A complete guide for a family vacation to Miami, FL

There are certain destinations that feel like they are made for a family vacation in the first place. Miami is one such destination. A family vacation to Miami just sounds perfect. So, as the summer vacations have arrived, let us introduce you to a perfect family vacation to Miami. Here we have teamed up with Expedia.com to share a guide which can address all the questions that you may have for planning a family vacation to Miami.

Family Vacation in Miami

Accommodation in Miami

There are numerous family friendly hotels in Miami. And they range from budget to luxury. You can check options and conveniently compare Miami hotels on Expedia.com. If you don’t want to rent a vehicle and drive yourself on your family vacation to Miami, then it’s better to stay closer to the beach. Since the beach is after all the main attraction in Miami. And most of us head there for playing in the water or just relaxing in the beach. In fact, even the kids would love to spend most of their time on the beach. However, having said that, the accommodations near the beach tend to get filled the fastest. So, if you are making a choice to stay a little farther, you can easily rent a vehicle for the duration of your family vacation in Miami to explore around and reach the beach fast. Last but not the least, check out the following post for details of stay options in Miami

where to stay in Miami, Florida

When to go to Miami

Miami has a tropical climate that doesn’t change drastically year round. And that is what makes it a very popular destination amongst tourists of all age groups. However, as per our studies and exploration, the spring time is the best time to visit Miami. Particularly if you want to avoid the crowds. And also not bake in too harsh a sun. Since, during the summer months, when the kids vacation start, the place tends to get very crowded. And at that time, it is very hot and humid also. Come winter and people from different corners of the country as well as abroad start reaching Miami for the respite from the harsh winter. This really increases the prices of the hotels as well during both summer vacation period as well as in the winters. So, as long as you want to have some exclusive, not so crowded time on the beach, spring seems to be perfect.

Things to do on a family vacation to Miami

Sunbathing on the beach, playing in the sand and getting into the waters are kids all time favorites. And who won’t do these on a beach holiday? So, let’s keep these apart and talk about other things that Miami has got to offer for a family on it’s vacation. Particularly with kids included.

Miami Children’s museum

A museum totally dedicated to kids. The Children’s Museum is definitely a must visit when on a family vacation to Miami. The museum is not just so colorful. But it has on exhibit lots and lots of things that attract Children in particular. Especially exhibits like “Sea and Me” and “Ocean Odyssey” are very popular amongst kids as they exhibit the world of the sea creatures. Then there are other exhibits like a maze in the “Castle of Dreams” and the option to climb high on the “Mt. MiChiMu”.

Miami Zoo

Family Vacation in Miami

Did you know that the Miami zoo is the largest zoo in Florida? It has conserved and kept animals from around the world. These include the Komodo Dragon from the islands of Indonesia and the African lions. Other animals include Galapagos tortoises, lions, tigers, bears. What’s more? They have special animal encounters and shows designed to let the children interact further with the animals, not just see them. There’s a special zone created inside the zoo where children are allowed to feed certain animals too. And then there are presentations available for kids to learn better about the animals. I can’t imagine my kid coming out of such a zoo, once she has access to it!!
PS: You might as well like : Visiting the Singapore Zoo with kids

Venetian pool

There is a query of coral rock in Miami’s neighborhood. And the Venetian pool was constructed out of it in 1923. It is a 820-thousand gallons spring pool. With so much water in it, the pool is always cool, even on the hottest day of the summer. So, on a family vacation to Miami, it makes for a perfect spot to take a plunge and cool yourself and your kids. There are even artificial waterfalls around the pool. They excite the little kids all the more. And thus, give them the perfect excuse to explore the pool all the more. However please make a note that kids under the age of 3 years are not allowed in this pool pertaining to safety reasons. So, plan for the Venetian pool if you have kids older than 3 years.

