Weekend Family Guide to Miami

Visit South Beach: Start your day at one of Miami’s most iconic spots—South Beach. The wide, sandy beach and calm, warm waters are perfect for kids to play and swim. Rent beach chairs and umbrellas, build sandcastles, or simply relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Explore Lummus Park: Just behind the beach is Lummus Park, a lovely green space with playgrounds, walking paths, and outdoor fitness equipment. It’s a great spot for a family stroll or for kids to burn off some energy on the playground.

Walk Through the Art Deco District: After your beach time, take a walk along Ocean Drive to explore the famous Art Deco District. The colorful buildings, with their unique architecture, are fascinating for kids and provide plenty of photo opportunities. Consider taking a short guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of this area.

Lunch at a Beachside Café: For lunch, head to one of the many family-friendly cafés along Ocean Drive or in nearby South Beach. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, kids’ menus, and a variety of options, from fresh seafood to classic American dishes like burgers and sandwiches.

Visit Jungle Island: After lunch, make your way to Jungle Island, an interactive zoological park located between downtown Miami and South Beach. Kids will love the chance to see and interact with exotic animals, including parrots, lemurs, and sloths. The park also offers animal shows, a petting zoo, and a variety of playgrounds and interactive exhibits.

Explore the Miami Children’s Museum: If your kids love hands-on activities, consider spending the afternoon at the Miami Children’s Museum, located nearby on Watson Island. The museum offers a wide range of interactive exhibits designed to engage children in learning through play. From a mini supermarket to a music studio, there’s something to capture every child’s interest.

Dinner in Coconut Grove: In the evening, head to Coconut Grove, one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods, known for its laid-back atmosphere and family-friendly dining options. Choose a restaurant with outdoor seating, where you can enjoy a relaxed dinner under the stars.

Sunset at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: After dinner, take a short drive to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. The historic estate and its beautiful gardens are open for evening strolls, and the sunset views over Biscayne Bay are stunning. The gardens provide plenty of space for kids to explore, and the entire family will enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

Visit Little Havana: Start your second day with a visit to Little Havana, the vibrant Cuban neighborhood in Miami. Stroll down Calle Ocho (8th Street), where you’ll find colorful murals, live music, and local shops. The kids will enjoy watching locals play dominoes in Maximo Gomez Park and sampling some fresh Cuban pastries or tropical fruit smoothies from a local café.

Explore the Cuban Memorial Boulevard: After exploring Calle Ocho, take a walk down the Cuban Memorial Boulevard, where you can learn about the history of Cuban immigration to Miami through the various monuments and memorials. The boulevard is shaded and ideal for a leisurely morning stroll.

Visit Zoo Miami: After your cultural exploration, head to Zoo Miami, one of the largest and most popular zoos in the country. The zoo is designed with wide, open spaces and natural habitats, allowing the animals to roam freely. Kids will love the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and monkeys. The zoo also offers interactive experiences, such as feeding the giraffes or riding a camel.

Picnic at the Zoo: If you prefer a casual lunch, pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the zoo’s picnic areas. This is a great way to relax and refuel while still enjoying the natural surroundings.

Lunch at the Zoo Café: Alternatively, dine at one of the zoo’s on-site cafés, which offer a variety of family-friendly meals and snacks, including sandwiches, salads, and kid-friendly favorites like chicken tenders and fries.

Visit Crandon Park: After your zoo adventure, cool off with a visit to Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. This beautiful park offers a family-friendly beach with calm, shallow waters, perfect for young children. The park also has picnic areas, playgrounds, and a nature center where kids can learn about the local wildlife.

Explore the Miami Seaquarium: If your family prefers a more structured activity, consider visiting the Miami Seaquarium. The Seaquarium offers exciting marine shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and killer whales, as well as interactive exhibits where kids can learn about marine life and conservation.

Dinner at Bayside Marketplace: For your final evening, head to Bayside Marketplace in downtown Miami. The open-air marketplace offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants with views of Biscayne Bay. After dinner, you can explore the shops or enjoy live music and entertainment.

Evening Boat Tour: End your weekend with an evening boat tour around Biscayne Bay. Many companies offer family-friendly tours that provide a unique perspective of Miami’s skyline, as well as views of the city’s famous waterfront mansions. The cool evening breeze and twinkling city lights make for a magical end to your Miami adventure.

Transportation: Miami’s public transportation, including the Metrorail and Metromover, is a convenient way to get around the city. Renting a car is also a good option if you plan to visit attractions that are spread out, such as Zoo Miami or Crandon Park.

Stay Hydrated: Miami’s tropical climate can be hot and humid, especially in the summer. Make sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, hats, and lightweight clothing to keep everyone comfortable.

Kid-Friendly Activities: Miami has plenty of other kid-friendly activities, including the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.