Animals

• Bill Graham Farm Village (Miami Lakes) Step back in time at this “homestead” recreating pioneer times. Petting zoo features horses, cows, ponies, goats, chickens, pigs, sheep, geese and donkeys while the Demonstration Shed showcases horse-shoeing, cow milking and other farm activities. Pony rides and a Country Store are also on site.
401 E 65 St, 305-685-8673
• Flamingo Gardens (Davie) This 65-acre nonprofit botanical gardens features the Everglade Wildlife Sanctuary that gives residence to injured birds and animals. Enjoy wildlife encounter shows, Florida's largest collection of native wildlife and a half-acre Free-flight Aviary. 3750 South Flamingo Rd, 954-473-2955
• Jungle Island (Miami Beach) Ligers, parrots, penguins, tigers and oimairangutans are a few of the animals in residence at Jungle Island. Stroll through the park, feed a few animals and catch a show or two. Parking is super easy and the park is very well maintained.  
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, 305-400-7000
• Miami Metrozoo (West Kendall) Come prepared to spend some time at the zoo – it’s spans 740 acres and features over 1,000 animals representing over 400 species. Stroll along the three miles of walkways to hop on the Monorail (highly recommended in the summer). There’s also a children’s zoo for up close interactions.
124000 SW 152 Street, 305-251-0400
• Miami Seaquarium (Key Biscayne) Billed as a “38-acre tropical paradise,” the Seaquarium has been entertaining locals since 1955. Current highlights include dolphin and sea lion shows, manatee and shark channel presentations, Atlantic & Caribbean aquariums and an opportunity to swim with the dolphins.
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, 305-361-5705
• Monkey Jungle (West Kendall) Nearly 400 primates representing 30 species call the 30-acre Monkey Jungle home. Interestingly enough, visitors are caged in (via large fenced in walkways) while the monkeys run free.
14805 SW 216 Street, 305-235-1611
• Pinecrest Gardens Petting Zoo (Pinecrest). Open daily from noon-2pm, the pettign zoo features free admission and access to munchkin-friendly animals. 11000 Red Rd, 305-669-6990.

