There's far more to do in Miami with children than go to the beach. At the top of any kid's list, Parrot Jungle Island offers free-flying entertainment and lots of hands-on stuff -- you can hand-feed the birds, let parrots perch on your shoulders, and even stroke a tarantula. Across the MacArthur Causeway from Parrot Jungle Island is the Miami Children's Museum, which offers a range of interactive exhibits for curious young ones. In addition to seeing the usual and unusual suspects at the Miami Seaquarium, families can now lswim with dolphins. (But you must be willing to spend a fair amount of money for the privilege.) The landmark Venetian Pool in Coral Gables is as much fun as it is historic. Aptly named, with secret caves and stone bridges, it has probably the most aesthetically pleasing wading pool you'll ever see. At Miami Metrozoo, one of the largest cageless zoos in the country, younger kids can be steered to PAWS (the children's petting zoo). It's a pretty big place though, and shade is at a premium, so little ones might get tired. Not to worry; just hop on the monorail or try the tram tour. An airboat ride at the Everglades Alligator Farm is sure to please young and old alike. You'll zip and spin across the shallow grassy water, and the reptile shows are a big hit with children, too.

Top Reasons to Go to Miami

Deco-licious Delights

You can't miss them: the curvy zigzag forms, square towers, vibrant colors, stunning wall murals, glass block, sunburst and sea motifs and flora flourishes of Miami Beach's art-deco gems. Miami has the largest concentration of 1920s and 1930s resort architecture in the world. Today, the Art Deco District -- the country's first 20th century district on the National Register of Historic Places, has more than 800 buildings of significance. Upkeep is not uniform; the exteriors of some of these buildings have only been primed and painted and some of the interiors haven't been touched since Sinatra and the boys visited in the '30s. Still, there are some real gems and it'd be a shame if you didn't dust off some of that sugar-white beach sand, put on your walking sandals, and take a stroll down Deco lane.

Glitz, Glitter & Glam

By day, supermodels preen in the surf and sand, the fashionistas and glitterati cruise the boulevard in shiny Harleys and top-down convertibles, while the common folk stroll and gawk. By night, the SoBe crowd, believing that too much of a good thing is wonderful, has raised hedonistic, celeb-studded clubbing to an art form.

Who can resist Cuban salsa, Jamaican reggae, and Dominican merengue, with some disco and hip hop thrown in for good measure? When this place throws a party, hips shake, fingers snap, bodies touch. It's no wonder many clubs are still rocking at 5 AM

Cultural Pursuits

The Miami art, design, and culture scene is nearly as hot as its summer days. The spanking new Carnival Center for the Performing Arts, home to the Florida Grand Opera, Miami City Ballet, and the Concert Association of Florida, hopes to become the place for the performing arts in southern Florida. Already, the Center has lured a slew of talented musicians and world-music artists, acclaimed Broadway actors, superstar conductors, and a few Tony-award winners to its stages. If you like to gallery hop and shop, don't miss the MDD, aka Miami Design District. Also, contemporary art lovers are flocking to the up-and-coming Wynwood Art District to browse the cluster of galleries -- some owned and visited by serious international art collectors-and new artist studios. The art world descends on Miami each December for the long-touted Art Basel show. Patterned after the world-renowned Art Basel event in Switzerland, the Miami version draws more than 200 leading art dealers, exhibiting the 20th and 21st century works of some 1,500 artists.

Ethnic Enclaves

Wander into some Miami neighborhoods and you'll think you've left the country. Huge influxes of Cuban, Haitian, Bahamian, African-American, South American, Dominican, and Puerto Rican immigrants makes Miami one of the most ethnically-diverse cities in America. Two neighborhoods not to miss: Little Havana and Little Haiti. Stroll the streets of Little Havana, just west of Downtown, where Spanish and salsa tunes blare and the smell of spicy chorizo fills the air. Little Haiti near the Design District on NE 2nd Avenue between 38th and 42nd Streets is home to more than 30,000 Haitians. Shop for traditional Haitian arts and crafts and browse the colorful fruit and flower markets for a little slice of Caribbean in the U.S.

