There’s plenty of fun to be had in South Beach with the entire family. From family-friendly parks with sports fields and water playgrounds, to museums that are all about touching the art and snapping Instagram-worthy photos, to exploring beautiful waterways in clear kayaks or on a deep-sea fishing charter, South Beach offers something for kids of every age.

Miami Mountain at the Bass Museum — Marvel at The Bass museum's Art Outside

Family Fun During the Day

South Pointe Park, with its scenic location at the southern tip of Miami Beach, has everything a family could want in a park. Kids can dart through the splash pad to cool off, or race up and down the rolling green hills. Families can enjoy a picnic under the canopy of palm trees while watching the yachts and cruise ships pass by. Don’t miss strolling along the pier, which offers stunning views of South Beach and the clear waters below.

Another can’t-miss park is the expansive Flamingo Park, where families can take part in an array of sports. Enjoy some friendly family competition on the basketball courts, soccer field or tennis courts. Swap the beach for the park’s large swimming pool, and let the little ones cool off at the water playground.

For a truly unique experience, head to the Museum of Illusions, where kids and adults can let their imaginations run wild. This interactive museum is packed with 3D optical illusions that range from riding on a magic carpet to hanging off the ledge of a skyscraper. Each vignette offers the chance to snap Insta-worthy pictures.

Artechouse is another boundary-pushing museum in South Beach where touching the art and interacting with it is encouraged. Art and technology mingle in interactive exhibits, and the whole family – especially teenagers – will enjoy the experience.

If you’re looking for a more traditional museum, The Bass is well worth a visit to see works of contemporary art. Kids in particular will enjoy Art Outside, which is a collection of sculptures, murals and participatory artwork that’s sprinkled around adjacent Collins Park and in nearby areas of South Beach.

Fun on the Water

It’s almost mandatory that you experience South Beach from the water. Rent a clear kayak or book a tour with Clear View Kayaks. Since the kayaks are transparent, you can see the abundant sea life below. Families can take an easy paddle down Indian Creek and historic Collins Canal, or book a longer guided trip to Monument Island, where you’ll be provided with snorkel equipment to explore the crystal-clear water.

Head farther afield on a deep-sea fishing charter, and give your teenagers the dream chance to hook the “big one.” Deep-sea fishing companies such as Top Gun Fishing Charters, Therapy-IV and Sea Cross Deep Sea Fishing Charters know where to find trophy fish such as sailfish, marlin, swordfish and wahoo.

WALLCAST concert at Soundscape Park, by Rui Dias Aidos

Family Fun at Night

In fall, winter and spring, families can flock to SoundScape Park at the New World Center in South Beach, which is the home of the renowned New World Symphony. When the sun goes down, the soaring outdoor projection wall lights up with WALLCAST ® live classical music concerts and movies. Families can spread out blankets on the lawn, bring a picnic dinner and soak up a night under the stars.

Day or night, families can stroll along always-bustling Lincoln Road. The action on this traffic-free outdoor mall really heats up after dark, as locals and visitors gather for a meal at the al fresco eateries that dot the plaza. Pop in and out of the many shops and boutiques that stay open late, peruse an art gallery and let the kids run free in the green spaces.

Timeout Market interior — Find something to please everyone at Time Out Market Miami

Family-Friendly Places to Eat

If you want to please everyone, including the picky eaters, take the family to a food hall. Check out Time Out Market Miami, which showcases more than 20 food kiosks featuring some of the best chefs in Miami. Or head to Lincoln Eatery on Lincoln Road, and eat your way through 16 fast-casual and take-out concepts. With so many options for food and drinks, everyone will find something they want.

Parents who want to be their kids’ hero for the day should take the family to the Sugar Factory on Ocean Drive. This is the place to load up on novelty candy and decadent sweets such as over-the-top shakes, frozen hot chocolate and the Insta-famous King Kong Sundae. There are also crepes, salads and burgers, as well as spiked sweet treats for adults.

We’re not responsible for the sugar rush that may result from this family outing, but with all the ideas we’ve supplied you’ll find plenty of places in South Beach for the kids to burn off all that newfound energy.

South Beach For Families

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