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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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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Where to Stay in Miami

Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Florida is famed for its beautiful beaches and clear blue skies. The Sunshine State draws in over 20 million visitors each year – and with good reason! And while Miami is proud of its wonderful natural attributes, there’s a lot more to see here than just the city’s wonderful beaches. No, really – we mean it. For those who like to be in the center of everything, South Beach is a great choice. If you’re a creative type, we recommend Wynwood. Or, if you’re looking for something a little quieter, Coconut Grove really hits the spot. Remember, there’s no one perfect area – rather, one that is best suited to your travel needs. Still not certain about where you’d like to stay in Miami? Don’t worry, we’re got you covered! Have a read through our list of some of the most popular places that people like to stay in when travelling in Miami. However you choose to enjoy your trip, we’re sure it’ll be great! South Beach When most people picture Miami, the paradisial image of palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters springs to mind. Most people ain’t wrong. Thankfully, the city’s major tourist hub South Beach offers the chance to stay close up to the beach with the added bonus of being in the center of all of the action. Vibrant and buzzing with life, this area is great for those who like to be entertained. Streets are flanked with beautiful art-deco buildings, indie boutiques and sandal-friendly cafes – so you know that there’s no shortage of things to do here. Come nightfall, the area comes to life with celebrity chef dining options, beachside cocktail bars, and nightclubs. Whilst the area can get a little crowded, it’s one of the most fun places in Miami to stay in. South Beach can also be a little more expensive than other areas of Miami, especially during the summer months when the city becomes especially crowded. Still, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy the beach. If you do plan to stay here, we suggest booking far in advance. Little Havana As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, Miami presents no shortage of places to rest your head, each as wonderful as the next. If you're looking for a fun and cost-effective area to stay in, Little Havana just might be the answer. Located just west of downtown, this place is a center of social, cultural and political activity in Miami. Little Havana is currently the best-known Cuban exile neighborhood in the world, and is characterized by its vibrant community, historical landmarks and great food. In addition, the district is known for its historic bungalows, Mission Revival blocks and oolitic limestone facades, all of which are protected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Teeming with culture and full of life, this area when it comes to staying in Miami without breaking the bank. Plus, the food is to die for – hey, what more would we ask for, right? Downtown Miami is perhaps best-known for its pristine white-sand beaches, though visitors will also find a whole host of other great things to appreciate from fascinating historic sites to delicious eats and beyond. If you’re looking to experience the Magic City from a whole other perspective, we recommend staying Downtown. Though Downtown is recognized as the historic heart of the city, this area has experienced something of a renaissance; walking through the streets, you’ll find an eclectic mix of modern high-rises and fascinating landmarks. Stay here, and you’ll be within minutes of a lot of popular visitor attractions, including the Pérez Art Museum, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science and HistoryMiami Museum. In addition, the area grants spectacular views of the picturesque Biscayne Bay. Another plus side of staying downtown is that the area is well-recognized for its abundance of fun dive bars, cocktail lounges and mega-clubs. With so much to see, do and experience, those who stay here will be spoilt for choice! Coconut Grove Another one of our favorite places to stay in Miami has got to be Coconut Grove. A tranquil oasis set just south of downtown, this spot delivers on every level. Known colloquially as The Grove by locals, this is the oldest continuously-inhabited neighborhood in the city. Brimming with history and culture, Coconut Grove has much to offer for those who like to incorporate a little education into their holiday experience. In addition, this area is well-recognized for its scenic lush greenery and relaxed atmosphere, as well as the peacocks which roam the streets. The area is a little quieter and less crowded than say South Beach or Little Havana, making it perfect for those who are looking for a laid-back vacation experience. The only downside of staying in Coconut Grove is that accommodation prices are higher than average, so you should be aware of that. Still, for a touch of culture and storied history, there’s nowhere better to stay in the city. Wynwood & the Miami Design District A sprawling metropolis seated along the southeastern coastline, Miami has much to offer for all types of travellers. If you’re an artsy type, you might want to consider checking out either Wynwood or the Miami Design District. A once-gritty community, Wynwood is now a revitalized subdistrict with much to offer for those with a passion for the arts. Some of its most popular visitor attractions include Oasis, a massive outdoor entertainment venue, and Wynwood Walls, one of the largest outdoor urban art museums in the world. A few blocks away is the modern and upscale Miami Design District, known for its sleek architecture, trendy shopping destinations and great galleries. Those looking for great culture and vibrant nightlife should enjoy either of these areas, depending on the budget. Miami is a fantastic place to visit any time of the year. There are a ton of fantastic things to do, places to visit, and great spots to eat in The Magic City. And now, you don’t have to miss out! 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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