Miccosukee Indian Village

Miccosukee Tribes have been residing in Florida for a long time now. The Miccosukkee Indian Village is a village like setup, constructed to showcase the traditions and cultures of this tribe. This makes for a perfect offbeat spot for a family vacation to Miami. And a perfect way to introduce yourself and your family to one of the old tribal culture that is still well preserved in Florida. Major craftwork of these artists include carvings on wood, bead work and basket weaving. Daily tours are organized to the village, wherein the visitors get to see demonstration of these crafts and how they are developed by the tribes. There is an art and craft festival also, that takes care here in the month of December. What’s more? The visitors can take airboat rides here and catch glimpses of live alligator wrestling shows – which are one of the reasons this spot shot to fame.

Everglades National Park

Family Vacation in Miami

One of the most famous spots and a must visit on a family vacation to Miami is Everglades National Park. The park is home to many species of animals, including several kinds of crocodiles, alligators, different species of birds and manatees. The park is huge. And it has numerous trails for hiking, biking and kayaking. Depending on how old your kids are and the interest of everyone in your family, you can choose to take one of the several trails and then explore the Everglades National Park. One of the most popular spots in the Everglades National Park is the shark valley that has an observation tower as well. Even bird watchers have a perfect time here. Kids love exploring the easy hiking trails and spotting the new species of birds and animals here.

Jungle Island or Parrot Jungle

Yet another beloved destination for family vacation to Miami is the Jungle Island. Let us call it a paradise for animal lovers. And kids, in general are true animal lovers. They are largely known for a huge variety and number of parrots thus, driving their old name of Parrot Jungle. But there are many other creatures that reside here. Including some very large and old tortoise, kangaroos and lemurs. For the little one, there are number of animal shows run here on a daily basis. Even interactive sessions also take place. There is a private beach also on Jungle Island. It is called parrot cove. And it’s main attraction is a huge water playground for kids and the little ones. Overall, it’s offerings make Jungle Island a must visit on a family vacation to Miami.

Crandon Park

While the Jungle Island & zoo give kids a chance to interact with the different land animals, the Crandon Park introduces them to the sea creatures. It also helps the kids learn more about the sea creatures through it’s interactive sessions with the same. Also, the area has several trails for exploring around, and even setting up barbecue. One can also rent kayaks, if the whole family loves adventures.

Monkey Jungle

Family Vacation in Miami

It is a 30 acre wildlife park which has all varieties of monkeys that you can think of. Some of the species include Orangutans, Squirrel Monkeys, Gorillas and others. The best part is that, you need not worry about yourself and your kid getting hurt by the monkeys. Since for most part of this wildlife park, you have to walk through a screened pathway. And you can see the monkeys playing around. Although provision is made for kids to be able to feed the monkeys through the screens.

Perez Art Museum Miami

Although an art museum, but what makes it special is that there are days when things are planned around kids. For instance on second Saturdays of every month, art workshops are setup where the children can enjoy making the art. And it is totally free also. Plus on fourth Saturday of every month , there are special story telling and art workshops for children of age group 3-5 years. Then there is an outdoor sculpture garden.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens

The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens boast to have the most beautiful landscaping amongst the gardens and other outdoor places in Miami. Overall, the gardens are 83 acres. And these include trails covering beautiful lakes, rainforests, and flower beds. The beautiful trails run right from the middle of such picturesque landscapes. There is a beautiful butterfly conservatory inside the Botanic Gardens. Which adds to the beauty of the whole place. It is one of the must visits when on a family vacation to Miami. Picnic around and explore random fairy tale trails in the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens.