Sprawling on the Beach

Whether you're in the mood to build sandcastles with small fry or sun yourself in tiny trunks or a string bikini (or less), Greater Miami has the perfect strip of sand for you. A free-to-all, 300-foot-wide beach with several distinct sections extends for 10 mi from the foot of Miami Beach north to Haulover Beach Park. Almost every side street in Miami Beach dead-ends at the ocean. Sandy shores also stretch along the southern side of the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne, where you'll find more popular beaches. Whether the priority is showing off a toned body, jumping on a jet ski, or relaxing in a tranquil natural environment, there's a beach tailor-made to please.

When to Go to Miami

Miami and Miami Beach are year-round destinations, although most visitors come in October through April. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions are busy then, and special events and the performing arts take center stage -- so be prepared for in-season rates and low availability. Summer is a good time for budget-minded visitors; many hotels lower their rates considerably, and even nice restaurants may offer discounts (check newspapers). If you're traveling to other Florida destinations, you may also want to consider the fall and late spring, when many rates are as good as in summer -- and rates plummet in the Keys and Orlando.

Climate

Miamians brag about South Florida winters -- dry, clear blue skies, temperatures in the 60s and low 70s, and humidity-free, good-hair days. Even better, there's little difference between winter, late fall, and early spring. Good thing, since Greater Miami is often hot and humid in the summer, though temperatures rarely reach the high 90s. Along the coast ocean breezes make summer quite bearable, and afternoon thunderstorms disappear as quickly as they come. Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and ends on November 30. Severe storms can interrupt public services. In the rare instance of a hurricane, Miami-Dade County may order evacuation of storm-surge areas. Most hotels have emergency plans to assist tourists, although if availability is scarce at inland hotels, you may find yourself at a shelter. If before you leave, you're advised South Florida is under a hurricane watch, consider postponing your plans.

Great Miami Itineraries

Miami in 5 Days

In a city with as many indoor intrigues and outdoor oases as Miami, you risk seeing half of everything or all of nothing. So use the itineraries below to keep you on track as you explore both the famous sights and those off the beaten path.

Day 1: Relax & Rejuvenate, South Beach-Style

Recover from a nerve-jangling travel day with a little beach time. Grab a good book, find a strand of sand that calls your name, and catch some rays on South Beach. Later, shake the sand out of your suit and stretch your legs on a guided or self-guided tour of the Art Deco District, letting the candy-colored hotels get you properly jazzed for a return trip later in the evening. Peeking at those dinner menus will entice you back to one of the hotels on Collins Avenue for dinner -- maybe Blue Door at the Delano, Nemo's, or Nobu (Be sure to reserve in advance for Miami's top tables). Worried that you don't have the proper duds for South Beach (or just want an excuse to go shopping)? Hit Collins Avenue between 6th and 8th streets, or the shops along Lincoln Road Mall, before you head to dinner. The South Beach crowd eats late anyway.

Day 2: Villa Vizcaya & Little Havana

Start the day with a tour of luscious Villa Vizcaya in Coconut Grove, followed by an outdoor lunch-with-a-view at our local favorite, Scotty's Landing. Head north to Little Havana to soak up the rich tapestry of Miami's Cuban culture. Check out the scene at Máximo Gomez Park (known locally as Domino Park), visit a cigar factory, browse a botanica (a spiritual kind of drugstore selling statues of saints, herbal preparations, candles, and other Afro-Cuban religious items), and buy fresh fruit from a sidewalk vendor. Sample arroz con pollo (chicken and yellow rice) at a Cuban restaurant, or refuel with a quick cafecito, a potent local espresso. If it's the last Friday of the month, head over to 8th Street and 15th Avenue for Cultural Fridays, a nighttime, arts-flavored block party. Follow the beat to a salsa club or other live-music venue, and party 'til somebody says, "Geez, how did it get so late?"

Day 3: Outdoor Fun on Key Biscayne

On Day 3, sleep late and then get your beach gear together for a trip to Key Biscayne. (Stop at a deli for a take-out lunch before you go.) Just before the William T. Powell Bridge, pull off to take windsurfing lessons or just enjoy the tranquility of this laid-back slice of Miami. Keep driving, and you'll hit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Pick your pleasure here: You can rent a bike or a kayak, or sign up for a deep-sea sport-fishing charter at Crandon Marina. Another enticing option: A sunset sail so you can see the famed "Moon over Miami" and feel the gentle Gulf breezes on your sun-kissed cheeks. (We'd skip the cheesy gambling cruises; too full of frenzied tourists trying too hard to have a good time.) If you've still got energy to burn, hit a nightspot or two in South Beach, Coconut Grove, or Coral Gables.

