10+ Things to Do in Miami for Teens

Looking for things to do in Miami for teens?

Published: July 18, 2024
South Beach Miami

Your teenager might not want to go to a lot of places, but we're sure that Miami will be a destination they'll be pumped to visit. Check out our list of the top attractions and activities, including...

  • Everglades Airboat Rides
  • Miami Seaquarium
  • Lion Country Safari
  • Zoo Miami
  • and more...
Everglades boat ride

Experience a Miami Duck boat tour 

If you're all looking to go full tourist (and if your teens can manage to enjoy the experience, if only ironically), then a ride with Miami Duck Tours South Beach is a fun way to explore the city. It's an informative tour set against the gorgeous streets and waterways of South Beach. 

Who wouldn't love the chance to get a little sun while enjoying such sights? Your guides will be friendly and laid back, and are sure to make the ride an interesting one! 

Go on an airboat ride

Everglades airboat ride

Explore Florida's unique Everglade terrain on an airboat tour in Gator Park. Then, catch one of their famed wildlife shows. Visitors will see lots of wildlife, including Florida gators, large birds, fish, and even various venomous snakes!

You could also make a day of it and get round-trip transportation from downtown Miami on a 5-hour airboat excursion. Or, visit South Florida's oldest Alligator Farm and take a ride on the water to see the wildlife thrive in their natural habitat.

Make a splash at the Miami Seaquarium

Miami Seaquarium

Get up close to fascinating sea life, and catch an entertaining show where dolphins "walk on water" and killer whales soar through the air. Learn about all things wildlife, including rehabilitation and rescue missions at the Miami Seaquarium, a 38-acre tropical paradise in Biscayne Bay.

Teens will love the chance to encounter their favorite animals at this fascinating attraction. Plus, who doesn't love getting a little splash at a dolphin show?

Have a roarsome time at Lion Country Safari

Lion Country Safari

Take your teens on an exhilarating African safari without leaving the comfort of Southern Florida. Lion Country offers a genuine safari experience with a four-mile trek through an expansive wilderness, filled with over 900 wild critters like zebras, lions, rhinos, and more. There's also an adjacent Amusement Park that will appeal to teens and younger kids as well.

Meet animals up close, participate in feeding events, and stop by the petting zoo. Plus, even the most standoffish of teens will enjoy the water park components like a refreshing water sprayground. Animal lovers may also appreciate some time spent at Zoo Miami.

Spend the day in Key West

Key West

What teen wouldn't love the opportunity to explore the tropical island of Key West? Take a leisurely day trip down to this charming little isle at the southernmost point of the US and explore to your heart's content. Enjoy Caribbean flair as you explore shops, restaurants, bookstores, and historic sites.

You could also opt for an eco-kayaking excursion, a tour, or a dolphin-watching cruise in this tropical locale.

Go for a beachside bike ride

Florida bike ride

It's the best combination of exercise, fresh air, and fun that you could probably hope to entice your teens into. Rent a few bikes and pedal around Miami Beach soaking up the sights and sounds of one of Florida's most beloved beach communities. Your teens will enjoy the freedom to pursue their riding path and the flexibility to hop off and stroll around exploring an interesting landmark or neighborhood.

They can enjoy the beautiful, distinctive architecture of the Art Deco District, the fabulous water views of the Venetian Causeway, and the delicious cuisine and quirky vibe of Little Havana. Plus, with a full-day rental, there's no pressure to rush or try to "do it all" while on the bike.

Get in some revs at the Daytona International Speedway

Daytona International Speedway

Young gearheads will delight at the Daytona International Speedway This is the historic World Center of Racing where they will get to see the start and finish lines, get up close to a winning car, and find out more about the history of motorsports.

What's more, take a look inside the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America where you can all view thrilling displays that honor all forms of motorsports: stock cars, sports cars, open-wheel racers, motorcycles, drag racing, land speed records, powerboating, and aviation.

Fire up some artistic inspiration at the Pérez Art Museum

 Pérez Art Museum

For teens who prefer scribbling in their sketchbooks to surveying the wild world, a visit to the Pérez Art Museum is a must. This delightful art museum is filled with a wide variety of art and artifacts that specifically explore Miami's unique identity as a cultural and geographic nexus.

