As a born and raised Miami girl, I know a bit about what to do in Miami while taking into consideration the rainy and unreliable weather the summer months bring. I have compiled a list of things to do. Whether you are a tourist or a local, I am sure you can find something that will spark your interest.
Zoo Miami (also known as The Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens) is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida and the only sub-tropical zoo in the continental United States. Zoo Miami today occupies almost 750 acres and is home to more than 3,000 animals representing over 500 different species. The zoo also houses more than 1,000 species of trees, palms and other plants. Whether you rent a family bike or just walk around, the zoo is a good time.
Cost:
| Adult (13+) | $22.95 |
| Child (3-12) | $18.95 |
| Children 2 and under | FREE |
| Zoo members | FREE |
| Parking | FREE |
50% off regular adult admission for active or retired U.S. military personnel plus 25% off regular admission for up to six additional guests. Military photo identification is required at time of purchase. 25% off regular admission for Seniors. Photo identification with date of birth is required at time of purchase.
Specials:
Celebrate Father’s Day weekend at the Zoo with a special online-only offer just for Dad! Purchase one regular admission and receive a FREE admission of equal or lesser value. This offer can only be redeemed June 14 – 16, 2019; not valid with any other offer or promotion. Not redeemable for cash.
Summer Savings Pass: Enjoy unlimited visits to Zoo Miami, Miami Seaquarium, Lion Country Safari and The Museum of Discovery and Science until September 30, 2019.
Adult Pass is $60 + tax, Child Pass is $50 + tax.
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is a modern and contemporary art museum dedicated to collecting and exhibiting international art of the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum offers a lovely experience for all ages and the location is nothing short of scenic.
Cost:
| Members | Free |
| Children (6 and under) | Free |
| Active U.S. Military (with ID) | Free |
| Adults | $16 |
| Seniors (62+ with ID) | $12 |
| Students (with ID) | $12 |
| Youth (ages 7-18) | $12 |
The PAMM Student Pass grants free admission to the museum for all students currently attending Miami-Dade County Public Schools (must apply).
Admission is free every first Thursday and every second Saturday of the month.
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is divided into four distinct buildings: the Aquarium, the Frost Planetarium, and the North and West Wings. This unique campus-like setting takes guests on a journey from the ocean to the Everglades, and from the human cell to outer space. The museum is gorgeous and a must see for everyone (especially kids). If you love getting the perfect Instagram picture, there are plenty of picturesque spots.
Cost:
| Adults: | |
| Youth (ages 3-11): | |
| Children (2 and under): | Free |
| Members: | Free |
Paid self-parking is available in the museum garage during regular museum hours (space limited). Rates are $8 for the first hour and $4 for each additional hour (max daily rate of $40). Frost Science members receive a $4 discount on parking.
Laser Evenings – You can catch a laser light show twice a month in the Frost Planetarium’s 67-foot dome. Cost: $10 per adult; $8 per child (ages 3-11); Members receive a 20% discount on all Laser Evening shows.
This one is for the kiddies. My sister and I loved the Miami Children’s Museum as kids – my sister even celebrated one of her birthdays here.
Cost:
| General Admission | $22 |
| FL Residents | $15 |
| Children under 1 year | Free |
| Members | Free |
| U.S. Military Personnel and Veterans | Free |
I have not been to the Seaquarium in a long time but it can be great for kids. The Miami Seaquarium offers marine mammal shows with dolphins and sea lions; along with sea life exhibits with manatees, sea turtles, penguins, rays and more. For special events taking place this summer click here.
Cost:
General admission- $47.99; FL resident Fun Day Ticket- $29.99; Summer Celebration Family Fun Pack (Save 25%)- (Ages (10+): $35.99* Ages (3-9): $28.49*)
I actually want to see a Marlin’s game this summer – it has been a while since I have been to one. You can find some great deals on tickets for the summer (I have seen tickets as cheap as $10).
Beach
This one is no brainer (obviously, if the weather is good). If you want to get away from the Miami Beach craziness, head north to Hollywood Beach or Lauderdale by the Sea (pics below).
Biking
Biking is pretty popular in Miami. If you are not a local, you can always rent a bike! Oleta River State Park and Amelia Earhart Park have some great trails to try out. If trails are not for you, biking in Miami Beach or Bayside is a great scenic alternative.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (closed Tuesdays)
Vizcaya was created as James Deering’s subtropical winter home in the 1910s and today it is a National Historic Landmark and accredited museum. The museum is picturesque, historical, & a Miami must-see.
Cost:
| Adult (18+) | $22 |
| Teens (13-17) | $15 |
| Child 6-12 | $10 |
| Children 5 and under | Free |
| Seniors 65 and older with ID | $16 |
| College Students with ID | $15 |
| Visitors using wheelchairs | $10 |
| US military veterans & active duty US military personnel | Free |
Farmer’s Markets
Miami has some great farmer’s markets to check out over the summer. I went to the Coconut Grove Farmer’s Market on Saturday and indulged in some awesome vegan eats.
Malls
When the weather gets unfriendly, shopping is a great passtime! Looking for an outlet mall, Dolphin Mall has some worthwhile outlet stores (if you are willing to drive a bit, check out Sawgrass Mills). Miami has several malls to look into (i.e. The Falls, Dadeland Mall, Aventura Mall). If you are a fan of the open space shopping experience and great restaurants, Brickell City Centre and The Shops at Merrick Park are great options.
