Teenage Dream: The Ultimate Guide to Fun Things to Do in Miami for Teens

Miami beach from above

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Miami, Florida located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean with its warm tropical climate lends itself to total family enjoyment outdoors. Teens and the whole family can be kept busy and active with fun things to do from morning until night.

Teenage Dream: The Ultimate Guide to Fun Things to Do in Miami for Teens

The beautiful beaches with warm sand, boardwalks for hiking and biking, parks to run off energy and many historical and interesting landmarks are in abundance in the Miami area. Parents will also find many restaurants serving a variety of healthy style food from ethnic to vegetarian. Let’s look at Things to Do in Miami for Teens.

Water Activities


Spending a day at the beach is inexpensive and great for kids who love the water. Whether they like to make sand castles, dig with their shovels and pails, surf, or just romp around in the water and jump over waves they will be tired out at the end of the day.

Along the boardwalks are rental stores for the necessary equipment you will need to enjoy a variety of water sports. Avid boaters looking for calm water can launch and go for a boat ride on the Intracoastal waterways.

man in white t-shirt riding on bicycle during daytime

Biking and Walking

Biking on the boardwalk is a fun way to spend an hour or two with kids, and there are many bicycle rentals along the boardwalk. The boardwalk is great for strolling, skateboarding, and shopping for souvenirs. People-watching is often amusing and interesting for kids as well as adults.

Families might want to take a walk up and down many of the Miami streets, which are filled with shops, boutiques, and kid-friendly stores.

Hot Spots for Teens

Miami has an abundance of child-oriented places to entertain and educate teens. Parrot Island has daily shows and exhibits of birds, reptiles, and fish. Monkey Jungle is a place where all the monkeys run free in their natural habitat and the visitors are in cages.

Field of Flowers North Farm
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Monkey Jungle

Monkey Jungle is a wildlife park located in Miami, Florida, United States. The park is dedicated to the preservation and study of endangered primates, and it features over 400 primates from 30 different species, including orangutans, gibbons, and capuchins.

For teens, Monkey Jungle can be a fun and exciting destination for a number of reasons. Here are a few:

  1. Primate encounters: Monkey Jungle offers several primate encounters where teens can get up close and personal with the primates. They can even feed some of the animals and learn more about their behavior and habitat.
  2. Unique experiences: The park offers unique experiences such as a rainforest adventure tour and a zip line ride through the treetops of the jungle. These experiences provide a fun and exciting way to explore the park’s exhibits.
  3. Educational opportunities: Monkey Jungle offers educational opportunities for teens to learn about primate behavior, habitat conservation, and wildlife management. They can participate in guided tours, attend lectures, and explore the park’s educational exhibits.
  4. Conservation efforts: The park has a strong focus on conservation and educating visitors about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. Teens can learn about conservation efforts and see endangered species up close.
  5. Family-friendly: Monkey Jungle is a family-friendly destination that offers something for everyone. Teens can enjoy the park with their family or friends and make lasting memories.

Overall, Monkey Jungle offers teens an exciting opportunity to see a wide variety of primates up close, participate in unique experiences, and learn about conservation and wildlife management.

Metro Zoo

The Metro Zoo features more than 900 different animals, and with Miami’s subtropical climate, the zoo can house many animals not found in other zoos.

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Children’s Museum

Visit the Children’s Museum, which includes galleries and bilingual exhibits along with classes and new learning experiences for children. It is a hands-on, interactive museum designed for children, but it can also be fun for teenagers. The museum is located in Downtown Miami, Florida, United States, and features exhibits and activities that encourage learning through play and exploration.

Here are some reasons why the Children’s Museum of Miami can be fun for teens:

  1. Interactive exhibits: The museum features interactive exhibits that allow teens to engage in hands-on activities that promote learning through play. These exhibits include a construction zone, a music studio, a health and wellness center, and a “bank” where teens can learn about financial literacy.
  2. Technology: The museum offers a range of technology-based exhibits, including virtual reality experiences, coding workshops, and robotics demonstrations. These exhibits can provide a fun and exciting way for teens to learn about technology and its applications.
  3. Educational opportunities: The museum offers educational programs for teens, including workshops and classes on a variety of topics such as science, art, and culture. These programs can provide a fun and engaging way for teens to learn new skills and expand their knowledge.
  4. Creativity: The museum encourages creativity and imagination through exhibits that allow teens to create their own art, music, and designs. This can be a fun way for teens to express themselves and explore their interests.
  5. Social opportunities: The museum provides a space for teens to socialize and interact with their peers. They can participate in group activities, meet new friends, and engage in team-building exercises.