You'll find thought-provoking permanent collections and inspiring temporary exhibits, plus a restaurant and a killer gift shop.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Vizcaya museum and gardens

Everybody can use a little artistic inspiration now and then. Even if your teens aren't big fans of historical structures, they'll be impressed by the beauty and grandeur of the Vizcaya Museum and its luxurious gardens. The European aesthetic, combined with Gilded Age money, created a Main House that's as visually stunning as it is architecturally impressive.

Leave some time to explore the lush gardens outside, filled with transplanted specimens like orchids. You'll also see a native hardwood hammock, plus a historic village that's currently in the process of being restored. If nothing else, this is a great place for that perfect Instagram photo to share with their friends.

Tour Miami on a double decker bus

Big Bus tour Miami

Everyone loves the chance to explore a new city -- make it even more fun and teen-friendly with a Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Miami Tour. Give them the freedom to choose where to disembark and get back on, and they'll be able to fully get into their own excursions. Or, you can choose to stay on for the entire loop together and enjoy the lively tour guide narration.

Discover the Frost Museum of Science

Frost Museum of Science

Another great museum option for curious teens is the Frost Museum of Science. This exciting institution incorporates an aquarium, a science museum, and a planetarium into one great bundle.

See exhibitions on a wide variety of topics that will echo and reinforce what your teens are learning in school, such as the anatomy of the human body, the ecology of the natural world (specifically, the Everglades in Miami), the potential history of feathered dinosaurs, and much more. A visit here can take an hour or four -- it's a nice building block in a larger itinerary.

Save on admission to Miami attractions teens will love

Discover our full line-up of Miami attractions that teens will adore, including the Everglades Alligator Farm, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Miami Duck Boat tours, and more.

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.

Pick whichever Miami pass suits you best, and go see it all!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Downtown Miami

