Top Day Trips On A Budget Near South Florida

Lucky South Floridians have so many ways to spend a day in the area. These day-trip destinations offer great ways to pass the time for children and adults on a budget with free and affordable admission options. Animals are the center of attraction at Jungle Island, Butterfly World, Miami Science Museum Planetarium and Miami Seaquarium while shopping, dining, movies and more may be enjoyed in the famous Aventura Mall. Staycations have never been so easy.

Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami, FL 33312
(305) 400-7000
www.jungleisland.com

Jungle Island offers visitors the experience to interact with a number of different types of wildlife as well as enjoy a number of lush plant species. The attraction offers shows as well as exhibitions and the venue is also often host to a number of spectacular special events. Top dining is also on site and there are plenty of fun activities for children, adults and the entire family. Admission grants access to all exhibitions and membership plans are also available for regulars to the park.

Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-5705
www.miamiseaquarium.com

Miami Seaquarium is a world-class venue featuring dozens of beautiful species of sea animals. The famous TV series "Flipper" was actually filmed at the attraction's center and Miami Seaquarium is still home to many dolphins and swim experiences with the dolphins are possible. The property is expansive so one day at the park would be filled with things to do and see. Guests looking to get involved with the animal shows can sit in special splash zones to get wet as part of the result of a killer whale jumping into the sky.

Miami Science Museum Planetarium
3280 S. Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33129
(305) 646-4200
www.miamisci.org

Going to the planetarium makes for a day or evening of great fun for visitors of any age. The planetarium at the Miami Science Museum is an awe-inspiring venue where visitors can learn while creating wonderful memories. For a modest admission fee, guests may enjoy the museum as well as any scheduled planetarium shows or galleries on exhibit. The planetarium is right next door to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens which also makes for a great day trip on a budget.

Related: Top Day Trips For Under $100 In South Florida 

(Source: BRUCE WEAVER/AFP/Getty Images)
Butterfly World
3600 W. Sample Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
(954) 977-4400
www.butterflyworld.com

Butterfly and nature lovers will be in awe of the sprawling property of Butterfly World. Butterflies freely flutter around the property in an array of spectacular colors and specie types. It's as much an educational experience as it is relaxing and inspiring with exhibitions giving facts on butterflies, birds and other species. Butterfly World is the largest such facility worldwide.

Aventura Mall
19501 Biscayne Blvd.
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 935-1110
www.aventuramall.com

Aventura Mall is one of the finest shopping destinations in the country. The expansive shopping complex is home to such stores as Victoria's Secret, Nordstrom, All Saints, Ferrari and more, but it's also a great entertainment complex with a 24-theater cinema offering large screen action and delicious movie concession fare. Aventura Mall is also home to a number of great restaurants, spas, salons, a luxury fitness center, luxury car washing services and more. It's easy to spend an entire day at the mall and not be able to see and enjoy everything.

Related: Summer Road Trip Checklist When Traveling With Kids

Chanoa Chen is a Fashion Merchandiser, Freelance Writer and Blogger. Chanoa has contributed stories to top firms including QVC Insider Germany and regularly contributes to CBS Local Miami and Examiner.com. She may be reached via: bokilovellc@gmail.com.