In South Florida, once you cross the bridge(s) leading off Miami Beach, you’re on what’s referred to as the “mainland.” And at the most northern portion of Miami’s mainland lies Aventura, a mid-sized city filled with a myriad of parks, kids’ entertainment, shopping (including the famous Aventura Mall) and tons of tasty bites. If you need a break from the bustling beach scene, Aventura is brimming with kid-friendly things to do—and with its local-not-touristy vibe, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped for the day. Here are 25 things to do next time you’re in town with your kiddos!
1. Want to eat like Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade? Wade and his former teammate Udonis Haslem recently partnered to open 800 Degrees Aventura, a woodfired kitchen concept offering mouth-watering pizza, rotisserie meats, salads, pastas and more. Also a plus, the kids’ menu is a steal at $6.
2. When seeking a manageable, outdoor playground for the littles, look no further than Veteran’s Park. The quaint park features a padded and shaded playground area, picnic tables, tennis courts, a soccer field and (score!) bathrooms.
3. If you’re looking to kill a few hours, it’s hard to beat Chuck E. Cheese—the holy grail of happy kids. This specific location is clean, large and well-run.
4. Take the toddlers for open play, classes or special events at MyGym, an entertaining and age-appropriate indoor gym and play space that offers classes for kids as young as six weeks old.
5. A visit to Aventura just wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the legendary Aventura Mall—it’s one of the largest shopping centers in the United States. Kids will love the jumbo slide and play options, and you’ll love all the shopping. Click here to read our guide for everything you need to hit up while you’re visiting.
6. International Smoke, located in Aventura Mall’s new outdoor eating oasis, is a must-try for your family. This unique food concept (from cookbook author Ayesha Curry and famed chef Michael Mina) started as a pop-up in San Francisco and is now a 200-seat restaurant with some of the best, high-concept barbecue imaginable. Almost everything from the delightful shellfish platter (a flavorful shrimp, crab and oyster combo) and the smoking cocktails to the ice cream sundae has a barbecue flair.
7. Catch the newest Disney or Marvel flick in style at the beautiful iPic Theater or the lively AMC Theater (which happens to have a great mini-arcade!) inside the Aventura Mall.
8. The JW Marriott Turnberry is introducing Tidal Cove, a water park featuring raft rides, a free-fall loop, lazy river, surf machine, a kids’ area and more! While it’s technically only open to hotel guests and members, a one-day membership (starting at $75) gets you access to all of the amenities available at the hotel including the spa, additional pools and slides, the restaurants, a complimentary shuttle service and, of course, the water park.
9. If your creative juices are flowing, head to Trazos Art Academy for Family Day on the first Saturday of every month, where teachers give kid-friendly, step-by-step instructions on a work of art.
10. Not just for horses anymore, Gulfstream Park (home of Gulfstream horse racing, located at the border of Aventura and Hallandale), has reinvented itself as a multi-faceted, family-friendly destination. From kid-friendly activities to tons of dining options, Gulfstream is your one-stop shop.
11. For littles who appreciate a good pamper, heaven awaits at Pink Lemonade Girls Spa. Nails, facials, hair treatments and more will get the darlings ready for a night on the town.
12. Technically in North Miami Beach (just south of Aventura), Dezerland Park has every option you can imagine for energetic kids. Inside the Ninja Lounge area, you’ll find trampolines, obstacle courses, climbing walls and tot zone for your smaller family members. The upstairs hosts a full arcade for hours of video game fun, and you can expect go-karting and Bazzoka ball soon!
13. Biting into a delicious, doughy bagel may seem like an everyday occurrence if you’re coming from New York, but they’re hard to find in South Florida. Except in Aventura—the two institutions Bagel Cove and Mo’s Bagels are where it’s at.
14. When they’ve been well-behaved, treat the kids to a toy from Learning Express, the best toy store for miles.
15. If relaxing on a shaded patio with a smoothie in hand is the kind of South Florida afternoon you desire, head to Miami Squeeze. Some of the most delicious and healthy (though the kids will never know it) food lives inside this unassuming hut, which also features a serene backyard courtyard.
16. A haircut may not seem like the most fun outing, but if your kids tend to fight you on their grooming, head straight to Snip-Its. From the friendly staff and the videos to the post-cut prizes, they’ll be begging to come back.
17. In need of chic baby gear? Look no further than Nini & Loli, which carries everything from strollers and car seats to adorable clothing, accessories and toys.
18. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is a local gem boasting a high-tech, 330-seat facility with performances for audiences of all ages. Plan to attend a performance in the family-fun series, which features free face painting and special sweets.
19. Ice cream is always a treat but when you add the magic of Nitrogen, the results are even more delicious—do it up at Chill N Ice Cream where the flavors and “Mix-N’s” are endless.
20. Get adventuring at the beautiful and historic 250-acre Greynolds Park, located on the Aventura/North Miami Beach border. Kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching and eco-tours await at the county’s second oldest park.
21. If you or someone you love is Kosher, take the family to one of largest Kosher supermarket areas in the country. Start at Sarah’s Tent (they happen to have great donuts), then hit up Kosher Kingdom or Miami Kosher Supermarket for even more goodies.
22. Cool off at Founder’s Park Splash Pad, an aquatic play area inside the sprawling 12-acre Founder’s Park. For a nominal fee, kids can happily (and safely) frolic in this recreational water play system.
23. Looking to take a long walk, scooter or bike ride without stopping for traffic? Dan Soffer Trail is the perfect place for the little ones to spread their wings…or wheels. The three-mile-long, ten-foot-wide exercise path along Country Club Drive is free, open 24/7 and landscaped with an abundance of greenery and shade. Ground lighting, benches, chilled water fountains and crosswalks add to the stress-free experience.
24. Trying to keep the kiddos happy on a rainy day? The extensive Aventura library is one of the newest in Miami, and features an excellent area for kids.
25. Mommy & Me classes, gym time and open play are all available at the adorable Baby Stars in The Shops at Waterway. Just call before visiting for their open play hours, as the schedule changes frequently.
