15 Best Things to do in Miami with Kids!

Miami is often seen as a city of beaches, nightlife, and sunshine. But for families, Miami is also one of the most exciting places in the United States to explore with children. The city is packed with places that bring together fun, learning, and adventure all in one place. From aquariums and science museums to zoos, parks, and quirky spots, Miami has something for every age group. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 15 best things to do in Miami with kids, explained in detail with tips and insights to make most of your time worth visiting.

1. Miami Children’s Museum

The Miami Children’s Museum gives kids a chance to learn and create through fun, interactive exhibits. Inside, there are 14 different galleries, each built around themes such as art, culture, and everyday life. Children can step into a miniature city, play in a music studio, or try out a cruise ship simulation. Since opening in 1983, it has become a major spot for families, offering hands-on experiences that make learning enjoyable. The Early Childhood Institute provides preschool programs that focus on play-based learning, and also families can also take part in daily art and education activities.

2. Zoo Miami

The Zoo Miami is the largest zoo in Florida, covering nearly 750 acres and housing more than 2,000 animals from different parts of the world. It allows animals to live in spaces that look and feel like their natural habitats. Guests can spot wildlife from Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas while exploring exhibits like Conservation Action Center, which teaches about protecting the environment through hands-on learning. Families can move around the zoo by walking, riding safari cycles, or joining tram tours, and the zoo often hosts special events with wildlife themes to keep visits exciting.

3. Paradox Museum Miami

The Paradox Museum Miami invites visitors to challenge their senses with mind-bending exhibits and clever optical illusions. Inside, visitors will find more than 70 different setups that play with depth, movement, and perspective. Guests can walk into spaces where gravity feels reversed, climb walls, or step into mirrored rooms that seem to go on forever. The Reverse Room turns the world upside down, while the Zero Gravity Room gives the feeling of floating. Made for all ages, the museum mixes fun with learning, showing how these illusions work and how our brains process what we see.

4. Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science

The Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science is one of Miami’s most visited places, bringing together science, technology, and natural world in a way that keeps people interested. Sitting inside Maurice A. Ferré Park, the museum includes a large planetarium, a multi-level aquarium, and many interactive exhibits. In the aquarium, guests can watch marine life up close, from stingrays to hammerhead sharks. With hands-on displays focused on STEM learning, research, and conservation, the museum offers an experience that is both enjoyable and educational for families and travelers.

5. Museum of Ice Cream

The Museum of Ice Cream in Miami is a playful place where visitors can enjoy creativity, fun, and endless sweet flavors. Inside, the exhibits are inspired by the city’s lively spirit, with highlights like the famous sprinkle pool where guests can jump into a bright pit filled with plastic sprinkles. There are many themed rooms like Bananas Room, Creamliner and Hall of Freezers — a retro-style diner where guests are treated to unlimited scoops of ice cream. Families and travelers can walk through multi-sensory installations that mix art, taste, and interactive experiences.

6. Miami Seaquarium

For those who love marine life, Miami Seaquarium stands as one of the nation’s oldest ocean parks, located on Virginia Key along the Biscayne Bay coastline. Since opening in 1955, it has grown across 38 acres and now houses many marine creatures, including dolphins, manatees, sharks, and sea turtles. The park features interactive displays, learning programs, and live shows that teach visitors about ocean life and conservation. Another highlight is the Top Deck Dolphin Show, where dolphins and other animals amaze the crowd with their high jumps and playful tricks.

7. Jungle Island

The Jungle Island is one of Miami’s well-known family attractions, bringing together animal encounters, outdoor adventures, and fun activities. First opened in 1936 as Parrot Jungle, the park later moved to Watson Island and grew into a larger destination with more experiences. Visitors can see animals such as flamingos, lemurs, sloths, and giant tortoises, while also joining in hands-on activities like feeding birds or meeting capybaras up close. Guests can also watch live shows like Guardians of the Jungle, which share knowledge about different species and their behaviors in an engaging way.

