Top Miami Attractions for Families with Kids

The city of Miami in the southeastern coast of Florida is a lively place with its balmy breezes, tropical environment and endless attractions. The following venues (listed alphabetically) are great places to visit whenever you are looking for something fun or new to do with the kids.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

These lush gardens make for an enchanting day

There is something magical about walking through lush gardens with graceful palms and cycads, flowering trees and shrubs, cool waterfalls, and tropical vegetation dotted with frolicking butterflies and birds. This is the kind of experience appreciated at every age, and perfect for strolling with the children. The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has enchanted visitors since 1938 with its natural splendor. Its beautiful displays and exhibits also include an edible garden with fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants, as well as a butterfly garden with over 30 species of native butterflies. For more information visit their website at www.fairchildgarden.org

Jungle Island

There is so much to see and do at Jungle Island

This lively animal park offers daily shows, animal interactions, exhibits, a walk-through aviary, an Everglades habitat, and a private beach. There are lots of animals from a variety of exotic birds, to tigers, a liger (a cross between a male lion and a tigress) weighing over 900 pounds, giant tortoises, chimpanzees, baboons, orangutans, kangaroos, penguins, reptiles, fish and more.  The park’s idyllic grounds are verdant with exotic plants and trees, including banyan, palms, numerous varieties of banana plants, and many flowering tropical species awash in color. A children’s area with playground and petting farm are also included. For more information visit their website at www.jungleisland.com

Miami Children’s Museum

The museum has lots of fun hands-on exhibits for kids

The Miami Children’s Museum has a wonderful variety of interactive exhibits that foster learning through hands-on imaginative play. Kids and their parents can learn about many things from pets, sea creatures and the everglades, health and nutrition, art and music, to the diverse cultures of Miami, and so much more. Children are encouraged to touch and explore the engaging exhibits loaded with stimulating activities they are sure to enjoy. For more information visit their website at www.miamichildrensmuseum.org

Miami Seaquarium

See exciting marine life shows at Miami Seaquarium

To swim and interact with dolphins in encounter programs, watch exciting marine life shows and daily animal presentations and feedings, Miami Seaquarium is the place to go. A winning array of shows with dolphins, sea lions and killer whales, fascinating presentations, and a variety of aquariums and exhibits with rescued manatees, sharks, giant sea turtles, crocodiles and more await on this 38-acre haven. There are also remote controlled boats and cars, as well as a pirate playground and a multi-level ropes obstacle course for exploring. For more information visit their website at www.miamiseaquarium.com

Miami Science Museum

There are stunning laser shows at the Miami Science Museum

Originally founded in 1949, construction for a beautiful brand new building in Downtown Miami is currently underway for the Miami Science Museum and is scheduled for its grand opening in 2015. It features a planetarium with captivating shows and observatory, exciting interactive exhibits – both permanent and visiting, and a Wildlife Center dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of raptors such as hawks, falcons, eagles, vultures, owls and osprey. Snakes, turtles and other reptiles are also here. Daily shows and presentations are held at the Wildlife Center, planetarium and theater. For more information visit their website at www.miamisci.org

Monkey Jungle

The monkeys roam freely on this protected habitat

This nature preserve is home to 30 species of primates that roam freely on a 30 acre protected habitat. See spider monkeys, playful capuchins, howler monkeys, orangutans, tamarins, gibbons, gorillas and more in the lush jungle environment of this reserve. It is also home to an aviary with a variety of beautiful rescued parrots housed in large free-flight domed sanctuaries. Daily tours and presentations are offered. For more information visit their website at www.monkeyjungle.com

Pinecrest Gardens

These lovely gardens also boast a petting zoo, playground, and water playground for children

Pinecrest Gardens is a tranquil escape with lush tropical landscaping, botanical gardens, shady trees, picnic tables, meandering streams, a lake with swans, iguanas and turtles, and rustic natural elements that make it so scenic. Younger children will especially love the playground with its slides, a petting zoo for hands-on cuddly fun, and a water playground with splash and spray geysers. There is even an area for them to feed fish. Numerous events and festivals including musical concerts, theater and cinema showings are offered throughout the year. For more information visit their website at www.pinecrest-fl.gov

Zoo Miami

More than 2,000 animals from around the world live at Zoo Miami

The only tropical zoo in the Continental USA, Zoo Miami features realistic habitats with more than 2,000 animals from around the world, lush gardens, a large amphitheater with exciting shows, presentations galore, keeper talks, feedings, tours, an air-conditioned monorail, and a Children’s Zoo with smaller animals and barnyard buddies like goats and sheep. Kids can enjoy camel rides and the lovely handcrafted Wildlife Carousel as well. This fantastic zoo was also featured in our Top 10 Zoos on the East Coast USA article. For more information visit their website at www.miamimetrozoo.com

About the Author: Jocelyn Murray is a travel writer and historical fiction novelist. She holds two university master's degrees in both English and Education, along with a bachelor's degree in Economics and European Studies. She also has a teaching credential and taught at the elementary school level.