Located along the Atlantic coast of southern Florida, Miami is a major center for arts, entertainment, culture, and commerce. Sometimes called “Magic City,” Miami has no shortage of exciting attractions to keep your family entertained throughout your stay. Book a stay at one of many unforgettable Miami vacation rentals today. From sports arenas and beaches to fine dining and upscale shopping, Miami truly has it all. Check out these 15 fun activities to explore during your getaway.
1. Take a Tour
Get your vacation started off right with a tour of Miami. For a unique experience, book the Taste of Miami Helicopter Tour with Miami Helicopter Inc. or the Miami Sunset Air Tour through Miami Flight Seeing. Soar above the city and see breathtaking views of all its most notable landmarks.
2. Explore Vizcaya
One of Miami’s most popular attractions, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was once the estate of businessman James Deering. Built in 1916, the museum contains artwork, furnishing, and other artifacts from the Italian Renaissance. Feel like you stepped back in time as you walk through the incredible orchid garden. There’s a small cafe on-site, so your family can enjoy a relaxing lunch.
3. Catch a Game
If you’re a sports fan, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Miami. Score tickets to a basketball game to see the Miami Heat play at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami, or catch Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. NFL fans can watch the Miami Dolphins at nearby Hard Rock Stadium.
4. Visit a Zoo
Thrill the kids with a trip to the zoo. Zoological Wildlife Foundation houses more than 40 exotic species, and interactive exhibits let you get up-close and personal. See lion cubs, snow leopards, jaguars, and more. The Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, or Zoo Miami, sits on 750 acres, showcasing everything from turtles to gorillas. Visitors love the opportunity to feed the giraffes.
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5. Have a Shopping Spree
Shop ’til you drop at Dolphin Mall, Miami-Dade County’s largest shopping center, which features more than 240 stores. From Aerosoles to Zales Outlet, this mall truly has it all. Have lunch at P.F. Changs or Johnny Rockets, and spend some time cutting loose at Dave & Buster’s. There’s a Starbucks in the mall in case you need a caffeine boost.
6. Check out an Art Gallery
Miami is home to some incredible art galleries, and the Wynwood District is the heart of it all. Visit the Elezear Delgado Studio, Pan American Projects, or the Dina Mitrani Gallery. If you love what you see here, book a Wynwood Art Walk tour, so you can see a few more galleries as well as local street art.
7. Hit a Museum
The Miami Children’s Museum is a real treat for kids of all ages and a great attraction to get your family out of the vacation rental on a rainy day. Committed to fostering a love of learning in children, MCM has lots of interactive exhibits to keep your little ones engaged for hours. There’s a pretend-play hospital, bank, cruise ship, grocery store, and more. If you get hungry, there’s a Subway onsite.
8. Have an Adventure
Thrill seekers find plenty to keep them busy in Miami. AquaJet lets you fly 30 feet above Biscayne Bay thanks to the jetpack on your back. See incredible views high above the water when you schedule an adventure with Miami Parasail. Gator Bait Wakeboard School offers classes and workshops for wakeboarding newbies.
9. Try the Local Cuisine
When it’s time to eat, the options in Miami are endless. Visit Crust for great pizza, or head to Farfalle for a tantalizing menu that features Italian and seafood dishes. Kyu Restaurant offers Asian cuisine, while The Capital Grille is an all-American Steakhouse. When you’re craving Mexican food, Coyo Taco is the place to go.
10. Go for a Bike Ride
There are plenty of ways to get around Miami without the use of a car. Rent electric bikes from Wheels2Go to scoot easily around the city. Rent tradition two-wheeled bikes from DecoBike so you can ride to the beach. Family Trikke rents fun three-wheeled scooters. Whatever you decide to rent, store it in the garage of your vacation rental.
11. Stop by a Brewery
A hidden gem in the midst of the art district, Wynwood Brewing Company offers brewery tours. Try a few flights, and be sure to grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks that are often parked outside along the street. Visit Concrete Beach Brewery for a tour, or just enjoy a couple of beers in the open-air bar.
12. Play Some Putt-Putt
A fun attraction for all ages, Monster Mini Golf Miramar offers 18 holes of glow-in-the-dark fun. The monster decor adds excitement, while an in-house DJ keeps the spinning fresh beats. After you declare a winner on the golf course, head to the arcade for some more games.
13. Marvel at the Aquarium Acts
A quick trip on 913-S takes you to Key Biscayne, where you can spend the day at Miami Seaquarium. Book an encounter to swim with the dolphins, see the penguins, or catch a show to see the whales in action.
14. Play the Day Away
When you’re up for a day of good old-fashioned family fun, there are lots of options in the Miami area. Bowl a few frames at Strike Miami, play games at Arcade Odyssey, or try to make an escape at PanIQ Room Miami.
15. Celebrate Christmas
No matter how hot the weather, it’s always winter at Santa’s Enchanted Forest. The Christmas-themed park features over 100 rides, shows, games, and attractions. Guests love the Christmas tree light show.
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