Things to do with Kids in South Florida
South Florida is a year-round destination of national parks, beaches, road trips and distinct cultures. Featuring almost always dependable warm weather, South Florida is a favorite winter and spring destination for folks of all ages. We’re sharing our discoveries of things to do with kids in South Florida.
Florida! I was recently told by a Floridian friend that South Florida isn’t the same as the rest of the state, and I accept that after our recent visit. It’s a unique space, blending so many cultures and landscapes. From the urban sprawl of Miami to the complete wilderness of the Everglades to the island vibe of the Keys; from Native Tribal villages to vast Cuban influneces to Old Florida, it’s a real feast of options, which might be my very favorite thing about it.
Caroline and I have somehow begun a tradition of meeting up with our kids who share common birthdays around the time that particular set of children turn ten. Take a look back at our trip to London with our oldest children to see how it all began. This year, we met up with three ten-year-olds in tow to discover what South Florida has to offer.
Getting to South Florida:
Flying into Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale are great options, although Miami will put you a little closer to the action of South Florida. We love to use Kayak to scout out the best flight deals. It’s easy to check for the cheapest and best timing across airlines this way.
**This post contains affiliate links. We earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This allows us to keep providing free travel resources.**
Where to Stay in South Florida:
Where to stay is always greatly influenced by your family’s interests and preferences, so go with what appeals to you. For us, there were three main options:
- Miami – stay in the city to access museums, art deco architecture and amazing Cuban restaurants – there’s maybe the least that would interest my kids in this option, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good one
- Within Everglades National Park – choose this option to feel truly immersed in the park; we found some great options on VRBO that would allow us to jump into different areas of the park with ease
- Upper Florida Keys (what we chose) – if you want more of the Keys, the upper section provides easy access to the South Florida parks with brief glimpses of what the Lower Keys will offer when you make your way down. Aim for Key Largo if you want to be within an hour drive to the National Parks.
We always prefer looking for a great VRBO when we travel with kids. It makes it so easy to relax in the evenings and, we think, provides a deeper connection to the place you’re calling home for the week.
You will definitely need a car to make the things on this list happen. You can also use Kayak to compare rental cars for your group size. We booked through Alamo and their online check-in option made the pick up process so easy.
7 Things to do with Kids in South Florida
Ride the bike trails in Everglades National Park
We knew we wanted to explore the Everglades, but holy moly that’s a lot of land / swamp and there are so many ways to experience this National Park. Our 10-year-olds love to bike and we honestly had the most perfect weather for biking, so we hopped on the 15-mile loop at Shark Valley. Definitely rent bikes ahead of time, as they can sell out for the day if you’re not planning to get there right at 8:30am.
The ride is a bit of a haul, but incredibly flat. If your kid is a good rider, you’ll be fine, but it might be a bit tough for children under 6 or so. If the bikes aren’t your thing, you can also get around the trail on a tram tour that runs fairly frequently.
The 64 degree day probably leads to a lot of bias, as we kept talking about how miserable this flat, dark road would be in 90+ degree heat, but we loved every bit of this ride. I’m not sure how much wildlife you’re guessing you’d see on a bike ride in the Everglades, but our crew kept track and we saw exactly 126 alligators, 54 heron, 2 butterflies, 1 river otter, 1 crocodile & 1 Burmese python (help).
Quick Tip:
At whichever National Park you visit first, you’ll want to stop in to pick up a Junior Ranger workbook for your kids. This book combines activities for all three South Florida National Parks – Biscayne, Everglades and Big Cypress National Preserve. After completing a few pages of the book, your child will be able to take the Junior Ranger pledge and pick up a special badge for that specific park. If they complete all three parks, they can collect a special patch. If nothing else, it’s a great way for them to really engage with the preservation efforts and wildlife of each park.
Explore the water world of Biscayne National Park
Biscayne is mostly water, so to really take advantage of the park, you’ll want to book a boat or kayak trip at your earliest convenience. They are often likely to sell out, so make sure to see to this before your trip. Boat trips will take you out into the bay and allow you to explore the off shore islands.
Quick Tip:
If you’re traveling with younger kids, take note that kayaking requires one adult to one child. This excluded us from being able to try out the guided tour, but I would love to do this another time.
Dante Fascell Visitor Center
From here you can start your Junior Ranger program, get information and book trips that aren’t sold out. There’s also a short jetty walk that leaves from the visitor center and offers a small glimpse into the bay. We were lucky to spot several manatees from here – this was our crew’s first sighting, so it was special for all of us.
Discover South Florida’s numerous cultures
Try out one of the many Cuban bakeries to be found in South Florida – that Cuban colada is not to be missed! Explore the Miccosukee Indian Village, checking out the tribal crafts on display and maybe booking an airboat ride. Take in any number of Miami sports – preferably the Heat because I think they’ve got the coolest merch. Try any and all of the best Key Lime pies you can find – a South Florida staple. Stroll the beautiful southern-style homes of Key West in the evening, spotting those gorgeous palm tree-laden courtyards and breathing in that Conch Republic air. The options are simply so many.
Road trip the Florida Keys
Miami to the Florida Keys is a quintessential American road trip. It’s a fascinating look as the dense hammocks and wetlands give way to the much more Caribbean-like lower Keys.
Islamorada is where it all opens up, so my advice is to at least make it that far. Stop at Robbie’s Marina for the best kind of Keys tourist trap. Stop again in Marathon and do some walking on the Old Seven Mile Bridge. You’ll be getting those teal water and bridge views for the next couple of hours if you make it all the way to Key West, which I love and highly recommend. It’s a unique American town that you won’t find anywhere else.
There are many stops to make along the way, from state parks to fun restaurants to old bridges to wildlife sanctuaries (the National Key Deer Refuge!). To really make the most of it, you’ll want at least a couple of nights in one of the lower Keys.
Play in the Florida State Parks
The constant theme of this list is clearly time outside, and why wouldn’t it be? There is such a wealth of outdoor options, so take advantage of those beautiful days and be outside as much as possible. Florida has a number of state parks in the southern part of the state. While smaller than their National Park cousins, these parks offer a fascinating look at more localized environments. Walk short hiking trails through hammocks, play at beaches, book snorkeling trips or learn about local wildlife from park staff.
Another perk – these parks are affordable. Our group of five cost $10.50 at each park.
Bahia Honda State Park
The Keys aren’t known for their white sand beaches, however, that’s exactly what you’ll find here. Sandspur Beach is small, but honestly lovely. Explore the old railway bridge for a piece of Keys history.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Famous for its diving and snorkeling sites, John Pennekamp in Key Largo is a short drive from South Florida. You can book snorkeling trips, glass bottom boat tours, kayak the mangroves, or walk short nature trails through the hammocks.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Located all the way down in Key West and featuring a civil war-era fort as the backdrop, you’ll find ample space for picnics and beach relaxing. There are restroom and snack bar facilities on site, setting you up for a glorious beach day at maybe the best beach Key West has to offer.
This list of things to do in South Florida will keep you and your kids busy for a full week, which is what I would plan to give to the area. Of course, you’ll want to leave time for relaxing at the pool, or the ocean, or cruising around on beach cruiser bikes – whatever it is that brings you the best Florida vibes.
Looking for more specific Florida Keys inspiration? Read our post dedicated to the Lower Florida Keys.
Love National Parks? Check out some of our favorite National Park spaces to explore with kids…
The Best of Acadia National Park
Things to do in Shenandoah Valley, VA
