Miami Family Vacation Ideas

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

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
Miami Beach

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

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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

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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

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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

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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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10+ Things to Do in Key West & the Florida Keys

Heading to Miami, but hoping to explore the lands and waters further south? You’re not alone – many people begin their journeys in South Beach but travel down the Florida Keys to Key West for some more excitement and adventure.
Katie Sagal
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Things to do in Midtown Miami

Miami is an unbelievable city: with perennial sunshine, great culture and fantastic attractions, every visit is an absolute joy. Even after multiple stays, there’s no shortage of things to see and do there. And whilst South Beach earned its crown long ago as the perfect spot to kick back and dip your toes in the sand, Midtown is known as the vibrant epicenter of Miami. A trendy modern district with a lot to offer, the neighborhood encompasses Wynwood and Edgewater and is known for its luxury waterfront high rises, cutting-edge galleries and world-class shopping opportunities. As one of the more exciting neighborhoods of the Magic City, this area is perfect for those who like to be in the center of all the action. If you’re planning to explore the area, but still aren’t quite sure where to begin don’t worry – we've got you covered! You might not be able to fit it all in, but hey - there’s no harm in trying, right? Get Cultured Once a gritty industrial sector, Midtown Miami has seen something of a renaissance over the past few years, with visitors flocking over to Wynwood to experience the city’s artsy side. Whilst the area has many fantastic creative attractions, one of our favorites has got to be Wynwood Walls, a massive outdoor urban art museum. Covering over 80,000 square feet of wall space, this attraction is known as one of the biggest of its kind. Walking around the space, you’ll be able to view some wonderful works by some of the world’s most prolific graffiti artists. The walls here are constantly changing, though past artists have included the likes of Shepard Fairey, Lady Pink and Miss Van. A total Instagrammer’s dream, this vibrant spot is just perfect for a fun day trip - we recommend sticking around to check out some of the surrounding area. Great for those with a passion for alternative art, this spot is not to be missed. Whilst South Beach might have the monopoly when it comes to riding the waves, there’s no better place in the city to see some grade A art than Midtown. There are countless galleries in the area, but one of the most popular ones is The Margulies Collection. Modestly housed in a converted warehouse, this unique space works to place emphasis on the artists and their work. The museum’s impressive and diverse collection features artists such as Cindy Sherman, Anselm Kiefer and George Segal. This spot specializes in contemporary art, though it doesn’t discriminate between styles – walking through the museum, you’ll be able to view everything from photography and video work to sculpture and installation. The staff here are very friendly and informative, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask away! Whether you’re a total art geek or looking to learn something new, this place provides a wonderful cultural experience to remember. Eat and Drink in Midtown If you’re anything like us, then one of your favorite parts of travelling is the food! Thankfully, Midtown presents some of the best places to eat in all of the city. Still, 1-800-Lucky in Wynwood is our ultimate go-to for its great Asian-inspired offerings and vibrant atmosphere. Often buzzing with people, this popular food hall has a fun and casual feel which makes it perfect for kicking back and enjoying a craft beer under the sun. With seven food vendors and two bars, there really is a lot to choose from – popular dishes include Filipino burgers, Chinese bao buns and Peking duck. 1-800-Lucky is one of the most popular food halls in all of the city and is worth a visit to Midtown all on its own. We should warn you though, that this spot can get pretty crowded, especially on the weekends, so just beware of that. Miamians love a good drink – and trust us when we say that there are many places to indulge around Midtown. And whilst the options are unending in the Magic City, there’s no place quite like Cerveceria La Tropical. Tucked away on a quiet side street, this huge multi-level brewery and garden is one of the most popular spots to grab a drink in the city. This place has an industrial feel with towering tanks and a taproom with over a whopping 800 varieties of beers to try. Aside from its long list of beverages, Cerveceria also has a Latin-inspired menu which pairs nicely with the drinks. There is a spacious outdoor courtyard, perfect for sipping a cold one with good company. Taking advantage of the Miami weather, the garden features a sprawling lush tropical wonderland with a wide variety of exotic flora. Fun, funky and sophisticated all at once, this place is a total winner. Try Something Different Those coming to Miami looking for art and culture will be delighted by what the city has in store. Midtown especially is home to some fantastic options for those who want to get in touch with their creative side, as it is home to the Wynwood neighborhood, which is bursting at the seams with cool things to do. Standing out as one of our favorites, O Cinema Wynwood is a trendy arthouse movie theater known for its carefully-curated programming. From total classics and dramas to niche indies and new releases, there really is a little something for everybody here. Offering something a little different and at a more affordable price than your run-of-the-mill movie theater, O Cinema pretty much has it all. Whether you’re looking to relax on vacation or seeking out the perfect date spot, this is where you’ll want to be. Not much of a wallflower, the Magic City is packed with exciting activities and events all year round for you and your loved ones. Midtown is the perfect place to explore on foot, with a myriad of fantastic cultural attractions, exciting shopping destinations and enticing food options all in one spot. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’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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Things to do in Coconut Grove Miami

