Things to do in Miami with kids go far beyond the beach. Miami offers world-class kid-friendly attractions: Zoo Miami’s open-range exhibits, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (the only combined planetarium-aquarium-science museum in Florida), the Miami Seaquarium and its dolphin shows, the interactive Miami Children’s Museum, Jungle Island, and dozens of family-friendly beaches, parks, and food experiences. This guide covers the best things to do in Miami with kids for 2026 — organized by age, indoor/outdoor, and budget.
Why Miami Is Great for Family Travel
Miami’s combination of consistent year-round warm weather, world-class wildlife and science museums, family-friendly beaches, and a deep Latin-American cultural backbone make it one of the most rewarding U.S. cities for family travel. Things to do in Miami with kids span every age — toddlers love the Miami Children’s Museum and Jungle Island; school-age kids gravitate to Zoo Miami, the Seaquarium, and Frost Science; teenagers find their entertainment in beach activities, watersports, and downtown food halls. Most attractions are within 30–45 minutes of each other, making multi-stop days workable.
Things to Do in Miami with Kids: Top Indoor Attractions
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Miami’s premier kids’ science attraction. The 250,000-sq-ft museum combines a three-level aquarium (with shark and ray tanks), a dome-screened planetarium, an elaborate mirror maze, and dozens of interactive science exhibits. Among the most engaging things to do in Miami with kids for school-age children. Plan 4–6 hours; combine with the adjacent Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) for older kids. See our Frost Science Museum guide.
Miami Children’s Museum
Hands-on exhibits designed for ages 2–10 — Pura Vida cooking club, cruise ship and supermarket roleplay, art and glass studios, and rotating themed exhibits. Located on Watson Island. Plan 2–3 hours. See our Miami Children’s Museum guide.
HistoryMiami Museum
Family-oriented exhibits about Miami’s Cuban-American, Caribbean, and indigenous Tequesta history. Smaller scale (1–2 hours) with kid-friendly programming. Free admission first Saturdays of the month.
Things to Do in Miami with Kids: Animal & Nature Attractions
Zoo Miami
The largest zoo in Florida and one of only a handful of subtropical zoos in the U.S. — featuring open-range exhibits where animals roam moats rather than caged enclosures. Highlights include Asian elephants, white rhinos, gorillas, lions, and the rare clouded leopards. Among the most-visited things to do in Miami with kids. Rent a covered pedicab or stroller; bring water; allow 4–6 hours. See our Zoo Miami guide.
Miami Seaquarium
Miami’s iconic marine theme park on Virginia Key. Dolphin shows, sea lion shows, manatee exhibit, sharks, sea turtles, and tropical reef tank. Interactive add-ons include dolphin encounters, scuba-like reef encounters, and seal swims. Among the most popular things to do in Miami with kids. See our Miami Seaquarium guide.
Jungle Island
An interactive theme park on Watson Island featuring lemurs, sloths, kangaroos, and birds. Hands-on encounters where kids can touch (most) animals. Smaller and more interactive than Zoo Miami. See our Jungle Island guide.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
83-acre tropical botanical garden in Coral Gables. Tram tours, butterfly conservatory, kid-friendly programming. Most beautiful in winter (January–March).
Everglades National Park
45 minutes south of Miami. Airboat rides, alligators, wildlife viewing. Among the most memorable things to do in Miami with kids for older children comfortable with outdoor adventures.
Things to Do in Miami with Kids: Beaches
Family-friendly beach options with calmer water and amenities:
Crandon Park Beach (Key Biscayne) — Calm, shallow water, lifeguards, picnic areas, and a small kids’ marine institute on-site.
Matheson Hammock Park (Coral Gables) — Atoll pool that creates a calm-water lagoon perfect for toddlers.
South Pointe Park (South Beach) — Family-friendly playground, splash pad, and grass for picnics.
North Shore Open Space Park (North Beach) — Calmer beach, less tourist-busy, family playground.
See our family beaches in Miami guide.
Things to Do in Miami with Kids: Outdoor Adventures
Bayside Marketplace boat tours — 90-minute narrated tours of Biscayne Bay including Star Island and the celebrity homes route. Kid-engaging.
