From miles of pristine beaches and city parks to museums and a symphony under the stars, there are more free things to do with kids in Miami than you might imagine. If you’re planning a budget-friendly trip to Greater Miami & Miami Beach with the whole family, explore these free and fun activities that kids will love.
Museums
Free Admission
These Miami museums invite you and the entire family to explore ancient relics, modern art and more – and they won’t cost you a dime.
The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA) in the Miami Design District showcases thought-provoking contemporary art exhibitions, with a special focus on under-recognized and emerging artists. It’s great for kids of all ages. The sculpture garden, with its larger-than-life pieces made from items such as bulldozers and neon lights, is especially kid friendly. Advance timed tickets are highly recommended but not required.
Set on the Florida International University campus in Westchester, the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum doesn’t charge admission to view its collection of contemporary Latin American and Caribbean art, photography, printmaking and pre-Columbian objects dating back to 200 AD. Marvel at African masks, Impressionist art and other works that will inspire children to create a masterpiece of their own.
Free for Kids
Part of the prestigious Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program, HistoryMiami Museum in Downtown Miami entertains and educates with more than 13,000 artifacts. Immerse yourself in South Florida’s local history with the Pioneer House (part of the permanent exhibit Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida), or stop by for Free Family Fun Day, when the kiddos can celebrate Miami’s diversity with fun interactive events such as drum circles. Admission is always free for children under age 6 ($10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, $5 for ages 6-12). Reserve your tickets in advance.
The stunning Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), overlooking Biscayne Bay in Downtown Miami, is home to an impressive collection of contemporary art from across the Americas. Kids 6 and younger get in free ($16 for adults, $12 for seniors, students and youths are $12). They’ll have a blast checking out interactive sculptures and artistic porch swings – and you’ll admire the architecture.
Right in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco Historic District, The Wolfsonian—FIU showcases “farm to Factory” art and technology from the Industrial Revolution to the present day. Sneak in a history lesson or two for your kids (this may be the first time they’ve seen a real-life rotary phone). Reward their curiosity with sweet treats from the cafe. Children younger than 6 get in free.
Be sure not to miss Miami’s marvelous murals. While adult tickets to the Wynwood Walls cost $12, this outdoor museum dedicated to street art is free for kids under 12 (timed tickets are required for everyone). Kids will be enchanted by the pastel geometric forms of Maya Hayuk, the cartoon-like figures of The London Police and the works of legendary artists such as Kenny Scharf and Shepard Fairey. A former warehouse district, Wynwood is now a colorful, mural-splashed neighborhood with art covering nearly every surface. You can also wander the neighborhood on your own to see murals outside of Wynwood Walls and take in the kaleidoscopic vibe at your own pace.
Free Movies & Performances Under the Stars
Designed by legendary architect Frank Gehry, New World Center in South Beach is home to SoundScape Park, where a massive, 7,000-square-foot wall acts as a screen for movies and simulcasts of symphony performances. Spend an evening beneath the palm trees watching “Pirates of the Caribbean” or listening to Bach. Movies typically screen on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. from November through May, and symphony WALLCAST®️ Concerts happen on various dates throughout the season. It’s a magical (and free) family-friendly experience.
Discover Miami’s Parks
At the tip of South Beach, South Pointe Park is beautifully landscaped. Enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, PortMiami and the Downtown Miami skyline. Take a stroll out on the pier, let your kids run around on the playground, take in public art along the paved path and watch the boats go sailing by.
In Coconut Grove, Kennedy Park boasts jogging trails, beach volleyball, a dog park and wooden docks perfect for enjoying the gentle bay breeze.
A Day at the Beach
The beauty of one of Miami’s main attractions – the beach – is that it’s free. You don’t need much more than a beach blanket, a bathing suit and sunscreen to enjoy a day on these perfect sands. Of course, you can always pack a cooler, chairs, an umbrella, a good book and beach toys to add to the fun. With miles of shoreline stretching from the tip of South Beach north to Sunny Isles Beach, there are plenty of beaches to choose from.
Surfside is home to a laid-back, family-friendly stretch of sand. Lined with picnic shelters and grilling pavilions, North Beach is another popular spot for families to gather and enjoy quality time together. In Sunny Isles Beach, you’ll find the Newport Fishing Pier and plenty of playground space. Key Biscayne has calm waters and two parks that are perfect for a family beach day – Crandon Park Beach and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Admission is free, but there is a parking fee for these parks.
