Yes, spending a day at the mall does feel a bit New Jersey/Kevin Smith/Mall Rats (all things we happen to love), but Aventura Mall is no average shopping center. When the heat begins to rise in South Florida, a day filled with strong air conditioning, plentiful food options, amazing shops, a movie theater, and a myriad of activities for kids can feel like Nirvana.
Let’s start with the basics. Aventura Mall is the second largest shopping center in the United States. Somehow, though, it doesn’t feel grossly overwhelming. My kids have walked the whole mall with a surprising lack of complaining, possibly because I can promise them stops at spots like the Lego store, but also because there’s so much more to do here than just shop. Don’t believe me? Read on for everything to do at this South Florida spot.
Check out the jumbo slide (and other play options!)
The mall’s most exciting kid-option came as part of their recent 300,000-square-foot, $214 million expansion, and it’s the Aventura Slide Tower. This 93-foot steel and glass outdoor slide was designed by German sculptor Carsten Höller and provides hours of fun for little (and big) ones brave enough to try it out. The best part—it’s free! Riders need to be at least 44 inches tall, and should prepare for the nine-story stair climbing workout. You’ll find the Slide Tower at the entrance to the new wing, where there are also new upscale shops (think Tesla, Burberry and Topshop) and restaurants.
Also outdoors in the piazza of the new wing is the Haas Brothers fountain, Gorillas in the Mist. You can sip your Blue Bottle coffee on a hand-carved marble bench while your little ones run through cool water spraying from three large bronze gorillas and four tall bronze trees.
As far as indoor activities go, we’ve written before about the excellent Rainbow Valley Playground, created by Miami-based artists Friends With You. This nice-sized play space offers a cute (and safe!) place for toddler-aged kiddos to get some energy out. There is a 42” maximum height limit, but truth be told, I snuck my kids in a bit longer. Note: You need to wear socks here, so be sure to bring some! You will find Rainbow Vally on the lower level in front of J.C. Penny.
At the mall’s new Little Free Library (find them at the concierge station and Rainbow Valley Playground), you’ll discover dozens of gently used, family-friendly books for all ages to sit and take a breather. Guests are invited to take a new favorite book home as well as donate old favorites to spread the literary love.
Additional activities can be found at the Disney Store and the Lego Store, both of which offer hours of fun shopping/playing as well as monthly events such as building workshops and theme nights. For the ‘bigger’ kids there is an AMC movie theater with a hallway full of video games, which I may or may not have parked my kids at once or twice to get some work done…
Go out to eat
As for eating, the options here were already pretty good, but thanks to the new Treats Food Hall and the expansion wing, they are limitless. For a sit-down meal, you have classics like Cheesecake Factory and Grand Lux Café as well as the more modern/inventive newcomers such as Pubbelly Sushi (the happy hour from 4 to 7pm has excellent kid-friendly options), Serafina (yes, the one from New York City) and Tap 42 (excellent burgers and beer). For faster options, head to the new Treats Food Hall which houses Shake Shack, Figs + Mozzarella (yummy, doughy pizza), Gogo Fresh (empanadas and great salads) and Haagen Dazs; or the expansion wing for Genuine Pizza by James Beard Award winner Michael Schwartz, La Pain Quotidien or CVI.CHE 105.
If you happen to be there on a Sunday, The Aventura Market is filled with farmers and artisans selling an array of fresh products from more than 25 local vendors. Look for fresh breads, exotic fruits and juices, succulents, teas, fresh cut flowers and much more. Find the market on the upper level of the new wing, next to Zara.
View the art
The new slide, interactive fountain and indoor playground count as three pieces of Aventura Mall’s extensive art collection. But the mall also has several beautiful sculptures, paintings and site-specific installations worthy of any art museum. Jorge Pardo’s 96 hanging lamps and Luis Vale’s 80-foot-long mural inspired by Mother Nature, are two of the most popular works to snap a photo of.
Do some shopping
As for the shopping, the easier question would be what is not in the Aventura Mall? You have your go-to department stores like Nordstrom with its great kids’ shoe section (and a super comfy nursing area), as well as kid-friendly chains like H&M, Janie & Jack, Lacoste, Gymboree and Gap. For the whole family, Zara just returned to the mall with a new, two-level megastore. And if any of you moms happen to get an escape from the kids, you’ll find everything from J. Crew and Anthropologie to Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Sephora and Lululemon.
Take part in a special event
Always check the “Happenings” tab on their website before heading out because there’s always something going on at Aventura Mall. Disney Store events, restaurant happy hours, free facials at Clarins and weekend puppy adoptions are just a few of the activities you might come across. The mall also hosts special occasion activities like Mother’s Day brunch and yoga, a bunny petting zoo for Easter, trick or treating and, of course, photos with Santa. Join the Kids Club for special event access, discounts and birthday treats.
Hours & Location
Location: 19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, FL
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-9:30pm; Sunday noon-8pm
