Family Activities in Miami

While Miami has a reputation for being a pretty wild town, it is also family-friendly destination with plenty of things to see and do for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the sights to see in Miami that you and your family definitely do not want to miss.

Top Miami Tourist Attractions

As the most culturally diverse city in Florida, there are things to see and do in Miami to suit every taste. Of course, South Beach has long been considered the place to be in Miami, but some families might find the atmosphere to be a little too wild for younger children. Other top tourist attractions in Miami include the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the beautiful and historic Venetian Pool. For a much needed break from the busy urban setting of Miami, consider making a quick jaunt over to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. The park has a beautiful lighthouse that has stood for nearly 200 years and numerous hiking and biking trails.

Family Fun at Miami Beaches

Of course, no family trip to Miami would be complete without a visit to the coast. However, it is important for new visitors to Miami to know that some local beaches are more family friendly than others. Two perfect seaside destinations that are appropriate for the whole clan include Matheson Hammock and Crandon Park Beach, both of which offer safe lagoons that are perfect for small children. For families with teenage children, the atmosphere at South Beach might be more appropriate, but be sure to learn a little bit about the area before deciding whether it is right for your family.

Family Friendly Destinations

In a city with as large of a tourist industry as the city of Miami, you can bet that there is no shortage of destinations that are perfect for the whole family. One local favorite amongst tourists of all ages is Parrot Jungle Island located just off the MacArthur Causeway with its world famous Parrot Bowl of exotic birds from all over the world. Another very fun family destination is the Coral Castle with its astounding 1100 tons of hand carved coral that give visitors of all ages an idea of the artistic talent that has resided in Miami over the years. For a great interactive introduction to the history of this region of Florida, consider visiting the Vizcaya estate with its turn of the century mansion.

Year Round Miami Activities

Like most of Florida, Miami can get pretty crowded during the peak season. Thankfully, Miami makes for a great family destination just about any time of the year. Even if you are visiting during the middle of the summer, it is still worth having a few rainy activities in mind due to Florida's famous afternoon thunderstorms. One perennial family favorite is Miami's Seaquarium. The Seaquarium consists of over 30 acres of indoor and outdoor aquatic exhibits displaying specimens of nearly every example of local marine life. Other great spots to visit during inclement weather include the Miami Children's Museum and the very interactive Miami Museum of Science.