Suggestion for family activities in Miami

[jkust]

Hi all, I'm heading to Miami this week for business and taking the family (wife and two boys ages 6 and 9). Were thinking of going on an everglade ride, hitting Miami Beach and maybe the big Sea Aquarium. Anybody have any other suggestions? We've got limited time that I won't be working so have to pack it all in in two days. We are staying at the Doral Golf Resort.

Thanks

 

[aspeck]

Re: Suggestion for family activities in Miami

Can't help you with Miami specifically because it has been so long since I have been there ... most of the Fl trips center around Ft Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, or Orlando. But you and the kids will probably really enjoy an airboat ride through the 'Glades. I don't like the big "cattle boat" airboats, personally ... the ones that hold up to 30 people. The smaller ones are much more fun and you can get into places the larger ones would NEVER dream of! A real educational/fun experience and there are lots of places in the 'Glades to visit that are enjoyable.

There is so much to do in the area ... it really depends on what you and your family like to do. Head boats can be fun if they aren't too crowded. And sometimes you can even catch some really nice fish on them.

So, what do you guys like to do???? Have fun while you are working there!

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Suggestion for family activities in Miami

South beach really is not much of a family destination. I would seek beaches that are more family friendly unless you don't mind the occasional topless woman or old raisin with a banana hammock.

You can also rent jetskis which is a lot of fun..

 

[captmello]

Re: Suggestion for family activities in Miami

South beach really is not much of a family destination. I would seek beaches that are more family friendly unless you don't mind the occasional topless woman or old raisin with a banana hammock.

You can also rent jetskis which is a lot of fun..

+1

spent some time down there 15 years ago, and I don't think its changed much. Not for the Family ...

 

[kei9th]

Re: Suggestion for family activities in Miami

monkey jungle, parrot island, butterfly world, a brandsmart for looking at huge flat screen tvs, billies big swamp safari, i would do the one hour swamp buggy its really fun. we got the hard rock in Hollywood. Miami seaquarium, is a ok place to go but for the the money to go into, you only get about four hours and you have seen all the shows and all the attractions, i think you would be disappointed. if you can get the swap shop during the weekend it is a 88 acre flee market that is full of treasures. all 88 acres of the swap shop are full during the winter. it is awesome. flamingo gardens is ok. the miami zoo is huge it takes all day so get there early, it is a good price and a really awesome time. i take my family maybe 2 or 3 times a year it is totally worth the money and everything there is spectacular. i would do the zoo over the seaquarium and i think most people that live down here would agree. the zoo costs half as much and is 10 times more betterer.

 

[eaglejim]

Re: Suggestion for family activities in Miami

I was born and raised down there South Beach is not for the young ones eyes,Biscayne Bay plenty of swimming and the Miami Sea Aquarium is there also and last time I was down there (3 years ago) still some pretty good eats

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: Suggestion for family activities in Miami

Good opportunity to teach the kid's spanish.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Suggestion for family activities in Miami

Pennekamp was fun with the glass bottom boat ride and the swamp walk. That is not far into the Keys.

 

[eavega]

Re: Suggestion for family activities in Miami

If you are heading into the Everglades, Shark Valley is a great destination. there is a wood-deck hiking trail that is good for either foot or bike traffic. Just remember to bring your mosquito repellent. Pennekamp is a fun day. Take the snorkel boat out or the glass-bottom boat out. You can even rent small motorboats at the park. I tend to avoid South Beach with kids, its really a more adult crowd. The beach up around 42nd Street (Near the Eden Roc Hotel) and north of there are good for families.

The BEST Cuban restaurant in all of Miami is a place called Versalles on SW 8 st and 35th ave. This is that place that locals like to come eat at, and you will see lawyers having power lunches right next to old guys in their Guayabera shirts arguing politics.

I haven't set foot in the Miami Seaquarium in years, and have heard that the attractions there are somewhat dated and not really worth the money. the MetroZoo is a much better value in my opinion.

Good luck, be prepared for some of the worst drivers in the US. Last time I was there (Thanksgiving. I still have family that lives in Miami and I am there several times a year) I saw multiple accidents every time I went out on the roads.

-E

 

[sasto]

Re: Suggestion for family activities in Miami

A trip thru the Everglades National Park is what I do. Plenty of hiking trails, or just a ride thru. Not many places left like the Everglades. Beware, mosquito repellent may not help, they are big and immune, depends on weather conditions. It has been dry there so you may be safe. Air boat ride as suggested is a wonderful expierence. Good luck and have fun, the weather should be nice for you.

 

[imoutnumbered]

Re: Suggestion for family activities in Miami

If you are at all compassionate towards those in public service, the police museum would be of interest. They had some cool stuff in there when I visited back in the 90s, including everything from electric chairs to memorials for officers and other memorabilia. Only a couple hours' worth of time, but a very comprehensive display. Looking at it quickly online, it appears to be a totally new building but still a vast array of related items.

 

[nikon]

Re: Suggestion for family activities in Miami

http://www.boomersparks.com/site/dania/

It's in lauderdale, but I remember my dad taking me there when I was a kid, used to be called grand-prix race-o-rama...really not that far from miami, and for two boys I can't think of anything better to do, totally worth the 30min drive....go-karts galore, video games, I think that location has a wooden roller coaster....Miami is fun if your single, really not for kids.