Oleta River State Park — Kayaking, biking, fishing in North Miami. Family-friendly mangrove paddling.
South Beach bike rentals — Citi Bike or local rentals; the boardwalk runs along the beach.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden — Quiet free garden in South Beach, perfect break from beach.
Florida Keys day trip — Drive the Overseas Highway south to Key Largo for shallow-reef snorkeling.
Things to Do in Miami with Kids: Theme Parks & Family Entertainment
Aventura Slide Tower at Aventura Mall — A walkable 93-foot Carsten Höller sculpture-slide ride. Free with Aventura Mall visit.
Miami Children’s Museum — Repeat-worthy for age 4–10.
Sky Views Miami at Bayside — A 200-foot observation wheel with kid-friendly cabins.
Bowlero (multiple locations) — Family bowling.
Cinepolis Miami Beach — Premium movie theater with reclining seats.
Universal Orlando Day Trip — 4 hours each way; full theme park experience for older kids.
Things to Do in Miami with Kids: Food Experiences
Treats Food Hall at Aventura Mall — Variety pleases all ages.
Lincoln Eatery on Lincoln Road — Casual, family-friendly food hall.
Time Out Market in South Beach — Curated vendors, walk-up dining.
Coyo Taco Wynwood — Casual tacos.
Joe’s Stone Crab — South Beach institution, family-friendly atmosphere.
Versailles in Little Havana — Family-friendly Cuban restaurant.
Last Carrot in Coconut Grove — Kid-friendly health food.
Frost Science Café — Convenient for combined museum visits.
Things to Do in Miami with Kids: By Age
Toddlers (1–3)
Miami Children’s Museum, Jungle Island (animal touching), Crandon Park Beach (calm water), Matheson Hammock atoll pool, Fairchild Garden tram. See our Miami with toddlers guide.
Ages 4–8
Zoo Miami, Frost Science Museum, Miami Seaquarium, Aventura Mall (slide), Miami Children’s Museum, Jungle Island. The full menu of things to do in Miami with kids.
Ages 9–12
Frost Science (full engagement), Zoo Miami, Everglades airboat, kayaking at Oleta River, snorkeling at John Pennekamp State Park (Key Largo).
Teenagers (13–18)
Wynwood Walls art tours, beach watersports (paddleboarding, jet skis with parents), Lincoln Road and food halls, Miami Heat games, Ultra/iHeart concerts. See our Miami with teenagers guide.
Things to Do in Miami with Kids: Tips for Family Travel
1. Book a hotel with a strong pool. Family-focused properties like Loews Miami Beach, Fontainebleau, EDITION, or Trump National Doral all have substantial pools that double as activities.
2. Don’t over-schedule. Miami’s heat and humidity slow kids down. 1–2 attractions per day is plenty. Mix indoor (museums) with outdoor (beach/zoo) to balance heat exposure.
3. Best months: December–March for cooler weather. April–June manageable. July–September is hot and humid; plan beach mornings and indoor afternoons.
4. Buy combo tickets. Aquarium-zoo combos and family annual passes (Frost Science) often pay back if you visit twice.
5. Bring sun gear. Hat, sunscreen, water bottle for every kid. Many Miami attractions are mostly outdoor.
6. Verify hours. Some Miami attractions close Mondays, others Tuesdays. Check ahead.
Things to Do in Miami with Kids: Sample 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Beach morning at Crandon Park (Key Biscayne), lunch at Boater’s Grill, afternoon at Miami Children’s Museum.
Day 2: Zoo Miami day. Pack lunch and water. Pool time at hotel evening.
Day 3: Frost Science Museum morning, lunch at Time Out Market, Sky Views Miami afternoon.
Day 4: Miami Seaquarium morning, lunch at Lincoln Eatery, sunset on the beach.
Plan Your Family Miami Trip
For more, browse our complete Miami Family Vacation Guide, plus our deep dives on Zoo Miami, Miami Seaquarium, family beaches in Miami, family hotels, and Miami Children’s Museum.
For up-to-date hours and ticketing across all attractions, the Greater Miami CVB family page is regularly updated.