Family Things to Do in Miami, Florida

Ancient Spanish Monastery

• Purchased by William Randolph Hearst in 1925, the stones of the Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux were dismantled from their original home in Spain and shipped to the United States. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the stones remained in storage for many years, but have seen been rebuilt and can be visited today at the Ancient Spanish Monastery. Tours are available Mondays through Saturdays. As of 2010, ticket prices for adults were $8. The monastery is closed occasionally for special events.

  Ancient Spanish Monastery

  16711 W. Dixie Hwy.

  North Miami Beach, FL 33160

  305-945-1461

  spanishmonastery.com

Miami Seaquarium

• Meet dolphins, sharks, sea lions and killer whales at the Miami Seaquarium. Through the Dolphin Odyssey program, visitors get to interact with dolphins by kissing, hugging and even riding across the pool with them. Programs run daily in which guests get to see trained professionals interact with the animals. As of 2010, tickets for adults were $37.95, and $27.95 for children.

  Miami Seaquarium

  4400 Rickenbacker Causeway

  Key Biscayne, FL 33149

  305-361-5705

  miamiseaquarium.com

Parrot Jungle Island

• Parrot Jungle Island is an 18-acre experiment in building a jungle near an urban environment. Home to several animals including ligers, llamas and giant tortoises, guests can also walk through a replica of the nearby Florida Everglades. La Playa is Parrot Jungle Island's private beach, where visitors can relax. As of 2010, admission was $32.95 for adults and $24.95 for children.

  Parrot Jungle Island

  1111 Parrot Jungle Trail

  Miami, FL 33132

  305-400-7000

  jungleisland.com

Miami Children's Museum

• Fun for adults and kids alike, Miami Children's Museum is home to several permanent exhibits. Visitors learn how to take care of themselves in the health and wellness center, and then learn how to take care of Fluffy and Fido in "Pet Central." Kids will also be enthralled by the six-story giant piggy bank, and the 900-gallon marine tank. As of 2010, admission was $15, or $12 for Florida residents.

  Miami Children's Museum

  980 MacArthur Causeway

  Miami, FL 33132

  305-373-5437

  miamichildrensmuseum.org