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Like a local Family-friendly activities abound in Greater Miami and the Beaches Miami continues to outpace other destinations with its cosmopolitan flair, cultural cachet and lively entertainment landscape. Yet Miami remains the family-friendly destination it always was, offering a never-ending array of activities and lodging options that are as budgetminded as they are appealing to both kids and parents. Traveling as a family will add a whole other dimension to your visit and will be your VIP pass to experience Miami like a true local.
Liquid Assets It may be the financial and technological capital of the Americas, but Miami is equally famous for its amazing beaches. To find one, just head east. Public beaches stretch along the sandy shores of southernmost Miami Beach, running through North Beach and Surfside and beyond that, Bal Harbour, Haulover Park and Sunny Isles Beach. In addition to warm ocean waters for swimming and abundant sand for building castles, many beaches offer activities like volleyball, bicycle and walking trails, and water sports equipment rentals. Haulover Park, for one, invites families to go fly a kite, offering a huge selection of kites, windsocks and wind spinners with prices starting at just $5. For the little ones or novice swimmers, try the beaches at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, where an offshore sandbar tames the crashing surf and a vintage carousel operates every weekend as part of a family amusement center. Similarly, Matheson Hammock Park in
Coral Gables is home to a gentle, man-made atoll pool for safe swimming and splashing. Some beaches in Greater Miami feature concession stands, while restaurants are usually steps away. But to maximize your time under the sun, why not picnic right on the beach? Markets, delis and grocery stores are convenient to most beach areas, and the kids will love it. Greater Miami’s public beaches are free, but some oceanside parks and recreation areas with beaches may charge a small entrance or parking fee. Still, you don’t even have to go to the beach to enjoy the water. There are plenty of public pools and water-play areas throughout Greater Miami, most offering low-cost entrance fees and featuring such kid-centric attractions as water slides, water cannons and sprays, splash fountains and shallow areas for tots.
Parks and Recreation Greater Miami may be a bustling metropolis, but maintaining our lush tropical landscape is very much a priority. Parks and green spaces are everywhere, including two amazing national treasures — Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park. A free shuttle takes visitors to the parks from downtown Homestead, in the heart of South Miami-Dade, from November through April. In addition to these two national parks, Miami offers access to Dry Tortugas National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve.
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