by Alyssa Morlacci | March 22, 2023

Plan a Weekend in Miami Beach with (or without) the Kids

Pack your bags—and your itinerary—for an unforgettable family getaway to Miami Beach.

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There are an endless amount of outdoor family activities at Miami Beach. Photography courtesy of Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

This South Florida city may be known for its glitzy parties and star-studded annual events like Art Basel, South Beach Wine and Food Festival, and Miami Beach Pride, but what most people may not know is that Miami Beach has so much more to offer.

The seaside paradise is just as much a playground for families as well as an escape for parents who need a little me-time away from the kids. With plenty of outdoor activities, from action-packed parks to breathtaking beaches, little ones will have no trouble staying entertained while the adults can sneak away for some high-end shopping and Michelin-starred dining. 

Whether you hop on a plane or pile into the car for a road trip, you and your favorite people are guaranteed to have an unforgettable time visiting Miami Beach. Here’s a taste of what’s in store once you cross over the crystal blue waters of Biscayne Bay.

Where to Stay

Lounge poolside under the iconic red-and-white umbrellas at the Faena Miami Beach. Photography courtesy of Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

If you want kid-friendly accommodations without losing out on the luxury factor, book a room at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, where you’ll find a splash worthy pool with noodles and floaties; a kids club for ages 4 to 12 with daily crafts, video games, and pizza-making classes; and curated kids menus at every restaurant. The Miami Beach Edition, while it’s less tailored to tots, has plenty of family-friendly experiences, including a kid-approved pool, a four-lane bowling alley and an indoor ice skating rink.

Traveling without the kids in tow? There are a handful of luxury hotels to check into for a weekend of unwinding. At The Setai Miami Beach, you’ll be close to—but far enough removed from—all of the action on South Beach. However, there’s really no reason to leave the hotel if you’re a home-away-from-homebody. The property includes three infinity pools, three sophisticated restaurants, and access to a white-sand beach, all in the context of captivating Asian-inspired architecture. 

You could also book a stay at the Faena Miami Beach, a Forbes Five-Star hotel known for its iconic red-and-white umbrellas lining the pool and beach, which is situated just beyond a life-sized sculpture of a golden mammoth by internationally renowned artist, Damien Hirst. The property boasts an impressive collection of award-winning restaurants like Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann and even a gilded, old-Hollywood theater where you can catch an evening cabaret show. 

Where to Play

Roll down Miami Beach’s 7-mile beachwalk and enjoy the sparkling stretch of ocean and towering palm trees. Photography courtesy of Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Miami Beach welcomes picnickers, power walkers and those just looking to pass the time with its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. One of the most popular public spots is Lummus Park, which stretches between Ocean Drive and the beach with views of the Atlantic from the playgrounds, volleyball courts and historical Art Deco buildings. It’s also where you’ll find Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym beloved by traveling and local fitness enthusiasts alike. 

Sports families will flock to Flamingo Park, a 36-acre urban oasis featuring tennis courts, basketball and handball courts, baseball and soccer fields, an eight-lane lap pool and even a water playground. Meanwhile, art lovers will be able to walk amongst one of the country’s largest public art collections throughout various city locations including South Pointe Park and Pride Park. 

Another way to explore Miami Beach is on rollerblades, an e-bike or laced up in your own running shoes as you venture down the 7-mile beachwalk, which runs parallel to the shore and is lined with palm trees and open-air cafes looking out over the water. 

The fun doesn’t end with alfresco activities, either. Spend some time indoors watching your kids glide along the Scott Rakow Youth Center’s ice-skating rink or take them to explore The Bass Museum of Art, which hosts weekly creative workshops for promising young artists.  

Where to Shop & Dine

Enjoy luxury shopping and an extensive selection of high-end restaurants in Miami Beach. Photography courtesy of Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Sure, Miami Beach is known for its serene shoreline and tropical climate, but it’s also a mecca for luxury shopping and haute cuisine. Take a stroll down Lincoln Road, the iconic pedestrian promenade in the middle of South Beach, and you’ll find an eclectic mix of both big-box and boutique shops and restaurants. Or, walk the cobblestone corridor of Española Way, the city’s version of a European village with Spanish tapas bars, Italian trattorias and art galleries displaying works by Latin American and Caribbean artists lining the historic street. 

In order to truly experience Miami Beach’s thriving food scene though, you’re going to want to book a parents-night-out reservation at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants. The Dena secret 18-seat omakase counter inside Sushi Azabu, offers an authentic Japanese culinary experience curated by Tokyo-trained chefs. Meanwhile, the artfully plated dishes at Stubborn Seed defy any predetermined food genres, but that didn’t stop the restaurant from receiving its Michelin-star status last year. Helmed by celebrity chef Jeremy Ford, the South Beach hotspot offers a constantly rotating menu for a new dining experience every time. 

Find Belonging in Miami Beach

The City of Miami Beach is on a mission to make every visitor feel a sense of belonging and ease, and as part of that initiative, the destination offers a full line of mobility resources, such as free manual and electric beach wheelchairs for visitors with accessibility needs. Beach mats and hard-surface boardwalks are also available at select entrances so that it’s possible for everyone to spend time relaxing on the sand.

Miami Beach is a multifaceted city teeming with opportunities for beachside family bonding. Whether you prefer to soak up the sun on South Beach, picnic in the pristine public parks, pop in and out of the boutiques lining Lincoln Road, or indulge in inventive dishes at award-winning eateries, you and your crew are guaranteed to find your wave during your next vacation.