooms and a snack bar. The beach is perfect for little swimmers, and there's even a lighthouse to climb if you're feeling ambitious. Pro tip: Pack a picnic and make a day of it. Your wallet (and your kids' stomachs) will thank you.
If your kids are the type to touch everything in sight (and whose aren't?), the Miami Children's Museum on Watson Island is your jam. The Castle of Dreams is basically a giant sand castle they can actually play in – without you having to spend hours building it yourself. And don't miss the Sketch Aquarium, where your budding Picasso's drawings swim to life on a giant digital screen. It's like magic, only with fewer rabbits and more fish.
Who says art appreciation is just for adults? The vibrant murals of Wynwood are like a giant, outdoor coloring book. We love playing "I spy" with the artwork, and there's always Salt & Straw ice cream and a Panther Coffee nearby when the kids need a sugar boost (and you need a caffeine fix).
I can tell you that mini-golf in Brickell City Centre isn't your grandpa's putt-putt. Puttshack is all high-tech, with interactive courses that make each hole feel like a video game come to life. It's become our go-to spot when the Miami rain decides to crash our beach plans.
Spanning 750 acres, Zoo Miami is like a wild safari without the long-haul flight or the risk of becoming lion chow. The zoo's unique climate means you can see animals from Africa, Asia, and Australia all in one day. And let's be honest, the splash areas scattered throughout are as much for the parents' sanity as they are for the kids' enjoyment.
Down in South Miami-Dade, the Berry Farm is where you go when you want to pretend you live on a quaint country farm – for a few hours, at least. Picking strawberries, conquering rope courses, and diving into a corn pit (it's exactly what it sounds like) – it's all wholesome fun until someone gets a corn kernel in their ear.
Near Downtown Miami, Jungle Island is where wildlife meets adrenaline. Alongside animal exhibits, there’s a heated inflatable water park called Jungle Splash, the Treetop Trekking discovery course for kids 5-plus, and the new Nalu Acrobatic show headlined by a 25-year veteran of Cirque du Soleil. The result? A place your kids will be talking about for weeks.
In Coconut Grove, State of Kid is the place for the under-10 crowd to flex their creative muscles. With classes ranging from art to cooking, it's like a mini-university for tiny humans. Just don't be surprised if your kid starts critiquing your cooking afterward.
For the too-cool-for-school crowd, Skatebird in North Miami is where it's at. Whether your kids are Tony Hawk in training or just starting out, this indoor park has ramps for all levels. Plus, it's air-conditioned, which in Miami is practically a superpower.
This Coral Gables oasis is where you go when you want a beach day without the actual beach. The man-made atoll pool is perfect for little ones, and the nature trails offer a peaceful retreat. Pro tip: Stay for dinner at the on-site restaurant and catch a sunset that'll make even your teenagers look up from their phones.
This historic pool in Coral Gables is what happens when someone decides to make a public pool look like a Mediterranean villa. Fed by spring water and surrounded by grottos and waterfalls, it's the closest thing to swimming in a fairy tale – minus the singing crabs and mermaids. Coral Gables began renovations on the pool when it closed for the cold months, so check the website for updates on when you can start swimming.
As Florida's largest urban park, Oleta River is where you go to pretend you're not in a city at all. Kayaking through mangroves, spotting wildlife, and picnicking on the beach – it's like a mini-vacation without leaving town. Just remember to bring bug spray, or you might end up being the main course for the local mosquito population.
MORE FROM MIAMI
The Hottest Restaurants in the Magic City
Miami isn’t a city that clings to its past; it’s one that constantly reinvents itself, and nowhere is that more apparent than at these, the Magic City’s 17 best restaurants.
Following the Beckhams: 12 Places to Spot Miami Royalty
Here’s where David and Victoria Beckham have been spotted, from glitzy hotspots to a few places that just might surprise you.