Miami Beach

Miami Family Vacation Ideas

Attractions, activities & things to do for an unforgettable vacation in the Magic City.

From intriguing museums, bike rides and a side trip to Key West, there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained in Miami

While most people think of Miami as a beach city, filled with parties, clubs, and good times, it’s also a fantastic place for a family vacation. There are many interactive attractions for the kids, and there are fascinating museums, aquariums, and cruises that everyone will love.

If you’re planning on heading to Miami for your vacation but aren’t sure which attractions are best for families, check out this list. It’s been curated by travel experts who know a thing or two about traversing Miami with kids. Our top summer vacation ideas include:

  • Big Bus Miami Sightseeing Tour
  • Miami Seaquarium
  • Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise
  • Jungle Island
  • Jet Boat Miami
  • Key West Day Trip from Miami
  • Miami Bike Rental
  • Frost Museum of Science
  • Miami Children’s Museum
  • Pérez Art Museum Miami
  • Bayside Marketplace

Big Bus Miami Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

One of the best ways to get to know the city is an open-deck bus tour with Big Bus Miami. Because Miami is a multifaceted city with many distinct neighborhoods, it’s difficult to know where to go to see all the highlights. A guided bus tour is your solution, as they’ll escort you past all the major sights and areas.

The hop-on hop-off feature is convenient for customizing your sightseeing. Popular stops include Miami Seaquarium, Vizcaya Gardens, Jungle Island, and Miami Duck Tours. Choose from three different routes, depending on what your interests are.

Miami Seaquarium

dolphin-during-show-miami

Miami is filled with great attractions for families that love animals, and this is just the beginning. At Miami Seaquarium you’ll find humane and playful animal shows and interactions, with educational information displayed throughout the park.

One of the best things about Miami Seaquarium is its heartwarming comcommitment to rehabilitation and conservation. They’ve rescued and healed countless manatees and other species. Those who are still healing or can’t be re-released into the wild are given a home at the Seaquarium. 

Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise

One of our favorite ways to really get to know Miami is by spending some time on the water. A Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise is the perfect opportunity to do just that – so sit back, relax, and soak up the beauty of the coastline.

Some of the highlights you’ll see on your journey around this gorgeous bay include American Airlines Arena, the Miami Herald Building, Miami Beach, Southpoint Park, and more. Your 80-minute tour will give you all the highlights. Keep an eye out for the luxury houses of the rich and famous, too!

Lion Country Safari

three-male-lions

Lion Country Safari gives you amazing close-up access to over 900 free-roaming animals and is sure to leave the whole family awestruck. Comprised of a four-mile drive-through and divided into seven areas, you'll see giraffes, zebras, rhinos, wildebeests, and of course, lions. Some might come within inches of your car! Please keep arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times...

What's more, the rest of the park is yours to explore on foot. You can experience more hands-on animal encounters, like giraffe feeding, bird feeding, and a petting zoo.

Jet Boat Miami

man-driving-jet-ski-powerboat

If you’re looking for a little more excitement in your water activities, then Jet Boat Miami is the perfect choice for you and your family. This high-speed vessel will zip around Biscayne Bay, past sights like San Marco Island, Star Island, and many more. Your skilled boat operator will perform tricks like 360 spins and more.

Due to its speed and quick movements, this boat ride may not be appropriate for smaller children. Use your judgment when choosing this attraction.

Please note: Jet Boat Miami is separately ticketed.

Key West Day Trip from Miami

key-west

This round-trip excursion is more than worth the time you’ll dedicate to getting down to the southernmost point of the continental United States. You'll cross 42 bridges and 32 islands before reaching the tropical paradise of Key West.

Once you’re there, you get to spend a few hours as you’d like, whether that’s renting a bike, parasailing, swimming, or sightseeing. Some highlights for explorers include the Hemingway House, a botanical garden, and Mallory Square.

Please note: This excursion is a day-long experience.

