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

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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Things to do in Design District Miami

With beautiful beaches, tropical weather and great journeys of the imagination, it's no wonder that Miami is an uber-popular destination for all types of travellers. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor to the Magic City, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Located just north of Downtown, the Miami Design District is a cutting-edge and creative neighborhood with a lot to be discovered. Though small, the area packs a punch with everything from trendy art galleries and luxury shopping destinations to enticing food halls and bars. Still not sure how to tackle the Miami Design District? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Have a read through our list of things to see and do in the area. However you choose to explore this unique area of Miami, we’re sure that you’ll have a blast! Get Creative Those looking for art and culture in Miami will not be disappointed with what the Design District has to offer. For a long time, the area has been a center of innovation and creative thought, drawing visitors in from both near and far. If you’re looking for a source of inspiration, perhaps the De La Cruz Collection would be right up your alley. This trendy attraction works to educate its visitors, with a focus on well-established current working artists. Those featured here are a result of reputation, research and exquisite work. Though the institute specializes in contemporary art, you’ll notice that there’s a wide variety of styles – from abstract and surrealist paintings to unique video work and installations, there truly is a lot to see here. We love this place because it’s refreshing and gives us a taste of what’s new in the art world. Some of the best trips include a day or two spent deep inside the halls of a museum. Luckily, perhaps no area more than any other presents more opportunity for fulfilling this very need other than the Design District. If you’re looking to view some first-class art within a beautiful space, there’s no better place to be than the Institute of Contemporary Art. The gallery’s impressive and thoughtfully considered repository works to showcase the recent history of modern art as well as new development within the community. Though the collection steers towards emerging artists, the institute’s permanent collection has works by Pablo Picasso, Yves Klein, and Roy Lichtenstein, among others. Whether you’re a modern art aficionado or a crafting geek, you’re sure to enjoy this wonderful bright space. Art galleries are chock-a-block in the Miami Design District, each offering something a little different. Founded in 1998 by ultra-cool duo COOPER and Elizabeth Withstandley, Locust Projects is a non-profit exhibition space for up-and-coming contemporary artists. Built into a bright renovated warehouse which screams cool, the site is a joy to visit and tends to attract the more creative crowd. Since the space encourages innovation and experimentation, you’ll find a wide variety of styles on display here. The staff is knowledgeable and approachable, so don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions. We love this spot because it works to provide a great look into where the art scene is heading next. Eat and Drink in the Design District Aside from all of the great creative spaces which the Design District is perhaps best known for, the area boasts some seriously great food stops. In fact, there are so many great places that it would be difficult to list them all, but if you’re looking to sample a few different things, we recommend checking out some of its fantastic food halls. A favorite for locals and visitors alike, one of the area’s most renowned food halls has got to be St. Roch Market, a southern-style stop with all the flavor. Serving up a carefully cultivated mix of local food and beverage talent, this place is a sure winner. Another one of our top picks is MIA Market, known for its gourmet culinary offerings and vibrant atmosphere. Here, you’ll find a tempting mix of cuisines from all across the globe. Whichever you choose to go with here, there’s seriously no going wrong! As if all of the fantastic cultural attractions weren’t enough, the Design District is also home to a great variety of places to wet your whistle. From cool, laidback hangouts to ritzy cocktail lounges, the area has much to offer no matter your style. If you’re looking for the ultimate upscale experience, we recommend Abaco Premium Wines for their scheduled tastings. Known for its impressive collection and knowledgeable staff, this place will make you feel like you’re sipping Pinot Noir in the Napa Valley. Whilst the drinks aren’t cheap here, the experience can’t be beaten. For those who are looking for something a little more laidback, we recommend Wood Tavern, a cozy all-American style bar which specializes in quality craft beers. The Design District comes to life after the sun goes down, so we recommend staying to check out some of the area’s fantastic watering holes, such as Sweet Liberty and Jaguar Sun. Learn Something New When travelling, it’s always a good idea to incorporate a little education into your vacation. For this reason, one of our favorite spots in the Design District is the award-winning Haitian Heritage Museum. Since its inception in 2004, the institute has worked to highlight and maintain the rich culture and background of the region internationally, nationally and locally. The institute is known for its carefully-curated and transcending exhibitions featuring everything from historic artefacts and documents to fantastic art and music. Walking around the place, you’ll no doubt be drawn in by everything that it has to show. Combining art, history and culture all under one roof, there’s a lot to see here. Since Little Haiti is nearby, we recommend taking some time to explore this beautiful and complex area of the city – trust us when we say that you won’t regret it for one minute! Forever fun and undoubtedly cool, the Design District is one of the best places in Miami to explore. 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 Miami for Birthday