This is the closest you will get to a castle in Miami! The story behind this museum is pretty spectacular. A man named Ed who weighed a mere 100 pounds and stood just over 5 feet tall spent 28 years carving this Coral Castle from the ground up using nothing but homemade tools. It is said that he created it as a homage to an unrequited love.
Cost:
Adults (ages 13 – 64) $18.00
Seniors (ages 65+) $15.00
Children (ages 7 – 12) $8.00
Children (under age 6) Free
This year Florida Supercon is taking place July 4-7 and celebrity guests include George Takei (Star Trek), Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead), Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter), Danielle Panabaker (The Flash), and Chris Sullivan (This is Us). I went last year and had a great time. For tickets click here.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is an 83-acre botanic garden with extensive collections of rare tropical plants including palms, cycads, flowering trees, and vines. I have not been in some time but with the right weather, it is nice and enjoyable. Mangos are undeniably popular in Miami. If you are a mango lover, head over to the International Mango Festival at Fairchild (July 13-14).
Cost:
Fairchild Members – Free
Non-Member Adults – $25
Students – $12
Seniors (65 and over) – $18
Children 6-17 – $12
Children 5 and under – Free
On your Safari Edventure you will be able to pet a sloth, join a pack of wolves, hold an alligator, and so much more. I went a year ago on Easter and had a blast. If you are missing Game of Thrones like I am, petting some wolves at Safari Edventure will help!
Cost:
| Adult | Child | Senior | |
| Regular Admission | $18 | $15 | $15 |
| FL Resident | $15 | $12 | $12 |
Wynwood
When the weather is conducive to walking around, Wynwood is a good spot to head to. The area has grown into a hip and trendy spot over the years with art at every corner and restaurants and bars all over. When family from out of town comes to visit, we take them to explore and eat at Wynwood. On a hot day, pick up a famous fish cone ice cream at 1-800-Lucky.
Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum
The Patrician & Phillip Frost Art Museum at FIU is small but filled with goodies. I had my first and only deep emotional connection with a collection here. The museum has several events tailored towards kids (so if you have kids, check it out). Admission is free.
I have never been to the Gold Coast Railroad Museum but I want to! It is home to over 40 historic railcars, including the “Ferdinand Magellan” Presidential Railcar, better known as U.S. Car No. 1. The museum also houses a model train room and numerous interactive displays. The museum offers free admission the first Saturday of every month (except for March and December).
Cost:
Adult $8.00; Child (ages 2 – 12) $6.00
Paddle boarding
I did a Groupon years ago where I got to paddle board for a reasonable price. There are still pretty great paddle boarding deals on Groupon.
Breweries
What do you need on hot Miami days & nights? Nice cold BEERS! There are a lot of breweries in Miami and I feel like new ones are practically added every day! I went to Tripping Animals Brewing recently and loved the experience. Check out Groupon for some great deals on tasting flights at Miami breweries.
There are two Topgolf locations in Miami (Miami Gardens & Doral). I went on Halloween to the Doral location and had a blast. Make sure to reserve your spot online and try some food and drinks (everything I consumed was pretty good!). This is something that is fun for all ages.
Cost:
| Opening-noon | $12.50 per bay, per hour |
| Noon-5pm | $17.50 per bay, per hour |
| 5pm-close | $22.50 per bay, per hour |
*6 people are allowed per bay. Half price every Tuesday!
Kendall Ice Arena is Miami’s only ice sports center. I have been many times and I must say, it is an excellent place to go to get away from the Miami heat.
Summer skate times & costs:
Monday – 10am to 3pm ($9 Admission plus $3 Skate Rental); 3:30pm to 10:00pm ($9 Admission plus $3 Skate Rental)
Tuesday – 10am to 3pm ($9 Admission plus $3 Skate Rental); 3:30pm to 10:00pm ($9 Admission plus $3 Skate Rental)
Wednesday – 10am to 3pm ($9 Admission plus $3 Skate Rental); 3:30pm to 10:00pm ($9 Admission plus $3 Skate Rental)
Thursday – 10am to 3pm ($9 Admission plus $3 Skate Rental); 3:30pm to 10:00pm ($9 Admission plus $3 Skate Rental)
Friday – 10am to 8pm ($9 Admission plus $3 Skate Rental); 8:30pm to Midnight ($12 Admission plus $3 Skate Rental and all non skaters are charged $15)
Saturday – 10am to 12pm ($9 Admission plus $3 Skate Rental); 1pm to 7:30pm ($9 Admission plus $3 Skate Rental); 8:30pm to Midnight ($12 Admission plus $3 Skate Rental and all non skaters are charged $15)
Sunday – 10am to 12pm ($9 Admission plus $3 Skate Rental – Family Day); 1pm to 10pm ($9 Admission plus $3 Skate Rental – Family Day)
Concert at AmericanAirlines Arena
Miami’s AmericanAirlines Arena is an extraordinary venue for concerts. I just recently had the pleasure of seeing Ariana Grande’s Sweetener concert live there. Celebrate the summer by going to a concert! To see upcoming events click here.
Miami River
The 5.5-mile long river flows from the terminus of the Miami Canal at Miami International Airport to Biscayne Bay. Several restaurants and bars have opened (and are thriving) by the Miami River. Pick one to eat at and enjoy the view!
Thrifting
Get away from the heat and rain by going thrifting! Miami without a doubt has some gems waiting to be found at thrift stores. I go to Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. but my favorite is Miami Twice. I got my prom dress and multiple other dresses there, therefore it will always have a special spot in my heart.
I know I will think of more things to do after posting this. I will add to this post as I think of them. For now, have a great summer!
XO,
Caylin
Caylin Jimenez 