animals | museums & indoor spaces | parks and beaches

Animals

Bill Graham Farm Village (Miami Lakes)

Step back in time at this “homestead” recreating pioneer times. Petting zoo features horses, cows, ponies, goats, chickens, pigs, sheep, geese and donkeys while the Demonstration Shed showcases horse-shoeing, cow milking and other farm activities. Pony rides and a Country Store are also on site.
401 E 65 St, 305-685-8673

Jungle Island (Miami Beach)

Ligers, parrots, penguins, tigers and oimairangutans are a few of the animals in residence at Jungle Island. Stroll through the park, feed a few animals and catch a show or two. Parking is super easy and the park is very well maintained.  
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, 305-400-7000

Miami Metrozoo (West Kendall)

Come prepared to spend some time at the zoo – it’s spans 740 acres and features over 1,000 animals representing over 400 species. Stroll along the three miles of walkways to hop on the Monorail (highly recommended in the summer). There’s also a children’s zoo for up close interactions.
124000 SW 152 Street, 305-251-0400

Miami Seaquarium (Key Biscayne)

Billed as a “38-acre tropical paradise,” the Seaquarium has been entertaining locals since 1955. Current highlights include dolphin and sea lion shows, manatee and shark channel presentations, Atlantic & Caribbean aquariums and an opportunity to swim with the dolphins.
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, 305-361-5705

Monkey Jungle (West Kendall)

Nearly 400 primates representing 30 species call the 30-acre Monkey Jungle home. Interestingly enough, visitors are caged in (via large fenced in walkways) while the monkeys run free.
14805 SW 216 Street, 305-235-1611

Museums & Indoor Spaces

Cafe Bambini (North Miami)

Opened by two friends & stay at home moms, Café Bambini is an indoor haven for parents and kids. Moms sips coffee and nosh on sandwiches & snacks while kids hop amongst 5 play centers – science & discovery, blocks & building, library, imaginative & dramatic play & gross motor. 3073 NE 163 St, North Miami Beach, 305-944-1566

Cool-de-Sac (South Miami)

The ultimate indoor playground for kids. Activities include arts, blocks, games and a salon. Idea is to cater to kids & adults – adult dining options and parents zones to relax while watching the kids.
5701 Sunset Drive, 305-665-3483

Gold Coast Railroad Museum (West Kendall)

Located next to the Zoo, GCM is a train-lover’s heaven. Classic exhibits, passenger & freight cars and other railroad parts are on display.
12450 SW 152 Street, 305-253-4675

Hiho Batik (North Miami)

This locally owned kids clothing shop opens its doors every Thursday and Friday from 3-6pm for an open studio. Bring the kids and create your own masterpieces for $40. Options include tanks, tees, onesies and more. 2174 NE 123 Street, 305-892-7733

HistoryMiami (Downtown Miami)

HistoryMiami offers a great, family-friendly indoor exploration of the Magic City’s history. The permanent exhibition Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida explores local history from prehistoric to present. Pop by the second Saturday of each month for Family Fun Days (the second Saturday of each month) for arts & crafts, workshops and free admission. 101 W Flagler Street, 305-375-1492

Jump A Roos (Cutler Bay)

Treat munchkins to 11,000 square feet of air-conditioned fun at this inflatable play & party center. Great for toddlers through age 12. Call for open play times. 20505 S Dixie Hwy; 305-238-5867

Le Petite Youth Spa (Aventura)

Treat munchkins & tweens to kid-friendly manicures, pedicures, massages & more at this Aventura spa designed just for kids. 3097 NE 163 St, 305-949-1100

Libraries

A complete listing of Miami-Dade libraries.

