Top Day Trips For Families
Biscayne National Park
9700 SW 328th St.
Homestead, FL. 33033
(305) 230-1120
www.nps.gov/bisc/index.htm
While enjoying the natural parks in Miami, don't forget about the one located under water! Kids who can swim will find a bounty of treasures in this 181,500-acre wonderland, located just off the Miami coast. You can explore the vibrant coral reefs in a variety of ways, including glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, fishing, and more. There are also hiking trails and camping sites on Elliot Key, or the more rustic Boca Chita Key. Visit the Convoy Point / Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead to start your adventure.
Everglades National Park/Shark Valley Visitor Center
36000 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33194
(305) 221-8776
www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm
Not recommended in the summer due to the heat and mosquitoes but Everglades is an essential destination for older children at any other time of year. Make reservations ahead for a two-hour tram tour starting at the Shark Valley Visitor Center. This is the most family-friendly of the visitor centers, and the one closest to Miami. You will see plenty of alligators, birds, and other wildlife. The Bobcat Boardwalk is an easy ¼ mile trail that kids will enjoy walking. You can also rent bikes.
Gold Coast Railroad Museum
12450 SW 152nd Street
Miami, Fl. 33177
(305) 253-4675
www.gcrm.org
At first glance, this museum seems a little old and dusty. But look closer, and you will find it is a diamond in the rough that will delight train lovers both young and old. Located next to Zoo Miami, the museum is home to several historic train cars, including the Ferdinand Magellan, built by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and used by several Presidents after him. Short train rides are offered on several types of trains, depending on the day. There is also an extensive model train exhibit, and a huge toy train set that children can play with.
Miami Children's Museum
980 MacArthur Causeway
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 373-5437
www.miamichildrensmuseum.org
A kid and parent's dream. Younger children will marvel at the plethora of interactive exhibits, and be delighted that they can touch and move anything they want in this colorful and inviting museum created just for them. The first floor includes a bank, supermarket, hospital, fire station, veterinary clinic, and television studio – all sized for kids. Upstairs, children of all ages can make art and music, board a cruise ship, work on a loading dock, and more.
Vizcaya
3251 South Miami Avenue
Miami, FL.
(305) 250-9133
www.vizcayamuseum.org
The former winter residence of American industrialist James Deering, Vizcaya is a sweeping step back in time. Stroll kids through the gardens and indoor collections. Best for parents with an interest in art and/or history – odds are kids will take a snooze or run around the gardens.
