Fun Things to Do in South Florida with School-Aged Kids

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South Florida is not just Miami. It includes Miami, the Everglades, and the Florida Keys, and works best when experienced together rather than as a single destination.

This region is ideal for families looking for beaches, wildlife, and boat trips, and it naturally lends itself to a road trip. Many families combine these stops into a wider route such as a 5 day Everglades, Florida Keys and Miami itinerary for families or a longer 2-Week Florida Family Itinerary: Everglades, Florida Keys and Theme Parks.

What are fun things to do in South Florida with kids?

Visit Miami

Miami offers a mix of beach time, light sightseeing, and water-based activities that work well with school-aged children.

• Miami Beach — easy access, soft sand, and warm water

• Bike rides along the beachfront path — safe and flat, ideal for families

• Boat tours — including trips to Raccoon Island. We did this and really enjoyed raccoon hunting, swimming stops with floats, and views of the Miami skyline. See Raccoon Island Miami with Kids: Is It Really Worth It

• Wynwood Walls — colourful street art that older children tend to enjoy

• Pool and beach time — essential to balance sightseeing

• Interactive museums like Museum of Ice Cream or Frost Science Museum

• Animal encounters at Miami Zoo or Jungle Island

We stayed just outside Miami in the Hallandale Beach area, which offered a more affordable and practical base with plenty of family-friendly options nearby. See Hampton Inn Hallandale Beach Aventura Review: A Convenient Miami Stop for Families for details.

For a full breakdown of whether Miami fits your trip, see Miami with Kids: Worth Adding or Skip It?.

Everglades National Park or Big Cypress Nature Preserve

The Everglades is one of the most unique parts of South Florida and offers a completely different experience from the coast.

• Airboat rides — fast, noisy, and one of the most memorable activities. See Everglades Airboat Tours: Are They Safe for Kids

• Alligators — we didn’t have to look hard; there were so many

• Shark Valley tram — easy way to explore with kids

• Anhinga Trail or boardwalk trails — depending on which area you visit

• Boardwalks — great for wildlife spotting with minimal effort

For a full activity breakdown, see Things to Do in the Everglades National Park with School-Aged Kids.

For international visitors, cost is an important factor. Since January 2026, there is a $100 fee per non-US adult entering the Everglades National Park, which can quickly add up for families. Because of this, it’s worth comparing alternatives that offer similar wildlife and boardwalk experiences without the same entry cost. See Big Cyprus Vs The Everglades National Park: Which is better with kids? to decide which works best for your trip.

Florida Keys Road Trip

The Florida Keys are best experienced as part of a road trip rather than a single destination.

• Driving the Overseas Highway is a highlight in itself. We completed a one-day road trip from Key Largo to Key West — see Driving the Overseas Highway with Kids: Key Largo to Key West

• Key Largo — snorkelling and our base location. For a more in depth review of our beach front accommodation see Kawama Yacht Club Key Largo Review: Beachfront Family Accommodation in the Florida Keys

• Islamorada — stop at Robbie’s to feed the tarpon

• Marathon — central location with wildlife attractions

• Key West — southernmost point, shops, food, and popular spots for kids like the Aquarium, Ship Wreck museum or riding the Key West tram

Snorkelling is one of the standout activities here — see Snorkelling tours in the Florida Keys – are they worth it with kids? for what to expect.

For a full activity breakdown, see Things to Do in the Florida Keys with School-Aged Kid and Are the Florida Keys Worth Visiting with Kids?.

Wildlife and Animal Experiences

South Florida is particularly strong for wildlife experiences, which work well with school-aged children.

• Turtle Hospital (Marathon) — rescue and rehabilitation centre

• Dolphin Research Center — close-up dolphin encounters

• Everglades wildlife — alligators, birds, and unique ecosystems

• Key deer — small native deer found in the Lower Keys

• Racoon Island - off the coast of Miami

• Jungle Island in Miami

• Miami Zoo

• Dolphin boat tours in the keys

These experiences provide a more educational and interactive alternative to theme parks.

Beaches in South Florida

South Florida offers a variety of beaches, each with a slightly different feel:

• Miami Beach — lively and accessible

• Fort Lauderdale Beach — clean and family-friendly

• Hollywood Beach — relaxed with a promenade

• Hallandale Beach — quieter and convenient if staying nearby

• Bahia Honda (Keys) — one of the best natural beaches in the Keys

• Sombrero Beach (Marathon) — calm and good for families

While the Florida Keys are not known for large sandy beaches, there are still plenty of options for swimming and relaxing.

Final Tips for Visiting South Florida with Kids

• You will need a car — public transport is limited

• Distances are longer than they appear on a map

• Traffic in Miami can be significant — avoid peak times

• Plan rest days, especially with younger children

• Mix city time with beach days and wildlife experiences for balance

Final Verdict – Is South Florida Good for School-Aged Kids?

Yes, especially for children who enjoy animals, beaches, and boat trips. Works best as part of a Florida road trip, not as a single base location. Offers a strong balance of nature, relaxation, and light activities compared to theme park-heavy itineraries

Planning a Family Trip to the USA

If you’re planning a family trip to the United States, we’ve created a collection of practical guides based on our own experiences travelling there with a child. In our USA Travel Hub, you’ll find advice on everything from ESTA requirements and travel insurance to driving, healthcare and managing jet lag with kids, alongside destination guides for places we’ve explored including New York, Colorado, South Dakota and Florida. It’s a useful starting point for parents researching how to plan a smooth and enjoyable family trip to the USA.