Miami Bike Rental

In Miami's hot weather, you’ll find that pedaling along the beachfront can be a good way to get some breezes going in your favor. There are bike lanes and trails galore in Miami and South Beach, and exploring on two wheels is admittedly one of our favorite ways to get around this beautiful city.

Your Miami Bike Rental will come with a map, too, so you won't need much familiarity to set off exploring. We recommend starting with the amazing Art Deco district, which has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing.

Miami Children’s Museum

For those of you traveling with younger or middle-grade kids, the Miami Children’s Museum should be a must on your list. It’s an interactive environment, with hundreds of things for kids to learn through play. All the exhibits are bilingual, and most emphasize aspects of modern life that will be important as children grow, like the arts, culture, and community.

You'll love watching the kids enjoy exhibits like the Health and Wellness Center, Pet Central, Ocean Odyssey, Everglades Park, and the World Music Studio. They also frequently run special programming – especially during the summer – so be sure to check their calendar before your visit.

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

Pérez Art Museum Miami

The Pérez Art Museum Miami is another one of our favorite kid-friendly institutions in Miami. It’s a well-curated art museum, nestled in a beautiful building, with tons of things for kids to enjoy and explore. Of course, there is much for adults to love, too! Take a guided tour to see their exhibit highlights, most of which highlight the multicultural and intersectional nature of Miami.

Don’t forget to ask for the PAMM family pack when you arrive – it’s filled with goodies to make the experience that much more fulfilling for younger visitors.

Bayside Marketplace

Quite a few of the attractions we’ve suggested are near Bayside Marketplace, so it couldn’t be easier to devote a little time to roaming this area. Primarily a farmers market-style place, this open-air venue also features plenty of nearby restaurants, shops, and more.

It’s also host to a number of special events throughout the summer, so stop by their Visitor Center for more information on what’s going on during your visit.

There's plenty to keep the whole family entertained in Miami

There you go. A few suggestions for attractions and activities for your upcoming Miami family vacation. If you are taking small children or babies on your family vacation, save yourself the hassle of bringing your own and consider using BabyQuip if you need to rent any baby equipment in Miami.

Want to save money on those bucket-list attractions? 

Check out a Miami attraction pass from Go City® and you could save yourself up to 50% on your must-sees – perfect!  

☀️Compare Miami passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Miami in February

