15 Fun Family Friendly Things to Do in South Florida with Kids
Fun-loving families will find paradise in South Florida.
South Florida’s abundant wildlife and pristine beaches make it a fantastic destination for family vacations.
What’s more, it’s stuffed to the gills with fun and informative activities that will stimulate the minds of curious youngsters.
Prepare to have a blast with the kids in South Florida by taking advantage of all the area offers.
- Butterfly World — Coconut Creek
The world’s largest butterfly park can be found here, and it has been open to the public since 1988.
Why Your Family Should Go
Without a doubt, Butterfly World is one of the most enthralling destinations in all of South Florida for families with young children.
Over 20,000 colorful winged creatures call this butterfly house in the Western Hemisphere home.
Furthermore, many beautiful birds make their homes there.
What to Do with Kids
It is wonderfully disoriented in a network of aviaries and gardens housing fifty different butterflies.
Observe lorikeets and hummingbirds in their natural habitat while marveling at the gushing waterfalls at the Tropical Rainforest Aviary.
Recommended Ages
Visitors of all ages, from adults to teenagers to children as young as three, will be blown away by Butterfly World.
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden — Coral Gables
This 83-acre tropical paradise has been awe-inspiring guests since its opening in 1938.
Why Your Family Should Go
Fairchild is one of the most peaceful places in all of Southern Florida, thanks to its abundance of tropical plants and beautiful scenery.
Smart docents make this garden an excellent learning opportunity for kids of all ages.
What to Do with Kids
Visit the garden’s highlights during a 45-minute guided tour provided free of charge.
Then you can stroll through the gardens and see the hummingbird exhibit.
And while you’re there, take in the world’s best collection of palms and cycads.
Recommended Ages
Children over the age of three will enjoy visiting Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
- Lion Country Safari — Loxahatchee
Located on 600 acres in Loxahatchee, Florida, this zoo is unique in that visitors can drive right through to see the animals.
Why Your Family Should Go
If you’re looking for a safari in the state, you won’t find a better one than this one, with over a thousand animals roaming free.
The park has many other fun things for kids, like a splash water playground, mini golf, and water slides.
What to Do with Kids
Large herds of rhinos, trucks, and waterbuck can be seen as you drive through the park’s 5-mile path.
Appreciate the cag-free environment of the giraffes, chimpanzees, and lion prides.
The incredible water features and rides here are also guaranteed to be a hit with your children.
Recommended Ages
The Lion Country Safari in South Florida is a great place to take kids over three.
- Rapids Water Park — West Palm Beach
This water park near I-95 covers 30 acres and has 30 thrilling rides and slides.
Why Your Family Should Go
Fun for all ages can be abundant at South Florida’s largest water park.
You can satisfy your desire for an exciting adventure or a restful vacation at this water park.
What to Do with Kids
Thrill-seeking Family Activities
Why not frighten your heart with a 45-degree drop on Big Thunder?
And if you have kids, take them to Barefoot in Bay so they can play with the interactive sprayers.
Recommended Ages
Anyone of any age, from teenagers to adults, can have a great time at Rapids Water Park.
- Biscayne National Park
Established in 1980, this park’s total area of 173,971 feet squared made it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Why Your Family Should Go
Looking for some family-friendly outdoor activities in South Florida but stumped for ideas?
If you find yourself in South Florida, I highly recommend checking out this park with your loved ones.
With the third largest coral reef in the world, this park is perfect for scuba divers and snorkelers.
What to Do with Kids
In its crystal clear waters, divers and snorkelers can observe a wide variety of exotic fish, such as striped sergeant majors and parrotfish.
Don’t forget to stop by the Dante Fascell Visitor Center and learn something new!
Recommended Ages
The park is well-known for its marine artifacts but offers educational opportunities for kids over 6.
- Everglades Alligator Farm — West Palm Beach
More than 2,000 alligators call this farm near the entrance to Everglades National Park home.
Why Your Family Should Go
Visitors to the Everglades Alligator Farm can observe Florida’s most dangerous reptiles.
The farm also has plenty of activities to keep your entire group occupied.
What to Do with Kids
This farm is hosting a live alligator feeding demonstration, gator show, and exhilarating airboat ride this weekend.
Grandpa, the 14-foot alligator who has become famous around the world, can be found there, so be sure to pay a visit.
Recommended Ages
Visitors to the Everglades Alligator Farm should be at least nine years old.
- South Beach — Miami Beach
This hip part of Miami Beach, known for its vibrant nightlife and fascinating locals, is also surprisingly good for families.
Why Your Family Should Go
Despite its reputation as a hotspot for celebrities and stylish events, South Beach is a fantastic place for families.
In addition, it has some of the most excellent free, family-friendly activities in all of South Florida.
The area between Lincoln Road and 30th Street is perfect for a relaxing getaway and affordable family fun.
What to Do with Kids
Spend time in the sun, ride the waves, and construct sandcastles with your pals in the beautiful turquoise waters.
The best restaurants in the region offer not only excellent cuisine but also a wide selection of tempting dishes to complement your shopping.
Recommended Ages
South Beach is great for groups of people of all ages because there are so many inexpensive activities to enjoy there.
- Miami Children’s Museum — Miami
This non-profit organization on Watson Island will encourage your kids’ natural curiosity and love of learning.
