Local influencer Rich Rod gives an insider’s look into an LGBTQ+ family-friendly weekend

Miami is a welcoming, fun and family-friendly destination for all types of families, including LGBTQ+ families. The city has a thriving cultural and entertainment industry, with multiple unique spots to entertain kids of all ages, including the grown-ups! Richard Rodríguez-Mahé, or Rich Rod (@richrod) as he’s known on Instagram, his husband, Cédric Mahé-Rodríguez, and their son, Théo, have lived in Miami for several years. “Miami is a very welcoming city where staff is always respectful and happy to greet all families regardless of the makeup. We’re glad to say we’ve never had a bad experience here,” says Richard.

In addition to local attractions and cultural institutions, the city also offers fun in the sun with well-known beaches and outdoor activities. “Miami has fun for all ages and all walks of life. From the beach to the attractions and the water, you can’t go wrong,” says Richard. We followed him and his family along for an insider’s look at a few local experiences where they feel most welcomed.

Discover Miami Attractions for LGBTQ+ Families

Whether you are visiting for a day or a week, your family will love spending time at Miami’s attractions. In Downtown Miami’s Arts & Entertainment District, don’t miss the HistoryMiami Museum where they host family activities starting at noon on the second Saturday of every month. Also in the area are the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. The PAMM Kids program promises to create new pathways to connect kids to art through an engaging and educational experience.

If you love animals, Jungle Island and Zoo Miami are must-visits. The art lovers in the family will appreciate The Wolfsonian–FIU and The Bass, both located in the heart of the Art Deco District in Miami Beach. In the Miami Design District, the recently opened Institute of Contemporary Art Miami encourages community engagement with art and design through interactive activities and performances during its free Family Days on the third Sunday of every month.

Richard and his family also recommend beach time. “We like the area just outside of South Beach, around 20th Street, because it’s just a little quieter but still good people watching and nice sand.”

Family Time with the Kids

A favorite for Richard and his family is the Miami Children’s Museum on Watson Island, one of the largest children’s museums in the U.S. It offers interactive exhibitions, programs and learning materials related to arts, culture and our community. Every June during LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the museum hosts “Rainbow Families Day,” a place for all children to celebrate pride and diversity with playful activities that show support for LGBTQ+ families. Richard shares that “Théo loved the Safety Zone emergency services exhibit section. He was able to ride a police motorcycle and dress up like a firefighter!”

Also on Watson Island, directly across from the Miami Children’s Museum, is Jungle Island, an eco-adventure park with animals from around the globe. “It’s just so pretty,” says Richard. “There is lush landscaping and exotic birds everywhere, but being up close with parrots and capybaras was definitely the highlight!”

At the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Miami’s only planetarium, aquarium and science museum in one place, families can experience interactive exhibitions and unique shows in an experiential and expansive setting. The museum strives to be accepting and comforting for all families. “We love to see the jellies and sharks. There’s also a fun interactive dance floor where kids have a blast,” says Richard.

Family Fun and Beyond

LGBTQ+ families can get their “drag” on around town, including the infamous drag brunch at R House Wynwood, a vibrant and funky destination. Taking place every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year, the drag brunch is a favorite of Théo. Richard says, “He loves to dance with the drag queens!” Nearby, he recommends visiting The Salty Donut to satisfy all sweet cravings. “We love it there; these aren’t your grandma’s donuts – they are elaborate and delicious.”

Still hungry? Richard says, “The best place to go for pizza with a kid is probably Ironside Kitchen Pizza & Coffee Co. in Little River. There are always tons of kids having a good time and parents can enjoy an authentic Italian pizza. What’s also great is that they are BYOB!”

A annual highlight for the Rodríguez-Mahé family is Miami Beach Pride every April, which stretches the length of Ocean Drive along the Art Deco district. The parade and festival have become increasingly welcoming to families with family-safe play areas and activities. “We camp out on the lawn by Lummus Park and watch the floats go by. It’s a fun atmosphere and fun for the whole family,” he says.

Whether your family likes to have fun in the sun or have a ball at an attraction, Miami has a rainbow of activities available to satisfy all tastes and ages.