Happy birthday! Well, it might not be your birthday just yet, but it’s always good to be prepared, right? If you’re planning on travelling to the Magic City for your cake day and are having a little trouble coming up with some ideas, don’t worry – we've got you covered with a great list of things to see and do in the area. Well recognized for its sugar-sand beaches, great nightlife, and all of the glitz and glam, Miami is the perfect place for celebrating. From clear bottom kayaking and swimming with dolphins to drinks at South Beach, there’s a lot to do here for all types of travellers – all you have to do is pick your favorite! So grab a notepad and get ready to jot some things down. No matter how you choose to spend your special day, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Relax! For those who are looking to just kick back and relax on their birthday, we recommend the Venetian Pool. Standing out from all other aquatic attractions in the area, this refreshing tourist hotspot is well-recognized for its unique architecture and history. The pool first opened to the public in 1924, and has long served as a great respite from the Miami heat and humidity. To reflect and celebrate the local community, the attraction was designed in Mediterranean Revival style, utilizing a large amount of coral for ornamental features. Filled with around 820,000 gallons of fresh water from artesian wells, this place is known as the largest freshwater pool in the continental United States. The spot is perfect for sunseekers, too, with a tranquil sunning area and bar to be enjoyed. Totally swoon-worthy and luxurious, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a hot day in the Sunshine State. If you’re the type who likes to take things slow on their birthday, why not try a hand at deep-sea fishing? Whether you’re a total novice at the sport or a seasoned angler, this is a great way to take in the wonderful natural attributes of the southeastern coastline. For the best experience, we recommend Therapy-IV. Set sail from Miami Beach in a luxurious yacht and spend the day with the company’s highly knowledgeable and friendly crew to guide you through the experience. This tried and true spot is known for landing some big game – you'll be reeling in mahi-mahi, sailfish, and even hammerhead sharks! Soak up the sun, crack open a frosty cold one, and enjoy those breathtaking ocean views. A great choice for all outdoorsy types, this one-of-a-kind experience is not to be missed. Find Fun Activities Ever wanted to swim with dolphins? Well, now you can! Bringing all of our childhood dreams to life, Dolphin World provides ultimate animal encounter adventures for those of all ages. Interact with the ocean’s friendliest and most intelligent creatures and learn more about them at the same time. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t fret – this place also has shallow pool experiences, where you can touch, train and play with the dolphins. Still, dolphins aren’t the only thing that there is to see here. Aside from the exciting dolphin packages, you can also hang out with seals, penguins, sea lions, and much more! In addition, you can do deep-sea scuba diving at this location to get up close with unique tropical fish, string rays and a wide variety of fascinating sea creatures. We love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without a massive smile spread across your face. Miami is one of the dreamiest destinations in America, and a perfect place to spend your birthday. If you’re a nature enthusiast, the area provides a wide array of fun activities and day trips to choose from. For a delightful and scenic adventure to remember, why not try out clear bottom kayaking? Providing a new perspective on life under the sea, this unique excursion is a great way to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. On the tour, you’ll be able to see everything from colorful tropical fish and sea turtles to dolphins and manatees up close. This tour is great for kayakers of all skill levels since you’ll be accompanied by friendly and informative guides. We recommend that you bring water and lots of sunscreen along for the trip to stay comfortable. Exciting, captivating, and just a little bit different, we like this one because it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Have a Blast! Another one of our favorite things to do in Miami for a birthday is a trip to South Beach. Well-recognized for its unparalleled natural beauty, this popular tourist hotspot is a fantastic place for spending your cake day. A quintessential Florida activity, a day at the seaside is great for those travelling in big groups because there’s a lot to see and do here – the best part is that the beach is really what you make of it. For those who like to relax, you can rent out lounge chairs and beach umbrellas upon arrival, and just kick back with a podcast under the sun. Still, if you're looking to get active, there are a wide variety of water sports to be enjoyed, including surfing, paddle boarding, jet skiing and sailing. We suggest staying until after dark since the area is well known for its vibrant nightlife. Enjoy a pina colada at a swanky oceanfront cocktail bar, or explore the surrounding area’s fun dance clubs and karaoke bars. The world’s your oyster! Miami is one of the best places to celebrate your birthday. With a wonderful array of fun and exciting attractions and activities, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing what to do for your big day. Whether you’re looking to relax at the pool, kiss a dolphin on the nose, or have blast at one of South Beach’s many great bars, there’s more than enough to keep you busy. 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
key-west-famous-duval-street
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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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