Miami really is a destination of choice for parents traveling with their children. As a family, you’ll enjoy all sorts of entertainment and activities that will even make grandma fancy joining you. If that’s the case, bring grandpa along too! And to help you explore the city and its secrets, follow one of our guides on a private tour. They’ll come up with something for every member of your tribe!
Contents
- 1 With the family.. at the beach!
- 2 With the family… by bike!
- 3 With the family.. on a cruise!
- 4 With the family.. in Wynwood!
- 5 With the family.. in the park!
- 6 With the family.. in the Everglades !
- 7 With the family… at the museum!
- 8 With the family… snack time!
- 9 With the family… in the Keys!
- 10 Visit Miami with a local guide!
With the family.. at the beach!
If there’s one thing the kids will want to do in Miami, it’s build sand castles! Of course, you can take the easy way out and stay in South Beach. But for a more family-friendly atmosphere, choose Historic Virginia Key Beach Park and its highest sand castle in the world! Then arm yourself with your buckets and spades and try to out do it! You’ll even find barbecues and picnic areas just a stone’s throw from the sand, so spend the whole day there!
To discover the area, rent a kayak or a bike at the Virginia Key Outdoor Center. In the winter, you have a good chance to meet manatees!
With the family… by bike!
Do you want to see the Miami Beach’s Art Deco buildings but afraid that the kids won’t be that thrilled by the neighborhood’s unique architecture? Are you sporty and like long walks? A bike ride on Ocean Drive is the perfect opportunity to do the most cliched thing possible (you could also choose old school rollerblades – just as bad!), and pretend you’re in a movie! Why not follow our guides on one of our bike tours ? They’ll take you through South Beach and show you stunning views of the city.
With the family.. on a cruise!
Want to find your sea legs? Why not view Miami from Biscayne Bay? See dolphins and perhaps manatees while enjoying an incredible view! There are so many options to discover Biscayne Bay, you’re guaranteed to find the one that suits the whole family. From speedboat to pirate ship, there is something for everyone. And if you want to have it your way, why not rent a boat and explore the bay at your own pace?
With the family.. in Wynwood!
Wynwood is Miami’s Temple of Street Art. This colorful neighborhood has something for everyone! The clash of architectural styles and mishmash of facades decorate cafés, ice-cream parlors, and other souvenir shops. Our guides will take you exploring the most beautiful murals and can figure out an itinerary to please everyone in your tribe.
And why not let your imagination run wild at our street art workshop? After an hour tour of the neighborhood with our guide to give you the inspiration you need, you’ll meet up with a local artist who’ll help you create the perfect fresco you can take home as an unforgettable souvenir!
With the family.. in the park!
Let’s turn now to one of the most must-see places, the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. To explore this wonderful garden, try the tram tour, the kids will love it, and you will enjoy fascination comments from the volunteers. Less than ten minutes away from this gigantic park is another one, the Pinecrest Gardens. At this mini botanical garden, children can cool off on the water slides in the shade or stroke the sheep, goats and pigs at the petting zoo.
With the family.. in the Everglades !
It’s well known that children love animals! From the most impressive alligators to the most adorable tortoises, they’ll catch a glimpse of them all during a visit to the Everglades.
For sports fans and bike lovers, the Everglades can be explored in a multiple of ways. Whether it’s by kayak, by bike… The main entrance, to the South, has many small trails that the whole family can walk. Drive all the way to Flamingo, and rent kayaks, or pontoon boat, and explore the mangrove.
Any stay in Miami wouldn’t be complete without a ride on an airboat. These are the type of hydrofoils made famous by Hollywood. For the perfect experience, choose a company that has smaller boats, and takes you to the North side of US41. The Wildlife Management Area allows for a more safari-like adventure into the wilderness. You’re guaranteed to see gators up close.
With the family… at the museum!
Keeping the whole family happy at the museum can be tricky but Miami has an answer to this conundrum: Museum Park! On one side is the Frost Science with things to do no matter your age or inclinations. On the other, the Perez Art Museum Miami (or PAMM for short) is a museum of modern art set in a stunning building. The first museum will keep you busy for the whole day or more. On the first Friday of each month, the Frost also opens its doors until 1am for laser shows in the planetarium. PAMM is a good choice for lunch. Its restaurant, Verde, has a breathtaking view of the bay.
With the family… snack time!
Even on holiday you’ll still need an afternoon snack! It’s is also a great opportunity to try local specialties and to introduce the kids to a different culture. Miami is a paradise for foodies. Its exotic fruits and desserts from all over the world can be enjoyed whatever your age!
Why not combine the culture and food by exploring Little Havana and Coconut Grove and try the local specialties? With its ice cream, juice and cake, your family’s taste buds will love you!
- enjoy an ice cream while watching the domino players on Calle Ocho
- enjoy the calm of Coconut Grove and its fantastic eateries so you can recharge your batteries before returning to the madness of South Beach
With the family… in the Keys!
Do you want to see the Keys’ coral reef without taking the plunge? Get in the car and head towards Key Largo. The Key’s first island is 1.5 hours from downtown Miami. There is a glass bottom boat cruise that will take you to the John Pennekamp State Park. You’ll get to see the same views as divers but don’t worry – you’re protected by the thick windows of the boat! The trip lasts two hours. An unforgettable moment for the whole family!
After your trip across the water, feed the tarpons and admire the pelicans at Robbie’s, a little further south on the beautiful island of Islamorada. Kids love it!
Visit Miami with a local guide!
Want more recommendations and a guide on your family vacation? Miami Off Road offers custom tours for a trip you’ll never forget.