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Family Fun/Kids
Although Miami is a world-famous party spot for the beautiful people, it also has lots of fun geared toward kids and families. The Bill Graham Farm Village has a petting zoo, the restored antique carousel at Crandon Park is popular on weekends, and Wannadoo City at Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise offers kids the chance to let their imaginations loose - while parents relax in a separate adult lounge. Other great family-friendly choices are Metrozoo, Miami Seaquarium, Jungle Island and Monkey Jungle. Options that are also perfect for the occasional rainy day in Miami include the Miami Science Museum, Miami Children's Museum and the Historical Museum.
305-685-8673
A re-created Miami-Dade County homestead combining features of pioneer farms from the turn of the century with modern additions such as an air-conditioned Country Store. The pony ring (open weekends only, must be 70 lbs. or less to ride) on the side of the barn is equipped with benches for parents to sit and rest while watching kids ride a pony, or drive an old tractor. Open daily, 9am-3pm on weekdays and 10am-4pm on weekends.
1-800-GO-SAFARI
Explore 2,200 acres of untamed Everglades on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation via swamp buggy eco-tour and airboat ride. Snake and alligator show, swamp critter show, boardwalk nature trail, animal and reptile exhibits and Swamp Water Cafe. Day/overnight packages in an authentic thatched roof chickee avail. Ask about the new Exclusive/VIP Swamp Buggy Eco-Tour.
954-921-1411
This family ride park features batting cages, bowling, bumper boats, a game room, go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, a rock wall, and a snack bar. The adventurous will love the Sidewinder and Flame Thrower thrill rides! Open Monday-Thursday, 10am-10pm; Friday: 10am-1am; Saturday, 11am-1am; Sunday, 11am-10pm. Enjoy “$12 Buck Days” on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with unlimited video games and mini golf for $12.
954-977-4400
Enjoy the beauty of South Florida while strolling through tropical gardens with ten thousand live, brilliantly colored butterflies. Waterfalls, exotic birds, hummingbirds, orchids and roses complete this natural habitat. Hand-feed the lorikeets and enjoy the botanical gardens, museum, live Bug Zoo, and gift and plant shops. This is the perfect adventure for the whole family! Open Mon.-Sat., 11am-5pm, Sun., 11am-4pm. Adults and seniors, $24.95; children 3-11, $19.95; under 2, free.
305-248-6345
Visit one of the Top 10 Historic Hot Spots in South Florida! Castle builder Ed Leedskalnin weighed a mere 100 pounds and stood at about five-feet tall; a fact that has baffled scientists, engineers and scholars since the castle opened in 1923. Today, guests can tour the Coral Castle with knowledgeable tour guides. Narration available in English, French, German, Japanese, Russian and Spanish. Seen on national TV shows including "Ancient Aliens," "Good Morning America" and "Sabado Gigante's Don Francisco." Open Sun.-Thurs., 8am-6pm; Fri.-Sat., 8am-8pm. Adults, $12; children 7-12, $7; 6 and under, free.
305-247-2628
Discover the mysteries of the Everglades at South Florida’s oldest alligator farm. Near the main entrance of Everglades National Park, Everglades Alligator Farm contains more than 2,000 alligators! Glide across the everglades on a guided airboat tours. Alligator, snake, and wildlife shows performed hourly. Open daily, 9am-6pm.
305-253-0063
Exhibits include the display of the Ferdinand Magellan, the private railroad car built for President Franklin Roosevelt, and other historic trains. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-12, and children under 3 are free. Real train rides on Saturday and Sunday for an additional fee. Located next to Zoo Miami.
305-375-1492
HistoryMiami is the premier cultural institution committed to gathering, organizing, preserving and celebrating Miami’s history as the unique crossroads of the Americas. Through exhibitions, collections and publications, HistoryMiami advocates for understanding the importance of the past in shaping Miami’s future. Open Tues.-Fri., 10am-5pm; Sat.-Sun., noon-5pm. Closed Monday. Adult admission, $8; students and seniors w/ ID, $7; children 6-12, $5; under 6, free.
305-400-7000
Step into a lush, tropical jungle and mingle with birds, monkeys, and the world’s most rare creatures. Jungle Island is home to animal wonders like Hercules, a 900-pound liger, twin orangutans, Peanut and Pumpkin, and Japa and Biji, the Jungle’s newest resident leopards. See spectacular animal shows including Winged Wonders, featuring the most lethal bird on the planet, and Tale of the Tiger, highlighting the world’s rarest cats. Call to reserve an exclusive VIP Safari Tour or private animal encounter. Free shuttle from downtown Miami and Miami Beach. Open daily 10am-6pm. Adults, $32.95; seniors, $30.95; children 3-10, $24.95; children under 2, free. Active military personnel w/ ID receive free admission and their families receive a 15% discount.