Downtown Miami Set along the southeastern coastline, Miami is a sprawling tourist hub drawing in millions of visitors each year – and with good reason. At its core, downtown is a modern and culturally-rich area perfect for exploring on foot. Interesting activities to do here run the gamut – known particularly for its wealth of fantastic galleries, theaters, event venues and more, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing great things to do here. Still, daunted by the prospect of figuring out the best things to do in downtown Miami? Don’t worry – we've done all the research for you! So, grab a notepad and get ready to jot some things down. We promise that you won’t regret it. Find Fun Activities Lively and bursting with culture, downtown is one of the best places for getting in touch with the local art scene. There are countless fantastic galleries in this area of the city, but our favorite has got to be Pérez Art Museum for its unique and well-established collection of 20th- and 21st-century art. The institute’s small but carefully considered collection features around 2000 works from the Americas, Western Europe and Africa. Walking around the institute, you’ll be able to view seminal pieces from many recognizable names, including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Christo and Jean-Claude. Make sure to stop by the gift shop, where you’ll find great homewares, stationery and posters to bring home with you. A fantastic stop for all art lovers, we love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Those who are travelling with family might be looking for great stops to please the kids. Downtown Miami is filled with some fantastic crowd-pleasers, but none are quite greater than Bayside Marketplace. Much more than just a mall, this enormous entertainment complex has pretty much everything you could ask for all in one space. For shopping addicts, there are of course countless stores ranging from popular high-street brands to designer boutiques. In addition, this place veers off from the typical mall experience, but in a totally great way with live music and events each day. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, you’ll be able to kick back and chill at some of its many waterside cafes and restaurants out by the marina. Perfect for those travelling in groups, this place has a lot to give. Learn Something New Though downtown is known as Miami’s financial district, it has much to offer for sightseers. For those looking to incorporate learning into their vacation experience, we recommend heading over to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum, which is well-recognized for its broad range of engaging and educational exhibits. This place has both a planetarium and aquarium, so you know that there’s a whole lot to see and do here. The institute’s exhibitions cover everything from the Ice Age and dinosaurs to the future of scientific discovery. In addition, this place has special family workshops and mini-me science sessions, making it a great place to take the kids. As fun as it is fascinating, the museum works to provide an exciting educational experience for those of all ages. Some of the best trips include a day or more spent in the halls of a museum. There are many great cultural institutions in downtown Miami, but if you’re looking to learn more about the background of the area, the HistoryMiami Museum is the place to be. The institute is the largest history museum in the state of Florida, and one of the most popular visitor attractions in this part of town. Upon entrance, visitors can learn about the city’s fascinating origins, going back over 12,000 years. Within the institute’s expansive collection, you can see photographs, paintings, artefacts and artwork showcasing the development of the city. There’s truly no better place for travellers interested in social and archaeological growth. Soak Up the Sun Seated along the southeastern coastline, Miami is well-recognized for its year-round beautiful weather and lush greenery. If you’re looking to take advantage of the city’s wonderful natural attributes, look no further than Virginia Key Outdoor Center. Kayak your way through a secluded tropical lagoon. Get up close with a real-life manatee. Or simply rent a bike and explore downtown on your own. This place offers a wide array of options as well as lessons for beginners, so don’t worry if you’re not quite the sporty type. We recommend that if you’re planning to try your hand at something sporty in Miami, take a lot of water and sunscreen to keep comfortable and hydrated. Great for all nature lovers, this place works to highlight the intrinsic beauty of the area whilst getting our adrenaline pumping! One of the biggest draws of the Miami area is its beach scene. The city boasts countless wonderful seaside attractions to be explored, but if we’re talking about those specifically in the downtown district, then Hobie Island Beach Park is a total winner. Whilst you won’t quite be able to sprawl out on a lounge chair with a podcast here, this spot is perfect for a breath of fresh air and soaking up the sun. The park also grants spectacular views of downtown skyscrapers across the bay – perfect for taking some fun vacation snaps! If you’re looking to get active, you’ll find that surfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and boating are all popular activities here. We recommend taking some time to explore the surrounding area, since there are plenty of stores, restaurants and bars to be enjoyed. Miami is a city that urbanites and nature lovers can both appreciate. Downtown has an authentic cultural buzz that you won’t find in any other district. With a vibrant mix of the old and the new, this exciting walkable neighborhood is perfect for spending time with friends and family. Whether you’re a history buff, a shopping addict, or an outdoorsy type, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Explore the city 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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10+ Things to Do in Miami with Kids to have a Fun South Florida Vacation

