All Attractions

Jazz at MOCA – Friday, August 27

By Valerie

The popular Jazz at MOCA series presents FREE outdoor concerts on the last Friday of every month. Featuring some of the great jazz players locally and globally, Jazz at MOCA appeals to all audience, young and old.

Whenever we go, we pack a large blanket, a few folding chairs, a nice picnic, some candles and pizza… »

Oleta River State Park

By Valerie

Explore the trails in the lap of nature, cool off in the gentle waves of the shallow calm water, and paddle a canoe through the mangroves into lush lagoons… then around the bend and into Biscayne Bay surround by modern high rises and luxurious yachts.  The Oleta River State Park is a great place for… »

Everglades National Park

By Valerie
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Pack your bug spray and head out to the middle of the largest sub-tropical wilderness in the United States.  The Everglades National Park is sure to guarantee a full day of family fun and adventure.
Kayaking and canoeing are outstanding ways to visit the natural habitats the park has to offer. Paddle through a deep sea… »

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

By Valerie

Even though this park is an hour away from Miami, I had to include it here as it is one of my favorites for young children.  I have to admit that we were a bit disappointed when we first pulled up.  The beach area was small patch of rocks and it was overcrowded.  We immediately… »

Museum of Contemporary Art

By Valerie

An art-collecting museum known for its provocative and innovative exhibitions, and for seeking a fresh approach to examining the art of our times. Offers an active exhibition schedule, presenting eight to ten exhibitions annually along with a variety of public educational programs.
Galleries and MOCA Shop open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.,… »

Metromover

By Valerie

This may be a bit kooky, but I took my children for a free ride on the Metromover and they had a blast!!!
Metromover is a free automated people-mover system that serves downtown Miami from Omni to Brickell and connects with the Metrorail at the Government Center and Brickell stations.  Floating up above the city, it… »

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

By Valerie

To climb the narrow, winding iron steps to the top of an old lighthouse is an adventure for any age.  A visit to South Florida’s oldest structure is definitely a great afternoon getaway.  Sitting on what has been ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the nation, this national park has plenty of… »

Buehler Planetarium

By Valerie

The Beuhler Planetarium is located on the central campus of the Broward Community College in Davie in the middle of a beautiful tropical garden.  The shows are all under $5 but, best of all, they offer free viewing in the observatory 8 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  This is an exciting and educational… »

Culture Shock Miami

By Valerie

For just $5, high school and college students (ages 13-22) can experience these incredible cultural activities with that unique Miami style.  Students can buy tickets for only $5 to the best performances and two for $5 for museums in and around Miami-Dade. The first ticket must be used by a student, but the second ticket… »

Miami Art Museum

By Valerie

The Miami Art Museum is the city’s contemporary art museum. Located in Downtown Miami, the museum emphasizes art from the 20th century to the present. It is a wonderful place to visit for families as it is neither too big nor too small.  If you time your visit right, you may be able to meet… »

Miami Science Museum

By Valerie

Though this museum boasts to be a Smithsonian Institute Affiliate featuring national traveling exhibitions, my family was a bit disappointed.  I will hold my comments here until I give it another chance.  Hopefully, we simply hit it at the wrong time.

Laser shows every first Friday of the month.
Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m
Adults $20, Seniors… »

The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse

By Valerie

My children simply adore anything that has to do with modern art in wide open spaces.  This Museum Warehouse thrilled them with it’s fantastic display of contemporary art.  An impressive collection of intriguing art ranging from photography to sculptures.  Though it is a bit pricey, all students (therefore, meaning children) are free with a valid… »

Wolfson Galleries

By Valerie

Located on the campus of the Miami Dade College, this museum presents examples of contemporary arts by emerging national and international artists. These ever changing exhibits are always exciting and fun.
Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday noon-6 p.m.
Free admission.
Miami Dade College/Wolfson Campus
300 NE 2nd Ave., Suite 1365
Miami, FL 33132
Phone: 305/237-3696
Visit the… »

Wolfsonian Collection- FIU

By Valerie

The Wolfsonian contains artifacts primarily of North America and European origin, dating from 1885-1945.  My children marveled at the posters from past World’s Fairs and were intrigued by the collection of American Industrial Design object.  From phonographs to model trains, this collection brings visitors back in time to the not too distant past.
Open Saturday-Tuesday noon-6… »

Miami Beach Botanical Garden

By Valerie

The serene, quaint and lush tropical gardens is a showcase for orchids, tropical trees, a Japanese garden and a “living wall” vertical landscape.  A hidden gem that allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.  One of my favorite places to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Open Tuesday – Sunday from 9 – 5.
Free… »