Exciting and buzzing with life, Miami is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the United States – and with good reason. With daily high temperatures ranging around the mid-70s, February is a fantastic time to visit. This is perfect weather for strolls on the beach, a visit to the zoo, or exploring the city’s coolest neighborhoods. With so much to see, do and experience, you’ll be spoiled for choice. If you aren’t quite sure where to start, don’t worry – we’ve done all the research for you. Have a read through our comprehensive list of the best things to do in Miami in spring. No matter how you choose to spend your time in the Magic City, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! See the Sites One to definitely add to the top of the travel bucket list is witnessing the majesty of nature close up. With its fantastic tropical climate and undeniably beautiful greenery, Miami presents some of the best zoological gardens in America. Blending the beautiful backdrop of Miami with incredible exotic creatures, Jungle Island delivers the best of both worlds and more. This place has been delighting animal lovers from near and far since 1936, making it our top recommendation for those looking to see some of the natural world’s most impressive specimens. The site has over 3, 000 animals to show, and over 100 exhibits to be enjoyed. Formerly known as ‘’Parrot Jungle’’, you can expect to see a lot of interesting birds in more varieties than you ever thought existed. This place is also home to Miami’s only private beach, which functions as a kids’ waterpark. The park features obstacle courses, riptide rapids, slides, and a climbing wall to keep the little ones occupied – as if the colorful animals weren’t enough! A thoroughly captivating and magical experience for those of all ages, this one should rank way up high on the itinerary. Whilst travelling, one of the best ways to appreciate the area is by visiting a public garden. Our top pick of Miami’s best green spaces has got to be Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for its unique collection of exotic flora. This historic garden is home to some beautiful plants and rare specimens which have been carefully cultivated since the mid-1900s. Spanning over 83 acres of land, this must-see attraction offers a fully immersive rainforest experience for you and your loved ones. Walking through the site, you’ll be able to enjoy thousands of types of plants you wouldn’t normally get to see. In addition, the site is home to the largest palm collection in America, as well as the biggest collection of tropical bamboo in the world. Walking through the site, you’ll also be able to view a lot of interesting wildlife which thrives there, including fish, birds, lizards and crocodiles. Perhaps most captivating, though, is the garden’s small butterfly emporium, with countless species to be enjoyed. No doubt one of the most serene spaces in the city, this place works to showcase the true beauty and wonder of the natural world in all its glory. We recommend setting aside a whole day for this if you’re looking to cover the whole space. Learn Something New The best vacation memories aren’t accordingly made when you’re just kicking back. For those who are looking to incorporate education into their travel experience, we recommend checking out the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum. Both inspiring and fun, this place works well to explain a wide range of topics for a broad audience. The institute houses both a planetarium and an aquarium – so there’s a little something for everybody here. Go back in time to explore the wonders of the natural world. Learn about the amazing story of evolution from start to finish. Or hear about the development and future of scientific discovery. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Some of the best trips include a day at the museum. If you’re looking for art and culture in Miami, look no further than the Pérez Art Museum. Situated just downtown, the institute has long served as the perfect spot for creative and intellectual thought. The gallery’s ongoing core collection draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural diversity, while you’ll find many rotating exhibits focusing on important social topics. In total, the museum has over 2, 000 pieces, covering a wide range of styles. In its unique and impressive repository, you'll find everything from avant-garde and surrealist paintings to modern and contemporary sculptures. Famous artists featured here include Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. For anybody wanting to squeeze in a little bit of education on their travels, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend the day. Try Something Different Whether or not you consider yourself a spiritual person, there’s something quite special about visiting sacred sites on your trip. Standing out as the oldest visitor attraction in the city by a long shot, the Ancient Spanish Monastery is not only a mesmerizingly beautiful place to spend the day but well-recognized for its fascinating and storied past. Construction for this unique site began in 1133 AD, near northern Spain. For nearly 700 years following the initial construction, the monastery was run by Cistercian monks. It wasn’t until the 1920s that the monastery first landed on American soil, after being deconstructed brick by brick. By the mid-twentieth century, two entrepreneurs had decided to buy the stones to put back together, one by one, with the intention of building a tourist attraction – the Ancient Spanish Monastery as it is now known. The attraction has been branded as ‘’the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history’’ by Time Magazine, and we can certainly see why! Though the site’s past is pretty far-fetched, the monastery retains much of its architectural excellence. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to appreciate its hand-carved columns, sweeping arches, and beautiful shrines. No doubt one of the most unbelievable attractions in the city, this place is definitely worth a visit. We love Miami. Forever fun and bursting with cool things to do, the city lures those from near and far and its beautiful weather and beachy vibes. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Miami in April

