Far beyond shopping malls and malls, Miami proves that it is increasingly a destination for vacations for the whole family
By Mari Campos
It’s no secret that Florida is one of the main international destinations for Brazilians traveling as a family. And Miami, the largest city in the state, has been proving that it goes far beyond being a great connection point and shopping stop.
It was its shopping centers that made it famous here; but Miami is also an extremely kid-friendly destination, with attractions perfect for multi-generational trips. From a relaxing day at the beach to afternoons full of adventure amidst nature, Miami is capable of creating beautiful travel memories. Here we list four excellent reasons for you to consider including the destination on your next vacation.
1. Life is a beach
If Brazilians generally think of Miami for its shopping centers, many other nationalities think of the city for its beaches – quiet, pleasant, easily accessible and, above all, very safe. There are kilometers of Atlantic coast with delicious beaches even for family picnics . If Miami Beach is too busy these days, Bal Harbour, Surfside and Sunny Isles are often almost deserted. More adventurous families also like Crandon Park Beach and Oleta River State Park Beach , which are also famous for water sports .
Miami is also home to different – and very accessible – water parks. In Coral Gables, the Venetian Pool has more than three million liters of natural spring water with waterfalls, palm trees, a bridge, porticos and caves – and reopened completely renovated in February. Tidal Cove , located inside the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa , has a day pass system so non-guests can enjoy the winding waterslides, lazy river and lagoon-style pool.
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2. Fun and art
Miami has excellent museums for visitors of any age. The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum science museum offers didactic, interactive and playful spaces, being one of the only museums in the world with an aquarium (on three floors, complete with hammerhead sharks, rays and eels) and a planetarium in the same building. The PAMM (Perez Art Museum of Miami), next to Frost, is a great place for adults but has a space for artistic activities for children. There are works by Vik Muniz, Hélio Oiticica and until September 4, 2023, the exhibition by Leandro Erlich, with his well-known swimming pool installation. An opportunity to do different programs and learn together. The Miami Children’s Museum features interactive activities focused on art, culture and a sense of community – including a two-story sandcastle, replica ship and outdoor playground. Very interactive and a must-see with young children. Teenagers, for their part, will enjoy taking selfies in the Wynwood art district , with many walls painted by street artists, art galleries and the Wynwood Market where they can rest and eat food from food trucks.
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3. In the wild
Miami isn’t just about big shopping malls, skyscrapers and beaches. The city is also the starting point for exploring nature-immersing attractions, such as Everglades National Park , which protects and delimits one of the most peculiar wetland ecosystems in the world: 1.5 million acres filled with freshwater marshes. The numerous and varied wildlife includes alligators, deer and even eagles – which can be explored on easy walks, bike and canoe trips or even on a guided airboat tour (which the kids love!).
In Biscayne National Park , south of Miami, families who enjoy diving will discover and be enchanted by the immense aquatic fauna, as 95% of the park is underwater. It is possible to go on boat trips, snorkel or scuba dive …
Nature lovers will also enjoy Bill Baggs Natural Park south of Key Biscayne and a half-hour drive from downtown Miami. Children will like the empty beach, the lighthouse, snorkeling (bring your diving mask), biking, renting a kayak with a glass bottom and the golden tip is to take a picnic basket , as there are several spaces available around there. Very different programming that will stay in everyone’s memory.