Miami is for Families

Miami is a fantastic family destination for many reasons, offering a wide range of attractions and experiences for all ages. Whether you want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty or engage in cultural activities and explore museums, I can assist in tailoring your trip to be as laid-back or as active as your family prefers.

• Jungle Island: A zoo and botanical park located on Watson Island between downtown Miami and South Beach, Jungle Island features interactive shows, zip-lining and animal encounters. A main attraction is a collection of parrots, macaws and other tropical birds, many of which can perform tricks and interact with visitors.

• Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, originally constructed in 1914 as the summer residence of businessman James Deering, is now a historic site and a tranquil destination for children to discover. The property features a grand mansion and stunning gardens, offering families an opportunity to explore art and history amidst a picturesque backdrop. The gardens are not open every day, I can assist you with arrangements to ensure full access.

• Tidal Cove Waterpark Tidal Cove is attached to JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, however day passes are also available. Rent a private cabana for the day and spend your day making a splash! They have water slides for all ages and a lazy river for the less adventurous.

• Miami Seaquarium: This marine park offers dolphin and sea lion shows, along with the opportunity to observe marine animals up close. It's an excellent way to educate kids about ocean life. Home to dolphins, sea lions and other marine creatures, the park features family-friendly exhibits and performances, providing an enjoyable experience for children.

• Zoo Miami: Rent a Safari Cycle in advance and pedal the whole family around the 750 acre open air zoo, home to over 2000 animals and 750 plant species. As the only tropical zoo in the U.S., Zoo Miami showcases several species from around the world that thrive in a year round warm, humid climate, especially known for the immersive Everglades region.

Day trips

• The Florida Keys: A day trip from Miami to the Florida Keys is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the region's unique beauty, tropical atmosphere and diverse activities. The scenic drive along U.S. Highway 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, offers breathtaking views of the ocean and numerous small islands. Depending on your time, you can reach Key Largo in 1 to 1.5 hours or venture further to Key West in about 3.5 hours. No matter your destination, the Keys are renowned for their seafood. Be sure to stop at a local restaurant to enjoy specialties like conch fritters, Key lime pie and fresh fish.

• Florida National Parks: For families checking off National Parks Visits, from Miami you can daytrip to Biscayne National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park.

• Biscayne National Park is where kids may enjoy snorkeling in the bay or coral reefs, poking along the rocky shoreline near the park's visitor center and canoeing through mangrove forests. There are great visitor center exhibits and a touch table to help kids learn about the park's watery world.

• Big Cypress National Preserve Kayak, hike or participate in a Ranger-led Boardwalk Talk to learn about the freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp. This location has also been designated an International Dark Sky Site giving tent campers a view of the sky that is unlike most on the East coast. Not into tent camping? Check the calendar for a monthly astronomer program for constellation tours and telescope viewing.

• Everglades National Park, also a World Heritage Site is home to wildlife like alligators, American crocodiles, manatee, birds and unique ecosystems. Here you can go on airboat rides, take a hike or take a ride through one of the five biking trails through the park.

If you ask my six-year-old daughter for destination advice, she will emphatically say Miami and then clarify, it is for the food! Here are some of our favorite spots;

• Jaguar: Located in the family friendly neighborhood of Coconut Grove, Jaguar mixes Latin and American cuisines into chef-inspired dishes spanning from ceviches to tacos to burgers. A fun atmosphere with outdoor seating options and a menu that will reach all of your picky eaters.

• The Drexel: Located in Miami Beach, serves tuna carpaccio, mussels, wood fired pizza and home made pastas. What is not to like? If you are traveling with extended family, they will curate a group menu for groups of 13+ for family style meals.

• Artisan Beach House at The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour: Offers amazing water views along with the legendary service of Ritz-Carlton Ladies and Gentlemen. Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine while the kids watch the boats coming through Haulover Inlet and the plentiful iguanas crawling on the balcony ledges (behind the glass railings!)

• Taquiza For a casual late lunch, visit this taqueria for their signature blue masa chips, traditional street tacos and a refreshing michelada.