Miami isn’t just beaches and nightlife – it’s also a launching pad for a variety of theme parks and attractions that cater to every kind of traveler. Whether you’re a family with young kids, a thrill-seeker chasing adrenaline, a nature and wildlife enthusiast, or someone who loves fun and learning, the Miami area has you covered. This guide distills everything a tourist needs to know, from major headliners to hidden gems, with practical details on tickets, hours, getting there, and insider tips. By the end, you’ll be able to plan days filled with safaris, water slides, primate encounters, and even stargazing in a planetarium.
Quick-Glance Overview
| Park | Where | Vibe | Best For | Typical Hours* | Typical Prices* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jungle Island | Watson Island (Miami) | Wildlife + mild adventure | Families, animal lovers | Daily ~9:30–17:00 | Adults ~$50 gate; kids ~$30; online deals often lower |
| Zoo Miami | SW Miami-Dade | Safari-style zoo | All ages, full-day outing | Daily 10:00–17:00 | Adults ~$26; kids ~$22; frequent promos |
| Miami Seaquarium | Virginia Key | Marine park, shows | Families, dolphin fans | Daily 10:00–17:00 | Online: Adults ~$33–36; kids ~$23–26; higher at gate |
| Lion Country Safari | Loxahatchee (WPB) | Drive-through safari + rides | Families, photographers | Daily ~9:30–17:30 | Adults ~$55; kids ~$44; seasonal/weekday deals |
| Rapids Water Park | Riviera Beach (WPB) | Big water slides | Thrill-seekers, families | Seasonal; summer ~10:00–19:00 | ~$50–60 full-day; twilight discounts |
| Tidal Cove Waterpark | Aventura | Luxury resort water park | Upscale family day | Daily ~10:00–19:00 | Day pass adults ~$65–85; kids ~$45–65 |
| By Brothers Family Park | Redland (SW Miami) | Farm + petting zoo + rides | Young kids, budget-friendly | Daily ~9:00–20:00 | ~$15 pp; toddlers under 32″ free |
| Monkey Jungle | Redland (SW Miami) | Primates roam, humans in tunnels | Animal lovers, unique experiences | Daily 9:30–17:00 | Adults ~$30; kids ~$24 |
| Frost Museum of Science | Downtown Miami | Aquarium + planetarium | Rainy-day, all ages learning | Daily 10:00–18:00 | Adults ~$30; kids ~$23 (incl. 1 planetarium show) |
| Miami Children’s Museum | Watson Island | Hands-on play museum | Ages 1–10 | Daily 10:00–18:00 | $26 pp; locals discount; <1 free |
*Hours and prices vary by date/season; always check the official site and consider buying online for savings.
Jungle Island (Miami) – Wildlife Park & Adventure
Why go: Iconic eco-adventure park blending exotic animal encounters (parrots, flamingos, lemurs, sloths) with zip-lines, aerial ropes courses, and treehouse play. It’s one of Miami’s oldest attractions, reinvented into a place where both kids and adults can enjoy animal shows alongside outdoor thrills.
Highlights
- Daily animal shows with colorful parrots and other species
- Hands-on encounters like lemur feedings, sloth cuddles, kangaroo interactions
- Adventure add-ons: zip-line, aerial ropes, and elevated play structures
- Photo-perfect flamingo lagoon and free-roaming exotic birds
Practical Info
- Location: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail (Watson Island; minutes from Downtown/South Beach)
- Tickets: Adults ~$50 / kids ~$30 at gate; online often cheaper ($30–35); <3 free
- Hours: Daily ~9:30–17:00 (last entry ~16:00)
- Food: Cafés, snack kiosks, shaded seating
- Getting there: Drive or rideshare (parking ~$15–20). Limited bus/trolley service
- Tips: Arrive at opening, map your day around the show schedule, wear closed-toe shoes for aerial activities, and hydrate often. Jungle Island is great to combine with nearby Miami Children’s Museum in one day.
Zoo Miami (Miami) – Safari-Style Zoological Park
Why go: Florida’s largest zoo spread across 750 acres with open-air habitats replicating continents. A full-day outdoor adventure that feels like a safari in the tropics.