Lowe Art Museum (Coral Gables)

Art museum located on the University of Miami campus. Photography, glass, ceramics and more are on display.
1301 Stanford Drive, 305-284-3535

Miami Children’s Museum (Miami Beach)

A kid and parent’s dream. The colorful, uber-friendly (staff members are perpetually smiling) museum features 14 permanent exhibits, including Castle of Dreams (a two-story sandcastle), Bank (a six-foot piggy bank), Health & Wellness Center, Supermarket and The Sea & Me (water and play and bubbles for kids under 5).
980 Macarthur Causeway, 305-373-5437

Miami Science Museum (Coral Gables)

Get interactive at the Museum of Science with hands-on science exhibits and a planetarium. The museum, founded in 1949, has admittedly seen better days. But plans are underway to construct a new museum in downtown Miami.
3280 South Miami Avenue, 305-646-4200

Play-In (Wynwood)

Think of Play-In an all-purpose indoor fun zone. Munchkins of all ages can enjoy open play, after school programming, homework helpers (kids 5-11) and various therapy offerings. 2501 NW 2 Ave, Wynwood, 305-576-7604

Rainbow Valley Playground (Aventura)

Aventura Mall treats parents & energetic munchkins to this interactive, air-conditioned indoor playground designed by Friends With You. Kids can jump, climb & crawl around while parents relax on surrounding benches. Come prepared – socks are required for everyone (no shoes allowed), kids under 42 inches only and the playground is located directly across from a candy store. 19501 Biscayne Blvd, 305-935-1110

Vizcaya (Coral Gables)

The former winter residence of American industrialist James Deering, Vizcaya is a sweeping step back in time. Stroll kids through the gardens and indoor collections. Best for parents with an interest in art and/or history – odds are kids will take a snooze or run around the gardens.
3251 South Miami Avenue, 305-250-9133

Parks & Beaches

Aventura Parks (Aventura)

Complete listing of all parks & playgrounds in Aventura

Crandon Park (Key Biscayne)

Crandon Park is ground zero for Key Biscayne family fun. The park features golf & tennis facilities, a two-mile beach (with loads of BBQ-ers), kayak rentals and more. 4000 Crandon Blvd, 305-361-5421

Crandon Park Water Fountain (Key Biscayne)

Splish and splash your way around the Key at this dedicated splash area. A great option for summer days. 305-361-4521

Crandon Park Carousel (Key Biscayne)

Treat munchkins to a ride on the 1950s Allen Herschell carousel in Crandon Park. $2 for 3 rides. 4000 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne; 305-361-5421

Everglades Safari Park (Homestead)

Likely best for toddlers and older, ESP uses airboats (very loud airboats) to explore the Everglades & its animals. Tours include airboat ride, alligator show and walking trail of crocodile exhibits. Be prepared for noise, sweating (gets pretty hot in the swamp) and lots of mess.
26700 SW 8 St, 305-226-6923

Fairchild Botanic Gardens (Coral Gables)

One of the world’s preeminent botanic gardens, Fairchild spans 83 acres and features an extensive collection of rare tropical plants. A great place to stroll around and visit for special events (annual festivals, special exhibits, etc).
10901 Old Cutler Road, 305-667-1651

Flamingo Park (South Beach)

South Beach’s ultimate community center. The massive park features tennis courts; a swimming pool; basketball courts; an outdoor track; playground with slides, baby & kids swings; and a water park.
999 11 Street, 305-673-7224

Flamingo Aquatic Center (South Beach)

Recently renovated, the Flamingo water playground is a great outdoor activity. The “pool” is 0-15 inches deep and features sprinklers, climbing areas and more. 999 11 Street, 305-673-7224

Fruit & Spice Park (Homestead)

Over 500 varieties of fruits, spices, herbs and nuts are on display at the 37-acre park. Explore the gardens then taste at the tasting counter in the Park Store.
24801 SW 187 Avenue, 305-247-5727

Grapeland Water Park (Miami)

Near the Miami airport, Grapeland, opened summer 2008, is Miami’s only official water park. It features bright Romero Britto designs, two pools with slides, a winding river and an open area. There’s a special area for toddlers & kids 5 and under. 1300 NW 37 Ave, 305-960-2950

The Kampong (Coconut Grove)

Browse gardens, trees and tropical fruit cultivars in this historic garden in the Grove. 4013 Douglas Rd, 305-442-7169

