We will be going to Miami in two weeks and I am looking for some kid friendly activities. My daughters are 2 1/2 and 4 1/2. We were thinking the beach and the Everglades for sure, but would love recommendations for which beaches and spots of the Everglades would be best to visit. We were also thinking about Monkey Jungle. What are your must sees and things we should skip? Thanks for the help!
the Miami Metro zoo is nice, big area and lots of water spouts so bring their bathing suits and a towel. Take the tram all the way to the back and slowly walk to ward the front. Broward has some nice water parks but i'mnot sure how far south you are staying in Miami. Monkey Jungle is smaller now thanks to the hurricane but they will enjoy feeding the monkeys. If you are going north more and they arent afraid of bugs butterfly world is lovely.
Is there any reason why you chose Miami over Orlando? When I think of Miami, I think of partying and no kids. With Orlando, you have Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, International Drive, and the beach (less than an hour away).
Butterfly World is beautiful. Miami's not exactly a family vacation area, but you can find things. The keys are fun. Obviously, there's more to do in Orlando near Disney.
Miami Children's Museum! We love it there. Check online for coupons!
If you're referring to the Everglade River tour ( to see alligators), I just want to warn you that it is EXTREMELY loud...almost scary how loud it is. My boys enjoyed seeing the alligators but HATED the loud boat...even with the earplugs. (and they were 8 and 6 when we went) We also took my 1 year old little girl...big mistake...as the boat took off we realized her earplugs weren't fitting properly...she was scared out of her mind! I had to cover her head in my arms and hold her so tight. So needless to say, prepare your girls for the loud noise and make sure their earplugs fit perfectly before you get on. Better yet, buy child earplugs if you can cause they only gave adult ones out that we had to squeeze in their little ears. Hope this helps.
I love Miami and we go there for a couples vacation. It is not a family friendly area on South Beach, one of my favorite spots in the world. You must be very open minded to take in South Beach, the Beach itself is topless if you choose which I have no issue with. It is much like a European Beach and we love it.. However, we've never taken our daughter there.
It is a party place as well if you are into the dance clubs.
Ft Lauderdale is more family friendly that Miami. Our favorite family destination in FL is the SanDestin Hilton Golf Resprt and Spa. We go there every spring break.
Whatever you choose, ENJOY!! it is 12 degrees in DFW right now and I'd love to be on a beach!