8. Beach Activities

Miami’s beaches offers endless ways for visitors to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean breeze. South Beach remains one of the most popular spots, where people can lounge on the sand, swim in the clear waters, or join friendly games of volleyball. Water adventures are easy to find, with rentals available for jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The Miami Beach Boardwalk offers a beautiful stretch along the shoreline, ideal for a evening walk or a casual bike ride with ocean views. Families often gather at South Pointe Park, while many travelers choose boat tours that glide along the coast and nearby islands.

9. Boating and Sailing Tours

Biscayne Bay is one of Miami’s most popular spots for boat tours, offering travelers scenic views of city skyline, celebrity homes, and nearby tropical islands. Companies like Miami On The Water guide guests past Star Island and Ocean Drive, sharing fun stories and local history during trips that usually last around 90 minutes, with options for sunset cruises or private charters. For travelers seeking more thrill, Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures provides an action-packed ride across the waves, racing past Fisher Island and South Beach so guests can enjoy the sights from a closer view.

10. Miami Design District

Just north of downtown, Miami Design District has grown into a stylish neighborhood filled with high-end shops, many art galleries, and eye-catching public installations. Long ago, this area was used as a pineapple farm, but over time it was turned into a center for design and culture. Today, visitors can browse high-end fashion houses such as Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton, along with smaller boutiques and concept shops that bring fresh ideas. Every year, the district comes alive with events including fashion shows, art fairs, and live performances, making it a lively spot for locals and travelers.

11. Kaseya Center

Opened in 1999, Kaseya Center is one of Miami’s main entertainment arenas and the home court of the Miami Heat. Over the years, the venue carried different names — American Airlines Arena, FTX Arena, and Miami-Dade Arena — before becoming Kaseya Center in 2023 through a 17-year naming deal worth $117.4 million. The arena seats about 19,600 fans for basketball games and can hold up to 20,021 people during concerts. Inside, it also has the Waterfront Theater, the largest indoor theater in Florida, where visitors can enjoy concerts, family shows, and stage performances.

12. Wynwood Walls

Not far away, Wynwood Walls offers an outdoor showcase of massive murals created by many talented artists from around the world, making this area into a colorful hub of creativity. Since it first opened in 2009, the area has grown into a center for street art and creativity, changing the look and feel of the Wynwood neighborhood. Alongside the outdoor murals, there are two indoor galleries where visitors can explore more artwork and learn artist’s style and approach. For those curious about the stories behind the art, guided tours are offered to explain the history and meaning of the murals.

13. Miami Beach Botanical Garden

Stretching 2.6 acres, Miami Beach Botanical Garden showcases many plants native to Florida, including orchids, bromeliads, palms, and cycads. First opened in 1962, the garden invite guests to explore themed sections like Japanese Garden, Bioswale, and Native Garden, each highlighting nature while also helping with water flow and supporting local wildlife. For a calm experience, the garden provides a peaceful escape, where visitors can join yoga sessions, take part in art workshops, or enjoy guided tours — making it a perfect spot for visitors who want both relaxation and learning in one place.

14. LoanDepot Park

The LoanDepot Park is a famous stadium in Miami and has been the home of the Miami Marlins since it opened in 2012. The ballpark was built with a retractable roof, which keeps games and events comfortable no matter the weather outside. With seating for about 37,442 fans, it is one of the smaller stadiums in Major League Baseball, and it is also LEED-certified, showing its commitment to eco-friendly building standards. While baseball is the main highlight, the stadium is used also for concerts, soccer games, and special events, making it a flexible spot for entertainment in the city.

15. Miami Seaplane Tours

Operating since 1995, Miami Seaplane Tours gives travelers a special way to see the city from above, with stunning aerial views that show off Miami’s skyline, beaches, and nearby islands. Guests can pick from different flight options, including tours over South Beach, Downtown Miami, Biscayne Bay, and even the Florida Keys. A favorite choice is the Fly and Dine Islamorada trip, which combines a scenic flight with a meal at a waterfront restaurant. For those wanting to skip long car rides, the company also provides private charters to places like Key West and Bahamas, making travel both exciting and convenient.

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