Best Theme Parks in Miami: The Ultimate Tourist Guide
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
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
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
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.
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
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 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.