Miami Vacations for Kids
- Miami offers vacationers beaches, culture and plenty of entertainment.Miami Beach Sunset image by Wimbledon from Fotolia.com
Miami may be best known for its glamorous lifestyle, warm weather, beautiful beaches and skimpy bikinis, but don't hesitate to bring the kids on your next visit to an area rich with family activities. Zoos, the Everglades, parks and museums are within easy driving distance while Miami resorts offer beach vacations for the entire family. - Kids will love spotting the Golden Lion Tamarin while visiting Monkey Jungle.golden-headed lion tamarin image by Xavier MARCHANT from Fotolia.com
From exotic animals to forest creatures, Miami offers wildlife attractions to suit any child's taste.
Zoo Miami, also referred to as Miami MetroZoo, covers 740 acres and contains over 100 exhibits. Over 500 species and 2,000 animals inhabit a setting that represents the continents of Africa, Asia and Australia. Spot African lions, clouded leopards, giraffes, chimpanzees and a variety of winged creatures while enjoying the zoo's 1,200 plants, flowers and trees. The Children's Zoo offers visitors the opportunity to ride a camel; view creepy crawly creatures like Butterscotch, the 13-foot Burmese python; stroll the butterfly garden, ride the carousel or watch the zookeepers feed the meerkats.
Drive less than an hour from urban Miami to find yourself in the midst of the rustic Everglades. The family-owned Everglades Alligator Farm accommodates approximately 2,000 alligators of all sizes. Informative wildlife shows, displays of local and exotic snakes and airboat rides through the Everglades offer insight into this unique wildlife area.
Home to nearly 400 primates, Monkey Jungle gives visitors the opportunity to understand the unpredictable behavior of primates. Most of the primate species roam freely throughout the 30-acre preserve. Scheduled feedings highlight the water skills of the Java monkeys as they dive to receive fruit from the preserve's guides. Monkey Jungle allows glimpses into the world of orangutans and participates in the world-wide effort to save the tiny Golden Lion Tamarin. - Some of the best kinds of vacations for kids involve stimulating activities and experiential learning; the Miami Children's Museum has both. The landmark building, situated on a man-made island easily accessible from downtown Miami, was built to represent earth, wind, water and fire. Fun, hands-on exhibits like a six-foot piggy bank, a 900-gallon marine tank, a cruise ship, a world music studio and a challenging rock wall provide opportunities for family fun, creativity and social interaction.
With its ever-changing rotation of exhibits, the Miami Science Museum can be visited again and again. The Energy Tracker is an interconnected trail of activities that the museum's website says "explore[s] everything from basic energy principles to the future of renewable energy." The Energy Dance Floor captures dance energy and transforms it into wild lighting, while the Energy Garden exhibit turns people into human yoyos. The planetarium contains 231 seats in a domed theater that accurately reproduces the stars and planets in animated live shows as well as laser light shows.
The Historical Museum of South Florida honors the history of this unique environment. "Tropical Dreams," a permanent exhibit of people's interaction with the area, explores the history of south Florida from the first arrivals to present day. Check out the museum on the second Saturday of each month for Family Fun Days; activities change from month to month but include "Florida Ranching Roundup" (characterized by stories of old Florida, demonstrations and the chance to try roping), and "Nicaraguan Holiday" (including a tour of the exhibit "Estampas del Caribe Nicaraguense" and the opportunity to make paper flowers). - Both Fontainebleu Miami Beach and the Loews Miami Beach Hotel sit directly on South Beach.sobe beach image by Wimbledon from Fotolia.com
Take one kid, perhaps add another, throw in some sand and water and you have an easy, enjoyable vacation. The Loews Miami Beach Hotel loves families and caters to both parents and kids. Located directly on South Beach and newly renovated, the hotel includes 790 rooms and suites, an ice cream shop and an oceanfront pool. The Pottery Barn SoBe Kids' Camp is available daily and at night on Friday and Saturdays; created for children four- to 12-years-old, the camp offers kids' activities such as arts and crafts, shell finding, sand castle contests and Wii competitions. Teens have the opportunity to choose from a combination of activities including checking out the PBteen Cabana where they can listen to music, play Wii or just enjoy the sun. On Saturday afternoons SuskiSkool teaches the art of making Sushi and chopstick tricks.
Loews Miami Beach Hotel
1601 Collins Ave.
Miami, Florida, 33139
305-604-1601
loewshotels.com
Kids staying at Fontainebleau Miami Beach are given personalized keys and passports. The Kids Night Out program lets kids watch movies and play games with other kids. The FB Kids Adventures for ages four through 12 includes activities like scavenger hunts, sports, drama, art and music. Accommodations include guestrooms, suites, penthouses and connecting rooms. Apple technology, such as 20-inch iMacs in every room, gives guests the chance to personalize their resort experience.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
4441 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, Florida 33140
800-548-8886
fontainebleau.com
