By Larraine Stacey
Attractions in Miami, Florida for Kids
When most people think of
Miami, Florida, they think of sunny
beaches by day and even hotter night life. But families flock to Miami, too, for fun that includes everyone, especially the kids. Don't miss these top attractions that the kids will love and the adults will enjoy, too.
Miami Children's Museum
Sandcastle at Miami Children's Museum
The Miami Children's Museum is fun and exciting for the whole family. The museum's exhibits include a giant sandcastle, a fire truck, a retail store, a cruise ship, the Everglades, a health and wellness center and a bank. Kids will have a blast playing in the interactive exhibits.
980 Macarthur Causeway
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 373-5437
www.miamichildrensmuseum.org
Miami Metrozoo
Metrozoo
Metrozoo is a great outing for the entire family. Kids will love the wildlife shows in the amphitheater (three shows daily) and will love seeing the more than 250 species of animals on display. Visit animals in their habitats of Asia, Africa and Australia, and enjoy the antics of the wild.
12400 SW 152nd Street
Miami, FL 33177
(305) 251-0400
www.miamimetrozoo.com
Miami Seaquarium
Seaquarium
Miami Seaquarium is home to more than 10,000 sea creatures. Dolphins, killer whales and sea lions entertain and amaze with daily shows. Dolphin Harbor is a new $5 million facility where guests meet and learn about dolphins. Also, check out the Flipper Dolphin Show, which takes place at the Flipper Lagoon, film location for the 1960s television show of the same name. The longest operating oceanarium in the United States, Seaquarium is South Florida's largest marine aquarium.
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-5705
www.miamiseaquarium.com
Scott Rakow Youth Center
Scott Rakow Youth Center
Looking for something to do on the weekends? Grab the kids and head to Miami beach and the Scott Rakow Youth Center. The two-story building has an outdoor swimming pool, ice-skating rink, six bowling lanes, basketball court, gymnasium equipment, arts and crafts center, game room, indoor beach volleyball and play area. Spend the day---but it's only open on Saturday and Sunday, so plan ahead.
2700 Sheridan Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33140
(305) 673-7767
GameWorks
GameWorks
Going through video and arcade game withdrawal while on vacation? Then head out to GameWorks, located at the Shops at Sunset Place. Fight off dinosaurs from Jurassic Park, race in the Indy 500, speed down a snowy ski slope or amuse yourself with many other games and attractions. GameWorks also has a restaurant, so settle in for an afternoon of fun and food.
5701 Sunset Drive # 330
South Miami, FL 33143
(305) 667-4263
www.gameworks.com
Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium
Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium
Kids will love discovering the coral reefs and the Everglades at the Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium. They can do hands-on activities in the science arcade, be amazed and amused at a wildlife center housing more than 150 live animals and explore a natural history collection containing cases of fossils and butterflies. The Planetarium also offers several daily shows.
3280 S Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33129
(305) 646-4200
www.miamisci.org
About the Author:
Larraine Stacey started her career as a reporter and editor in 1966, when she wrote daily columns, features and editorials for "Grand Prairie Daily News." A University of North Texas journalism major, Stacey writes for Let's Go Travel Guides and other websites. She is also the author of a bestselling young-adult fantasy series.