Planning a vacation to Miami? Miami is a charming city that has a lot more to offer than nightclubs and high-end shopping. Your kids are sure to enjoy the diversity of activities available for families in Miami, from tours and cruises to aquariums and zoos. Encounter strange and exotic new wildlife, marvel at beautiful historic architecture, and explore all of the wonderful and wacky things at some of the best kids’ museums around. If you’re looking for things to do in Miami with kids, check out this list of our favorite kid-friendly activities, including... Miami Seaquarium Frost Musuem of Science Duck Tours South Beach Lion Country Safari Zoo Miami Miami Children’s Museum Sawgrass Recreation Park Pérez Art Museum and more... Consider adding a few of these kid friendly attractions to your vacation itinerary. Save on Admission to Kid Friendly Attractions Many of these great kid friendly attractions are available on the Go Miami® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top Miami attractions and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. Or, build your own pass and save up to 20% off. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Miami Seaquarium Perched on the shores of beautiful Biscayne Bay, this exciting, kid-friendly institution is one-of-a-kind. Dedicated exclusively to marine creatures of the sea, this 38-acre tropical paradise is also known for its extensive rehabilitation efforts. A visit here is a great way to introduce children to the importance of animal conservation and environmental protection. Some of the many creatures you’ll encounter at the Miami Seaquarium include sharks, dolphins, killer whales, seals, manatees, and many more. Educational programs will introduce you to the details of their habitats, history, and current status in the world’s oceans. As a special bonus, you even get to meet TV’s famous dolphin Flipper! Getting In: Miami Seaquarium tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science Another great place the kids will love is the Frost Museum of Science. Located right on the waterfront in Miami's Museum Park (also shard with the Pérez Art Museum -- more on that below), this institution used to be known as the Miami Museum of Science. Renamed and with a whole new perspective on bringing scientific knowledge to the world, the Frost Museum of Science features a three-level aquarium, a planetarium, an interactive indoor/outdoor exhibit on the Everglades, and much more. It's the perfect destination to cultivate your children's curiosity for the world around them. Getting In: Frost Museum of Science tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Duck Tours South Beach Duck Tours South Beach covers both land and sea and manages to pack a lot of entertainment and exclusive insight about Miami and South Beach into one, fun filled 90-minute guided tour. You'll see all the top sights in Miami, including: South Beach, the Art Deco District, Fisher Island, Millionaire's Row, Star Island, Biscayne Bay, and many more. It's a delightful activity for kids with its combination of street and water level explorations, and you'll all love how refreshing and informative the journey is. Getting In: Duck Tours South Beach tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Lion Country Safari Visit the African Savannah without ever leaving sunny Miami! You’ll encounter over 900 animals throughout your four-mile drive, including rhinos, lions, zebras, giraffes, and many more. It's a great educational opportunity for kids who love animals, and will truly make you revise your notion of what animal parks can look like! When you’ve finished your Safari, head to the adjacent Safari World Amusement Park, where you can witness animal demonstrations and performances, stop by the petting zoo, help to feed the birds, and enjoy a few classic rides. A visit to Lion Country Safari is a wonderful thing to do with your kids. Getting In: Lion Country Safari tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Zoo Miami Zoo Miami is another great animal attraction and thing to do for the whole family. Spanning nearly 350 acres, this exotic animal park is home to more than 3,000 animals and over 1,200 plants distributed across stunning, state-of-the-art exhibit spaces. You’ll need several hours to really fully explore this exciting place! Meet many fascinating animals in carefully redesigned habitats, including creatures from Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Amazon. Your little ones will especially love Playworld Playground, designed to be half-jungle, half-waterpark. It's a great play to run around and burn off some excess energy! There are so many exciting things to see and do at this charming zoo, from feeding rhinos to riding a camel, that the kids will never want to leave. Getting In: Zoo Miami tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Miami Children’s Museum Dedicated specifically to educating and entertaining kids in interactive ways, the Miami Children’s Museum is the perfect stop for families with younger kids. The goal of the museum is inspire a life-long love of learning in your kids, so the exhibits are both engaging and informative. It's the perfect way to develop their minds and social skills. Some of their most popular exhibits and things to do include the 2-story (Sand)Castle of Dreams, the interactive Health & Wellness Center, the fun and fuzzy Pet Center, and the Safety Zone, where kids can dress up as policemen, firefighters, and more. Getting In: Miami Children's Museum tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Sawgrass Recreation Park Nestled in the Everglades, this exciting wildlife park and touring destination provides the perfect opportunity to explore one of Florida’s natural treasures. Interact with and even feed select animals at the Swampyard Island exhibit, or meet exciting new creatures introduced by the visiting Predators Unlimited folks. As a bonus thing to do, you’ll be able to hop aboard an exciting Airboat Adventure, which will zoom you through the Everglades at speeds of up to 40 mph. This 30-minute tour provides the perfect opportunity for you to capture an image of the famed Florida alligator! Getting In: Sawgrass Recreation Park tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Rent a Bike Get a full-day bike rental from Bike and Roll Miami and explore the city on two wheels. You'll be able to cover lots of