Things To Do Miami With Kids

Miami beckons you to come outdoors, bask in the sun, and have some fun — and that goes for kids and adults alike.

You'll find plenty of things to do in Miami for kids of all ages, whether you prefer nature and animals, learning about science and history, dabbling in street art, or blowing off excess energy by jumping on a trampoline or frolicking at the beach.

Of course, watching one of our shows in Miami is the perfect thing to do with kids. Corteo and Cirque du Soleil ECHO delight fans of all ages.

To fill in your time before our curtain rises and our acrobats dazzle you with gravity-defying feats, check out these exciting options to make some memories with your kids in Miami.

Outdoor Adventures

When you have all of South Florida to explore, even bored kids will want to get away from their screens and go outside to visit Miami's parks and outdoor attractions. These rich, world-expanding attractions are some of our favorite activities to partake in when in Miami with kids.

Zoo Miami

With more than 2,000 wild animals to visit and befriend, Zoo Miami delights the young and old with its close-up encounters and open-air exhibits, and it's one of the must-visit attractions for anyone spending time in Miami with kids.

At 740 acres, Zoo Miami is the fifth-largest zoo in the country (and the only subtropical one). You can visit Critter Connection to watch presentations and meet the furry residents up close.

You can also attend a Meet the Zookeeper talk to learn about the animals as they scarf up their food. From talks on elephants and gorillas to hippopotamuses and bears, you'll leave the zoo grounds as a wildlife expert.

Special presentations are geared at kids as young as three, while older children can participate in art programs and after-school programs. Budding scientists may even enjoy the Young Naturalists Club.

Kids can also visit barnyard animals at the Wacky Barn or play at the Jungle Journey Playground or Ocean Voyage Splash Pad.

The whole family can gather for wildlife shows at the Sami Family Amphitheater or Wings of Asia Aviary. For visiting environmentalists, pop down to the Conservation Action Center, where resources on protecting animals and nature abound.

A zoo-wide scavenger hunt keeps youngsters busy, and all you need is a good sense of direction — and maybe your smartphone, too.

Miami Seaquarium

Dolphins, manatees, penguins, sharks — there's something for everyone when you dive into the Miami kids' activities at the Miami Seaquarium. Kids can learn about wildlife rescue, have personal encounters with marine mammals, and enjoy the excitement of live shows that are as educational as they are fun.

If you've never doggy-paddled alongside dolphins, it's time to cross that off your list. The Dolphin Encounters experience allows you and your kids to feed the dolphins, shake hands with them, and even join them in the water.

You'll learn how trainers prep these intelligent mammals for their shows as you immerse yourself in their watery habitat.

Kids can enjoy personal encounters with seals at the Sequarium's Seal Swim, or they can meet penguins at the Penguin Encounter. Step into the water with sharks and stingrays for an educational thrill.

Even without a scuba certification, you can go underwater (clad in a special suit and helmet) at the SeaTREK Reef Encounter, which offers a meet and greet with tropical fish and other ocean creatures.

The Miami Seaquarium also offers summer camps for kids and dedicated programs for Mommy and Me, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts.

Jungle Island

Is it a zoo or a theme park? You'll have to decide when you visit Jungle Island, which is one of our favorite places to go in Miami with kids. You may choose to spend your time interacting with parrots, flamingoes, or tortoises, or you might want to marvel at the "liger" (a cross between lion and tiger).

Animal shows introduce you to all the inhabitants of the Island, including the trainers. The beauty of Jungle Island stands out from the moment you set foot on Watson Island.

Just wandering the beautiful gardens past the stunning waterfalls sets your heart at rest. When you're done relaxing, an exciting zip line will get your heart pounding again as you soar through the air like one of our acrobats.

Kids can enjoy Adventure Camps during school breaks and a Mommy and Me program provides art and other lessons for the littlest explorers. Watch the Jungle Island calendar for exciting events all year long.

Everglades National Park

About 30 miles west of Miami, Everglades National Park sits at the southern tip of Florida. With about 1.4 million acres, it's the 10th-largest national park and the country's largest subtropical area of wilderness.

When you want to get out of Miami for things to do with kids, the Everglades should be at the top of your list — and if your child is a fourth-grader in Florida, your admission is free through the Every Kid Outdoors program!

This park is filled with manatees, alligators, and sea turtles — all of which can be spotted during a thrilling airboat ride. When you want to slow things down a bit, take a hike with your family.

The Everglades has plenty of kid-friendly hiking and walking trails, even for those still toddling along, and it also offers stroller-friendly paths. You'll see plenty of flowers, reptiles, and birds no matter where you choose to stroll.

Kids will love programs focused on the region's animals, and they can become Junior Rangers to learn even more. Older visitors may want to take a photography program — or enjoy the challenge of an eco-tour taken via kayak, paddling through mangrove forests.

Crandon Park

Located on Key Biscayne, Crandon Park is 800 acres of relaxation. With one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, Crandon Park takes kids' activities in Miami back to the basics of sand, sun, and fun.

The park offers plenty of water sports options, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and kiteboarding, and you can rent private cabanas on the beach for some blissful solitude. The two-mile-long beach is ultra-shallow, making it an excellent choice for families with little ones so they can get used to the ocean safely.

Kids can have fun and learn about marine life at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, which offers programs on sea flora and fauna run by naturalists. There’s even an amusement park with a sizeable roller rink and a classic carousel. If your kids fancy themselves the next Tony Hawk, they can even practice tricks and jumps at the skatepark.

Educational and Cultural Experiences

Some of the most unique and exciting things to do in Miami for kids center around learning and growing. Check out these very cool educational and cultural options, including some of the more notable landmarks in Miami.

