South Florida can be a paradise for those of us lucky enough to live here. Find the top Family Fun with the 2020 South Florida Family Favorites Awards as your guide. Here you’ll find the places that parents voted as best in Miami-Dade County.
Published: July 7, 2020
Family Fun
Favorite Beach
Miami Beach
Miami Beach, known for its lively nightlife and lavish style, also has many family-friendly features that do not go unnoticed. The area is famous for its art deco architecture, with more than 800 architecturally protected buildings, swanky style and pristine beaches. You can find sprawling paths to rollerblade or bicycle on, and at Lummus Park, a beachfront location along Ocean Drive, there are volleyball sand courts and two sets of playgrounds for the kids. Bike rental stations along a paved beach path allow users to rent in one spot and return at any rack along the way. If you venture off the white sandy shoreline, nearby entertainment includes a number of kid-friendly museums, restaurants, ice cream shops and more.
Favorite Place To Splash Or Swim
Venetian Pool
People travel from around the world to dip their toes into the waters of this unique gem in Coral Gables. Fortunately for us, it is in our backyard. Created in 1923 from a coral rock quarry, the aesthetic 820,000-gallon spring water-fed pool is filled from an underground aquifer. During the spring and summer seasons, the pool is filled and drained daily, with naturally filtered water. Adding to its beauty, the pool also features two historic lookout towers with a city view, waterfalls and a cave-like grotto. Children must be a minimum of 3 years old and 38 inches tall to enter. 2701 de Soto Blvd., Coral Gables, 305-460-5306
Favorite South Florida Museum
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Once you step foot into this museum, the adventure begins — with exploration ranging from the ocean and the Everglades to human cells and outer space. The 250,00-square-foot waterfront Museum Park features a three-level aquarium that allows guests a glimpse inside the waters of South Florida; the Frost Planetarium, a cutting-edge planetarium that gives viewers almost a 360-degree view of shows, programs and laser lights; and gallery activities including a Mirror Maze, and MeLab, where you can explore the ways your mind and body work together. 1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-434-9600
Favorite South Florida Attraction
Zoo Miami
Not only is Zoo Miami the largest zoo in Florida, and fifth largest in the world, but it is also the only sub-tropical zoo in the continental United States. This allows us to visit and view a broad species of animals that come from Asia, Australia, Africa and the Americas in lush, open-air exhibits that replicate their natural homes. Some of what you will see includes the African Lion, giant anteater, meerkat, warthog and serval. Through October 4th, visitors can also see some prehistoric creatures of the animated type. The Dinosaurs Live! exhibit, featuring more than 20 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs throughout the park, adds an outdoor Jurassic adventure to the experience. 12400 SW 152 St., Miami, 305-251-0400
Favorite Family Event
Miami Book Fair
A highly anticipated event for bookworms and beyond, the Miami Book Fair draws hundreds of authors and thousands of readers to Downtown Miami every November. Packed with guest authors, book signings, workshops and a popular Street Fair with a Children’s Alley of activities, the Book Fair is a mainstay in Miami, now in its 37th year. Last year, a free Speak Up poetry workshop gave teens a chance to work with experienced artists and performers, and a Teen Press Conference allowed high school students an opportunity to act as journalists by interviewing nominees for the National Book Award in Young People’s Literature. There’s a lot to do for mom and dad too, with writing workshops, author presentations and more. The Miami Book Fair takes place at Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus in Downtown Miami
Favorite Resort Or Hotel
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort
Those looking for a staycation, look no further. The Turnberry Resort makes you feel like you are on a far-off getaway, minus the airfare. One of the resort’s popular features with families is Tidal Cove Waterpark, featuring seven water slides, a 4,000-square-foot kids pool, an aquatic play structure, and a FlowRider Triple simulated surfing experience. There is also the Turnberry Kids club with supervised arts and crafts, sports and custom fitness classes for kids 4-12, to allow the grownups some alone time at the spa, golfing, or lounging in the lazy river. 19999 W. Country Club Dr., Aventura, http://www.marriott.com or
Favorite Park Or Playground
Oleta River State Park
Just 30-minutes from Downtown Miami is this natural oasis of hardwood hammocks and mangroves sprawling over 1,000 acres with 15 miles of scenic off-road biking trails, kayak and canoe rentals, a fishing pier and swimming. Situated on the calm waters of Biscayne Bay, it’s a great retreat too, for those looking to simply pack a picnic and unwind. If you are seeking a spot to go “glamping,” this Florida State Park has that, too. With 14 quaint cabins complete with covered porches, beds and air conditioning, it’s a great compromise between tent camping and a hotel stay. 3400 NE 163 St., North Miami Beach, 305-919-1846
http://www.floridastateparks.org
Favorite Local Adventure
Knaus Berry Farm
For a taste of some old-fashioned fun, families flock to the farm to pluck juicy red berries fresh from the earth. In season, Knaus offers a strawberry and tomato U-pick experience. The family-run business started in 1956 with a small roadside stand. Today, the farm is open to the public November through mid-April, and also sells an assortment of homemade goods, including cinnamon rolls, honey and jams and jellies. 15980 SW 248 St., Homestead, 305-247-0668