Miami has no shortage of fun, free things to do with children. Between the city’s multitude of natural, outdoor spaces and our culturally-rich neighborhoods, there are so many ways to keep kids busy and happy without spending a dime. And you can’t forget about the artsy, outdoorsy, healthy or just plain fun events that happen every week. Here’s our guide to entertaining your kiddos in the 305, free of charge.
1. The ocean is always free
One great thing in Miami is that you can always drive east and eventually, you’ll hit water. We have a number of beautiful beaches to choose from, and your kiddos will absolutely love splashing about or diving in for a swim. Bring a few toys along and make some sand castles, too.
2. Take them for a walk along Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive isn’t just for adults. Kids will also enjoy looking at the cool architecture and neon lights. Considering Miami’s frequently warm weather, South Beach often remains just a bit cooler thanks to the ocean breeze. Bring a picnic along and stop in the adjacent Lummus Park, where you can often catch volleyball games taking place.
3. Or hit the splash pad at South Pointe Park
Where: 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL
If you happen to already find yourself on South Beach, head as south as possible to South Pointe Park. This large-scale public park includes a beach area, a pier and jetty from which to watch giant cruise ships gliding by and a splash pad. Oh, and more importantly, there’s public restrooms available as well.
4. Visit a farmers’ market
Trips to farmers’ markets (like the ones at Lincoln Road, Coconut Grove, or Pinecrest) make for excellent learning experiences for kiddos. Here, they’ll get to see a number of fruits and vegetables and other goodies they might not always see at their local grocery store. They can also ask the vendors questions and learn more about the whole farm-to-table thing. Plus, they can pick up a healthy snack!
5. Tour downtown on the Metromover
What kid doesn’t love tall buildings and riding on public transit? Head over to Downtown Miami and hop on the free Metromover. This wonderful, small-scale people mover will take you from Brickell over to the old Omni Mall, and you can make plenty of stops along the way.
6. Let them run wild in mall play areas
If you’re not feeling up to shopping but need somewhere (not too hot) to let your kids run wild, a trip to the mall is just what you need. Most major malls in Miami offer free, open spaces where children can run around (and jump and climb!) with other kids. Dolphin Mall and Southland Mall have decent play areas, but you’ll definitely want to take your kiddos to the Rainbow Valley Playground in Aventure Mall for a real treat.
7. Look at the stars at Bill Sadowski Park
Kids don’t usually go to the park at night, but it’s different at Bill Sadowski. That’s because the Southern Cross Astronomical Society uses it as the venue for weekly stargazing meetings. Kids who are a little older will love looking through powerful telescopes at stars and planets.
8. Check out story time at your local library
Many of Miami-Dade’s libraries offer free story times for younger children. These events are often divided into age groups (babies and toddlers and preschool-age children). Here, they’ll get a chance to socialize with other kids, listen to stories, and play fun games.
9. Explore Little Havana during Viernes Culturales
Little Havana’s monthly celebration of Cuban culture happens the last Friday of every month and is great for adults and children alike. At Viernes Culturales, youngsters will get a chance to see artwork from Cuban-run galleries, listen to live Latin music and experience Cuban culture up close.
10. Drop by the Robert Is Here petting zoo
Robert Is Here is a popular fruit stand in the South Dade area known as Homestead. While you’re welcome to purchase produce, honey, sauces and delicious milkshakes, there’s also a petting zoo out back open to the public. Say hi to the geese, donkey, chickens and pigs for free!
11. Have fun indoors and out at Biscayne National Park
Where: 9700 SW 328th Street, Homestead, FL
Biscayne National Park features a relaxing walkway along the river that kids love strolling through. Fishing is allowed here, as are barbecues (just bring your own food)—both excellent activities to share with your little ones. There’s also an impressive educational center where children can learn about the ecology of the area, with plenty of hands on activities to boot.
12. Try the free art workshops at The PAMM
Where: 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL
The Perez Art Museum of Miami hosts free family days on the second Saturday of the month. Kids and their grown-ups are welcome to come and explore the museum, and stay to take part in hands-on art activities that will truly inspire them.
13. Pick up a free museum pass from your local library
Visit any local Miami-Dade County Public Library, and pick up a Museum Pass in order to take your little ones to any number of cultural sites in the area, without paying hefty admission prices. Among those included in the pass are HistoryMiami, the Coral Gables Museum, the Miami Children’s Museum, the Jewish Museum of Florida and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
14. Take them to the Wynwood Art Walk
There’s no better place to expose your children to art in Miami than Wynwood. And kids will be thrilled seeing the large crowds that turn out every month for the Wynwood Art Walk. This cost-free event allows people of all ages to wander the area safely while gazing at incredible street art and the works of world-renowned artists inside galleries.
15. Ride, or watch others ride, at the skate park
If your kids enjoy roller skating (or blading), or skateboarding, there are a number of skate parks scattered throughout Miami. All are free of charge, and great places for little ones to get exercise and even become inspired to join roller derby, roller hockey, or even professional skateboarding in the future.
16. Listen to live jazz at the MOCA
Exposing children to music is a wonderful thing. And at the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami, they’ll get a chance to listen to some phenomenal jazz on the last Friday of every month. The free outdoor concerts start at 8pm, and the museum stays open with admission by donation.
17. Head to the Arsht Center for Family Fun Fest
Where: 1301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL
The Arsht Center is one of Miami’s greatest gems—a breathtakingly beautiful venue that often features award-winning Broadway shows, musicians, and other entertainers. But when you have youngsters, it makes it difficult to attend the theater. Cue the Family Fun Fest, a monthly gathering of families inside the center where you’ll all enjoy everything from musical acts to dance productions and more, free of charge, and with ample room for your child to run and dance as they so choose.
18. Invite your kids to downward dog with you at free yoga classes
Miami offers plenty of free yoga classes all around town, and there’s no reason why you can’t bring your older children along. Teach them to do mountain or warrior pose on their mats, and share the beauty of the practice with them. Classes are held in Coconut Grove, Bayfront Park and inside various libraries.
19. Watch a movie or concert at SoundScape Park
Where: 500 17th Street, Miami Beach, FL
From October to June (the less-rainy months of the year), Miami Beach’s New World Center (home to the New World Symphony) project a number of concerts and movies on the side of the building for families to enjoy. Any concerts you see is part of the Wallcast Series—recorded videos of events that have occurred at the center earlier in the year. The SoundScape Cinema Series projects weekly films such as Finding Dory, Rudy and Zootopia.
20. Hit the nature trails at various parks
While Miami isn’t usually synonymous with hiking, there actually is plenty of hiking to do in town. Many public parks feature slightly hidden walking paths where you and your kiddos can get lost in the woods, so to speak. Kendall Indian Hammocks Park, Greynold’s Park, Crandon Park and others all have great nature trails.
