MIllions of eyes will be upon Miami this weekend when the Colts and Saints face off for Super Bowl XLIV. I'm sure there will plenty of aerial beauty shots of this tropical town, but nothing can quite capture the true essence of this vibrant and diverse city like being there. So I'll do my best to recapture my experience there, and describe some great things to do with kids.
Many people don't associate Miami with children - they think nightlife, sexy beaches, art scene..but really, it is a great place to take the kids if you know where to go. Here are some of my favorite family-friendly destinations:
1) Monkey Jungle: I've never been anywhere like this - it was very entertaining. There are hundreds of different kinds of monkeys roaming free on this 30 acre rain-forest like preserve. (Don't worry - from what I remember the gorillas can't get out of their habitat!) But there are small monkeys that will jump on your shoulder if you walk through their space with food in your hand...I had about 6 monkeys on me at one time, and had to say my lines for a travel show while cracking up as more monkeys hounded me. www.monkeyjungle.com
2) Children's Museum of Miami: A wonderfully educational and fun experience for children - with enough exhibits and special programs to spend all day here. www.miamichildrensmuseum.org
Some original exhibits were:
The Bank: A 6 foot piggy-bank where kids can learn to save, spend, and earn money. They also get to design their own dollar bills.
Health and Wellness Center:In a fun way, kids discover how good food and exercise keep us healthy and fit.
Port of Miami: Kids find out what happens in a real port - importing and exporting and how to operate a giant crane.
Artist in Residence: Kids can observe and interact with a professional artist. There is also an art space at the museum so kids can create their own masterpieces after they've been inspired.
Music Studio: Kids try out different instruments and can visit a recording studio.
Other programs that sounds great: Cooking classes, fish tank feeding, and up close with a cruise ship.
3)Jungle Island: A 18.6 acre theme park with some 3,000 exotic animals. You can attend the animal stage show, visit a petting farm, see reptiles and a bird show. www.jungleisland.com
4) Miami Seaquarium: A marine life entertainment park with a killer whale show..and many other up close and personal opportunities with endangered sea turtles, manatees, etc.
The really special exhibit at the Seaquarium is the dolphin program - 30 minutes in the water with dolphins touching, feeding, and training with them. The price is steep: $199...but ya do get a photo op with the smart swimmers - priceless. Kids have to be a certain height to participate. www.miamiseaquarium.com
5) Everglades Alligator Farm: If you can swing it, and you haven't overdone the animal theme here, the alligator farm is 28 miles from MIami. There are more than 3000 gators to view in a rustic atmosphere. You can even get a photo taken with a baby gator..I wish I could find my photo of that - don't worry - they duct tape the little guy's jaws shut. There are entertaining shows with the gators, including watching them get fed and a "weird animal show." www.everglades.com
6) We'll leave the animal world, and head to the water... The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables is a little cheesy and enchanting at the same time, although I veer more toward the enchanting side..especially because it is located in beautiful Coral Gables. The Venetian Pool is included in the Register of Historic Places. It is a unique sight: Vine covered loggias, shady porticoes, a European fountain, cascading waterfalls, coral rock caves and Venetian style architecture. It almost looks like something shipped out of Orlando's Disneyworld. This public pool sees a lot of kids during the summer, and they reportedly take great pains in draining the pool every day to keep the water clean. Must be 3 years old and 38 inches tall to enter. www.coralgablesvenetianpool.com
7) See Miami by Boat: Many tour operators offer cruising through Biscayne Bay.. soaking up the sun, and checking out the luxurious homes of the rich and famous. Most kids love a ride on the water..do your research and you will find various operations that take you out on the bay.
8) Lastly - you can't forget a day at the beach. According to locals, two of the best family friendly beaches are on Key Biscayne:
--Crandon Park Beach with food stalls, picnic tables, beach chairs, water sports rentals, volleyball, restrooms,swing set, and lifeguards.
--BIll Baggs Cape Florida State Beach with concession stands, picnic tables, historic lighthouse, beach chairs, walking and bike trails, life guards.
Good times to go: Oct-May - sunny and nice... weather should be great for Sunday!
