Written by: Featured Staycation

Adventures Await: A Family-Friendly Staycation Guide to Miami and the Florida Keys

One thing is certain: We live where others vacation. That’s why South Florida is an idyllic location for families looking for a fun-filled staycation.

The Wynwood Walls

From thrilling adventures in the wild and watersports galore to relaxing beach days and educational museum visits, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy. In this Staycation Guide, we have compiled a list to help you plan the ultimate weekend getaway or weeklong trip filled with endless enchantment and memories to last a lifetime.

Action-Packed Adventures

For the thrill seekers, Treetop Trekking Miami is a must-visit. The park features zip lines and aerial obstacle courses set high in the trees, offering an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Over 60 challenging elements — including Tarzan swings, balance beams and zip lines — let you experience a new perspective while being immersed in nature. The discovery courses are suitable for kids age 5 and up, while the explorer and thrill-seeker treks are best suited for kids age 9 and up.

For another exciting adventure, head to the Everglades to experience the wild and wonderful side of South Florida. This unique ecosystem is home to many animals, including alligators, manatees, turtles and birds. An airboat tour will take you on a thrilling ride through the marshlands, offering an up-close view of the wildlife. It’s an excellent opportunity for families to learn about Florida’s natural habitats while having fun.

Culture Crawl

Miami is also known for its arts, history and culture; so families can explore a multitude of world-class museums and unique landmarks.

Built in 1914, the Renaissance-inspired Vizcaya Museum & Gardens features captivating gardens and extravagant architecture that rivals what you’d see in Europe. The estate features more than 70 rooms, including 15th-century treasures inside 34 of them, and 10 acres of stunning formal gardens for picture-perfect opportunities. Meanwhile, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a state-of-the-art facility featuring interactive exhibits, planetarium shows and an aquarium guaranteeing a fun experience for the whole family.

Head to HistoryMiami Museum to learn more about Miami’s rich history and diverse communities. This cultural institution features a robust assortment of temporary and permanent exhibitions highlighting how the city has evolved. If you prefer to be fully immersed in the culture, head to Little Havana, a vibrant neighborhood that celebrates Cuban culture through its music, food and arts. Last but certainly not least, pay a visit to Wynwood Walls to experience this outdoor art gallery showcasing colorful murals, graffiti and street art from artists all around the world.

The Countryside

For families looking to experience the great outdoors and farm life, Robert Is Here, The Berry Farm and Tinez Farms are excellent options. They offer a variety of activities such as fruit picking, petting zoos, hayrides and seasonal events. Robert Is Here is known for its rare exotic fruit, milkshakes, smoothies and homemade jams. The Berry Farm is a family-owned farm that offers strawberry and sunflower picking, hayrides and plenty of obstacle courses, playgrounds and outdoor space for kids to play. Tinez Farms is an organic farm featuring a variety of fresh produce, a tubing slide and a barnyard where the whole family can meet and interact with the animals.

The National Hotel

Summer Promos

National Exclusive:

  • 10% Off 1-2 Night Stay (best available rate)
  • Promo Code: WEB10

Summer State of Mind:

  • 15% Off 3-4 Night Stay (best available rate)
  • 2 Drink Tickets per Stay
  • Promo Code: WEB15
  • Valid for Stay May 2023–October 2023

Take Me Where Summer Never Ends:

  • 20% Off 5+ Night Stay (best available rate)
  • 2 Drink Tickets per Stay
  • Welcome Amenity
  • Breakfast for 2 per Day
  • Promo Code: WEB20
  • Valid for Stay May 2023–October 2023

Bed and Breakfast:

  • Receive Complimentary Breakfast for 2 with Your Upcoming Stay

Sun, Sand and Sea

For the ultimate couples’ getaway, look no further than the iconic, adults-only National Hotel in Miami Beach. Built in 1939, this Art Deco landmark has been completely revamped. The hotel’s food and beverage offerings include its Spanish restaurant, Mareva 1939, and the newly opened Martini Bar. Check out the sidebar on page 32 for details on The National Hotel’s summer deals.

If you’re looking for a place to swim and relax as a family, head to Key Biscayne. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and Crandon Park are both great options if you prefer less crowds and a more serene environment than the more popular South Beach. Bill Baggs features the historic lighthouse with stunning ocean views, while Crandon Park boasts a picturesque nature trail and a playground.

The Florida Keys offers another idyllic spot for a staycation, especially if you enjoy a bevy of watersports. Families can go swimming, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing, parasailing and stand-up paddleboarding. Whether you book an activity on your own, opt for a guided tour or charter a boat, there’s something for everyone in this nearby paradise.

Sea Life Encounters

The Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters in Marathon is ideal for animal lovers. The aquarium offers various interactive experiences such as petting and feeding nurse sharks and stingrays, coral reef encounters and snorkeling. The Turtle Hospital, also in Marathon, is a nonprofit organization that rescues and rehabilitates injured sea turtles. Families can take a guided tour and learn about the rehabilitation process, and at the end, guests are invited to feed the permanent residents. The Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key is another nonprofit organization that offers dolphin education and encounters, including swimming with and feeding the dolphins.

Finally, a stop at Robbie’s of Islamorada is a must for families who want to experience feeding the tarpons. These large, silvery fish gather around the docks at Robbie’s, waiting to be fed. It’s an exciting and unique experience for all ages. Robbie’s also offers various watersports and activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding, making it a one-stop shop for all types of water adventures.

This is just a taste of the wide array of family-friendly activities on offer throughout Miami and the Keys. So, get ready for an unforgettable staycation that caters to everyone’s interests!

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Tags: , Last modified: May 22, 2023