Miami
Miami can hit like a rocket. And in a good way. Between the bustle of buzzing South Beach and its world-renound Art Deco district, the endless family-run eateries of Little Havana, the luxury family hotels of Miami Beach and the historic hideaways of Coral Gables, this heartbeat of Florida makes for a fabulous, family vacation getaway. So whether it’s shopping and eating you’re after, or golf, tennis and finishing, major league sporting events or a quiet family getaway in a stunning resort, Miami is not to be missed. The clash of cultures, the colour that envelopes the city and the atmosphere rivals anywhere the world over. (And lest we forget to mention the weather).
Mandarin Oriental Miami
A fabulous Mandarin Oriental offering on the man-made island of Brickell Key with a private beach, fabulous food and an exceptional, luxurious spa with panoramic views.
Miami is an adrenalin-kick from the second you step off the plane, so having a tranquil space to lay your head at the end of the day (without sacrificing a central and oh-so fabulous location) is a wonderful bonus; the city's Mandarin Oriental hotel offers just that. On the edge of mad-made island, Brickell Key at...
Baby-friendly / Family-friendly Spa / Pre-Teen friendly / See this Hotel & Book »
The Setai, Miami Beach
The new suites at The Setai, Miami Beach promise family-friendly luxury, oceanfront happiness and multiple swimming pools for kids to play the day away.
The Setai, Miami Beach was voted “Best Hotel in Miami” by readers of Condé Nast Traveler in November 2013 and with very good reason. Between the achingly cool Art Deco strip along South Beach, the eclectic mix of fabulous restaurants in Little Havana and the endless miles of sandy beaches that wrap around the...
Baby-friendly / Family-friendly Spa / Pre-Teen friendly / See this Hotel & Book »
The James Royal Palm
A 1939 South Beach stunner that recently reopened after a massive 21st century renovation, The James Royal Palm has, what must be, the largest family-sized suites in the area, the Lil' James kids' club, and even a sun concierge on hand.
Another Art Deco gem on Miami’s glistening South Beach, The James Royal Palm is an immaculate 1939 oceanfront property that recently reopened after a mega 21st century renovation. The results are astonishing: rooms feel like homes-from-home with seaside aqua and taupe colourways throughout, the hotel boasts a...
Baby-friendly / Family-friendly Spa / Pre-Teen friendly / See this Hotel & Book »
The Ritz Carlton South Beach
Located in a sensational 1950's South Beach original, The Ritz Carlton offers oceanfront views, a beachside kids' club and a spa to rival all spas. And all under a bright Florida sun.
Located smack on sexy South Beach, The Ritz Carlton South Beach transports one back to the heady days of 1950's Miami and offers lashings of family-friendly amenities for guests of all ages. Located in what was the 1953 built, Morris Lapidus-designed South Beach Miami Hotel, The Ritz Carlton, South Beach is nestled on...
Baby-friendly / Family-friendly Spa / Pre-Teen friendly / See this Hotel & Book »
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Fontainebleau Miami beach is an oasis for families with cabana-style accommodation and a tonne of activities
Fontainebleau Miami Beach is kiddie heaven. The oceanfront poolscape alone boasts a free-form main pool, a secluded oasis pool, multiple smaller dipping pools, 30 luxury cabanas and an interactive children’s waterscape. The private cabanas come with personalized butler service and pretty much every amenity...
Baby-friendly / Family-friendly Spa / Pre-Teen friendly / See this Hotel & Book »Essencia Restaurant
The Palms Hotel & Spa, 3025 Collins Avenue
Located within The Palms Hotel & Spa, Essencia is all about farm-to-table food philosophies and features an organic garden that can be toured. Parents can enjoy duck sliders and fresh mussels, while the (relatively healthy) kids’ menu has some wonderful options, such as grilled fresh fish. All children’s dishes come with two sides, such as quinoa, yam fried or fresh fruit. Those watching their waistlines can enjoy a low calorie spa menu, though the brunch is immensely popular, especially with families which, given the nutritious menus and stunning setting, is no surprise at all.