ground and feel like you've gotten to know the city well when you map out your own routes and follow along (or try a suggested route provided by Bike and Roll). It's a fun way for the whole family to get some exercise, and for the kids to explore at their own pace without feeling rushed by a tour. Popular routes include: Miami Design District: this area is a must-see for fans of the fine arts, this hip neighborhood is home to over 130 art galleries, showrooms, stores, antique dealers, restaurants, gardens, and more. The Venetian Islands: this popular route covers six beautiful islands off the coast of Miami crossing over a series of scenic causeways with spectacular views of Biscayne Bay. Little Havana: home to a large, concentrated population of Cuban immigrants, Little Havana is a bustling, epicenter of social, cultural, and political activity in Miami with unique Cuban-American culture. It's known for its vibrant street life, restaurants, music, and more. Insider tip: get a Cubano sandwich for lunch followed by a Cafecito (Cuban coffee) Venetian Pool & Miracle Mile: bike out to the beautiful public pool known as the Venetian Pool, a quarry-turned-Venetian style pool that features vine covered loggias, shady porticos, a Spanish fountain, waterfalls, rock caves, and more. Then, go shopping (be sure to bring a backpack if you want to pick up any souvenirs!) in Coral Cabels at the Miracle Mile. South Beach: ride along a beachfront trail and see the glamorous sights of South Beach, including pristine beaches, Art Deco architecture, Versace's Mediterranean mansion, Espanola Way, Collins Avenue shopping, the Holocaust Memorial, botanical gardens, and more, or, just enjoy a leisurely ride to the beach and relax. Vizcaya, Coconut Grove, & Coral Gables: head out to the beautifully landscaped Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and see the lush tropical forest, mangrove swamps, and 10-acres of gardens (right next door to Madonna's house). Key Biscayne Island: ride along the beautiful bike trails of Key Biscayne, home to some of the best beaches in the US. You'll get stunning ocean views, can stop at the Miami Seaquarium, and head out to see the Cape Florida Lighthouse. Getting In: Miami Bike rentals by Bike and Roll are included with the Go Miami Card. Jet Boat Miami A thrill ride with a guide. Jet Boat Miami is one of the best things to do in Miami with kids--they'll love getting out on the water and seeing the sights of Miami while reaching speeds of up to 45-mph. This cruise takes passengers on a thrill filled ride with 360-degree twists, side drifts, leaps, turns, pivots, and high speed bursts. Kids will feel like they're in one of their favorite action movies, all from the safety of this guided tour. Because it does go so fast, it's probably an attraction best saved for middle grade or older children. Getting In: Jet Boat Miami tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Pérez Art Museum Get the kids excited about modern and contemporary art at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Miami's flagship art museum. Exhibitions feature art from the 20th and 21st centuries and highlight the role Miami has played in the art world as a geographical crossroads between the Americas. Free tours, led by museum guides, are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:30 pm and Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm. Insider tip: Check their calendar of events to see if there are any kid-friendly activities happening during your visit. Getting In: Pérez Art Museum Miami tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Miami Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour See the sights of Miami at your own pace and get around with a convenient, 1 day pass to Big Bus Miami Hop-On Hop-Off tour. On the open top double-deck bus, you'll get great views of major landmarks. Choose from 2 loops (Beach Loop and City Loop) which are 90-minutes each, or do them all depending on what you want to see, and get entertaining and informative live narration about everything you see. Stay on for the full loops to get acquainted with the city or use the bus as your transportation to all the sights you want to visit. It's an ideal option for families with small children because of its flexibility; you can hop off as soon as the kids get bored, and hop back on when they get tired of walking. This is one of the best things to do in Miami when trying to learn the area, too Getting In: Big Bus Miami tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Cruise Get the best views of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the only undersea park in the US, on a fully-guided glass bottom boat cruise. Aboard the Key Largo Princess you'll get panoramic offshore views of the Florida Keys on your way to the underwater park. At the reef, you'll see tons of sea life below the boat, including living coral, sea fans, sea plumes, colorful fish, and more. The kids will love the unique chance to see through the floor of the vessel and down into the clear blue depths below! Getting In: Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Cruise tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Key West Day Trip Take the kids across 42 bridges and through 32 islands to reach Key West, the Southernmost city in the continental US, on a full-day, guided trip. When you arrive in Key West you'll have about six hours to explore the sights you want to see. Visit the Hemingway House, take a trolley or train tour, rent a kayak, or poke around the boutique shops and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. It's a great way to spend the day on a unique adventure with the whole family. Round-trip transportation from Miami Beach and Downtown Miami hotels is included. Getting In: Key West Day Trip from Miami tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Let's Recap There you have it. Our list of some of the top things to do in Miami with kids during your vacation. There are pristine beaches and clear waters to satisfy your desire for relaxation, and museums, tours, and cultural attractions to appeal to your intellectual side. Remember, many of these great ideas are included on the Go Miami Card, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Consider adding a few of these kid friendly options to your upcoming itinerary. Enjoy!
Katie Sagal

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