Overall, the Children’s Museum of Miami offers a fun and educational experience for teens, with interactive exhibits, technology-based activities, educational opportunities, opportunities for creativity, and social opportunities.

Gold Coast Railroad Museum

The Gold Coast Railroad Museum exhibits railroad engines and cars on permanent display and is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of railroad transportation. The museum houses a large collection of railroad artifacts, including locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, and model trains.

For teens, the Gold Coast Railroad Museum can be a fun and interesting destination for a number of reasons. Here are a few:

  1. Train rides: The museum offers train rides on a vintage train that travels around the museum’s grounds. Teens can enjoy the scenic ride and experience the feeling of riding on a historic train.
  2. Interactive exhibits: The museum has interactive exhibits that allow teens to experience the history of the railroad. They can explore the inside of historic train cars and learn about the different types of locomotives.
  3. Educational opportunities: The museum offers educational programs for teens, including guided tours and lectures on the history of the railroad. Teens can learn about the technological advancements and social impact of the railroad.
  4. Family-friendly: The museum is a family-friendly destination that offers something for everyone. Teens can enjoy the museum with their family or friends and make lasting memories.
  5. Unique experience: The Gold Coast Railroad Museum is a unique experience that allows teens to step back in time and experience the history of the railroad. They can explore the museum’s collection of artifacts and learn about the impact that the railroad had on American history.

Overall, the Gold Coast Railroad Museum offers teens an interesting and educational opportunity to learn about the history of the railroad, experience the feeling of riding on a historic train, and explore interactive exhibits.

Parks Are The Perfect Place To Spend The Day

Miami has many kid-friendly parks where the entire family can find something to do. Kendall Indian Hammocks Park has volleyball courts and basketball courts as well as playground equipment for young children.

Ojus Park has a basketball court, hiking paths, a picnic area, and a recreation center offering different family organized activities. Bicentennial Park is located in the heart of Miami with sandboxes, walking trails, and picnic areas. Older kids will want to explore Bayfront Park where trapeze classes, free yoga classes, and self-defense training are offered.

fruits in basket

The Best Places To Eat On Your Day Trip

Food is central to the Miami experience. The city is home to many fine restaurants and food trucks especially those of the Cuban culture and Caribbean variety.

With all the activity, teens are certain to work up an appetite for some healthy and tasty food. Throughout the city there are plenty of places and many small family-owned and operated restaurants to fill the bill, and most of the restaurants in the Miami area offer kid-friendly menus.

Miami has an abundance of barbecue chicken eateries where the rotisseries are spinning fresh chickens, along with offerings of healthy salads and side dishes.

Jungle Island In One Of The Best Things To See

Jungle Island is one of Miami’s most popular sites for family fun. The jungle-themed park has exhibits with exotic birds, crocodiles, a plant nursery and a liger, considered the world’s largest hybrid cat.

Here are some reasons why Jungle Island can be a fun destination for teens:

Animal encounters:

Jungle Island offers various animal encounters, allowing teens to get up close and personal with some of the park’s inhabitants. These experiences can include feeding parrots, interacting with lemurs, and even swimming with the park’s resident kangaroo.

Adventure activities:

It has a variety of adventure activities that are perfect for thrill-seeking teens. They can take part in zip lining, rope courses, and rock climbing. These activities can provide an adrenaline rush and a sense of accomplishment.

Educational opportunities:

The park offers educational programs for teens, including guided tours, animal shows, and lectures on the wildlife and conservation efforts. These programs can be a fun and engaging way for teens to learn about nature and the environment.

Scenic views:

Jungle Island offers stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Teens can enjoy the beautiful surroundings while exploring the park.

Family-friendly:

The park is a family-friendly destination, making it a great place for teens to visit with their families. They can make memories together while experiencing the park’s attractions and activities.

Overall, Jungle Island offers a unique and exciting experience for teens, with animal encounters, adventure activities, educational opportunities, scenic views, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Jungle Island also recently opened a private beach under the name La Playa (Spanish for the beach). There are activities for children and adults.

La Playa offers lounge chairs and drink for adults while simultaneously entertaining kids with water slides, swim areas and fun bounces (air trampolines). This private beach and exotic plant and animal exhibition juxtaposed with a city view near Biscayne Bay makes Jungle Island a fun-filled attraction for all ages.

a sign on a pole in the middle of the ocean

National Parks Are A Great Place For A Unique Experience

Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park are two fascinating and unique parks in the Miami area that are great for kids.