Why Your Family Should Go
The MCM is not like any other museum.
This museum has a wide variety of creative exhibits that will keep your young visitors happy and occupied for quite some time.
They will develop an interest in exploring and learning new things.
In my opinion, it is one of the top activities in South Florida for families with young children.
What to Do with Kids
Don’t keep your young explorers from the museum’s many exciting displays and interactive programs.
Our group particularly enjoys the Miniature World, the Sketch Aquarium, the Music Makers Studio, and the Castle of Dreams.
Recommended Ages
Children under ten will enjoy the Miami Children’s Museum the most.
- Flamingo Gardens — Davie
It was in 1927 that Flamingo Gardens first opened its doors to the public, and it was intended to be a vacation home.
It’s been transformed into a charming zoo on 60 acres.
Why Your Family Should Go
Flamingo Gardens has all the ingredients for a memorable Florida vacation.
There are over 3,000 different kinds of trees and plants to discover in this lush oasis.
And it’s a haven for many species of Florida’s native flora and fauna.
What to Do with Kids
Visit the flamingo exhibit to see these beautiful birds in their native setting.
After that, check out the nearby displays to see dozens of river otters, black bears, and wading birds.
Recommended Ages
Flamingo Gardens is fantastic for anyone over four, including grownups and teenagers.
- Jaxson’s Ice Cream — Dania Beach
Delicious frozen treats have been a part of family life at this Dania Beach institution since 1956.
Why Your Family Should Go
Not even the best ice cream can compare to Jaxson’s.
This vintage eatery has been a mainstay of Florida’s ice cream culture for over half a century.
And I know you’ll love the creative dishes and ample portions.
What to Do with Kids
Enjoy a bowl of one of their 45 ice cream flavors to satisfy your craving for something sweet.
We suggest the banana split, Fuge-ana goblet, and Chocolate-Peanut Gargantuan if you can’t decide.
Recommended Ages
Visitors of all ages will enjoy the flavors available at Jaxson’s Ice Cream.
- Venetian Pool — Coral Gables
This massive pool in Coral Gables was completed in 1924 and was designed by Phineas Past.
Why Your Family Should Go
The Venetian Pool is unlike any other pool in Florida.
It’s the largest freshwater pool in the United States, holding about 820,000 gallons.
If that wasn’t clear, it is on the US National Register of Historic Places.
What to Do with Kids
The shallow children’s pool, measuring just 2 feet in depth, is conveniently located close to the guard shack.
Adults and teenagers can relax in the sun or cool off in the massive waterfall.
Recommended Ages
Teenagers and kids over two will enjoy themselves at the Venetian Pool.
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — Key Largo
In 1963, the first underwater park in the United States opened in this 53,000-acre paradise.
Why Your Family Should Go
The state’s incredible and varied marine and terrestrial wildlife are one of our favorite things about it.
But here’s the kicker:
For kids, this park offers the best of both worlds.
What to Do with Kids
Manatees, sea turtles, reef fish, and brilliantly colored fish can all be seen while snorkeling or swimming in shallow waters.
Children of a more mature age may also go deeper to view the statues.
Also, you and your pals can enjoy the beautiful white sand beach or try out some water sports like kayaking and boating.
Recommended Ages
The park’s attractions are designed for children and teenagers under 18.
- Sun-N-Fun Lagoon — Naples
The million-gallon water park in Collier County is a hit with locals and visitors alike.
Why Your Family Should Go
Having fun at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is a must.
Spend the day at this water park and enjoy four different pools, several different water slides, and a lazy river that is quite a ways long.
This water park also features a splash playground, perfect for your littlest vacation companions.
What to Do with Kids
Try the Sting Ray, the park’s fastest and most thrilling ride, to get your heart racing.
Visit the Family Falls and Sunny’s River if you’re looking for a peaceful place to spend the day.
Meanwhile, both Turtle Cove and Tadpole Pool are great places for kids to have fun.
Recommended Ages
Any child of any age can enjoy Sun-N-Fun Lagoon without worry.
- Dry Tortugas National Park — Key West
In a location only 70 miles from Key West, this park’s 100 square miles promise an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Why Your Family Should Go
Getting to this secluded and one-of-kind haven is an adventure in itself.
After all, you can’t get there without a boat or a seaplane.
The park also features historic fortifications, coral reefs, and wildlife sanctuaries.
What to Do with Kids
Take a tour around the 19th-century fort, and learn more about its Civil War history.
Because of the water’s shallowness, families can spend hours together snorkeling and exploring the reef’s colorful fish and corals.
Recommended Ages
Kids ages four and up will have the adventure of a lifetime in Dry Tortugas National Park.
- Jungle Island — Miami
This eco-adventure park, located in the middle of Miami, underwent a significant renovation and reopening in 2003 to offer more thrilling attractions for children.
Why Your Family Should Go
Fun family activities abound on Jungle Island, making it a top destination in South Florida.
There are also temporary water slides, a variety of animals, and an escape room.
What to Do with Kids
More than a thousand birds, including macaws and parrots, are available for close encounters.
In its 18-acre park, your group can interact with exoteric primates and giant reptiles.
Travel to the small water park for some wet and wild entertainment.
Recommended Ages
No matter how old, every party member will find something to enjoy at Jungle Island.
There are surprises in store for parents taking their infant on the road.