Seated along the southeastern coastline, Miami has long served as one of America’s most popular tourist destinations. A quintessential Floridian beach city, the area is known for its sugar-sand shores, tropical climate and Latin-America influences. Still, Miami is much more than just a haven for seaside lovers. When visitors aren’t at the beach, you’ll find them enjoying the city’s fantastic cultural amenities, delicious cuisine, and non-stop nightlife. From classical architecture and botanical gardens to zoological parks and hidden gems, there’s so much to see and do here. Trust us when we say that the city has much to offer visitors of all persuasions. If you’re making your way to Miami and don’t quite know where to start, have a read through our comprehensive list of things to do in the area. However you choose to enjoy the Magic City, we’re sure it’ll be just wonderful! See the Sites Who doesn't love a zoo - are we right? The perfect stop for all animal lovers, Zoo Miami works to educate its visitors about conservation and cultivate curiosity in the natural world. First established in 1948, this place is well-recognized as the oldest and largest zoologist garden in Florida. Occupying a whopping 750 acres, the institute is home to over 3, 000 animals across 500 species. Highlights include jaguars, warthogs, spotted hyenas, hippos and more. And for those who can’t quite get enough of their favorite furry friends, this place also has live educational shows, guided zoo tours, and feedings. Additionally, there are dining options, picnic areas, kids’ playgrounds and great shopping opportunities to enhance your visit. There are endless amounts of fun to be had here, but keep in mind that a day at the zoo can be quite tiresome. We recommend wearing your comfiest walking shoes, and taking a lot of sunscreen with you. A total crowd-pleaser and classic Miami attraction, this place provides a fantastic educational experience for those of all ages. If you’re looking for fun day trips, look no further than Miami Seaquarium. Whether you’re just curious or looking to unlock that sense of childhood wonder, the institute works to provide the perfect environment for learning and adventure. Brimming with beautiful and intelligent sea creatures of all kinds, this place provides a comprehensive glimpse of what life looks like under the sea. No, really - trust us when we say that there’s plenty to do and see here. In fact, at 10, 000 specimens, the institute’s expansive repository stands as one of the largest collections of marine animals in the world. Enjoy the scenic wonders of some of your favorite aquatic and semi-aquatic creatures, including jellyfish, sharks, penguins, orcas, and much more. Get up-close encounters with dolphins and experience their mysterious intelligence firsthand. As fascinating as it is fun, we love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Get to Know the Area The weather in April is sunny and warm without being too humid, making it a great time to enjoy the best of Miami’s outdoor attractions. For nature lovers, we highly recommend checking out Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Established in 1936, this historic landscape showcases the rare and exotic plant collection of avid botanist and plant explorer David Fairchild. Throughout the first half of the twentieth century, Fairchild brought more than 200, 000 plants to the United States, many of which thrive on site. Walking through the gardens, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful flower beds, vines, and many magnificent species of trees. In addition, the space is home to the largest palm collection in the United States. Meticulously planted and well-curated, the displays are a total sight to behold. Those looking to take some time away from the city couldn’t find anywhere better. Though you might know Miami for its white sandy beaches and warm weather, the city’s art scene is well worth checking out. The perfect stop for all creative types, Wynwood Walls is one of the best places in the city to view the work of some of the world's top urban artists. Bold murals dot the city’s walls, giving insight into the local community and art community. Spanning over 80, 000 square feet of wall space, this unique exhibit works to showcase original talent from America and around the globe. Featuring better-known artists like Shepard Fairey, as well as the work of new innovators in the graffiti world, the exhibit is widely appreciated for its craft and message. A total Instagrammer’s dream, this quirky and vibrant spot is great for a casual day trip. Take time to explore the surrounding area, since there are great eateries, bars and stores to be explored. Learn about the City Those looking to learn more about the background of the area might appreciate the next item on our list. Combining history, culture and architecture, the Ancient Spanish Monastery works to preserve and educate its visitors about the structure’s unique design. Billed as ‘’the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history’’ by Time Magazine, the building has seen a rather interesting past. Whilst construction began in 1133 AD near northern Spain, it wasn’t until the mid-twentieth century that pieces of the building were brought over to America to be made into a tourist attraction. Today, the structure stands as a fine example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to enjoy hand-carved columns, sweeping arches and beautiful shrines. April is a great time to visit, since you’ll be able to stroll around the monastery’s beautiful gardens in comfort and admire their great beauty. With its exquisite presence and astonishing history, the monastery offers a one-of-a-kind visual experience to remember. Full disclosure: we love Miami! The best things to do in the city run the gamut – from seriously fun to highly educational, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice. If you’re an artsy type, Wynwood Walls would be your best bet. For animal lovers, Zoo Miami couldn’t be a finer choice. Or if you’re looking to see some stunning architecture, there’s no better place in the city than the Ancient Spanish Monastery. Trust us, with so many incredible things to do here you’ll never be bored. Explore Miami to its fullest with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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