Things To Do in Miami with Kids

There are so many things to do with kids in Miami year-round. We know you won’t be able to pack in all of the great things to do in Miami in just one trip, but you can try! From thrilling attractions and outdoor adventures to artistic enclaves and world-class museums, Miami has something for the whole family.

father and son at Venetian Pool — Take the family to Venetian Pool for a refreshing day of swimming

Water Activities

Since Greater Miami & the Beaches is essentially surrounded by water, you’ll want to plan a variety of outdoor water activities. From family-friendly beaches and jaw-dropping pools (pro-tip: Venetian Pool is a memorable, hidden waterfall oasis in the middle of Coral Gables) to the recently opened Tidal Cove at Turnberry Resort & Spa, these options and more are sure to be fun on a warm Miami day. Be sure to bring your sunscreen and cold beverages.

From the more relaxed beaches of Sunny Isles Beach to the more active, but still kid-friendly South Beach, the Atlantic Coast beachline offers a wide variety of beachfront activities. Bring your own gear and enjoy snorkeling right off the beach when the water is calm or try some surfing when surf’s up. Most beach areas offer jet ski and paddleboard rentals along with parasailing. Consider taking a short boat outing to check out Miami’s underwater world, where not only can you view sunken ships, you can even snorkel or scuba dive the world’s only underwater replica of the lost city of Atlantis at Neptune Memorial Reef.

A number of locations offer kayaking and paddle boarding along quiet waterways, meandering through mangroves trails. Or take it up a notch with a guided, or self-guided, jet ski tour of Miami’s star-studded Millionaire’s Row islands. There are many self-guided options, private tour guide options or book a group tour to see much of Miami by water. Land tours are always an easy option— including bike tours and rentals, scooter rentals and hop-on, hop-off double decker guided bus tours.

kayaks in Everglades National Park — Explore Miami's two national parks

National Parks

Many of Miami’s natural outdoors experiences bringing families closer to nature itself. Did you know that Miami-Dade County is home to two National Parks, three state parks and dozens of county and city parks offering a full range of any outdoor activity you can dream of? Some of Miami’s outdoors attractions include interactions with alligators, airboat rides, and tours of local habitats and wildlife, all while enjoying beauty in its most natural form, from expansive botanical and historical gardens and so much more.

gameday at Marlins Park — Cheer on the home team at Miami Marlins Park

Live Shows and Sports

If you’ve gotten your fill of exciting adventures, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the show! Miami is an arts and culture hub and offers plenty of family-friendly activities. Check the local performing arts calendars or take in some live sports. Depending on your schedule, you can likely catch a family-friendly live performance at one of Miami’s dozens of performances venues featuring local, national and international-renowned stars. For sports fans, check the local sports team schedules to catch a live game…you might even make it onto the jumbotron! From the Miami Marlins and Miami Dolphins, to the Miami Heat and Miami’s new Inter Miami major league soccer team, to all sorts of collegiate level games, you can have the sports time of your life while on vacation!

Under the Sea at Miami Children's Museum — Spark curiosity in young minds at Miami Children's Museum

Attractions for Families

We’ve talked a lot about our amazing outdoors attractions, shopping and live event options, but wait…there’s more! Miami has many more attractions for families to enjoy fantastic and fun ways to learn more about Miami’s history ranging from our international multicultural heritage to Miami’s Beach’s Art Deco architectural stories. Check out our more than 30 arts and history museums, most offering family-friendly programs on a regular basis. Families with children 10 and under will want to make a stop at the Miami Children’s Museum and children of all ages will enjoy Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.

Catch an adrenaline rush while you shop on the Aventura Mall slide

Family-Friendly Restaurants and Shopping

With all these fun ideas we’ve been sharing, you must be getting hungry. And, yes, it’s true that Miami is home to some of the world’s finest dining you can find, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take the kids along for some memorable moments to savor for years to come. Miami’s menus truly offer the cuisines of the world. You will find everything from traditional upscale steak and seafood locations and high-end waterfront eateries, to local owned cafes and sandwich stands and gourmet burger spots.

Don't miss a stop at Aventura Mall for all your shopping needs. The kids will love the recently opened 93-foot tall Aventura Slide Tower (free for kids 44” and up) and you’ll love this shopping mecca to check off items on your shopping list. To view the many shopping destinations—from indoor mega malls to outdoor esplanades, click here.

To plan your complete Miami Ultimate Family Vacation, view or download the Official Greater Miami & the Beaches Family Fun Guide.