What to do in Miami pre-cruise with kids

[BusyFLmom]

I have lived in Florida most of my life but have never traveled any farther south than Tampa. We are a family of 5 with kids ages 11-16. We have a downtown hotel booked for Friday and Saturday night departing on cruise on Sunday. Our current plan is to leave early Friday morning arriving in Miami early afternoon. We are driving. Are there any must do/see while we are there?

[LadyBeBop]

I have lived in Florida most of my life but have never traveled any farther south than Tampa. We are a family of 5 with kids ages 11-16. We have a downtown hotel booked for Friday and Saturday night departing on cruise on Sunday. Our current plan is to leave early Friday morning arriving in Miami early afternoon. We are driving. Are there any must do/see while we are there?

 

Apparently, you've never been to the Everglades. That's something to see, and I think your tween/teen kids will enjoy it. If you can, take an airboat tour. Especially one of those tours that lets you get close to the alligators.

[capriccio]

Apparently, you've never been to the Everglades. That's something to see, and I think your tween/teen kids will enjoy it. If you can, take an airboat tour. Especially one of those tours that lets you get close to the alligators.

 

Friday afternoon I'd visit Miami Beach. Since you have an entire day (Saturday) and a car, you could visit Everglades National Park if your trip is during the dry season (November to March) when the birds and animals congregate around watering holes. You get to see alligators up close - sometimes you need to walk around them :eek: and personal. Within an hour drive of Miami are the Ernest Coe Visitors Center and Royal Palm and the road to Flamingo Bay (entrance is south of Miami in Homestead) and Shark Valley (entrance is west of Miami on the Tamiami Trail).

 

Since you have an entire day you could combine the Visitors Center and Royal Palm (leave off Flamingo Bay since it is another hour into the Park) and a drive to the top of the Keys (Key Largo) or if your trip is in the summer forgo the National Park (too many bugs, heat and the animals are dispersed) and go to the top of the Keys. If your family enjoys snorkeling, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo gets excellent reviews. Either en route to or from the National Park, stop off at Robert is Here in Florida City, a local institution (farm stand and petting zoo) that has amazing milk shakes!

 

Directions to the National Park: http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/directions.htm

 

Things to do in Key Largo: http://www.fla-keys.com/keylargo/thingstodo.cfm

 

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: http://floridastateparks.org/pennekamp/

 

Robert is Here: http://www.robertishere.com/

[BusyFLmom]

Awesome ideas! Thank you :D:D