There are so many sights to see and places to go in Miami. From world-renowned museums to our beautiful parks, beaches, and cultural centers, there is something sure to please the kid in everyone. In fact, you won’t believe how many fun things are absolutely free. Our near perfect weather makes Miami the ideal place to create great childhood memories during every season of the year.
KID-FRIENDLY MIAMI ATTRACTIONS
During the summer, Miami’s tropical weather can be a little too hot or rainy for outdoor exploration. That’s the perfect time to see some of the city’s coolest—and we don’t mean just mean air-conditioned—indoor attractions.
Free Indoor Fun
The Miami Children’s Museum offers a dynamic, hands-on experience for kids. Visitors of all ages will love the interactive and bilingual activities and crafts throughout the museum. Discover a two-story sandcastle, board a life-size cruise ship or explore the kid-size veterinary clinic, television studio, or health and wellness center. Free Day for Bank of America and Merrill Lynch account holders is the first Saturday and Sunday of the month (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through 2013); Free Day for everyone is the third Friday of the month from 3 to 9 p.m. The museum is always free for infants under one year old.
Celebrating Miami’s unique history, HistoryMiami, formerly the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, is a cultural institution, and Smithsonian Institute Affiliate Program. With free Family Fun Days on the second Saturday of each month, children and adults have the unique opportunity to learn something new and exciting at no cost. Children under age six are always free.
Stand in a wind tunnel, feed the tropical birds, or gaze up at the stars, the Miami Science Museumhas something fun and exciting to see, touch and explore. Host to the Wildlife Center and the Miami Planetarium, the museum offers Bank of America and Merrill Lynch account holders free days the first Saturday and Sunday of the month (10 a.m. – 6 p.m. through 2013).
Kids and adults can marvel at the Milky Way and gaze at far-off galaxies when the Weintraub Observatory hosts its free ‘Star Show’ the first Friday of the month. Be sure to call ahead, as starting times vary based on the season.
KID-FRIENDLY, PARENT-APPROVED OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS
Miami’s family-oriented city is packed with must-see attractions and activities. From world-renowned museums to beautiful parks, there are plenty of free family-friendly sights for you and your children to experience.
Free Outdoor Fun
Biscayne National Park is the perfect place for adventure seekers of all ages. Park rangers offer advice for spotting the manatees and dolphins that swim along the shore. Family Fun Fest is the park’s free 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.
The Gold Coast Railroad Museum is the perfect place to visit, whether you’re a kid-size or adult-size train enthusiast. Explore the rare collections or take a ride on the variety of model trains available. Younger children will delight playing at the many Thomas the Tank Engine tables. The first Saturday of the month (except during the month of March) is free. Children under two years old are always free.
Soak up the international flavor of Miami with Big Night in Little Haiti. Showcasing some of what gives this area its fascinating multicultural identity, this free outdoor festival happens the third Friday of each month. Dance to live music, explore arts and crafts, and taste fabulous food. There are plenty of fun activities for the kids and so much more.
Four Free Family Passes to Eight Miami Museums
The Miami-Dade Public Library offers free passes to some of the kid-friendliest art, culture, and entertainment attractions in Miami. The passes, which are available to anyone with a Miami-Dade Public Library card, on a first-come, first-served basis, allow up to a family of four FREE admission to the Deering Estate at Cutler, Fruit & Spice Park, HistoryMiami, Miami Art Museum, Miami Children’s Museum, Miami Science Museum, and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.