Miami has traditionally been the travel destination of choice for the younger crowd due to the active nightlife, party, club and bar scenes. These appeals, while exciting to many, are not attractive for families traveling to Miami with children. However, Miami has many museums and activities that are suitable for them.
Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
Miami is home to many species of animals that can be seen by visiting one of the many zoos or animal sanctuaries. Families traveling with children to Miami can visit the Miami Metro Zoo, which has more than 100 exhibits spanning more than 740 acres and features more than 40 endangered species. Another option is the Miami Monkey Jungle, which has more than 400 different monkey species running free over a 30-acre park.
Play in the Park
The official Miami-Dade government website boasts the third largest county park system in America with more than 263 parks in the area, spanning 12,848 acres of land and serving 2.4 million citizens. Families with children in the Miami area can visit any of the parks for a fun activity and way to spend the day. The Bill Sadowski Park has freshwater fish and amphibians in its 822-gallon aquarium, and the park has canoeing and fishing canals as well as walking nature hikes for families to enjoy.
Museums
Families with children interested in science and arts have many museums they can choose from in which to explore their passions. The Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium offers a wide range of activities and constantly changing exhibitions. Some of the exhibitions include a unique Energy Dance Floor where families and children can learn about going green as their energy is converted to electricity, as well as a Rain Forest Adventure zone where the area is explored in a hands-on way. Additional options in the museum for family activities include the planetarium shows.
Play in the Water
It is hard to think of activities for children in Miami without mentioning the water. Miami beaches are internationally renowned, and families with children can always count on the sun and the sand as a fun activity. Families that wish to stay away from the ocean can still enjoy the water in other ways. The Coral Gables Venetian Pool was designed in 1922 and retains much of the antique look. There are more than 820,000 gallons of water at the Venetian Pool, as well as organized water games and an on-site lifeguard for children to enjoy.
Sports
The city of Miami has many opportunities to encourage and promote physical activity for children. Youth leagues and sports clubs meet throughout the year and give children a chance to learn teamwork as well as a new sport. Miami also has more than 250 public tennis courts that may also be enjoyable for families with children. In addition to playing sports, Miami is home to several professional sports teams, and families interested in being spectators rather than participants can cheer on one of the local teams.
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