The best things to do in Miami with kids for year-round family fun

This sprawling, high-tech museum connects people of all ages with science through a range of inspiring programming—some of which is even bilingual. Exhibitions such as the “MeLab” let kids learn about health by using their own bodies to conduct experiments, while the aquarium, which houses all sorts of sea creatures, teaches them about marine life.

Why kids love it: Nearly every exhibition provides some sort of hands-on opportunity—kids can touch, smell and see their way to a greater understanding of science. (Keep in mind that some exhibitions remain touch-free zones.)

Why parents love it: The planetarium gives kids an opportunity to learn while getting extra screen time, and parents get a moment to relax in a comfy, air-conditioned setting.

Every inch of the Children’s Museum was designed to foster creativity and inspire little ones to play as they explore and engage educational activities. Locals enjoy access to after-school programming as well as Mommy and Me classes.

Why kids love it: The little-people-sized replicas of places such as the grocery store and the bank make kids feel like grown-ups

Why parents love it: Behind the fun exhibits and installations is real educational programming that teaches kids about everyday subjects like health and wellness 

No kid will ever want to visit another hotel pool after a day at Tidal Cove, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa’s splashy water park. The sprawling attraction features a lazy river, 4,000-square foot kids’ pool, a splash pad for the little ones, two eateries and plenty of lifeguards on duty so that parents can’t also enjoy themselves.

Why kids love it: Adventurous tykes get seven waterslides and a Flow Rider to safely test their surfing and boogie-boarding skills.

Why adults love it: The bar at the breezy Surf House restaurant rivals the best cocktail spots in South Beach. Get yourself a fancy margarita and kick back while you watch the kids slide all afternoon.

No kid will turn down a visit to Zoo Miami. The animals here are a draw—lions, zebras, giraffes and elephants, to name a few—and so are the splash zones and activity areas. Bring an extra change of clothes for the kiddos and spend the rest of the day peddling around on a Safari Cycle, a covered bicycle large enough for a family of four.

Why kids love it: Besides visiting with the animals, water-loving children enjoy the opportunity to splash around at the zoo’s waterplay areas—they’ll keep cool at the Fiesta Fountain and have a blast getting soaked as they stand underneath overflowing buckets of water

Why parents love it: No need to pack snacks when you visit: Zoo Miami has multiple cafes, vending machines and restaurants positioned strategically throughout the grounds

The first and only bowling alley in Downtown Miami, this entertainment hub recently opened in the sleek Miami Worldcenter. You’ll find 28 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, an expansive arcade, a craft cocktail bar and a more intimate VIP area with six private bowling lanes and dedicated service. If your crew gets hungry, the food menu covers classics like chicken wings and tacos along with more sophisticated fare like Moroccan steak and Caribbean mahi-mahi. 

Why kids love it: The massive arcade ensures there’s plenty to do once you’ve finished bowling. 

Why parents love it: Close to downtown attractions like the Kaseya Center and Brickell Avenue, this spot is conveniently located and a great option for an indoor activity on rainy or sweltering summer days.

Open to the public from September through May, this family-owned and operated farm in Miami’s agricultural heartland features 30 acres of all-ages fun, from strawberry picking and sunflower fields to hay rides, a “bubble” trampoline, zipline playground and corn pit. The farm hosts festivals throughout the year, including the Harvest Festival, Winter Festival, Strawberry Festival and Flower Festival. On weekends, visitors can immerse themselves in live music and savor award-winning BBQ and delicious eats from the taco barn.

Why kids love it: A huge, open field and plenty of outdoor activities—not to mention a milkshake and ice cream stand—make this a day well spent in the Redlands. 

Why parents love it: Connecting with nature and ample activities guarantee your tike will be entertained (and exhausted) by an outing here.

This digital art gallery is a decidedly 21st century experience. All the art here is digital and a lot of it is interactive too.

Why kids love it: It’s perfect if you find yourself wanting to go up and touch everything at the typical modern art gallery (all of us, yes, but especially kids). Here, you can (mostly) do just that. Installations move along with you. You can manipulate the work with your fingers. And there are surprises waiting to be discovered with a wave of your hand throughout the two-story space.

Why parents love it: Who doesn’t love a good excuse to ogle literal rooms filled with high-tech gadgets (dads, lookin’ at you)? Plus, its SoBe location means you can find plenty of cool spots to fuel up to or from your way there.