Highlights
- Hand-feed giraffes, watch elephants bathe, and see lions, gorillas, and koalas
- Multiple playgrounds, splash pads, and kid zones to keep children entertained
- Tram rides, monorail views, and rentable Safari Cycles for easier exploring
Practical Info
- Location: 12400 SW 152nd St (SW Miami-Dade); free on-site parking
- Tickets: Adults ~$26; kids ~$22; <3 free. Summer promos like $15 Mondays
- Hours: Daily 10:00–17:00 (last entry ~16:00)
- Food: Several cafeterias and snack stands; outside food allowed (with restrictions)
- Accessibility: Stroller/wheelchair rentals available; paved trails
- Tips: Start early to see active animals, pack swimwear for kids’ water play, use bug spray, and plan for at least 4–5 hours. Bring a refillable water bottle—there are refill stations throughout.
Miami Seaquarium (Miami) – Marine Life Adventure
Why go: A classic Miami attraction since the 1950s featuring dolphin and sea lion shows, manatee conservation exhibits, and interactive options like dolphin swims. Great for combining education and entertainment.
Highlights
- Dolphin shows and sea lion comedy routines
- Exhibits on Florida manatees, sea turtles, sharks, and penguins
- Interactive add-ons: swim with dolphins, penguin meet-and-greets, VIP tours
Practical Info
- Location: 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway (Virginia Key; toll applies; paid parking)
- Tickets: Online adults ~$33–36; kids ~$23–26; higher at gate. Local/military discounts available
- Hours: Daily 10:00–17:00; grab a show schedule on arrival
- Food: Main restaurant and snack stands; souvenir shops
- Tips: Book animal encounters early, sit in splash zones if you don’t mind getting wet, and bring sunscreen for outdoor arenas. Perfect half-day trip with views of Biscayne Bay.
Lion Country Safari (Palm Beach County) – Drive-Through Safari + Rides
Why go: One of the few drive-through safaris in the U.S. where you can see rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and lions just feet from your car windows. Followed by a walkable amusement park with rides and splash zones.
Highlights
- 4-mile drive-through safari with herds roaming free
- Giraffe feeding deck, kids’ water play area, and petting zoo in Safari World
- Small rides like carousel and train, plus lorikeet feeding
Practical Info
- Location: 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd (Loxahatchee; ~1.5 hr north of Miami)
- Tickets: Adults ~$55; kids ~$44; under 3 free; weekday/seasonal deals common
- Hours: Daily ~9:30–17:30 (last car ~16:30)
- Food: Restaurant, snack kiosks, picnic spots
- Tips: Arrive early for more active animals. Follow safari rules (windows closed near lions). Bring swimsuits for the splash pad and allocate a full day if you want to explore both safari and Safari World.
Rapids Water Park (Palm Beach County) – South Florida’s Water Thrill Park
Why go: A water thrill paradise with 40+ slides, wave pools, and kid splash areas. Known for high-intensity slides but balanced with relaxing lazy river floats.
Highlights
- Extreme slides like Brain Drain trap-door plunge and Big Thunder funnel ride
- Mega Mayhem multi-rider raft ride and Pirates Plunge speed slides
- Wave pool, lazy river, and kids’ splash lagoons
Practical Info
- Location: 6566 N Military Trail (Riviera Beach; ~1 hr 20 min drive from Miami)
- Tickets: ~$50–60 day passes; twilight (after 4 PM) ~$25; seasonal passes available
- Hours: Seasonal; summer daily ~10:00–19:00
- Food: Multiple concession stands; lockers for valuables; cabana rentals
- Tips: Head to marquee slides first, wear water shoes, bring towels and waterproof sunscreen. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Tidal Cove Waterpark (Aventura) – Luxury Resort Water Park
Why go: A boutique water park inside JW Marriott Turnberry Resort. Combines thrill rides with luxury services like towel and cocktail service.
Highlights
- Master Blaster water coaster, high-speed slides, and tube rides
- FlowRider surf simulator with lessons available
- Lazy river and dedicated kids’ water playground
Practical Info
- Location: JW Marriott Turnberry, Aventura (next to Aventura Mall)
- Day Passes: Adults ~$65–85; kids ~$45–65; <3 free. Discounted weekday rates sometimes offered
- Hours: Daily 10:00–19:00
- Food: Resort restaurants, Surf House Bar & Grill, snack bars
- Tips: Book day passes online, arrive early for best chairs, bring ID for FlowRider registration, and consider cabana rentals for groups.
By Brothers Family Park (Miami) – Farm Fun & Petting Zoo (Hidden Gem)
Why go: A locally loved farm park with a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, tractor rides, and authentic Cuban food. Perfect for families with younger children.
