Miami Book Fair for Families

For book-loving families, it’s the event of the year. The Miami Book Fair returns Nov. 16–23, 2025, and it’s one of the best things to do in Miami with kids. Held at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus in Downtown Miami, kids and teenagers gather to hear famous authors bring their stories to life (and maybe snag an autograph) while they bond over books alongside their families and book besties.

First Stop Is Children’s Alley From Nov. 21-23

Follow the sounds of laughter and excited chatter to Children’s Alley, where enchanting experiences leap from the pages of books – thanks to puppets, stilt walkers and beloved Miami Book Fair characters like The Wordsmith family, Wembly Wordsmith, Rita Readsmuch, Luis Libris and their monkey sidekick, Stanza. Watch as kids transform into their favorite book characters with face painting. Afterward, bond over story time or read together as a family.

It’s a no-judgment space where parents can act like kids again. Want to preserve the memory? There’s a chance to snag an autograph with famed authors, as well as watch theater, music, dance and magic shows on the Participate! stage.

New This Year At Children’s Alley

Gather at the Participate! Stage for this year’s musical headliner, Miami’s music maestro  Mr. J Jams, who brings the creativity with his original children’s songs about family, love and friendship.

If that’s not enough music for you, there’s drumming with the South Florida Center for Percussive Arts in the Learn! Canopy. That’s also the place to visit for improv acting, as well as engaging in engineering wonders with the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.

Budding artists should head to the Create! Canopy, where MOAD and The Bass offer a variety of crafts. There are also in-depth workshops with local artists. These workshops have limited space, so be sure to pick up a free ticket at the information booth.

Another cool thing to do with kids is visit the new imagination station on Wordsmith Way, where you can take part in workshops using iPads, including: how to be a DJ hosted by DJ Bear Who?; creating one-page comics with cartoonist and illustrator George O’Connor; and the chance to design your own book cover.

Bookmark These Readings With Top Authors

For Young Readers

Children’s author Amy Timberlake chats about the third and final adventure of Skunk and Badger, “Rock Paper Incisors: A Skunk and Badger Story,” where the odd couple takes in two orphaned rat pups, Zeno and Zephyr, amidst a cozy winter backdrop.

For a story that resonates with Miami residents, Edwidge Danticat reads from “Watch Out for Falling Iguanas,” which follows a girl who sets off for school on a rare chilly day in Miami and has encounters with roaming peacocks and chickens.

Families will want to cuddle up with their kids for Susie Jaramillo’s heart-warming picture book, “Canticos Besitos: The Best Gift in the World,” a bilingual book that celebrates the power of kisses.

Finally, author and DJ Edwin Rios (better known as Bear Who?) presents his popular picture book trilogy, “The DJ Books,” which helps youngsters dream big and discover their uniqueness.

For Middle Graders

Top readings to bookmark for middle-grade readers include Shannon Messenger, known for her “Keeper of the Lost Cities” series, and The New York Times best-selling author Kwame Mbalia, popular for the “Tristan Strong” trilogy and the “Jax Freeman” series. Also, award-winning author Donna Barba Higuera reads from her new graphic novel, “Xolo,” released this November, which reimagines the Aztec myth of the origin of man and man's best friend.

For Young Adults & Teens

Young adult readers will hang on every word from Miami-born sister duo Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite, who co-author “The Summer I Ate the Rich.” The novel explores what happens when a Haitian American girl uses her previously hidden zombie abilities to get revenge on the wealthy elites. Book Fair attendees will also be thrilled by The New York Times best-selling author Maggie Stiefvater – known for her young adult fantasy and paranormal novels – who will read from her latest book, “The Raven Boys: The Graphic Novel,” which chronicles their hunt for a long-forgotten Welsh king.

Take A Break In The Read & Chill Lounge

While Miami Book Fair always echoes with boisterous noise and excitement, sometimes small bookworms need a chill escape from the thrills. Families seeking a quiet break can retreat to the Read & Chill Lounge, where they can snuggle together on a beanbag to read a book, gather for story time and be captivated by authors like David Unger, Zena Ayoub, Ali Mejia, Silvia Lopez and Carmen Misé

Tickets And Getting To The Miami Book Fair

Tickets are always free for kids ages 12 and under, and single day tickets are $5 for ages 13 to 18. You can get to Miami Book Fair by Metrorail, Brightline, Tri-Rail and Trolley. There’s also ample parking nearby.

Use our Miami Book Fair Guide to plan your experience.