Gold Coast Railroad Museum

One of the best free things to do in Miami, the Gold Coast Roailroad Museum is another must visit when on a family vacation to Miami. The museum is run by a non profit organization. It exhibits some 40+ different old railcars. Customers can even take a ride on one of these railcars. Children definitely have a wonderful time taking ride on one of these vintage rail cars. And it also presents for them a good opportunity to learn more about the railways, their history and their technical details.
If you have time at hand, we highly recommend you make your Miami trip a part of this awesome Four days Florida keys road trip !
Hope we have given you enough reasons to plan a family vacation to Miami soon. Although known for it’s amazing night life and fun filled things to do for the grown ups, now you know how much Miami has got to offer for kids. To help plan your family vacation to Miami, here are some other relevant resources that you might want to check out:
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Family Vacation in Miami USA | Things to do with kids in Miami USA | Family travel to Miami | Miami Zoo | Children's Museum Miami

26 thoughts on “A complete guide for a family vacation to Miami, FL”

  1. Seriously I just known Miami for beaches, I didn’t know these places do exist. Your post only proves that therre are a lot of thing to do and one must not only settle to what is the mainstream tourist locations but to check its hidden gems as well. I just loved Miami even more!

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  2. Miami is a place which is the stuff of dreams. This is a nice guide for first timers to the place. There are so many sights and experiences that seem to cater to the entire family. It makes for a great family getaway. Love the look of the Everglades National park and the Monkey jungle.

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    • We never had thought Miami will have so many beautiful spots and activities to do beyond the beaches. Everglades is our favorite too

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  3. Wow! Miami looks stunning and there are so many things to do. Monkey Jungle and Miami Zoo would be my favourites. I would also love to explore the Everglades National Park with its breath taking views, and Miccosukee Indian Village with its unique culture and traditions. Railroad Museum sounds interesting. Taking a ride on old railcars must be a cool experience. Thanks for sharing this lovely guide.

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  4. That’s a wonderful guide! I did not know about the Venetian pool or the Miccosukee Indian Village. My husband is a big railroad fan and would love the Gold Coast Railroad Museum. Bookmarking this post for when we visit Miami.

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  5. Funny how I was half expecting to see a photo of a beach with bikini-clad people when I read that this is about Miami, I think I watch too much TV haha… I was quite curious with the Venetian pool, but it has no photo here so I googled and wow, it looks amazing. I would also love to visit the Miccosukee village for a good dose of culture and experience. It’s nice to know that there are many other things to see or do in Miami aside from the wonderful beaches that they have there.

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    • Definitely there are and that is what this article is about, to explore the places in Miami and fun things to do apart from the beaches 🙂

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  6. Miami looks like a perfect vacation with kids. The zoo looks like the apt option along with my kids, and I would love to see Komodo Dragon, I remember seeing it at Singapore Zoo. Miccosukee Indian Village looks of my interest and I would love to take a tour to this village to see the art work by the tribal. Thanks for sharing all these places with us as Miami was synonym with beaches.

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  7. This is such a well written and informative guide to Miami. It’s nice to see that there are other places than the beach which one can visit and enjoy with the family. I would definitely love to visit Miami at least once.

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  8. Miami will forever remind me of a very popular TV series. I guess you know what I’m referring to. That said, Everglades National Park attracts me the most in this list. And a bit of the monkeys and giraffes perhaps.

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    • Ha ha … totally. Yes, Everglades National Park is the most beautiful preserved piece of nature amidst the fast developing areas of Miami. Definitely an attraction for the tourists

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  9. miami is a number one in my bucketlist and this post is really helping me finalizing the places to visit once we’re ready to fly to it

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  10. The name Miami hits my mind and I think of the amazing Miami Beach, but your post tells us there are so many other things to do in Miami, especially with kids. Thanks for the share.

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    • Often a place is made too famous for one thing – like Miami for its beaches. but then when you get under the skin and start exploring, you will know how much more it holds in store for us travelers.

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  11. Wow, I didn’t expect that Miami is really this beautiful and interesting. I love that you have shown to us that Miami is not just about the beautiful beach, but it also owns a lot of world class museum to really enjoy. The JUngle Island looks like really an animal lovers haven. I would love to have a leisure time gazing to the adorable parrot and monkey as well. It seems like really fun and would definitely include this in my bucket list. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

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  12. OMG what a amazing & a complete guide post about family vacation to Miami, FL. Miami is such amazing & the thing who have mention in this post are really best to do in Miami.

    Reply

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