Coral Gables For Families

Known as the “City Beautiful,” Coral Gables is a historic city in Greater Miami & Miami Beach master planned by visionary developer George Merrick in the 1920s. Today, it’s home to stunning Mediterranean Revival architecture, wide avenues, landscaped plazas and public spaces ripe for exploration. From outdoor escapes to educational arts and culture, kid-friendly dining and shopping, Coral Gables makes for an ideal vacation for families.

Fun Things To Do Outdoors

Matheson Hammock Park

With its lovely manmade atoll beach on the coast of Biscayne Bay, Matheson Hammock Park & Beach is one of Miami's top family-friendly beaches, thanks to its tranquil shallow waters. While you’re there, embark on an easy hike through the preserved hardwood hammocks or rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards.

Venetian Pool

For a fun-filled afternoon splashing around under the sun, the Venetian Pool might just be the most unique watering hole your family will ever dip their toes in. Set in a former coral rock quarry, the 820,000-gallon pool is fed by natural springs and filled with grottoes, waterfalls and a Venetian-style bridge.

Chapman Field Park

If your kids enjoy wildlife, consider exploring Chapman Field Park’s rookery island and mangrove waterways by kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard. Vendors such as iPaddle Miami will make life easy by delivering the gear directly to you. You may see manatees, wading birds and other critters.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Immerse your children in a different part of the natural world with a visit to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Home to 83 sprawling acres, filled with tropical plants and trees, meander with your family along trails to the butterfly garden, rainforest and sunken garden, all while learning about plants and wildlife native to Miami and from around the world.

Immerse Yourself in Arts & Culture

Coral Gables Museum

To uncover the history and urban planning involved in designing the "City Beautiful,” the Coral Gables Museum explores architecture, urban and enironmental design through its exhibitions. Check the events calendar before you visit, so you can take part in their regularly scheduled Family Day on Aragon Avenue, neighborhood walking tours and Gallery Night celebrations with hands-on activities for the kids to enjoy, live entertainment and more.

Lowe Art Museum

With a permanent collection spanning ancient Greek artifacts to paintings by modern masters, the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami is an ideal stop for culture on your family vacation. Featuring a manageable size, free admission and captivating temporary exhibitions, it’s an ideal museum for exploring with your family on a budget.

Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre

Enjoy the theater with your family at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, Miami’s premiere regional theater company. Their 2025 season continues with "The Girl on the Train" (May 14 - June 8, 2025), adapted from the novel, major motion picture "Shrek the Musical" (July 5 - July 26, 2025) and "Step by Step" (July 16 - Aug 10, 2025). They also host summer theater camps if you're in town for an extended stay with a young thespian.

Coral Gables Art Cinema

Of course, nothing beats catching a movie for some downtime on a family vacation, and the Coral Gables Art Cinema is set in a beautiful historic space with incredible programming. Screening both new and classic films, they host monthly Family Day programming, featuring a variety of family-friendly movies. Their annual Miami International Children’s Film Festival with its primary mission to educate the next generation of movie lovers.

Shop, Stroll and Dine

Miracle Mile

Arguably the heart of Coral Gables, Miracle Mile dates back to the city’s origins in 1922. A charming, tree-lined corridor for shopping and dining, you’ll find upscale fashion boutiques, jewelers, interior design stores, bridal shops and the Coral Gables Library, all anchored by City Hall with a statue of George Merrick. 

Doc B’s

Situated on the corner of Miracle Mile and Salzedo Street, Doc B’s is a great option for family dining with its spacious dining room and wide-ranging menu of Americana fare, including burgers, sandwiches, salads and pizza.

Shake Shack

When a quick bite to go is in order, there’s no place like Shake Shack for a gourmet smash burger, cheese fries and a strawberry milkshake in a fast-casual setting.

Shops At Merrick Park

When you’re ready for some serious shopping, the al fresco Shops at Merrick Park is home to over 100 boutiques and restaurants on three levels with tropical garden landscaping and fountains surrounding a central courtyard. Anchored by Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, children’s clothing stores include Boy Meets Girl, Babycottons and Bognar & Piccolini. There’s also a Gymboree and movie theater for family entertainment. For a shopping break, Yard House specializes in craft beer for mom and dad with an extremely kid-friendly menu and casual atmosphere.

Getting Around Coral Gables

When it comes to getting around Coral Gables with your family, hop aboard the city’s free trolley, which operates Monday through Saturday from about 6:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. with two routes that connect riders with the Douglas Metrorail Station. 

Points of interest:

• Coral Gables Museum, 
• Books & Books 
• Miracle Mile shops and restaurants

To make it even easier to use, you can track the trolley in real-time.

Discover more family fun.