Parks & Beaches

• Aventura Parks (Aventura) Complete listing of all parks & playgrounds in Aventura
• Crandon Park (Key Biscayne) Crandon Park is ground zero for Key Biscayne family fun. The park features golf & tennis facilities, a two-mile beach (with loads of BBQ-ers), kayak rentals and more. 4000 Crandon Blvd, 305-361-5421
• Crandon Park Water Fountain (Key Biscayne) Splish and splash your way around the Key at this dedicated splash area. A great option for summer days. 305-361-4521
• Crandon Park Carousel (Key Biscayne) Treat munchkins to a ride on the 1950s Allen Herschell carousel in Crandon Park. $2 for 3 rides. 4000 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne; 305-361-5421
• Everglades Safari Park (Homestead) Likely best for toddlers and older, ESP uses airboats (very loud airboats) to explore the Everglades & its animals. Tours include airboat ride, alligator show and walking trail of crocodile exhibits. Be prepared for noise, sweating (gets pretty hot in the swamp) and lots of mess.
26700 SW 8 St, 305-226-6923
• Fairchild Botanic Gardens (Coral Gables) One of the world’s preeminent botanic gardens, Fairchild spans 83 acres and features an extensive collection of rare tropical plants. A great place to stroll around and visit for special events (annual festivals, special exhibits, etc).
10901 Old Cutler Road, 305-667-1651
• Flamingo Park (South Beach) South Beach’s ultimate community center. The massive park features tennis courts; a swimming pool; basketball courts; an outdoor track; playground with slides, baby & kids swings; and a water park.
999 11 Street, 305-673-7224
• Flamingo Aquatic Center (South Beach) Recently renovated, the Flamingo water playground is a great outdoor activity. The “pool” is 0-15 inches deep and features sprinklers, climbing areas and more. 999 11 Street, 305-673-7224
• Fruit & Spice Park (Homestead) Over 500 varieties of fruits, spices, herbs and nuts are on display at the 37-acre park. Explore the gardens then taste at the tasting counter in the Park Store.
24801 SW 187 Avenue, 305-247-5727
• Grapeland Water Park (Miami) Near the Miami airport, Grapeland, opened summer 2008, is Miami’s only official water park. It features bright Romero Britto designs, two pools with slides, a winding river and an open area. There’s a special area for toddlers & kids 5 and under. 1300 NW 37 Ave, 305-960-2950
• The Kampong (Coconut Grove) Browse gardens, trees and tropical fruit cultivars in this historic garden in the Grove. 4013 Douglas Rd, 305-442-7169
• Knaus Berry Farm (Homestead) Open mid-November through late-April, Knaus is a farm and bakery operated by the Knaus Family. It’s trek through the Redlands to get there, but the freshly-baked sticky buns & homemade strawberry milkshakes are well worth it. Stock up on breadsticks and pies while you’re there.
15980 SW 248 Street, 305-247-0668
• Lummus Park (South Beach) One part playground, one-part people-watching escapade. Located on 6th & Ocean, Lummus is South Beach at it’s most South Beach-iness. The playground has swings and slides and the boardwalk is home to a rotating slate of tourists, locals, street performers and a few homeless people.
Ocean Drive from 5-15th Streets
• Matheson Hammock (Coral Gables) Equal parts beach, park & marina, Matheson Hammock is a great off-the-radar place to spend an afternoon. Bring a blanket, bathing suits and lunch and hit the beach and/or the nature trails.
9610 Old Cutler Road, 305-669-3020
• Maurice Gibb/Purdy Park (South Beach) A true neighborhood park, Purdy Park is mostly playground. Look for baby & kids swings, slides a swinging tire and marina access (fun to watch the boats and/or feed the ducks).
18 Street & Purdy Avenue, 305-861-3616
• Miami Beach Botanical Gardens (Miami Beach) Small and a bit off the radar, the MB Botanical Gardens are fun for a stroll. They’re quiet, free and probably good for an hour’s worth of entertainment. Maybe a bit longer if you’ve got a budding botanist, a bit shorter if you’ve got an antsy pants.
2000 Convention Center Drive, 305-673-7256
• Miami Beach Parks Complete listing of all Miami Beach parks & playgrounds.
• Miami parks Complete listing of all Miami parks & playgrounds.
• Palmetto Mini Golf (Kendall) Treat munchkins old & young to a round on one of Miami’s only mini golf courses. Open seven days a week, rentals available.  9300 SW 152 St; 305-238-2922
• North Shore Open Space Park (North Beach) Beach access, baby & kids swings, a rock wall, slides and more.
7929 Atlantic Way, 305-673-7720
• Pinecrest Gardens (Pinecrest) Enjoy a playground, splash ‘n play area, petting zoo and botanical gardens at the former Parrot Jungle site. 11000 Red Rd, 305-284-0900
• Pinecrest Gardens Splash ‘N Play (Pinecrest) Heaven for kids 2-12, splash ‘n play features sprinklers and various play areas. 11000 Red Rd, 305-284-0900
• Scott Rakow Youth Center (Miami Beach) Options abound at Scott Rakow, including an ice skating rink, a swimming pool, six bowling lanes, a gym, a game room, an arts & crafts center and an indoor beach volleyball court. Probably best for kids over four or five.
2700 Sheridan Avenue, 305-673-7767
• South Pointe Park (South Beach) Arguably the best view on the Beach, SPP re-opened in Spring 09 to rave reviews. Tons of open space for kids to roll around on, a hill to roll down, bike & stroller paths, up close views of cruise ships, motion-activated sprinklers and a playground with slides. Only caveat – minimal shade & no swings.
1 Washington Avenue, 305-673-7730
• Venetian Pool (Coral Gables) Kids three and up can get wet at the only swimming pool registered in the National Register of Historic Places. Concession stand open Fri-Sunday, discounted admission fees for Gables residents, only cash & check are accepted.
2701 De Soto Boulevard, 305-460-5306
• Village Green (Key Biscayne) The ultimate & park – loads of space to run around, a jogging path, room for kite flying, a bocce court and a massive playground with baby & kids swings, slides and tons of climbing equipment.
Crandon Boulevard, 305-361-5207