Day 4: Coral Gables Highlights

Head over to Coral Gables to take in the eye-popping display of 1920s Mediterranean-revival architecture in the neighborhoods surrounding the city center. (Coolest place to stop for a drink: the Biltmore Hotel, a local landmark.) Follow the arch of banyan trees to the Miracle Mile, a pleasant mix of shops and galleries that's worth a peek if you're into shopping. Next, head to the Venetian Pool, a municipal pool sculpted from a rock quarry to resemble an Italian village. (File it under "quirky but cool" and definitely a must-see.) Grab a bite in town, and spend the heat of the afternoon in the verdant oasis of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Head back to your hotel via Coconut Grove. As night falls, the village starts jumping, especially around mall magnets like CocoWalk and the Streets of Mayfair.

Day 5: Explore Downtown

If you haven't seen it yet, take in the chilling 40-foot Holocaust Memorial, set behind the Miami Beach Convention Center. Then, head east to the Bass Museum of Art, a Mayan-inspired temple filled with European art. Keep the artsy theme going with a visit to the Miami Art Museum (MAM), where the focus is on contemporary works. Head to up-and-coming Brickell Village for lunch; it's a relaxed area with shops and restaurants between the Miami River and Downtown. Come evening, take in a performance at the new Carnival Center for the Performing Arts. Shut out of theater tickets? No worries -- the bayfront should still be going strong. Join the throng over at Bayside Marketplace or the nightspots at the dazzling high-tech AmericanAirlines Arena.

Miami in 2 Days

If 24 hours is your time limit for seeing the sights, head first to South Beach. Soothing pastel architecture, a soft sandy beach, and the sights and sounds of Ocean Drive will put you in a tropical frame of mind. Nearby Lincoln Road offers galleries, cafés, colorful shops, and more people-watching. When the sun sets, unwind with cocktails under the stars at the SkyBar at the Shore Club or the ever-trendy Delano. If late-night fun is part of the plan, options include a South Beach nightclub crawl or a sunset sail from Downtown's Bayside Marketplace. Next day head for Parrot Jungle Island (great for kids) or Fairchild Tropical Garden (great for nature lovers), or wander around the shady streets of Coconut Grove (something for everyone). For dinner, go gourmet at one of Coral Gables' many upscale eateries or grab a fish sandwich at Monty's in the Grove or Scotty's Landing -- both popular waterfront hangouts.

Included Miami Attractions
Go Miami Card offers you Included general admission to any of the Miami attractions below. You can go to as many Miami attractions as you like, once per day on your card. Some attractions have special instructions for redeeming your Go Miami Card which you will find in your guidebook. Orlando & Central Florida Attractions
• BONUS: Key West Tour, Car Rental or
Bar Hop Shuttle Tours & Cruises
• Outdoor Attractions
• Museums

Tours & Cruises

Miami Duck Tours History, character, sites, stories, and more — tour Miami’s inner harbor and waterfront and see the city like no one else can.

Gator Park Airboat Tours At Gator Park you'll see all sorts of wildlife – such as alligators, turtles, snakes, fish and exotic birds – as you take a famous Airboat Ride deep into the Everglades National Park.

Island Queen Cruises On this leisurely sightseeing cruise, you’ll experience much of what Miami and Miami Beach have to offer by water.

Island Queen Cruises - Bayside Blaster Thrill seekers, race through Biscayne Bay to the celebrity-filled islands of Miami Beach known as “Millionaire’s Row.”

Miami Nice Tours Miami Nice features a variety of tours that allow visitors to experience the many facets of Miami.

Palm Beach Princess Cruise The Palm Beach Princess delivers style, activities, amenities and winning excitement on its 5-hour long lunch or dinner cruises.

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Outdoor Attractions

Miami Seaquarium Visit the only place where you’ll see the graceful beauty of four Pacific white sided dolphins combined with the awesome power of a three ton killer whale.

