Crandon Park Beach
While there are many beaches and open area destinations within the city of Miami, Crandon Park beach is especially friendly to families and kids. Aside from playing on the sand and swimming under the watchful eye of the lifeguards, families can also head to the amusement center, which offers a carousel, playground and a roller rink. For families with older kids, there are numerous hiking trails and guided tours that can be taken, while teens and adults can head to the water on a rented kayak. The Crandon Park Gardens, just a few steps away, offers families a nature center, several lakes and a tropical forest full of vines and exotic plants.
Crandon Park Beach
4000 Crandon Boulevard
Key Biscayne, Florida 33149
(305) 361-7385
Miami Museum of Science and Space Planetarium
The Miami Museum of Science and Space Planetarium is three attractions in one: a hands-on museum geared to families, a planetarium with daily shows and an animal center. Popular exhibits include CSI (about forensic entomology), a recreated 60-foot long Megalodon and the Immersion Theater, where kids will fight viruses using nano robots. The planetarium offers laser shows, animated live star shows and an observatory. The wildlife centers focus primarily on rehabilitation and release of wild animals, especially birds. Visitors can learn about saving wild animals, see the current residents of the center and take part in ongoing activities and events.
Miami Museum of Science and Space Planetarium
3280 S Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33133
(305) 646-4420
Jungle Island
Originally home to just parrots (and formerly known as Parrot Jungle), this animal theme park offers visitors a chance to see and interact with animals in their natural habitat. The park is now home to birds, reptiles, primates and reptiles and offers a variety of shows and interactive exhibits. One of the most popular is Feed the Lorikeets, where visitors get a chance to get up close and personal with the birds. Also within the premises is a private beach, an Everglades habitat, a tortoise exhibit and a plant nursery. Photo opportunities abound and there are daily presentations and talks geared to the whole family.
Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 400-7000
About The Author
Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications, including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.
