Miami Travel Guide for Families

There are plenty of Miami, Florida attractions for the traveler with children in tow. Taking the family to this locale is not cheap, at least if you want the kids to experience a lot of the fun parks and excursions. Which are the must-see venues of the area?

Things to do in Miami for Kids

Make it a point to visit Jungle Island. Find this attraction off the I-395, a little ways out from Miami's downtown area. Visitors over the age of 11 pay $32.95 (plus tax) while kids over two but younger than 11 only pay $24.95 (plus tax). A mix between zoological park and interactive adventure, kids love the hands-on exhibits and shows.

Another great family vacation destination is the Miami Seaquarium. Spread over 38 acres of landscape are numerous marine life exhibits, learning centers and displays. Spending a day here is not cheap; children between three and nine pay $28.95, while all others must pay $38.95. Add to this the seven percent Florida sales tax and $8 for parking, and you know that the outing should be the highlight of the vacation.

Where to Eat

Choose the Red Fish Grill for dinner. This is an upscale restaurant with great outside seating. Be prepared to spend between $30 and $40 a plate on this dinner. Located at the Matheson Hammock Marina, the view of the locale is amazing. This is a great option for older kids who like to be treated like adults.

If the family's taste buds are looking for something a little more Cuban, opt for La Carreta . Operating numerous locations, the Calle Ocho is the quintessential family-style eatery. The generous hours and big portions make it a favorite for parents with picky eaters.

Saving Money on Accommodations

With Miami, Florida attractions demanding the entry fees that they do, consider a chain hotel that offers the basic amenities including a pool. The latter is great for the kids to blow off some steam or just spend time away from the room (with proper adult supervision, of course).

Mentally add a 12.5 percent room tax to any quoted price. Also keep your eyes peeled for some hotels' proclivity to add another 15 percent "service charge." While taxes cannot be avoided, services charges can be negotiated at booking -- or prevented by choosing one locale over the other. Rely on the major hotel booking sites to disclose these fees.

Of course, it is possible to avoid these types of expenses altogether by going tent-camping at Biscayne National Park. For only $15 a night, you can bring up to six people to Elliott and also Boca Chita Keys. The weather is gorgeous, and I have found that kids love the adventure of digging in sand, exploring fauna and flora and also "roughing it" in a tent.

Establishment Information

Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 400-7000
Open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 6 p.m. on weekends

Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-5705
Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Red Fish Grill
9610 Old Cutler Road
Miami, FL 33156
(305) 668-8788
Closed on Mondays, open Tuesday to Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

La Carreta
3632 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33135
(305) 444-7501
Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Biscayne National Park
9700 SW 328 Street
Homestead, FL 33033
(305) 230-1144
The Convoy Point Visitors Center is open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.