954-416-0044
K1 Speed-South Florida provides novice and veteran drivers the opportunity to experience an authentic racing atmosphere. The center’s large indoor kart tracks feature challenging corner combinations, long straights, and hairpin turns. Ages 5 and older welcome to race. Open Mon.-Thurs., noon-10pm, Fri.-Sat., 11am-11pm, Sun., 11am-7pm. 
561-793-1084
Spend the day on safari with more than 900 animals at Florida's only drive-through safari and walk-through amusement park. Animal displays and encounters, animal feeding experiences, six rides, water “sprayground,” food, shopping and more, Lion Country Safari offers a memorable experience for the whole family! Open daily, 9:30am-5:30pm.
305-373-5437
Play, learn, imagine, create. Explore interactive, bilingual galleries filled with hundreds of exhibits including a supermarket, bank, hospital, two story sandcastle of dreams and a 32-foot rock climbing wall. MCM also offers daily arts and educational programming for the whole family, seasonal classes and camps, birthday parties, field trips and more. Members and children under 1 are free; adults and children, $12. Located next to Jungle Island.
305-361-5705
A place where dolphins walk on water and a killer whale flies through the air, where slithery moray eels lurk in coral reef caverns, and giant sharks patrol their territory, where sea lions delight children of all ages and endangered sea turtles and manatees find a safe haven! Open daily, 9:30am-6pm (including holidays). Shows continue throughout the day. General admission for ages 10 up is $37.95, children ages 3-9 is $27.95, and children under 3 are free. Annual passes are available for an additional $9.95 per person.
305-365-3018
Create a strong connection with nature while immersing in these outdoor adventures: kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, hiking, biking, and birding. Naturalist-guided adventures are designed for all levels. Explore unique natural areas as in some of South Florida’s most incredible outdoor landscapes, discovering native wildlife and breathtaking views. South Florida Expeditions by bike, hiking and airboat go into some of the best wilderness areas of the Everglades and South Florida coastal parks.
305-646-4200
Interactive, hands-on, permanent and traveling exhibits for all ages. The Wildlife Center has live animals and reptiles, and is a facility dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured birds of prey. The Planetarium features laser light shows every first Friday night of the month, plus daily multimedia shows. Admission is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students with ID, $13 for children, and children under 3 are free.
305-235-1611
Escape on a jungle safari! Explore the wilds of South America, Asia and Africa. Witness crab-eating monkeys diving for treats. Delve into the lush, tropical Amazonian Rainforest filled with hundreds of exotic monkeys. Enjoy the antics at the Ape Encounter. Other adventures include Cameroon Forest, Parrots of the World, and Lemurs of Madagascar. Continuous shows. Open daily, 9:30am-5pm. Admission is $25.95 for adults, $19.95 for children ages 3-9, and children under 3 are free. The Rainforest Adventure offers guests a private tour and squirrel monkeys feeding in a secluded area of the park. Cost is $89 per person.
305-751-9550
The PlayGround Theatre is a repertory company dedicated to the production and presentation of classical and contemporary works that entertain, educate, and delight audiences of all ages. Our magical and intelligent productions foster intellectual, emotional, and social development while reflecting the cultural diversity of South Florida.
305-460-5306
Formed from a coral rock quarry in 1923, the Venetian Pool is the only swimming pool on the National Register of Historic Places. This 820,000-gallon pool features cool spring water, two waterfalls, coral caves and grottos. Children must be at least 38 inches tall or have proof of age. Children under 3 are not permitted into the facility. No credit cards accepted. Call for admission rates and hours of operation, as they change throughout the year.
305-233-5197
Located at Kendall-Tamiami Airport in Miami-Dade County, the Wings Over Miami Air Museum serves as an ongoing tribute to the veterans and aviators who pioneered military and civilian aviation. The museum seeks to educate visitors about the rich history of aviation, the scientific basis of flight, and the many challenges faced during the evolution of flight. See examples of operating, historic aircraft including more than 15 classic and military prop and jet-driven aircraft on display, the 1942 Boeing Stearman PT-17, 1957 Ikarus and the TBM 3. Classic and military aircraft models for sale in the gift shop. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for children, and $7 for seniors. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm; closed Monday-Tuesday.
305-251-0400
More than 1,000 animals from around the world including the rare and exotic. The zoo is open daily, including holidays, 9:30am-5:30pm. Admission is $15.95 for adults, $11.95 for children 3-12, children under 3 are free. Seniors 65+ and military personnel (with ID) receive 25% off. Wheelchair and stroller rentals available. Free parking.