Florida is the southeasternmost US state, known for its perennial sunshine and clear blue skies. The Grove is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, well-recognized for its historical appeal and interesting and unique points of exploration. We recommend touring on foot since the area is known for its lush tropical greenery and wonderful architecture. With a laid-back village vibe, the area is easy to navigate and has a lot to offer for all types of travellers. Whether you’re looking to delve into the heritage of the city, indulge in some great food, or enjoy a fun shopping experience, you’re sure to love this charming historic district. Still not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, we’ve done a lot of the heavy lifting for you! If you’re planning to explore this free-spirited and eclectic district of Miami, have a read through our list of some of the best things to see and do in the area. Whatever you choose to do here, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Soak Up the Sun If you’re looking for a place to kick back and spend some time with the fam, look no further than Peacock Park. Established way back in 1934, this peaceful little oasis has been a longtime favorite for locals and visitors alike. Throughout the 1960s, the park became a notable hub for hippie counterculture, hosting concerts throughout the latter part of the decade. Today, this lush green space serves as a fun communal spot for recreation and relaxation. Clean and well-maintained, this place is perfect for soaking up the sun and taking in those fresh ocean views. We recommend grabbing a bite to eat and having yourself a picnic. Or, for those who like to keep active, there are hiking trails and basketball and tennis courts to choose from. In addition, there’s a playground and swings, so everybody's happy. The perfect scenic spot for relaxing, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a hot day in the Sunshine State. Miami is well-recognized for its lush tropical greenery, though perhaps no area is quite as visited for this as The Grove. For those looking to get in touch with nature, we highly recommend checking out The Kampong, a beautiful botanical garden brimming with exotic plants. Once home to David Fairchild, ‘’The Columbus of American Horticulture’’, this space is an enchanting encounter for anybody who takes an interest in the natural world. Though small, this peaceful reservation is popular with visitors to The Grove for all that it has to offer. There are six different facilities, all dedicated to different areas of botanical study. Visitors can expect to see everything from magnificent centuries-old oaks and trailing vines to exotic fruit plants and vibrant flowers of all kinds. A hidden gem of natural beauty, we love this spot because it provides a fantastic respite from the city. Learn More About the Area Coconut Grove is home to many wonderful visitor attractions, though none quite as popular as Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Once home to businessman James Deering, this breathtaking villa and estate works to showcase how the wealthiest lived during the Progressive Era. The house itself is built in Mediterranean Revival style to reflect the strong Latino influences of the city. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy taking a self-guided tour to view Deering’s well-preserved collection of rare artwork, furniture and other oddities. A stunning formal garden surrounds the villa, with meticulously well-kempt hedges and fountains. In addition, lush native forestry with expansive lagoons, swamps and grazing fields go on for miles. A thoroughly unique educational experience, this place is well worth the visit. Another one of our favorite spots in The Grove has got to be The Barnacle Historic State Park. Anchored onto the beautiful shoreline of Biscayne Bay, this unique attraction is recognized as the oldest house in Miami-Dade County. The spot was built way back in 1891 and served as home to one of Coconut Grove’s founders, Ralph Middleton Munroe. Today, the house is beautifully restored and open to all visitors for guided tours. Walking through this humble home, you’ll be able to get a true sense of Old Florida. In addition, this serene spot is a favorite for birdwatching enthusiasts – so keep your eyes peeled for doves, woodpeckers, herons and pelicans as you explore. A small though fascinating piece of Miami history, this place is truly one of Miami’s best-hidden gems. Relax! If strolling down aisles of artisan cheeses, raw. honey and speciality pantry products just like your jam, you won’t want to skip out on the next item on our list. Running all throughout the day each and every Saturday, the Organic Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to be for those who consider food their religion Whilst this place is well-known for its extensive array of fresh produce, its main draw has got to be its fantastic food vendors, serving up some of the best that the city has to offer. Enjoy a raw vegan sushi roll as you browse. Cool off from the Miami heat with some speciality ice cream. And then wash it all down with a nice cold one. The perfect stop for all foodies, this stop has everything we could ever ask for, and more. Coconut Grove has long been drawing visitors in with its unique history and undeniable natural beauty. The streets are flanked by chic stores and sidewalk cafes, which make for perfect scenic strolls. Still, if you’re looking to get some serious shopping done, we recommend heading over to Cocowalk Mall. Reflecting the neighborhood’s increasingly upscale vibe, the mall has a great mix of independent boutiques and popular favorites to offer. This place is also a great entertainment destination, with a fantastic movie theater to be enjoyed. For those who aren’t looking to shop, you can grab a bite to eat and take in the beautiful views of Biscayne Bay. Whether you're a total shopaholic or a casual browser, this place provides a sophisticated experience like no other. Coconut Grove is one of the interesting areas of Miami to explore. From world-class shopping and dining to historic landmarks and hidden treasures, there’s so much to see here. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’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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