Exploring Miami with Kids: A Canadian Family's Winter Escape

Winter in Canada sends many of us searching for sunshine and adventure. For our family, and seemingly many others from the Great White North, Florida emerges as the beacon of escape during those chilly months. A brief, three-hour flight bridges the gap between the cold Canadian winds and the warm, welcoming embrace of Miami—a city vibrant with activities for families to enjoy.

Upon landing in this sun-drenched paradise, we opted for a cozy Airbnb stay, coupled with a rental car for convenient navigation.

Here’s a snapshot of the memorable experiences Miami offered us and can offer you too.

Things to Do in Miami, Florida with Kids

Miami Beach Area: A Day in the Sun

Our exploration began at the iconic Miami Beach. With its sandy stretches, lively boardwalk, and proximity to inviting cafés and restaurants, it’s a perfect setting for a family day under the sun. As throngs of people enliven the scene with walks and bike rides, the area radiates a truly joyous vacation vibe.

Tip: Simplify your beach trip by using Google Maps to directly find and head to a parking lot. For a whimsical touch to your exploration, consider renting a city bike—options with child seats are readily available, ensuring the little ones aren’t left out of the fun.

Things to Do in Miami, Florida with Kids- Miami Beach Area

The Everglades: A Glimpse into Wilderness

No visit to Miami with kids is complete without venturing into the Everglades. This sprawling state park presents nature in its most raw form, with the allure of alligators being a major drawcard.

Everglades was our main attraction when visiting Miami with kids. It is a was state park with lots of nature to see, but the main attraction is the many alligators you could see in the area. Entry to the park is $35 for a car and you can use the ticket up to six days. If you plan your trip wisely, you can enjoy a few days at the park.

Tip: All activities require a full day, so plan to tackle them on separate occasions for a full experience. It will also start from a different Park entry, so don’t try to do two options at the same day.

There are a few options to explore Everglades park

1. Shark Valley Tram Tours: Ideal for an introductory exploration of the valley, offering close encounters with its inhabitants. Booking in advance is essential.

2. Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center: A gateway to informative exhibits and easy boardwalk trails ideally suited for families.
If you choose to enter from this point, there is a visitor center with lots of information about the park and a few trails starting from this point over by 15 minutes drive into the park. You will see a lot of alligators in the three trails. The walk is very easy for families ,all boardwalks and accessible for strollers.

3. Airboat Adventure: Encounter the wilderness up-close on an airboat, complete with a show and safari tour. There a few places offers the same attraction from exactly the same area. We visit the Everglade’s Safari park and our boat ticket also included entry to the park.
Tip: Tip-the boat is super loud and you will get an air plug to use. For young kids it’s still very loud and I would recommend to bring noise cancellation headset.

Things to Do in Miami, Florida with Kids- Everglades

Wynwood Walls: Where Art Breathes

In the heart of midtown Miami, Wynwood Walls offers an explosion of street art. This open-air museum lets the creativity flow, not just through the eyes but by allowing visitors, including kids, to express themselves with spray paint.

Things to Do in Miami, Florida with Kids- Wynwood Walls

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Just a stone’s throw from downtown Miami, Bill Baggs State park at Key Biscayne marries history with natural beauty—an $8 car entry fee opens doors to sun-drenched beaches, quaint trail hikes, and a lighthouse (note: under renovation as of December 2024). Though bike rentals are on the pricey side, they offer a unique way to tour the park.

From the lively streets of Wynwood to the natural beats of the Everglades and everything in between, Miami presents a vivid palette of adventures suitable for families. Whether it’s soaking up the vibrant city life or wandering through the silent whispers of nature, Miami ensures memories that your family will cherish for years to come.