Miami isn’t just about turquoise beaches, Art Deco architecture, or nightlife on Ocean Drive — it’s also one of Florida’s best destinations for adventure parks, water fun, and nature escapes. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a wildlife enthusiast, or a parent looking for a day of excitement for the kids, Miami offers an incredible variety of parks. From airboat safaris across the Everglades to eco-adventure ziplines over tropical trees, here’s a full guide to the most exciting attraction parks in Miami — with all the details you need before you go.
1. Jungle Island
Type: 🐒 Wildlife and Eco-Adventure Park
Location: 📍1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132
Nestled between downtown Miami and South Beach, Jungle Island is a tropical paradise that merges wildlife encounters, lush vegetation, and outdoor adventures. Originally opened in 1936, it has evolved into a modern eco-park that offers interactive animal shows, immersive botanical landscapes, and one-of-a-kind activities such as Treetop Trekking, South Florida’s premier zipline course.
- 🦩 Highlights: Meet flamingos, macaws, and sloths; walk through tropical gardens; climb and zipline through the aerial course; enjoy the kids’ splash zone and playground. Educational presentations and guided tours are available throughout the day.
- 🎟️ Tickets: Adults $29.95, Kids (3–9) $19.95. Children under 2 enter free. Seasonal passes and combo tickets available.
- 🕒 Hours: Daily 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (last entry at 4 pm).
- 💡 Visitor Tips: Arrive early to avoid lines for the animal encounters. Bring a hat and water bottle; shaded areas and mist zones help beat the Miami heat. There’s paid on-site parking and family-friendly cafes such as The Pink Flamingo Café.
- 🌴 Insider Tip: Book online in advance for discounts and skip-the-line benefits. Combine with a visit to nearby Watson Island attractions for a full-day itinerary.
- 🔗 Website: jungleisland.com
2. Zoo Miami
Type: 🦁 Wildlife Safari Park
Location: 📍12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177
Zoo Miami — officially known as the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens — is the oldest and largest zoo in Florida and the only subtropical zoo in the continental United States. Its open design allows animals from Asia, Africa, and the Americas to roam freely in spacious, carefully recreated natural habitats.
- 🐘 Highlights: Over 2,000 animals including elephants, orangutans, lions, giraffes, and Komodo dragons. Don’t miss the Amazon and Beyond exhibit and the Children’s Zoo area. The Lostman’s River Ride and animal feedings make the experience even more engaging.
- 🎟️ Tickets: Adults $21.95, Kids (3–12) $17.95. Under 3 free. Discounts available for residents, seniors, and military members.
- 🕒 Hours: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm daily (last ticket at 4 pm).
- 👟 Visitor Tips: Bring comfortable walking shoes — the zoo spans 750 acres. The monorail and tram rides are great for families and offer excellent photo opportunities. Morning hours are ideal for spotting active animals.
- 🍱 Insider Tip: Pack a lunch and use the shaded picnic zones or enjoy snacks at Wings of Asia Café. Check the zoo’s calendar for seasonal night events and animal-themed festivals.
- 🔗 Website: zoomiami.org
3. Grapeland Water Park
Type: 💦 City Water Park
Location: 📍1550 NW 37th Ave, Miami, FL 33125
If you’re looking for a family-friendly escape without leaving the city, Grapeland Water Park is a top choice. Designed by world-famous artist Romero Britto, this city-run park bursts with color, creativity, and excitement. With pirate ships, slides, and fountains, it’s the perfect spot for young kids and parents to splash, play, and unwind.
- 🏴☠️ Highlights: Pirates Plunge slides, Shipwreck Island for older kids, Buccaneer River lazy river, and Captain’s Lagoon for families. Lifeguards are stationed throughout the park, ensuring a safe experience.
- 🎟️ Tickets: Children 3 & under free; ages 4–13 $5; Miami residents 14+ $7; non-residents 14+ $10.
- 🕒 Hours: Open daily 9 am – 8 pm in summer; 11 am – 5 pm off-season.
- 🧴 Visitor Tips: Bring water shoes, sunscreen, and snacks. Outside food is allowed in picnic areas. Avoid peak hours on weekends if you prefer shorter lines.
- 💡 Insider Tip: This is one of the few Miami attractions that remains affordable and fun for locals. Combine it with a picnic at nearby Grapeland Park or Magic City Casino.
