Downtown Miami’s landmark Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science has hands-on, interactive exhibits that make for a perfect family-friendly outing with kids. The Gulf Stream Aquarium spans three floors and includes an open tank on the rooftop. For a personal encounter with one of nature's most fascinating aquatic animals, visit the Florida Bay Touch Experience, where you can touch a stingray. Just make sure you save time for a planetarium show.

The Miami Children’s Museum makes learning feel more like an adventure. The museum is filled with activities that emphasize art, culture, community, imagination and creativity. It’s also home to the Castle of Dreams, a whimsical life-sized sandcastle that can be explored. Other exhibits include the health and wellness enter, a multi-sensory room, the music makers studio, and a cruise ship featuring a Lego table for designing your own ship.

With more than 3,000 animals on 750 acres, Zoo Miami is a wildly fun attraction for the family. Exhibitions are dedicated to species from around the world, including Florida’s Everglades, the Amazon, Africa, and more. See amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles roam in an open space that mimics their natural habitats. The zoo's "animal experiences" include opportunities to feed animals or get face-to-face with wildlife through “animal encounters."

For active, adventurous families, consider Oleta River State Park Beach, Florida's largest urban park. Oleta encompasses more than 1,000 acres of greenery set against Biscayne Bay, ideal for kayaking, biking, fishing, hiking, swimming and camping. The park is a natural oasis that's just 30 minutes from Downtown Miami and features a sandy beach, three miles of nature trails, paddling experiences in the mangrove channels, and cabins for a campout.

When it comes to fun for the whole family, make a splash at the Tidal Cove waterpark at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. The sprawling luxury resort is home to several twisting waterslides, a lazy river and a lagoon-style swimming pool. There’s even a Kid’s Cove with a 4,000-square-foot splash park, designed with a playful emoji theme. A day pass to Tidal Cove grants you access to the waterpark and several dining outlets.

Venetian Pool differs from the classic water park – it’s an 820,000-gallon freshwater pool that is perfect for when you want a break from chlorine. It’s a natural spring with two waterfalls, decorated by palm trees and lush greenery. It even has a scenic bridge, multiple grottos to explore, and loggias and porticos that make swimming an adventure. Kids aged three and up are welcome to swim at this Venetian-style lagoon.

Explore the beauty of Everglades National Park, one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. It’s also one of the most exciting places in Miami to explore with kids. These lush subtropical wetlands occupy 1.5 million acres of sawgrass prairies, hardwood hammocks, freshwater marshes and a diverse population of wildlife that includes bald eagles, white-tailed deer and, of course, alligators. Glide through wetlands in a kayak or take a naturalist-led tour.

For a totally unique experience, head to Sky Zone Trampoline Park, where you can literally bounce off the walls. This indoor trampoline park includes a variety of bouncy activities like freestyle jump, SkySlam basketball, ultimate dodgeball and a giant pit of foam cubes that you can jump and flip into. It’s especially fun for little ones who need to burn off some energy – or anyone young at heart.

Grab the family and reserve a climate-controlled bay at one of Topgolf’s driving ranges. This entertainment complex is fun for the whole family with golf, over a dozen games and all the classic game-night dining favorites like crispy chicken wings and flatbread pizza. If you’re new to golf, you can take lessons, and get in a few practice swings. There’s also a “KidZone” with clinics and coaching available for the little ones.

A day on the sands of Surfside often feels like being on a private beach. With the beach to the east and lush sand dunes to the west, you can use the paths for an oceanfront stroll, run or bike ride. The beach is within walking distance to condominiums, several casual dining venues and storefronts offering something sweet, making it a perfect beach spot for families. So pack your blanket, an ice chest and a few snacks for some swim time.