7 Affordable Things to Do with Kids in Miami

July 5, 2024

More than just a beach city by day and a party city by night, Miami is also a world-class destination for families, with tons to see and do that doesn’t need to hit you too hard in the pocket.

From museums, galleries and theatres to festivals, wildlife and outdoor exploration, the Florida coastal city is packed full of family-friendly activities and attractions suitable for adults and kids alike. And while Miami is certainly somewhere that you can blow through a hefty wad of cash quite easily if you’re not careful, with a little bit of planning it’s quite possible to stretch the budget out. Here is our pick of 7 great affordable opportunities for fun and adventure in Miami.

Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Created with the purpose of educating and entertaining in equal measure, this internationally acclaimed museum features a diverse assortment of interactive science-themed exhibitions and displays. Kids are invited to get hands-on and explore their senses as a way of learning about some of the basic principles of science. Among the museum’s most popular areas is the ‘MeLab’, which helps little ones learn about biology and health by using their own bodies to conduct ‘experiments’. The museum is free to enter.

1101 Biscayne Boulevard / Mon-Sun 10am-7pm

Everglades National Park

An officially designated World Heritage Site, the subtropical network of wetlands, swamps, lakes, rivers, prairies and grasslands that make up the Everglades are among the jewels in Miami’s crown. About 45 kilometres west of Downtown, the area’s unique landscapes and wildlife can be explored independently or as part of an organised tour. Many excursions start with a walk through the vast wilderness before boarding a hovercraft for more wildlife spotting opportunities during a thrilling airboat ride. Pricing for tours usually starts from around $29 per person.

Miami Children’s Theatre

At the heart of Miami’s thriving performing arts scene, the Miami Children’s Theatre offers a regular programme of classes, camps and main-stage productions designed to promote and encourage kids to take part in theatre. Performances feature the venue’s in-house theatre troupe who put on original shows based on different picture storybooks and museum exhibits. Pricing for classes and summer camps tends to be a little steep, but the stage shows are relatively affordable at around $20 per ticket.

8853 SW 132nd Street

GroundUP Music Festival

The family-friendly GroundUP Music Festival prides itself on offering revellers a more intimate and accessible festival experience than is typical. Instead of battling crowds to catch a glimpse of an artist, visitors may find themselves relaxing near musicians or dancing during spontaneous beach jam sessions. Alongside a diverse range of musical performances, the event also features artist masterclasses, meet-and-greet sessions, and plenty of food and drinks from local chefs.

Miami Beach / February each year

Bayfront Park

Spanning 32 acres on the fringes of Biscayne Bay in Downtown Miami, Bayfront Park is one of the city’s most vibrant outdoor spaces where visitors can do as much or as little as they please. While many attractions in the park may charge admission, families can still enjoy the sandy shoreline and calm waters that are perfect for safe swimming. There is also a free playground and splash pad where children can play and cool off.

International Mango Festival

Summertime in Miami wouldn’t be the same without the International Mango Festival, which celebrates the globally popular fruit through cooking demonstrations, a display of the world’s largest mango collection, a mango auction, and a kids’ culinary challenge. Visitors can also enjoy live music, a beer garden, expert talks about the mango industry, and plenty of food trucks.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden / July each year

Beaux Arts Festival

A free-to-enter juried fine arts show featuring art, crafts and multimedia from hundreds of exhibitors, the Beaux Arts Festival is one of the biggest and most eagerly awaited events on Miami’s cultural calendar. Taking place every January, the festival showcases a wide range of artistic styles including woodwork, watercolours, photography, ceramics, sculpture and more. Live music, kids’ art activities and plenty of entertainment make it a fantastic family event.

University of Miami / January each year

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

While many of Miami’s main attractions are within walking distance, most kids aren’t enthusiastic about long walks in the hot Florida sun. One of the most convenient ways to explore the city is by taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour. These tours allow you to travel between major sights quickly, boarding and leaving the bus at designated stops whenever you like. Tickets are usually valid for either one or two days, making them a flexible option for families.

By Paul Joseph