Miami has a reputation as a party city. Still, there’s plenty on offer for families to enjoy a great holiday filled with a good balance of beach time and activities to keep everyone happy.

Here are some budget-friendly recommendations for some fun things to do if you’re visiting Miami for a few days – 

Ride the free trolley/tram system 

Miami offers a wide range of free trolleys/trams throughout the city with different loops to explore that you can jump on and off. Although not all are connected, and you may need to grab some Ubers here and there, it’s a great, free way to explore the city. There is a dedicated beach trolley system, which is great if you’re staying anywhere along Miami Beach. There are also additional trolleys throughout the city, such as in Little Havana, which is an excellent option on a hot day rather than walking.

Explore Little Havana

Little Havana is Miami’s famous Cuban neighbourhood that was officially declared a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2017 to help protect it against developers.

Most people head to Calle Ocho, which is spread within four main blocks. Here you’ll find live music, plenty of Cuban food, cigars and cafe con leche. For some amazing helados (ice cream) with plenty of flavours to explore, check out Azucar, who makes their ice cream and sorbet daily with lots of unique tropical flavours. 

While you’re there, visit Versailles Restaurant, self-proclaimed ‘World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant’. The menu is extensive, with daily specials to try. Our kids absolutely loved the Cuban beans (which you can get as a side dish) and the fried-sweet plantains.

Take in a ball game

If you are in town when the Marlins are playing baseball, it’s worth checking out a game. We got tickets online the day before the game and with the music, light shows and the game itself the kids had a ball. You can walk to the stadium from Little Havana if you’re already in the area or grab an Uber quickly from other parts of the city.

Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise

We did a sightseeing cruise of the bay on my daughter’s 10th birthday, taking in Miami’s stunning waterfront. It was a relaxing option on a hot summer’s day, where you could sit inside in the air conditioning or upstairs on the open deck. Along the way, you can take a peek at the mansions of plenty of well-known celebrities, including David Beckham, JLo and more. There are plenty of boats on offer, most lasting around 80 minutes and leaving from Bayside Marketplace.

Bayside Marketplace

Bayside Marketplace is an open-air shopping centre that’s located in downtown Miami. It’s a popular spot with tourists and locals, with lots of souvenir and clothing shops to explore. There’s live music, a giant wheel you can jump on to get a great view of the bay and a few restaurant and cafe options to soak up the atmosphere. 

Miami can be expensive, but plenty of museums, parks along the foreshore and gorgeous golden sand are family-friendly and can be done on a budget. Enjoy!