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Walk a few blocks south from where most of the artsy action is in Wynwood and you’ll find this massive warehouse-turned-indoor-arcade with not just video games, but also laser tag, bumper cars and a 7-D theater.

Why kids love it: Combo game passes allow children to play as much as they want on prepaid games 

Why parents love it: Wi-Fi, plus there’s wine, beer and Panther Coffee for sale

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This sprawling “eatertainment” hub consists of a two-story, 30,000-square-foot space that includes an Italian-American bistro, 12 bowling lanes, five indoor and outdoor bocce courts, various private event areas and a spectacular rooftop patio. Free and easy parking is available and there are weekly specials like daily happy hour from 3 to 6:30pm, weekend brunch and a kids menu that also includes vegan and gluten-free options. Unlike some bowling alleys where you have to flag down a waiter or go up to the bar to order, your lane has a dedicated server who will refresh drinks (think premium cocktails and a variety of beer on tap). You can also order snacks (pigs in a blanket, calamari, chicken wings and pizzas are popular starters), sandwiches and salads.

Why kids love it: High-tech screens allow you to bowl games with avatars and selfies—and the very effective gutter guards ensure your kids will score, even if their aim is off.

Why parents love it: The stylish decor feels like a high-end-lounge-meets-family-rec-room. And the extensive menu combined with attentive service means you won’t have to worry about feeding your kids while relaxing with a cocktail.

A stylish spot for drop-in classes with your littles, this young, mom-owned business has already sprouted three locations throughout Miami-Dade, offering options from pregnancy to playtime with prenatal classes, mommy and me activities and enrichment for children up to age five. There’s also a retail boutique attached to each location with fashion finds perfect for your mini-me. 

Why kids love it: With a range of classes including music, tumbling, ballet, cooking, art and jiu-jitsu, there’s something for any kid to get excited about. 

Why parents love it: Parents feel welcome in the clean and upscale stores, and the locations also offer mini-camps during summer and school breaks, plus customizable birthday party packages.

A first-of-its-kind immersive experience, Superblue Miami is a mind-opening experience that is alternately whimsical and gorgeous. Both kids and adults can revel in the interactive tech-y elements and have fun navigating misty “cloud” rooms and mirrored labyrinths. 

Why kids love it: There’s plenty of room to run around in the cavernous exhibition spaces and plenty of interactive “touch” elements. Unlike other museums, there’s also a cool, vibey soundtrack playing in the background and you don’t have to worry about using your “indoor voice.”

Why parents love it: World-class installations from well-known artists like James Turell and Es Devlin create a memorable experience. 

The world’s only tech-infused mini-golf course, this Brickell City Centre outpost occupies 27,000 square feet, including an expansive outdoor terrace that overlooks the Miami cityscape. It features three nine-hole competitive mini golf courses complemented by food and beverage offerings in a lively atmosphere.

Why kids love it: Colorful and funky putt stops and the possibility of delectable burgers and pizza before or after your game. (Be aware the venue switches to 21+ after 8pm.)

Why parents love it: The balls are electronic, so no need to keep score and there’s a full cocktail menu, should you need a margarita while the kiddos perfect their putt. 

This multifaceted venue is a 32,000-square-foot skate park with an outdoor street-style plaza for traditional tricks and a covered pump track ideal for when it rains but you still want to practice on wheels.

Why kids love it: While the space is perfect for professional skateboarders and rollerbladers, it also accommodates beginners and even young kickboard scooter riders. The park holds regular skate camps and classes and offers memberships for frequent riders.

Why parents love it: Located in El Portal, a few blocks north of the 79th Street Causeway and just west of Biscayne Boulevard, there are small retail shops that line the pump track including a barbershop, tattoo parlor, streetwear fashion and galleries.

South Florida’s first and only aerial zipline adventure park is situated across six acres on Watson Island’s Jungle Island attraction where adults and kids alike can choose from three exhilarating courses catering to kids ages five and up. Courses are color-coded based on difficulty level and combined offer more than 55 elements, seven zip lines and ample opportunities for visitors to get out of their comfort zone and be immersed in nature. 

Why kids love it: They get to channel their inner Tarzan on a combination of cables, ropes and zip lines. Additionally, at various points along the courses, guests climb over ponds and can see and hear animals from below and up high. Several of the cool critters surrounding the adventure park include capybaras, gibbons, lemurs, iguanas and ibises.

