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Article by Susan Johnston

While Miami is perhaps best known for its thriving nightlife scene and port linking the United States to Central and South America, it’s also a great vacation destination for families. Sunny weather and lots of indoor and outdoor activities await tourists of all ages. Here are some suggested stops for your next family trip to Miami.

1. Everglades Alligator Farm is South Florida’s oldest alligator farm, established in 1985 when state government voted to allow the commercial farming of alligators. Though it was originally conceived as an airboat ride, this farm is now full of activities for families. Perhaps most popular are the alligator shows, where visitors learn about its life, habitat, and more. Spectators may even get to hold a baby alligator at the end of the show!

2. Jungle Island is home to 1,100 tropical birds and 2,000 species of plants and flowers. The park’s newest attraction is called The Hippo, a 168-foot, 4-story high beachfront water slide. Other diversions at this outdoor animal park include three animal shows: Wild Encounters, featuring tigers, chimpanzees and orangutans; Winged Wonders, showcasing cockatoos, talking parrots, and more; Reptile Giants, starring some of the world’s most dangerous and poisonous snakes.

3. The Gold Coast Railroad Museum takes visitors back in time to the golden era of trains. Some of the early pieces in the collection include a private railroad car built for President Franklin Roosevelt and the Florida East Coast Railway locomotive number 153, the engine that pulled the rescue train out of Marathon, Florida, after the 1935 hurricane. Kids will enjoy Thomas the Tank Engine tables for interactive activities.

4. Miami Children’s Museum features two floors filled with interactive activities covering the arts, culture, community, and communication. Kids can explore a two-story sandcastle, shop for pretend produce in a supermarket, and try out being a news anchor in a kid-friendly television studio.

5. Monkey Jungle houses more than 400 primates, which run free in its 30-acre South Florida jungle habitat. This is one of the few protected habitats for endangered primates in the United States and the only one that the general public can explore. Almost 30 different species of primates live on the reserve, including gibbons, guenons, spider monkeys, colobus, and the nearly extinct Golden Lion Tamarin, a native of Brazil.

6. Miami Seaquarium’s 38 acres of land are home to dozens of tropical birds, reptiles, and other animals. Overlooking beautiful Biscayne Bay, the Seaquarium presents several different shows and presentations to help visitors learn about these fascinating sea creatures.

7. Miami MetroZoo showcases more than 1,300 animals representing over 400 species spread over 300 acres. Special exhibits include the largest Asian aviary in the United States. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife shows, tram tours, feeding demonstrations, and more.

8. A cruise along Biscayne Bay is the perfect way to see Miami’s coastline, including the downtown skyline, the Port of Miami, Fisher Island, Miami Beach and “Millionaire’s Row.” The Queen Island Cruise lasts only ninety minutes so Mom and Dad can enjoy the views before their little sailors get antsy!

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