7 fun things for Christian Parents to do with a toddler in Miami 2019
When my wife and I became parents, it was hard for us to think of Miami as a great place to find family-friendly things to do with our little ones. The common perception about Miami is how it’s so sinful. We have to admit that we were WRONG.
Miami has so much to offer our children. The weather in Miami is similar to the one back home. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors and indoors (for when it’s really hot and humid) with our kids year round, especially during the summertime.
However, many Christian parents we have met, worried about Miami being too much of an adult scene for our kids (us included). True, Miami is known as a “party town" and we need to be careful with what we expose our kids. But, there’re lots of fun places waiting for you this summer. So, get ready to discover Miami in a totally different light.
Whether you choose some activities/places from our following suggestions or decide to do them all, just have fun! Simply remember to be intentional and purposeful with your time together.
Stay at HOME. Really!- The best place for families should always be at home. It doesn’t really matter how big it is, home is the most intimate place; where the bulk of the instructions are learned and lasting memories are made. Plus, it’s a great way to beat the heat during the hot and humid (and often rainy) Miami summer. There are tons of things you can do to have fun indoors: from playing with their toys to singing along to their favorite tunes (this is what most days look like at my home). SNEAK PEAK: We're currently finishing up our first product called Little Fish: Bible Activity Plans. Get a FREE preview lesson and craft by signing up to the club. We guarantee it’ll make a memorable summer!
Zoo Miami- This is one of my family’s favorite places to go with or without kids in Miami, hands down. Going to the zoo is always a good time to tell or retell them about God’s Creation and Noah’s Ark stories. According to their website, “Zoo Miami today occupies almost 750 acres and is home to more than 3,000 animals representing over 500 different species. Of this population, more than 40 species are classified as endangered. The zoo also houses more than 1,000 species of trees, palms and other plants, and over 100 special exhibits showcasing a broad number of species and scientific topics.” Sure, it’ll be a long and hot day but they do rent family size “Safari Cycles” that provide shade. If that’s still too physical, another option would be to ride the air-conditioned monorail for an extra $5/per person, which is a small price to pay for the comfort and accessibility you may be looking for when hanging out at the Zoo with your children during a hot summer day. However you want to do it, you will find it to be a fun and exciting day! NOTE: Currently, they’re offering a SUMMER SAVINGS PASS unlimited entry to Zoo Miami, Miami Seaquarium, Lion Country Safari and The Museum of Discovery and Science for $60 (adults) and $50 (ages kids 3-12), and (spoiler alert) some of these are part of our upcoming suggestions anyway.
Miami Children’s Museum- This museum is another cool (pun intended) option to beat the heat and have fun. They have interactive experiences for kids all ages. According to their website: “Since its inception, Miami Children’s Museum has provided an inclusive environment where all children are welcome to play, learn, imagine, create and explore through hands-on interaction with the exhibits, activities, and performances. In addition to being an early childhood education expert, the Museum has long been recognized as a leader in South Florida for providing programming for children with special needs.” FREEBIE ALERT: Free entrance once a month: If you want to check it out but are on a tight budget, then don’t fret. The museum is free every third Friday of the month from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Be prepared, it gets really crowded but is a great way to check it out for free.
Jungle Island- Can you tell we love animals! And, you know who also love animals? KIDS! Jungle Island is a cool eco-adventure park that provides an unexpected contrast with the urban setting that surrounds it in Downtown Miami. Be prepared to encounter lovable lemurs, colorful parrots, and extremely curious orangutans (my daughter's faves). They offer so many experiences, from camps to shows, that I encourage you to take a look at their website for more information.
Pinecrest Gardens- I know, a garden can sound like a tough sell for a list of fun things to do with toddlers, but hear us out because this is no ordinary garden. What many kids enjoy the most, besides running around, is petting animals. Well, Pinecrest Gardens has just that… ie. a petting zoo. According to the website, the petting zoo (farm animals) is open daily at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. for 30 minutes.” Admission to the petting zoo is free with paid park admission!. Then, you can let the kids cool down in the water playground for children ages 2-12, which is also included with the paid park admission.
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science- Another head scratcher you might think, but kids love science too when it’s presented interactively. With a combination of an aquarium, a planetarium and a science museum there’s plenty to do for every member of the family. Things toddlers enjoy are the planetarium with jawdropping immersive imagery, the aquarium where they’ll have the opportunity of petting the stingrays, a sensory-filled, interactive journey called The River of Grass with “an outdoor hands-on area, and a hi-tech, indoor virtual Everglades where charming animal characters frolic and interact, expressing a fun storyline of biodiversity.”. Make sure to visit and tell us how it goes. DO NOT miss the interactive dance floor that lights up as you step on it before you leave. We think that science is really a means of learning more about God and his Creation.
Hopefully, you’ll have plenty of photo ops (God and kiddos willing).
Do you have other suggestions? Let us know what you’re doing this summer with your toddler.