Kid-friendly restaurants and activities in South Beach, Miami
South Beach enjoys its reputation as an adult playground where this week's reality show celebutantes stir up faux scandals all over town. Parents who have been Keeping Up with the Kardashians or sipping along with Miami Social are no doubt concerned that there are few appropriate places to entertain the kids. Rest assured, we have plenty of G-rated attractions to dazzle the little ones that won't strain your sensibilities or your travel budget.
Big Pink (157 Collins Avenue): No matter how early the kids insist on waking up during your vacation, Big Pink is ready to start your day on the right foot. This popular South Beach diner offers both indoor and stroller-friendly sidewalk seating with enough action to distract the fussiest little traveler. The colorful dining room is essentially child-proof and surrounded by buzzing televisions, a busy open kitchen, and a hive of friendly young waiters. The huge comfort food menu has a nice "Kids Only" section with grilled cheese, chicken fingers, spaghetti, pizza, and mac & cheese, and the restaurant offers breakfast all day long. If all else fails, a full bar may help to soothe even the most frazzled mom and dad.
Jungle Island (1111 Parrot Jungle Trail): Just a 5 minute ride over the MacArthur Causeway from Big Pink is the tropical zoo and theme park Jungle Island, where wild birds, reptiles, monkeys and even a Li-Ger (part lion, part tiger) will delight everyone in the family. Brief interactive animal presentations are scheduled throughout the day followed by opportunities to pet, feed, and have photos taken with the animals. Pack a beach bag and enjoy some quiet time at La Playa, a private beach with a water slide and a bounce house where parents can enjoy a frozen cocktail while the kids burn off a little steam.
Flamingo Pool (999 11 Street): Growing up on Miami Beach has its privileges and the public pool at Flamingo Park is one of the best. This terrific kids water playground is just six blocks west of Ocean Drive and features a 2,000 square foot shallow water play area, colorful chutes and ladders, and a refreshing spray waterfall to help keep kids cool in the pool. Staffed by lifeguards trained by the American Red Cross, the pool is the perfect oasis for toddlers and new swimmers. Children can play safely in the zero- to 15-inch deep play zone every day (except Tuesday) from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Two of the most family friendly hotels in the area are the Loews Miami Beach Hotel and the Ritz-Carlton South Beach, both of which offering babysitting services and supervised kids programs by the pool.
- AdvisorGirl
[Flickr/ChrisGoldNY]