From miles of pristine beaches and city parks to museums and a symphony under the stars, there are more free things to do with kids in Miami than you might imagine. If you’re planning a budget-friendly trip to Miami with the whole family, explore these free and fun activities that kids will love.

Museums

Free Admission

These Miami museums invite you and the entire family to explore ancient relics, modern art and more – and they won’t cost you a dime.

Exterior of ICA Miami — Admission is always free at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA)

One of the city’s newest museums, ICA, Miami in the Design District showcases thought-provoking contemporary art exhibitions with attention towards under-recognized and emerging artists. It’s great for kids of all ages. With its larger-than-life pieces made from items such as bulldozers and neon lights, the sculpture garden is especially kid-friendly. Because of COVID-19 safety precautions that include social distancing, you must reserve a free timed ticket online ahead of your visit.

Exterior view of FIU Frost Museum — Be inspired at the Frost Art Museum at FIU's South Campus

Situated on the Florida International University campus in South Dade The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum doesn’t charge admission to view its collection of contemporary Latin American and Caribbean artists, photography, printmaking and pre-Columbian objects dating back to 200 AD. Marvel at African masks, Impressionist art and other works that’ll inspire your children to create a masterpiece of their own. Be sure to schedule your visit at least 48 hours in advance.

Explore art and technology from the Industrial Revolution at The Wolfsonian FIU

Right the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco district, The Wolfsonian-FIU showcases art and technology from the Industrial Revolution to present day. Sneak in a history lesson or two for your kids – this may be the first time they see a real-life rotary phone! Reward their curiosity with sweet treats from the cafe. Be sure to book your free timed ticket in advance online.

HistoryMiami Museum plaza — Family Fun Day at HistoryMiami Museum is full of fun interactive events for kids

Free for Kids

Part of the prestigious Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program, Downtown Miami’s HistoryMiami entertains and educates with more than 13,000 artifacts. Get immersed in South Florida’s history with the Pioneer House (part of the permanent exhibit Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida), or stop by for Family Fun Day, when the kiddos can celebrate Miami’s diversity with fun interactive events such as drum circles (see website for current event info). Admission is free for children under age six and you can reserve your timed ticket online, in advance.

Boy on Swing chair on PAMM plaza — Children 6 and under are free at PAMM in Downtown Miami

The stunning Perez Art Museum Miami overlooking Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami is home to an impressive collection of contemporary art from across the Americas. Kids under six get in free. They’ll have a blast checking out interactive sculptures and artistic porch swings – and you’ll admire the stunning architecture.

The Freedom Tower’s Miami-Dade College Museum of Art and Design in downtown Miami is an important historical site where your family will learn about the Cuban diaspora and the story of their immigration to Miami. Children under age 12 are admitted free.

Family exploring Wynwood Walls — Everyone enjoys exploring Wynwood Walls

Then there are Miami’s marvelous murals. While Wynwood Walls recently started charging $10 timed ticket admission for adults, this outdoor museum dedicated to street art is still free for kids under 12. They’ll be enchanted by the pastel geometric forms of Maya Hayuk, the cartoon-like figures of the London Police and the works of legendary artists such as Kenny Scharf and Shepard Fairey. A former warehouse district, Wynwood is now a colorful, mural-splashed neighborhood with world-class art covering nearly every surface. You can also wander the neighborhood on your own to see murals outside of Wynwood Walls – and take in the kaleidoscopic vibe at your own pace.

New World Symphony Wallcast — Free movies and Symphonies at Soundscape Park are a popular way to enjoy an evening with family

Free Movies & Symphony Under the Stars

Designed by legendary architect Frank Gehry, South Beach’s New World Center is home to SoundScape Park, where a massive, 7,000-square-foot wall acts as a screen for simulcasts of symphony performances and family-friendly movies. Spend an evening beneath the palm trees watching The Pirates of the Caribbean or listening to Bach. Movies typically screen Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. from November through May and symphony “Wallcasts” vary throughout the season. It’s a magical (and free!) family-friendly experience you’ll only find in Miami.

249 Acre Greynolds Park in North Miami Beach area — South Pointe Park on South Beach offers beautiful Downtown Miami views

Discover Miami’s Parks

A stroll in one of Miami's many parks with the kids won't cost a cent. While Everglades National Park and some state parks charge an entrance fee, plenty of smaller parks are absolutely free.

Head to North Beach and cruise North Shore Open Space Park, where you’ll find a lovely, shaded oceanfront park with jogging trails, picnic tables and a dog park.

At the tip of South Beach, South Pointe Park is beautifully landscaped; views of the Atlantic Ocean wrap around to the channel, PortMiami and the Downtown Miami skyline. Take a stroll out on the pier, let your kids run around on the playground and take in public art along the paved path and watch the boats go to and from port.

In Coconut Grove, Kennedy Park boasts jogging trails, beach volleyball, a dog park and wooden docks to perfect for enjoying the gentle bay breeze.

view of the South Beach jetty — You can't go wrong with a day spent in the beautiful blue waters of Miami Beach

A Day at the Beach

And of course, the beauty of one of Miami’s main attractions - the beach - is that it’s free. You don’t need much more than a beach blanket, a bathing suit and sunscreen to enjoy a day on these perfect sands. Of course, you can always pack a cooler, chairs, an umbrella, a good book and beach toys to add to the fun. With miles of shoreline stretching from the tip of South Beach north to Sunny Isles Beach, there are plenty of beaches to choose from.

Residential Surfside is home to one of the best laidback family-friendly stretches of sand. Lined with picnic shelters and barbecue pavilions, North Beach is another popular spot for families to gather and enjoy quality time together. And in Sunny Isles Beach you’ll find Newport Fishing Pier, which has plenty of playground space for the kids to explore between splashing sessions.