Miami has a reputation as a party city, but there is still plenty to see and do on a Miami family trip! You can enjoy a holiday filled with a good balance of beach time and activities to keep everyone happy.
Here are some budget-friendly recommendations for fun things to do if you’re visiting Miami for a few days as a family.
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. It 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
No Miami family trip would be complete without taking in a Biscayne Bay sightseeing cruise along Miami’s stunning waterfront.
It’s a super 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.
Plenty of boats are on offer with prices ranging from around US$26 to $36 for adults and USD$22 to $32 for kids. Kids under four are free and kids over 12 are classified as adults.
Most tours last around 80 minutes and leave from Bayside Marketplace. You can grab your tickets on the day direct, or pre book with online bookers like Get Your Guide.
Bayside Marketplace
Bayside Marketplace is an open-air shopping centre 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 Family Trip – Planning
Miami can be expensive and it can be easy to blow the budget. But with a little planning, you can keep costs down and stay in more budget-friendly accommodation options a little further off the beach. There are plenty of museums to visit and parks along the foreshore that offer free family fun. Plus visiting that gorgeous golden sand and stunning beach is super family-friendly and won’t cost a cent!
If you’re looking to travel from Miami, for a budget friendly option consider taking buses. We organised bus tickets with Flix Bus and travelled from Orlando to Miami which was super easy and VERY budget-friendly! The air con worked great, everything ran on time, you can pack snacks and we had plenty of room to spread out.
