Miami with Kids: Zoo, Science and Wildlife

October 18, 2026

Families in Miami have a strong run of indoor and outdoor attractions: a large zoo, a science museum with an aquarium, a children’s museum, a primate park and a botanical garden. All prices below are in US dollars and are the published tiers, so check the official page before you go, because many are date-priced.

Frost Science

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (1101 Biscayne Blvd) has a 500,000-gallon Gulf Stream aquarium that you see through a 31-foot oculus, plus a planetarium. The Explorer Ticket covers exhibits, the aquarium and one planetarium show, from $29.95 for adults and $24.95 for ages 4 to 11, depending on the date. Children 3 and under are free. It is open every day of the year, and garage parking is $18. Metromover is free, and Museum Park station is within walking distance, so you can skip the garage. Prices are on the Frost Science planning page .

Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami (12400 SW 152nd St) covers about 750 acres and has more than 2,000 animals. Admission is $30 for adults and $26 for ages 3 to 12, tax included, and children 2 and under are free. Parking is free. It is open daily 10 am to 5 pm with last ticket at 4 pm. Outside food and drink are not allowed, and smoking and vaping are banned. Bring water and a hat, as the grounds are large. See the Zoo Miami FAQ .

Miami Children’s Museum

On Watson Island (980 MacArthur Causeway), the museum is $26, or $20 with a Florida ID. It is open daily 10 am to 6 pm, and children under 12 months are free. Buy online. See the Miami Children’s Museum tickets page .

Monkey Jungle

Monkey Jungle (14805 SW 216th St, Miami, FL 33170) is open 365 days a year. Admission is $25 for adults and $15 for ages 3 to 9, plus tax, and children under 3 are free. Parking is free. The ticket office closes at 3 pm or 4 pm depending on the day, so arrive by early afternoon. Show times are posted at the park. See the Monkey Jungle rates page .

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Fairchild (10901 Old Cutler Rd) has the Wings of the Tropics butterfly and hummingbird exhibit. Weekday online tickets are $24.95 for adults and $11.95 for ages 3 to 11, and weekends cost more. It is open daily 10 am to 5 pm, and parking is free. See the Fairchild hours and admission page .

Jungle Island

Jungle Island on Watson Island has parrots and play areas. General admission is shown at a discount, $29.95 for adults and $22.95 for ages 3 to 9. Voters approved a redevelopment of the site in November 2024, with no confirmed closing date, so check that it is open before you go. See the Jungle Island admission page .

Venetian Pool

The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables is $23 for ages 13 and up and $18 for ages 3 to 12. Children must be at least 3 years old and 38 inches tall, and age is checked. Ticket sales stop when the pool reaches capacity, so go early. It is closed Mondays.

Beaches with children

Miami Beach, Haulover and Crandon Park are guarded, and you should swim only near a lifeguard tower. Check the flag first: green means low hazard, yellow medium (weak swimmers stay out), red high hazard and double red means the water is closed. If a rip current takes a swimmer, tell them to swim parallel to shore and then angle back. Haulover Beach has a clothing-optional section in its northern third, between towers 12 and 16, so families should set up in the southern two-thirds.

Miami Seaquarium closed on 12 October 2025 and no longer admits visitors.

Weather

Hurricane season runs 1 June to 30 November. Summers are hot and humid. Keep outdoor stops for the morning and use the museums as a midday break.

For family tours with transport included, try a search such as Miami family tours on Viator .