Why parents love it: You’ll feel accomplished after finishing the course—the ultimate family bonding experience. 

Possibly the most beautiful swimming pool in the world, even if it is jam-packed on hot days. It combines an impossibly idyllic setting (tropical foliage, waterfalls, Italian architectural touches) with freshwater, replenished nightly in summer months from a subterranean aquifer. Everyone wants a piece of the pool. Luckily for Joe Public, it’s open to the masses seven days a week, but it is perhaps best enjoyed when not overrun with toddlers and boom-box blasts (avoid weekends).

Why kids love it: The shallow pool and cool grotto provide hours of entertainment for water-loving kiddos—plus, the on-site café serves ice cream, pizza and french fries

Why parents love it: One of the most pristine public bathing areas, Venetian Pool takes the stress out of planning an outing—it boasts clean showers, lockers, free parking and a place to grab a bite

A hub for theater kids of all sizes, this charming theater in Miami Shores regularly hosts kid-friendly performances, a drama camp and workshops for local schools and organizations.

Why kids love it: Shows are geared to kids of all ages, so you little Hamilton superfan can get started early.

Why parents love it: The staff is awesome and will turn your kid into a little star.

Occupying the southern tip of Key Biscayne, this park’s wide beaches regularly make the national top 10 lists. But this is more than just a place to catch some rays: there’s history, wildlife and plenty of activities too. Covered pavilions are available for picnics, and the Lighthouse Café offers good food.

Why kids love it: Kids will love climbing to the top of the 65-foot-tall Cape Florida Lighthouse, exploring native wildlife and experiencing outdoor activities like kayaking and cycling

Why parents love it: The beach at Bill Baggs is a relaxed alternative to Miami Beach with easy parking, lots of room on the sand for lying out and relatively calm waters for little swimmers

The animals at this private facility have been rescued from large zoos or donated, including the adorable camel guests can feed carrots to and the small capuchin monkeys, Amaya and Ahmed, which love to pose for photos. 

Why kids love it: This is the only zoo in Miami that allows children to hold primates and interact with other wildlife—though it comes at a hefty surcharge

Why parents love it: Visits are guided and led by skilled staff member, so children learn as they explore

This outdoor museum boasts more than a dozen murals by some of the world’s most acclaimed artists. Whether it’s for a photo op or to teach your kids about art, a stop at the Wynwood Walls is essential for families.

Why kids love it: There’s lots of green space to run around

Why parents love it: The place is surrounded by restaurants, making its location ideal for an easy snack break or cocktail-fueled recess.

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This huge park down south has marina for boaters, green space for picnicking, bike trails for cyclists of all skill levels and a small beach for sunbathing. 

Why kids love it: The shallow atoll provides a fun, safe place to splash around

Why parents love it: It feels like a trip to Miami Beach without a trek over the causeway, and there’s plenty of parking

Just a short drive from Miami this lakefront adventure spot is a bit of a hidden gem. The facility features watersport rentals, SCUBA, sailing, and lifeguarding courses.

Why kids love it: There’s an inflatable “Aquaglide” water obstacle course and kayak or paddleboard rentals if you’re feeling aquatic. A 40-foot high multiple tower ropes course will have you channeling your American Ninja Warrior side.

Why parents love it: A one-stop destination that's guaranteed to tire them out.

If your kid is dreaming of life on the Great White Way, the Miami Children’s Theater will introduce them to life in show business. Performances here are produced, acted and choreographed by children. The audience is also underage, but watch out for the occasional PG rating. 

Why kids love it: Budding actors can relate to the pint-size talents on stage

Why parents love it: If fostering a love of acting is important to you, this place has you covered

Florida’s largest urban park offers water sports and land-based activities. Kayak through mangroves, camp overnight or spend the day hanging out at one of the many pavilions on the premises.    

Why kids love it: Bicycle trails offer a fun and safe way for beginners to learn to ride

Why parents love it: Full moon kayak tours are a big hit with parents and older children

This massive, immersive monument to our favorite frozen dessert spans two floors and more than 14,000 square feet of the fancy new Miami Worldcenter in Downtown. The fifth and newest MOIC location blends nostalgia and innovation to transport guests into a pastel-hued, sprinkle-coated wonderland designed for play, discovery and (what else?) selfies. Visitors of all ages will find 10 interactive, Miami-inspired installations, like the first-ever Cream Liner, a luxury airliner experience inspired by the ’60s and ’70s; The Hall of Freezers, a trippy exploratory room filled with dozens of mysterious refrigerator doors; and MOIC’s iconic sprinkle pool, which visitors of the 2017 pop-up in Miami Beach will remember.

