There are many places to see and visit in Miami. From world-famous museums to beautiful parks, beaches, and cultural centers, you’ll always find something to satisfy the child in all of us. In fact, you won’t believe the amount of fun stuff that is totally free. Our near-perfect weather makes Miami the ideal place to create great childhood memories at all times of the year.
ATTRACTIONS FOR CHILDREN IN MIAMI
During the summer, Miami’s tropical climate can be quite hot or rainy for an outdoor expedition. That’s the perfect time to see some of the coolest indoor attractions (and we don’t just mean air conditioning).
Free indoor fun
Miami Children’s Museum offers a dynamic and hands-on experience for children. Visitors of all ages will enjoy interactive, bilingual activities and crafts throughout the museum. Discover a two-story sandcastle, board a life-size cruise ship, or explore a veterinary clinic, TV studio, or miniature health and wellness center. The free day for Bank of America & Merrill Lynch account holders is the first Saturday and Sunday of each month (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily during 2013); The day free for the public is the third Friday of each month, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The museum is free for children under one year old.
Celebrating Miami’s unique history, History Miami, formerly known as the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, is a cultural institution and affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute program. The second Saturday of the month is the Free Family Fun Day when kids and adults have the unique opportunity to learn something new and exciting, at no cost. Children under the age of six are free.
Stand in a wind tunnel, feed tropical birds or gaze at the stars at Miami Science Museum which always has something fun and exciting to see, touch and explore. Host to the Wildlife Center and Miami Planetarium, the museum offers Bank of America & Merrill Lynch account holders free days on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during 2013).
Children and adults alike will be amazed by the Milky Way and observe distant galaxies at Weintraub Observatory’s “Star Show” on the first Friday of the month. Be sure to call ahead as start times vary by season.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN APPROVED BY PARENTS
Miami is a family-oriented city and offers must-see attractions and activities. From world-famous museums to beautiful parks, there are plenty of free family places to visit.
Free outdoor fun
Biscayne National Park is the perfect place for adventure lovers of all ages. Park rangers offer tips for spotting manatees and dolphins swimming along the shore. Family Fun Fest is a free park program held on the second Sunday of each month, January through May. This free public program promotes interaction with nature and hands-on activities for children and their parents.
Gold Coast Railroad Museum is the perfect place for train lovers, whether child or adult. Explore the rare collections or admire the variety of train models available. Younger children will delight in playing on the many boards of Thomas the Tank Engine. On the first Saturday of each month (except during the month of March) admission is free. Children under two are free.
Enjoy the international flavor of Miami at Big Night in Little Haiti. Showcasing everything that gives this area its fascinating multicultural identity, this free outdoor festival takes place on the third Friday of every month. Dance to live music, explore arts and crafts, and savor fabulous food. There are many fun activities for children and much more.
Four free family passes to eight Miami museums
Miami-Dade Public Library offers free passes to children’s art, culture and entertainment in Miami. The passes, which are available to anyone with a Miami-Dade Public Library card and on a first-come, first-served basis, allow a family of up to four free admission to the Deering Estate at Cutler, Fruit & Spice Park, HistoryMiami, Miami Museum of Art, Miami Children’s Museum, Miami Science Museum and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
