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The best things to do in Miami with kids are the calm water at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne, Zoo Miami, the aquarium and planetarium at the Frost Museum of Science, the Miami Children's Museum and an Everglades airboat ride to spot alligators. Plan beach time in the morning and indoor visits for the hot, stormy afternoons.
Miami is far more family-friendly than its nightlife image suggests. The trick is geography: the calmest beaches are on Key Biscayne, the big museums are side by side in Downtown's Museum Park, and the zoo and Everglades are best done as morning trips before the afternoon heat. Here's what works best for different ages, with practical tips from planning family trips in hot climates.
| Activity | Best ages | Time | Indoor? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crandon Park Beach | All | Half day | No | Per-car fee |
| Zoo Miami | 2+ | 4–5 h | No | Paid |
| Frost Science | 3+ | 3–4 h | Yes | Paid |
| Children's Museum | 1–10 | 2–3 h | Yes | Paid |
| Everglades airboat | 4+ | Half day | No | Tour price |
| Venetian Pool | 3+ (rules apply) | 2–3 h | No | Paid, seasonal |
| South Pointe Park | All | 1–2 h | No | Free |
A sandbar offshore keeps the water shallow and calm, which makes Crandon the go-to family beach in Miami. Lifeguards, picnic shelters, restrooms and parking close to the sand make it easy with small children. There is a per-car entry fee; arrive early at weekends.
At the southern tip of Key Biscayne: a quieter beach, bike trails and a historic lighthouse that older kids can climb on guided visits. State park entry is per vehicle.
A playground, splash pad, lawns and a pier where kids can watch giant cruise ships pass close by in the late afternoon. Free.
One of the largest zoos in the US, with open, moat-separated habitats grouped by continent, a Florida section with panthers and alligators, and a monorail and bike rentals to cover the distances. It is in the south of the county (about 40 minutes from Downtown), shade is limited, so go at opening time.
Check Zoo Miami tickets →
A 30–60 minute airboat ride across the sawgrass, usually with a wildlife show, is a guaranteed hit with kids over four. Airboats are loud: most operators provide ear protection, but bring your own for little ones. Tours operate on private land outside the national park, so no park fee applies.
Book a family airboat tour →On Watson Island between Downtown and Miami Beach: animal encounters, a beach area and play zones, next door to the Children's Museum, so the two combine easily.
A 90-minute sightseeing boat from Bayside Marketplace past cruise ships and Star Island. Short enough for young children, and they can move around.
See Biscayne Bay cruises →In Museum Park, Downtown: a three-level aquarium with a huge open-top tank, a planetarium with dome shows and hands-on science galleries. Budget half a day and book planetarium times when you arrive.
On Watson Island, built for toddlers to about age ten: role-play areas (a mini supermarket, a cruise ship, a TV studio), water play and climbing structures.
A colourful, photo-friendly experience with unlimited ice cream treats, a sprinkle pool and slides. Best for ages 4–12 (and Instagram-loving teens).
Get Museum of Ice Cream tickets →Trampoline parks, indoor play centres and the Kendall Ice Arena are a lifesaver on stormy summer afternoons.
See indoor activity passes →A spring-fed public pool in a former coral-rock quarry, with waterfalls and grottoes. It is seasonal, and children must meet minimum age and height rules, so check the city's website first.
Kids enjoy the giant colourful walls; the streets are free and stroller-friendly in the morning.
The driverless elevated train over Downtown and Brickell is free and gives children a skyline view they'll love.
Croquetas, pastelitos and fresh fruit shakes on Calle Ocho, and the domino players in Máximo Gómez Park.
See family-friendly city tours →Flamingo Park in South Beach, North Shore Open Space Park and Kennedy Park in Coconut Grove all have good playgrounds and shade.
More ideas: 20 best things to do in Miami and the best Miami tours.
Facts such as shuttle hours, fees and distances were checked against the hotels' and operators' own pages and official Miami-Dade sources on the date shown above. They change often: always confirm before you book.
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