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne Bay is the only functioning coral reef in the continental U.S. At Biscayne Bay, families can explore the reef via snorkeling, sit on the beach and observe the glorious beauty or take a boat tour of the reef. The water is clear and provides children an up-close view of the ocean’s version of a rain forest.

Biscayne Bay is a shallow, subtropical lagoon located on the eastern coast of Florida, United States. It is an important ecological and economic resource, and is home to numerous species of plants and animals, including manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles.

For teens, Biscayne Bay can be a fun and exciting destination for a number of reasons. Here are a few:

  1. Water sports: Biscayne Bay is an excellent location for water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. Teens can rent equipment and explore the bay’s calm, clear waters.
  2. Fishing: Biscayne Bay is also a great spot for fishing, with a variety of species available, including snapper, tarpon, and bonefish. Teens can charter a fishing boat or simply cast a line from shore.
  3. Beaches: Biscayne Bay is surrounded by numerous beaches, including Matheson Hammock Park and Crandon Park, which offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
  4. Sightseeing: Teens can take a boat tour of Biscayne Bay and explore its many islands, including the famous Miami Beach and Key Biscayne.

Overall, Biscayne Bay offers teens a wide range of fun activities, from water sports and fishing to beach-going and sightseeing.

a blue bird perched on a tree branch in a swamp

The Everglades

The Everglades is the country’s largest subtropical wilderness; the array of wildlife and plant species offers kids not only a learning experience but also a chance to explore nature. It is a unique and diverse ecosystem that is home to numerous plant and animal species, including alligators, panthers, and a variety of bird species.

For teens, the Everglades can be a fun and exciting destination for a number of reasons. Here are a few:

  • Airboat tours: One of the most popular activities in the Everglades is taking an airboat tour, where you can glide through the shallow waters and see alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife up close.
  • Hiking and biking: The Everglades has a variety of trails for hiking and biking, allowing teens to explore the park’s diverse landscape and see unique plant and animal species.
  • Camping: The Everglades has a number of campgrounds, offering teens the opportunity to experience the park’s natural beauty and wildlife firsthand.
  • Wildlife watching: Teens can observe a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitat, including alligators, panthers, manatees, and various bird species.

The Everglades also offers educational opportunities for teens to learn about the ecosystem and conservation efforts to protect it. They can visit the park’s visitor centers, take guided tours, and participate in ranger-led programs.

Overall, the Everglades offers teens an exciting opportunity to explore a unique and diverse ecosystem, encounter wildlife, and participate in educational and recreational activities.

Miami Seaquarium Is A Great Spot For Teens

Location:

This slice of oceanside paradise offers skyline views of downtown Miami. Tourists can pet different species of dolphins, observe sea turtles, enjoy the company of sea lions and learn about the elusive manatee. Families can also watch killer whales perform tricks with their trainers.

close-up of gray dolphin

The Miami Seaquarium features a variety of marine life, including dolphins, killer whales, sea lions, and sea turtles, as well as educational and interactive exhibits.

For teens, the Miami Seaquarium can be a fun and exciting destination for a number of reasons. Here are a few:

Dolphin and killer whale shows:

The Miami Seaquarium is known for its spectacular dolphin and killer whale shows, where these intelligent animals perform impressive tricks and stunts. Teens can watch these shows and learn more about the behaviors and capabilities of these marine mammals.

Marine exhibits:

The Miami Seaquarium has a variety of marine exhibits that showcase the diversity of life in the ocean. Teens can see sharks, sea turtles, manatees, and other marine species up close, and learn about their habitats and behaviors.

Interactive programs:

The Miami Seaquarium offers interactive programs where teens can swim with dolphins, feed sea turtles, and even become a trainer for a day. These programs provide a unique and memorable experience that teens are sure to enjoy.

Educational opportunities:

The Miami Seaquarium offers educational opportunities for teens to learn about marine life and conservation efforts to protect it. They can attend lectures, participate in guided tours, and visit the park’s educational exhibits to learn more about the importance of protecting our oceans and marine ecosystems.

Overall, the Miami Seaquarium offers teens an exciting opportunity to see marine life up close, participate in interactive programs, and learn about the importance of conservation.

an elephant with tusks

Zoo Miami For The Animal Lovers

Location:

Miami’s special climate allows for a zoo with animals from all over the world. Kids can observe orangutans, sea lions and many other exotic creatures. There’s also a special exhibit called Amazon and Beyond, where guests can observe the unique ecosystem of Central and South America.

Zoo Miami, also known as the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida. The zoo is home to over 3,000 animals from more than 500 species, including rare and endangered species.