- 🔗 Website: grapelandwaterpark.com
4. Tidal Cove Water Park
Type: 🌊 Resort Water Park
Location: 📍19999 W Country Club Dr, Aventura, FL 33180
For those looking to pair luxury with adventure, Tidal Cove at the JW Marriott Turnberry Resort is a must-visit. This sophisticated park is a world-class aquatic playground with water slides, raft rides, and a state-of-the-art surf simulator.
- 🛝 Highlights: Seven-story water slide tower, the FlowRider triple surf simulator, Kids Cove splash area, lazy river, and private cabanas. The park also has top-tier dining at Surf House Bar & Grill.
- 🎟️ Tickets: Day passes start from $55; children under 3 free. Resort guests often receive priority access.
- 🕒 Hours: 9 am – 6 pm for pools; slides operate 9:30 am – 5:30 pm.
- 📸 Visitor Tips: This park is best for families, couples, and resort guests. Bring a waterproof phone pouch for great on-ride photos. Parking is available at the resort (valet only).
- 💡 Insider Tip: Weekdays are quieter. Booking online ensures your spot and gives access to combo packages that include resort dining credits.
- 🔗 Website: tidalcovemiami.com
5. Oleta River State Park
Type: 🌿 Outdoor Adventure & Nature Park
Location: 📍3400 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
Oleta River State Park is Miami’s ultimate escape into nature. Covering over 1,000 acres, it’s Florida’s largest urban park — a haven for kayaking, paddleboarding, and mountain biking amid mangroves and calm waters.
- 🚴 Highlights: 15 miles of biking and hiking trails, kayak and paddleboard rentals, secluded beach cove, and wildlife observation. Great for fishing and camping.
- 🎟️ Tickets: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 for pedestrians and cyclists.
- 🕒 Hours: Daily from 8 am – sundown.
- 🧃 Visitor Tips: Bring snacks, water, and bug spray. Rentals for kayaks and bikes are available at the Oleta River Outdoor Center. Restrooms and picnic pavilions are on-site.
- 🌅 Insider Tip: The park’s sunset views over Biscayne Bay are stunning. Visit on weekdays for a quieter, more serene experience.
- 🔗 Website: Florida State Parks – Oleta River
6. Everglades Safari Park
Type: 🐊 Airboat & Wildlife Adventure
Location: 📍26700 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194
For an unforgettable Florida adventure, head west to the Everglades and experience nature in its raw form at Everglades Safari Park. It’s the perfect place for thrill-seekers, families, and photographers who want to explore the “River of Grass.”
- 🛶 Highlights: 30–40 minute guided airboat tours through sawgrass marshes, alligator shows, jungle walking trails, and wildlife viewing platforms. Expect to see herons, turtles, and plenty of alligators in their natural habitat.
- 🎟️ Tickets: Adults $47; Kids (3–9) $20. Private tour options available.
- 🕒 Hours: Daily 9 am – 5 pm, with last airboat departing at 4:30 pm.
- 🧢 Visitor Tips: Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket — airboat rides can get windy. Mornings are best for spotting active wildlife.
- 🌾 Insider Tip: Combine your visit with a stop at Shark Valley Visitor Center or Miccosukee Indian Village for a full Everglades experience.
- 🔗 Website: evergladessafaripark.com
Final Thoughts: Planning the Perfect Park Day in Miami
Whether you’re visiting Miami for a weekend or a full vacation, its attraction parks offer a refreshing balance between city energy and outdoor excitement. Families can enjoy water slides at Grapeland or Tidal Cove, nature lovers can kayak through Oleta’s mangroves, and thrill-seekers can race across the Everglades on an airboat.
Pro Tips for Visitors:
- 💻 Book Online: Many parks offer discounts for advance online reservations.
- ☀️ Check the Weather: Miami’s tropical climate means quick rain showers — plan for flexibility.
- 🎒 Bring Essentials: Sunscreen, hats, and refillable water bottles are must-haves.
- 🧭 Combine Attractions: Pair city adventures with nearby nature parks for variety.
From feeding giraffes at Zoo Miami to ziplining through the treetops at Jungle Island, Miami’s attraction parks offer endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and discovery — making every visit unforgettable.