Miami Children's Museum

Watson Island is where you'll find the Miami Children's Museum, packed with interactive exhibits designed to delight kids while teaching them everything from art and music to health and money.

An in-house theater troupe introduces little ones to the joys of live performance, while the Castle of Dreams helps inspire kids' imaginations. Weekly programs invite kids to make the museum their educational home.

Sensory-Friendly Saturdays turn down the noise and stimulation to make it easy for neurodiverse kids to participate in activities, while Mini Mondays invite younger kids to enjoy cooking, art, and music. The Children's Museum celebrates all holidays with gusto.

Local kids can dive deeper into the Museum's offerings thanks to its Early Childhood Institute, an accredited preschool. If they want to keep learning in a creative environment, the Museum's charter school provides a K-5 education.

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Kids love learning about the world around them — so take them to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science to pique their curiosity. Exhibits feature everything from sharks and air flight to the way ecosystems work.

The museum features both an aquarium and a planetarium. If you're wondering what to do in Miami for kids, explore the depths of the ocean and the far reaches of outer space, all under one roof.

The museum's tech lab teaches kids about up-to-the-minute technology, coding, and engineering, and a relationship with the University of Miami brings in local scientists to inspire young STEM minds.

Even the littlest children can experiment and learn here, with monthly workshops that offer ever-changing topics at an age-appropriate level. Family workshops are available, and the Museum of Science also offers science camps during school breaks.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Travel back in time to the Gilded Age when you visit this National Historic Landmark, which is also a unique Miami attraction for kids. The Vizcaya Museum is a 1916 estate set on 11 stunning acres of grounds, and it's one of our favorite places to visit when we're in town.

Older children may be fascinated by the home's history, and younger kids can attend day camp on local teacher training days. Programs focus on art, personal well-being, and local history.

HistoryMiami Museum

HistoryMiami Museum dives deep into the local history of Miami and Southern Florida. Through its programs, the museum asks older kids to explore the big questions about history, such as whose stories get told and who decides which to tell.

The museum works with local teachers to enhance school curriculums, and monthly Family Fun Days introduce kids as young as kindergarteners to historical concepts. Show up to enjoy family activities in Miami that focus on music, art, and storytelling to connect to the region's history.

Wynwood Walls (Street Art Exploration)

Located in the Wynwood Arts District of Miami, Wynwood Walls delights kids with its dozens of massive murals that immerse them in art and wonder. This all-outdoor museum gives kids plenty of space to run around while they explore the work of international artists.

When you're in the neighborhood looking for things for kids to do in Miami, your art-loving kids may love the opportunity to check out local galleries and art installations.

Entertainment and Recreation

Sometimes, a kid just wants to have fun — and miles of beaches and plenty of entertainment venues offer some of the best things to do in Miami with kids. Check out these exciting ways to spend a weekend. And, if that weekend so happens to coincide with Independence Day, then head over to this blog to discover some of the best 4th of July events in Miami.

Miami Beaches

When thinking about Miami attractions for kids, the simplest answer is always to head to the beach. Miami is home to mile after mile of spectacular beaches, and nothing makes kids happier than a day lounging in the sand.

But not every Miami beach is completely kid-friendly. When you want to avoid the adult-centric party scenes at South Beach, head to some of these wonderful options instead.

South Pointe Park Beach features everything from a mini splash pad for the littlest visitors to paddleboards, jet skis, and beach volleyball for teens. A dog park lets you bring your best friend along. Although, they're not allowed on the beach proper.

Hooray for Hollywood — Hollywood Beach, that is. This family-friendly beach is bordered by the 2.5-mile promenade, which is typically full of bikers, Rollerbladers, and parents with strollers.

It's a safe place to play in the water, and a playground adds to the fun. Bring your pooch to Dog Beach (one small section of Hollywood Beach where dogs can play in the water), and explore the many shops and restaurants lining the boardwalk.

North Shore Open Space Park is popular with Miami locals, who know a good thing when they experience it. Here, the shade trees and clean water make it feel like you're on a Greek island. You'll find plenty of playgrounds and picnic areas, as well as biking and walking trails.

FunDimension in Wynwood

When you're pondering what to do with kids in Miami, FunDimension in Wynwood has everything — laser tag, e-gaming, bumper cars, and arcade games — you need to keep the excitement level high.

The more adventurous can try their hand at rock climbing or strap on a VR headset. Adults can enjoy wine and craft beer, and of course, you can plan a party for any occasion here.

Sky Zone

Give your kids a chance to bounce away all that excess energy when you're looking for things to do with your family in Miami. Kids can jump and flip to their hearts' content at Sky Zone trampoline park, a popular destination for parties.

Older kids will enjoy the challenging Ninja Warrior Course and games of Ultimate Dodgeball for a high-energy thrill.

Arcade Odyssey

Travel back in time when you play at this retro arcade and see for yourself why this is one of the most popular Miami activities for kids. You can teach your little ones the wonders of old-school pinball. Dazzle them with your skills in classic arcade games, such as Asteroids, Frogger, Donkey Kong, and Dance Dance Revolution.

Games are changed out regularly, so every visit is a new experience. Arcade Odyssey offers a wide assortment of Japanese snacks, including Pocky and bubble tea. Fuel up for your next gaming session with delicious ramen.

Embrace Family Fun in Miami's Vibrant Landscape

The choices for kid-friendly things to do in Miami are never-ending — and that's even before you check out our shows in Miami. Corteo combines heart-pounding excitement with inspired clowning to move and thrill you.

Cirque du Soleil ECHO pairs eye-popping acrobatics with technology to send a hopeful message that speaks directly to the next generation. Whenever you visit one of our shows, you open your heart to an escapist experience that's thrilling and inspirational.

Get your tickets and get ready to be amazed by our heart-stopping performances. You'll want to come back again and again.