Holocaust Memorial

By Valerie

This inspiring and moving memorial is a tribute to the six million Jewish victims of  World War II.  It is well worth the time it takes to study and read the inscriptions on the walls of the tunnel-like passage and contemplate the horror of the period. Also featured is a Memorial Wall with the names… »

Coral Castle

By Valerie

This peculiar “castle” was like a giant playground for my children.  Huge pieces of coral rock are carved into rocking chairs, swinging doors, thrones and fountains.  One of Miami’s most unusual attractions, Coral Castle is an exciting and entertaining place to marvel at a single man’s lifelong quest to create a monument dedicated to his… »

Miami Metrozoo

By Valerie

A jewel in Miami, this enormous, cageless zoo features more than 1,200 animals in open-air exhibits, many of which roam the grounds freely.  A beautiful exhibit with a superb layout.  Due to it’s size, I would suggest renting a bike or taking the monorail as it could easily take four to five hours for a… »

Miami Seaquarium

By Valerie

A seaquarium is always an exciting adventure for children.  However, I have to admit that I think my children enjoyed this visit a bit more than I did.  They have the sea lions and dolphins and even the killer whale.  The crocodiles and sea turtles, manatees and sharks still didn’t compensate for the high price… »

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

By Valerie

Vizcaya is an incredibly amazing chateau in the heart of Miami.  A visit here will make you think that you are personally wandering through the home of royalty in the middle of Europe.  My children loved exploring this castle-like home that is filled with art and furnishings, enormous windows opening up onto the Biscayne Bay,… »

Rubell Family Collection

By Valerie

Located in an enormous warehouse in the heart of the Wynwood District, The Rubell Family Collection boasts to be one of the leading collections of contemporary art in the world.
Open December 3, 2008 – May 30, 2009
Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Second Saturdays 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
General admission is $10, $5 for students and children… »

MOCA at Goldman Warehouse

By Valerie

The Museums of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is an art warehouse space with an impressive display of modern art and scupltures.  My children love coming here as there is always something new to discover and explore.  As big fans of modern art, this museum always leaves my kids with something to talk about.  Situated in the… »

Miami Children’s Museum

By Valerie

A modern facility that is exceptionally clean and well maintained, the Miami Children’s Museum is a great place for kids to explore.  Though the museum seems to be geared for younger children, it is still a wonderful place to escape extreme heat or discover on a rainy day.  I prefer to visit this museum at… »

Gold Coast Railroad Museum

By Valerie

I took my family and my mother to this small “museum”.  Actually, it was more like visiting a train station than a museum.  Parked on the tracks are a variety of trains from different time periods, most of which you can freely climb aboard and explore.  What a delight it was to wander up and… »

Jewish Museum of Florida

By Valerie

The Jewish Museum of Florida is housed in a restored 1936 Art Deco building that features nearly 80 stained glass windows, a copper dome, and many Art Deco features including chandeliers and sconces.  This museum documents the long and rich history of Jews in South Florida.  A… »

Jungle island

By Valerie

An absolutely beautiful and well maintained oasis in the heart of Miami.  With wonderful shows, an abundance of animals and an overall exciting way to spend the day.  My children were able to hold a variety of animals and this was truly the highlight of their day!  A word of warning, try to avoid this… »

Biscayne National Park

By Valerie

Pick up some snorkels and masks and come explore my children’s favorite beach in Miami.  Just standing in knee deep water, you will be able to witness an underwater world swimming around your legs.  Even if you don’t know how to snorkel, or your children are too young, a simple mask will do.  This shallow… »

Bakehouse Art Complex

By Valerie

A wonderful complex in what used to be a bread factory, this enormous 33,000 square foot arts facility has over 50 galleries, alternative spaces, private collections, and museums.  Free to the public, the Bakehouse Art Complex supports local, up-and-coming artists and is truly an asset to the art community of Miami.  My children loved wandering… »

Deering Estate at Cutler

By Valerie

A historic home dating back to 1922.  Though the house is a bit sparse, the gardens and the bay are enjoyable.  My children were excited to see some Manatees swimming out back, and the Mangrove Hammock is truly beautiful.  An relaxing afternoon, yet not much to say about our visit.
Adults $10, children $5.Free for children… »

Wings Over Miami Museum

By Valerie

My children have always loved to visit “airplane” museums and this one did not disappoint them!!  We have visited many throughout the country, and this is far and beyond their favorite.  Loaded with classic and military aircraft as well as modern day planes, a visit here is truly a unique family experience.  The most exciting… »