Knaus Berry Farm (Homestead)

Open mid-November through late-April, Knaus is a farm and bakery operated by the Knaus Family. It’s trek through the Redlands to get there, but the freshly-baked sticky buns & homemade strawberry milkshakes are well worth it. Stock up on breadsticks and pies while you’re there.
15980 SW 248 Street, 305-247-0668

Lummus Park (South Beach)

One part playground, one-part people-watching escapade. Located on 6th & Ocean, Lummus is South Beach at it’s most South Beach-iness. The playground has swings and slides and the boardwalk is home to a rotating slate of tourists, locals, street performers and a few homeless people.
Ocean Drive from 5-15th Streets

Matheson Hammock (Coral Gables)

Equal parts beach, park & marina, Matheson Hammock is a great off-the-radar place to spend an afternoon. Bring a blanket, bathing suits and lunch and hit the beach and/or the nature trails.
9610 Old Cutler Road, 305-669-3020

Maurice Gibb/Purdy Park (South Beach)

A true neighborhood park, Purdy Park is mostly playground. Look for baby & kids swings, slides a swinging tire and marina access (fun to watch the boats and/or feed the ducks).
18 Street & Purdy Avenue, 305-861-3616

Miami Beach Botanical Gardens (Miami Beach)

Small and a bit off the radar, the MB Botanical Gardens are fun for a stroll. They’re quiet, free and probably good for an hour’s worth of entertainment. Maybe a bit longer if you’ve got a budding botanist, a bit shorter if you’ve got an antsy pants.
2000 Convention Center Drive, 305-673-7256

Miami Beach Parks

Complete listing of all Miami Beach parks & playgrounds.

Miami parks

Complete listing of all Miami parks & playgrounds.

Palmetto Mini Golf (Kendall)

Treat munchkins old & young to a round on one of Miami’s only mini golf courses. Open seven days a week, rentals available.  9300 SW 152 St; 305-238-2922

North Shore Open Space Park (North Beach)

Beach access, baby & kids swings, a rock wall, slides and more.
7929 Atlantic Way, 305-673-7720

Pinecrest Gardens (Pinecrest)

Enjoy a playground, splash ‘n play area, petting zoo and botanical gardens at the former Parrot Jungle site. 11000 Red Rd, 305-284-0900

Pinecrest Gardens Splash ‘N Play (Pinecrest)

Heaven for kids 2-12, splash ‘n play features sprinklers and various play areas. 11000 Red Rd, 305-284-0900

Scott Rakow Youth Center (Miami Beach)

Options abound at Scott Rakow, including an ice skating rink, a swimming pool, six bowling lanes, a gym, a game room, an arts & crafts center and an indoor beach volleyball court. Probably best for kids over four or five.
2700 Sheridan Avenue, 305-673-7767

South Pointe Park (South Beach)

Arguably the best view on the Beach, SPP re-opened in Spring 09 to rave reviews. Tons of open space for kids to roll around on, a hill to roll down, bike & stroller paths, up close views of cruise ships, motion-activated sprinklers and a playground with slides. Only caveat – minimal shade & no swings.
1 Washington Avenue, 305-673-7730

Venetian Pool (Coral Gables)

Kids three and up can get wet at the only swimming pool registered in the National Register of Historic Places. Concession stand open Fri-Sunday, discounted admission fees for Gables residents, only cash & check are accepted.
2701 De Soto Boulevard, 305-460-5306

Village Green (Key Biscayne)

The ultimate & park – loads of space to run around, a jogging path, room for kite flying, a bocce court and a massive playground with baby & kids swings, slides and tons of climbing equipment.
Crandon Boulevard, 305-361-5207

Kick start New Year’s resolutions with a 1-month membership to Baby Boot Camp

Mommy & Me is a great way to meet fellow moms, interact with your kids, begin childhood socialization and get out of the house. Here are some of our favorite classes around town.

Most fall classes start next week. Get ahead of the game with our picks for the best classes in town.