South Florida is a metropolitan region centered around the cities of Miami and Fort Lauderdale on Florida's Atlantic coast. The area is a vacation destination with many interesting and exciting activities and attractions for families. Not only does South Florida offer many outdoor recreation opportunities, but educational and entertaining attractions can be enjoyed by families as well.
At the Miami Metrozoo, which sits on 740 acres, you can view over 100 exhibits and more than 2,000 animals. The zoo has over 40 endangered species, more than 1,000 species of trees, palms and other plants and an aviary with over 70 species of birds. Miami Metrozoo also has shows and rides such as Hippo Slide, the world's largest inflatable water slide; the Wildlife Carousel; a wildlife show; zookeeper talks; Zoo Scene Investigations, where you can touch and learn about animals; Asia or Africa safari tram tours; and camel rides.
Miami Metrozoo is open daily with admission fees for adults and kids 13 and over, and children ages 3 to 12. Children 2 and under and Zoological Society of Florida members are free.
Miami Metrozoo
1 Zoo Blvd.
12400 Southwest 152nd St.
Miami, FL 33177
305-251-0400
miamimetrozoo.com
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is not only an 83-acre botanic garden but a resource center that features collections of rare, tropical plants. Visitors can take a tram tour or guided walking tour on garden paths, learn about horticulture, conservation and science, view artwork, and see butterflies and birds. Classes for adults and children are also offered. Annual events are also held, which include the International Mango Festival in July and the Members' Day Plant Sale in October.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is open daily except for Dec. 25. Admission fees are for adults, seniors 65 and over and children between the ages of 6 and 17. Fairchild members and children 5 and under are free.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road
Coral Gables, FL
305-667-1651
fairchildgarden.org
Boca Raton Children's Museum features permanent exhibits such as a replica of Boca Raton's first grocery store; an exhibit that teaches how a bank operates; a post office where you can create and mail handmade postcards; a multicultural room that features musical instruments and books and crafts from around the world and a naturalist living exhibit. Boca Raton Children's Museum also offers programs, activities and family-oriented special events including a KidsFest, Breakfast with Santa and a four-week Adventure in the Arts summer camp.
Boca Raton Children's Museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays and mornings until noon are reserved for school groups, moms groups, and private events such as birthday parties.
Boca Raton Children's Museum
498 Crawford Blvd.
Boca Raton, FL 33432
561-368-6875
cmboca.org/