For teens, Zoo Miami can be a fun and exciting destination for a number of reasons. Here are a few:

Animal encounters:

The zoo offers several animal encounters where teens can get up close and personal with animals such as giraffes, rhinos, and koalas. They can even feed some of the animals and learn more about their behavior and habitat.

Attractions:

Zoo Miami has several attractions, including a water play area, a carousel, and a wildlife carousel. These attractions provide a fun and entertaining break from exploring the zoo’s exhibits.

Conservation efforts:

The zoo has a strong focus on conservation and educating visitors about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. Teens can learn about conservation efforts and see endangered species, such as the Florida panther and the Komodo dragon.

Special events:

Zoo Miami hosts special events throughout the year, such as concerts, food festivals, and holiday-themed events. Teens can enjoy these events and make lasting memories with their friends.

Educational opportunities:

Zoo Miami offers educational opportunities for teens to learn about animal behavior, habitat conservation, and wildlife management. They can participate in guided tours, attend lectures, and explore the zoo’s educational exhibits.

Overall, Zoo Miami offers teens an exciting opportunity to see a wide variety of animals up close, participate in interactive experiences, and learn about conservation and wildlife management.

low angle photo of white and orange concrete building

The Deco District Has Many Exciting Attractions

Miami’s Art Deco District is one of the city’s iconic sights. The deco buildings were constructed in the early 1900s and stand today as fully operational landmarks and tourist attractions. Several tours take visitors through the district, including spots like gangster Al Capone’s office.

Al Capone’s office in Miami was located at the former headquarters of the Trans American Shipping and Trading Company, a front company that Capone used to smuggle illegal alcohol during the Prohibition era. The building was located at 93 Palm Avenue on Palm Island in Miami Beach.

Capone had a suite of offices on the second floor of the building, which he used as his primary residence during his time in Miami. The suite included a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, several bedrooms, and a bathroom. The offices were lavishly decorated with expensive furniture, oriental rugs, and ornate chandeliers.

Capone was known to host lavish parties in his Miami office, where he entertained guests with music, food, and drinks. He also used the offices to conduct business, including illegal gambling operations and money laundering.

Today, the building is privately owned and has been restored to its original condition. The offices that once belonged to Capone have been preserved and are open for tours. Visitors can see Capone’s desk, the bar where he entertained guests, and other artifacts from his time in Miami.

people at Miami Beach during day

Miami Beach For A Great Time

Miami’s signature beach is an enormous stretch of sand with beautiful blue ocean views and plenty to see and enjoy. There are parking fees for most beach entrances and adults with families may want to steer clear of South Beach, as women are known to walk topless on the beach.

Tobacco Road Is One Of The Top Things

Among Miami’s many flashy clubs and bars is this simple yet popular tavern and restaurant. Tobacco Road is a local institution that has the distinction of holding the city’s first liquor license. It is located at 626 South Miami Avenue. The club has a long tradition of live blues and rock music and holds music festivals on its three stages at various times throughout the year.

Performing Art And Culture And Special Events

The Miami City Ballet heads the local dance community while the Jackie Gleason Theater, Actor’s Playhouse and Coconut Grove Playhouse showcase the local scene’s acting talent. Miami is also home to several international film festivals every year.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Miami For Teens

Miami is packed with things to see. The sights are natural as well as man-made, and they reflect an oceanside city with a proud architectural history and heavy influence from Cuban and Caribbean cultures.

Wondering where to stay?

FAQs on Things to Do in Miami For Teens

Q: What are some fun outdoor activities for teens in Miami? A: Miami offers plenty of outdoor activities for teens, such as exploring the beautiful beaches, going kayaking in Biscayne Bay, or biking through parks like Oleta River State Park.

Q: Are there any cool art and cultural experiences suitable for teens in Miami? A: Yes, teenagers can visit places like the Wynwood Walls for vibrant street art or the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) to explore contemporary art and enjoy stunning bay views.

Q: Where can teens experience Miami’s diverse cuisine? A: Teens can try a variety of cuisines in Miami, from Cuban food in Little Havana to food trucks at various locations. The Bayside Marketplace and Lincoln Road Mall also offer diverse dining options.

Q: What are some unique attractions in Miami that would interest teenagers? A: Unique attractions include Jungle Island, where teens can interact with exotic animals, and the Venetian Pool, a historic freshwater pool with waterfalls and caves.

Q: Are there any opportunities for water sports and adventure in Miami for teens? A: Absolutely! Teens can enjoy water sports like jet-skiing, paddleboarding, and parasailing at Miami’s beaches and water sports centers.

Q: Are there any family-friendly museums and educational activities in Miami? A: The Miami Children’s Museum and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science offer educational and interactive experiences suitable for teenagers.

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