This spot is so much more than just a bowling alley (although their lanes are quite impressive) this is also a full-service restaurant (the buffalo chicken wontons are next level) with a full bar and a small arcade.

Why kids love it: They can safely bop from activity to activity, and there are billiards and board games to pass the time as well. 

Why parents love it: The plethora of flat-screen TVs also guarantees this a comfortable spot to watch a game while the “weekday warrior” promotion nets you unlimited bowling and shoe rental for $18 Monday through Thursday from 5-8pm.

It’s everything you desire in an arts and crafts room—except you don’t have to spend days picking glitter out of the carpet. Drop-in with your creative little ones, pay by the hour (prices range from $16 to $64) and kids can float from station to station with different crafty options.

Why kids love it: Painting, molding sand, creating their own invention—oh, the possibilities here.

Why parents love it: Because these kids sure as hell won’t be making slime in your living room.

South Florida is short on hills so this 7,500-square-foot hybrid skate park and pump track at Haulover Beach Park is a great spot to burn off energy and practice catching some air. Helmets are required.

Why kids love it: The track is challenging but also accessible for all ages.

Why parents love it: Safe riding and skateboarding in a no-car zone means less worry for parents. Plus, it’s right next to the super popular dog beach.

It’s young, but South Florida does have a past and a lively one at that. Tracing the history of the region, from early Indians to rafting Cubans, HistoryMiami succeeds in educating while entertaining. The exhibits on the wreckers of Key West and Henry Flagler both merit an extended look, as does the section on photographer Ralph Middleton Munroe.

Here kids learn every aspect of the Miccosukee tribe’s fascinating history and culture, browsing authentic crafts and patchwork, sampling the tribe’s cuisine and visiting the Indian Museum, which is packed with artifacts and exhibits. 

Why kids love it: History lesson aside, this place offers airboat rides take visitors through the Everglades to see typical hammock-style Indian camps

Why parents love it: Just 30 minutes south of Downtown, the educational facility exposes kids to Native American history in a fun, engaging way 

See alligators on an airboat ride.

Parrot Jungle Island, which occupied this site for more than 60 years, flew the coop in 2001 to a $50-million complex on Watson Island. Although the owners took their thousand-plus alligators and crocodiles, flamingos, peacocks and parrots, they left the thousands of plants and flowers that now form the basis of this municipal park.

Why kids love it: After you've strolled flower-lined trails, fed the koi and admired the wildlife on Swan Lake, your kids will appreciate the reward of cooling off at Pinecrest Gardens’ Splash 'N Play area.

Why parents love it:  Approximately one thousand times less overwhelming (and expensive) than a full-blown waterpark, this splash pad boasts plenty of sprays and misters and will only set you back $5 (included with the price of park admission). 

If your child shows interest in horticulture and local wildlife, take them to Fruit & Spice Park in Homestead, where they’ll find all sorts of exotic plants and trees that produce more than 500 varieties fruits, vegetables, herbs and nuts. The park’s 150-plus types of mangos are the favorite of the bunch. 

Why kids love it: Kids can try the park’s bounty of produce during one of many fruit-centric events that take place annually—like the popular Asian Cultural Festival in March

Why parents love it: The 37-acre facility offers guided tours, which are included in the price of admission and are available daily

The Museum of Ice Cream, the Museum of Graffiti, the Museum of Plastic. If it exists in our modern world, there should probably be an entire “museum” dedicated to it—at least, that’s what the opening of the Museum of Illusions tells us. Located in Miami Beach on Lincoln Road, this latest cultural pillar offers guests oodles of opportunities to pose in front of more than 40 mind-boggling, floor-to-ceiling painted mural illusions. Dangle from a dramatic skyscraper ledge, snuggle up inside the palms of a celestial goddess, battle a Mortal Combat-style street fighter or hover above the ground like a Zen master—all to the envy of your social media following. Flash photography is not only allowed but encouraged at the Museum of Illusions, which also has popular locations in Los Angeles and San Francisco.