Tongue & Cheek
431 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach
Claiming to serve “ingredient-driven American fare,” Tongue & Cheek’s owner and chef Jamie DeRosa has tried-and-tested all the children’s menu items on his own daughter. Served with crayons to occupy little ones, there are delectable classics like mini burgers and grilled cheese for bigger kids, or vegetable purees and fresh fruit for babies. The adult menu is mouthwatering: trout, braised beef and even grouper cheeks can be found. The restaurant has started hosting kid-friendly events such as their “Little Monsters Halloween Bash” with a special children’s menu, pumpkin-carving and a balloon artist for entertainment.
Tongue and Cheek Photo Credit David Durbak
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill
See website for location details
With Miami locations that include Kendall, Miami Beach, Midtown Miami and North Miami Beach, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill offers up fast and casual, fabulous Mexican fare that is anything but your typical fast food. All the expected classics are there and served perfectly: guacamole, homemade salsa, fajitas and so on, but the “Lil’ Jumpin’ Beans” children’s menu is noteworthy. The kiddie-sized burritos, quesadillas and tacos are fresh, homemade and all come in at under $5 a pop.
Peacock Garden Café
2889 Macfarlane Road, Coconut Grove
In the heart of Coconut Grove sits a lush tropical garden and the gorgeous, very child-friendly restaurant that is Peacock Garden Café. The menu offers everything from salads to seafood casseroles and has kiddie classics such as Macaroni Cheese (regular or deluxe versions feature so this is a hit with parents, too). The real pull here for families is the location and setting, however, and you can enjoy eating outdoors, even on very hot days, because it is partially covered.
Miami Metrozoo
Miami Metrozoo is one of America’s first “free range” zoos so animals are cageless across the property. The Miami climate allows the zoo to keep species from around the world that wouldn’t be able to survive in many other parts of America so it truly is a one-off. The Sambura Giraffe Feeding Station is particularly popular as it allows children the chance to climb up and meet the animal’s eye-to-eye and even feed them. Zootroupia is their latest offering: a collaboration with the Miami Performing Arts Center, performers can be seen across the zoo on certain dates (see website for more info).
Miami's Beaches
There are many Miami beaches to choose from, from Virginia Key Beach (near the Miami Seaquarium) to sensational South Beach, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park (home ot the Cape Florida lighthouse) to Haulover Beach (though the latter has a nude section which, though clearly marked, won’t appeal to all parents with children). Halouver Beach is a hotspot for suffers, however, so if you’ve young board-lovers this should be checked out (there is a section of the beach that requires clothing so fear not).
Everglades National Park
And if your children are fascinated by the local inhabitants on land, The Everglades National Park is ideal with older children. A two hour tram tour starts at the Shark Valley Visitor Centre or there is the Bobcat Boardwalk Trail, which is a short stroll that children can enjoy, too. (Just remember to pack the mosquito repellant and suncream!)
Miami's Children's Museum
Miami Children’s Museum is a perfect place to spend a day if you’re in the city at a particularly hot time of year and little ones need to come out the sun. Or if you get really unlucky and it’s pouring with rain, of course. There are lots of traveling exhibitions that take place, though the permenant, and very popular ones, include a supermarket, a television studio and The Castle of Dreams.
Biscayne National Park
If you have children that can swim, Biscayne National Park mustn’t be missed. An 181,500 acre of underwater wonderland, you can enjoy Miami’s underwater spectacles with glass-bottomed boat tours, snorkeling and scuba diving exhibitions, fishing trips and even canoeing.
Miami Science Museum & Space Transit Planetarium
Miami Science Museum & Space Transit Planetarium is an indoor planetarium with loads of hands-on exhibits that children will love, coupled with an outdoor animal park. Several shows are planned daily inside the planetarium itself, while the adjacent outdoor wildlife area showcases birds of prey, reptiles and snakes.
About
You can travel with children to Miami safe in the knowledge that the city houses Miami Children’s Hospital, a leader in American paediatric care (+1 305-666-6511). In an emergency of any kind dial 911 and, as with visits to any North American city, do make sure you have adequate travel insurance.
When to go
Miami is fabulous at any time of year, though its “high season” is considered to run from January to April. As the rest of America cools down for the winter, the tourists flock south to Miami so be prepared for crowds if you travel at that time and do book ahead. The traditional summer months mean very high temperatures so it’s not ideal if you are travelling with very tiny babies then, but you really can’t go at a bad time, unless you get unlucky during hurricane season which runs from early June to late November.
Currency
American Dollar
Language
English and Spanish