Highlights
- Feed goats, camels, and ostriches; pony rides; bird aviary
- Bounce pillow, corn pit, foam parties, and summer water inflatables
Practical Info
- Location: 15515 SW 177th Ave (Redland; ~30 min drive from Downtown Miami)
- Tickets: ~$15 pp; toddlers under 32” free; wristbands for unlimited rides available
- Hours: Daily ~9:00–20:00 (weekends until ~21:00)
- Food: Excellent farm-style restaurant, shakes, and produce market
- Tips: Wear closed-toe shoes, bring cash for animal feed, and plan to stay for a hearty farm meal. A fun stop combined with Zoo Miami or Monkey Jungle.
Monkey Jungle (Miami) – “Where Humans Are Caged and Monkeys Run Wild!”
Why go: A one-of-a-kind park where visitors walk in mesh tunnels while hundreds of monkeys roam free overhead. Historic attraction dating back to 1935.
Highlights
- Java macaques diving for fruit in a pond
- Guided rainforest tour with squirrel monkeys and tropical birds
- Gibbons swinging and Western lowland gorilla exhibits
Practical Info
- Location: 14805 SW 216th St (Redland)
- Tickets: Adults ~$30; kids ~$24; rainforest tour upgrade extra
- Hours: Daily 9:30–17:00 (last entry ~16:00)
- Food: Basic snack bar; souvenir shop with monkey feed cups
- Tips: Buy raisin/peanut cups at entry, catch scheduled feeding shows, wear insect repellent, and plan 2–3 hours. Great paired with nearby By Brothers or Coral Castle.
Frost Museum of Science (Miami) – Aquarium, Planetarium & Hands-On Learning
Why go: A cutting-edge science museum with interactive exhibits across biology, physics, astronomy, and environment, plus a spectacular planetarium and multi-level aquarium.
Highlights
- 3-level aquarium: sharks and rays viewed from below through a giant oculus lens
- Planetarium with 8K dome projection and immersive space shows
- Interactive exhibits covering flight, health, Everglades ecosystems, and more
Practical Info
- Location: 1101 Biscayne Blvd (Downtown Miami; accessible by Metromover)
- Tickets: Adults ~$30; kids ~$23 (includes one planetarium show)
- Hours: Daily 10:00–18:00 (last entry ~17:00)
- Food: Café with bayfront seating; stroller and wheelchair friendly
- Tips: Reserve your planetarium showtime first thing, allow 3–4 hours minimum, and combine with a visit to Pérez Art Museum Miami next door.
Miami Children’s Museum (Miami) – Interactive Play for Ages 1–10
Why go: A brightly designed children’s museum with themed areas for role-play and learning. Perfect to burn energy indoors while engaging imaginations.
Highlights
- Kids-sized supermarket, bank, hospital, cruise ship, and construction zone
- Toddler play area, music studio, art space, and rotating traveling exhibits
Practical Info
- Location: 980 MacArthur Causeway (Watson Island; parking ~$2/hr)
- Tickets: $26 per person; locals discount ($19); under 1 free
- Hours: Daily 10:00–18:00; sometimes split into timed sessions
- Food: Simple on-site café; outside snacks allowed in designated areas
- Tips: Best for ages 1–10. Bring socks for play structures, a towel/change for water play, and sanitize often. Plan 2–3 hours for a full experience.
Sample 3-Day Theme Park Itinerary (Without Orlando)
Day 1 (Miami core): Jungle Island (morning animal shows) → lunch on Watson Island → Miami Children’s Museum (afternoon play) → sunset at South Pointe Park.
Day 2 (Animals & Science): Zoo Miami (morning + afternoon safari) → dinner nearby → Frost Science Museum (evening planetarium) → explore Bayside Marketplace.
Day 3 (North Day-Trip): Drive to Lion Country Safari (morning safari loop + Safari World) → lunch on-site → Rapids Water Park (afternoon slides) or Tidal Cove (luxury alternative closer to Miami).
Money-Saver Tips
- Book tickets online ahead of time for cheaper prices and line-skipping
- Check for Florida resident, student, or military discounts
- If visiting multiple attractions, consider Go City Pass or Summer Savings Pass
- Pack refillable water bottles, sunscreen, hats, strollers, and swim gear
Final Notes
- Miami’s subtropical climate means expect sun, humidity, and sudden rain—schedule indoor breaks midday and carry ponchos/umbrellas.
- Families should always bring swimwear for splash zones and plan stroller access at larger parks.
- Always double-check official sites for the latest hours, prices, and seasonal events.
With this expanded guide, you’re ready to plan a Miami trip packed with adventure—whether you’re feeding giraffes, surfing a FlowRider, zooming down high-speed slides, or gazing at galaxies in a planetarium. Each attraction offers a different flavor of fun, and with smart planning, you can make unforgettable memories at Miami’s theme parks.