Jungle Island Take a walk on the wild side as you encounter thousands of animals and plant species. Also enjoy shows and exhibits featuring tigers, orangutans, reptiles, talking parrots and other wildlife.

Miami MetroZoo Explore the animals and plants of the world at Miami’s state of the art animal kingdom.

Deering Estate at Cutler A truly unique park in South Florida, the grand Deering Estate at Cutler provides breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and transports you to a different era.

Miami Beach Bicycle Center What better way to see beautiful South Beach than on a bicycle? See the sites as the natives do – on two wheels.

Coral Castle One tiny man, obsessed with his love for a young woman, labored for over 25 years to build a coral rock monument to her, which is the Coral Castle.

Schnebly Redland's Winery Visit the Southernmost winery in the United States. With a unique harmony of South Florida’s tropical fruit and old world sophistication.

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station Pelican Harbor Seabird Station is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned wild birds in and around Miami's Biscayne Bay.

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Museums

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens This extraordinary European-inspired estate includes a house filled with art and furnishings, ten acres of gardens on Biscayne Bay, a hardwood hammock (native forest), and an historic village.

Miami Science Museum The Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium hosts first-class exhibitions that educate and entertain people of all ages in topics ranging from the environment, sciences and cultural heritage.

Bass Museum of Art The Bass Museum has the most encyclopedic art collection in the region. The permanent collection includes more than 3,000 works of art.

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens One of the premier historical homes in South Florida, the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a stunning testament to an elegant and romantic era.

Gold Coast Railroad Museum The Gold Coast Railroad Museum is known for preserving and exhibiting, operational historic railroad equipment.

Historical Museum of Southern Florida The Historical Museum is dedicated to telling the story of South Florida and the Caribbean. To this end, it hosts a permanent gallery and a special gallery with several changing exhibitions each year.

Lowe Art Museum With 5,000 years of art, the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami reaches out to the community through diverse, multi- cultural exhibitions.

Miami Art Museum The Miami Art Museum brings international art to life through world-class exhibitions, programs and collections.

Miami Children’s Museum The Miami Children’s Museum attracts kids of all ages as they explore two vast floors of interactive, educational exhibits.

Wings over Miami The Wings Over Miami Museum displays and flies military and classic aircraft to share the history of flight.

Wolfsonian Museum - FIU Located in Miami Beach, The Wolfsonian is a museum and research center that explores the persuasive power of art and design in the modern world.

Jewish Museum of Florida Jewish Museum of Florida on South Beach offers diverse art and history for diverse people. It is housed in a restored Orthodox synagogue.

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Orlando & Central Florida Attractions

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Just 45 minutes from Orlando is NASA’s launch headquarters — the only place on Earth where you can tour launch areas, meet an Astronaut, see giant rockets, train in spaceflight simulators, and even view a launch.

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, Winter Haven Excitement abounds with 39 rides, including 5 roller coasters, the world’s tallest spinning rapids ride and the refreshing fun of Splash Island Water Park (seasonal).

&&& Splash Island Waterpark features the 60 ft almost vertical Voodoo Plunge, the 395 ft Tonga Tubes ride, Kowabunga Bay Wave Pool ride, the 1000 ft long Paradise River and the unique Polynesian Adventure.

Included with free admission to Cypress Gardens. *Only seasonal attraction.

Gatorland Known internationally as the Alligator Capital of the World, Gatorland is a 110-acre alligator theme park and wildlife preserve.

Daytona 500 Experience, Daytona Beach DAYTONA USA is the Official Attraction of NASCAR at Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience and DAYTONA 500: The Movie.

Fun Spot Action Park Four unique elevated concrete go-kart tracks, six family and thrill rides including a 100 foot high Revolver Ferris wheel plus 7 rides for the little ones.

WonderWorks Orlando’s only upside down attraction, WonderWorks is an amusement park for the mind.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® Orlando Odditorium It’s weird! It’s wacky! It’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not! The amazing 8,900-square-foot Odditorium looks like it’s falling into a Florida sinkhole.

Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf At Orlando’s newest adventure style miniature golf course is a lush Hawaiian oasis.

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