Top Kids Museums South Florida: Must-Visit Spots for Families

Are you on the hunt for the best kids museums in South Florida? You’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’re highlighting the top spots where your children can explore, play, and learn. From the bustling cultural scenes of Miami to the engaging exhibits in Fort Lauderdale, these museums offer fantastic family experiences.

Key Takeaways

• Top Kids Museums in South Florida: Discover the best kids museums in South Florida, perfect for family outings with interactive exhibits, fun activities, and educational programs.
• Must-Visit Spots for Families: Visit Miami Children’s Museum, Museum of Discovery and Science, and Young At Art Museum for hands-on learning and creativity. Ideal for curious and playful kids.
• Unique Experiences for All Ages: Explore the Frost Museum of Science, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, and Kennedy Space Center for exciting science, nature, and space adventures. Perfect for making unforgettable memories.

Miami Children’s Museum

Situated on Watson Island, the Miami Children’s Museum is a haven of interactive and bilingual exhibits housed in 14 galleries. This destination, perfect for families, opens up a world of imagination and learning with daily programs to stimulate young minds. The museum’s indoor and outdoor exhibits make it an ideal place to visit, rain or shine.

The museum features beloved interactive exhibits like:

• The enchanting Castle of Dreams, where children can explore a fairytale castle
• The construction zone, which allows little builders to get hands-on with their creations
• The music maker’s studio
• An interactive cruise ship

These attractions ensure there’s something for every interest.

For those looking for even more creative fun, the Glass Lab offers a sandblasting workshop where kids can craft frosted glass keepsakes. After a morning of exploration, families can unwind at the outdoor playground and enjoy a picnic, making it a perfect day out for everyone.

Museum of Discovery and Science

The Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale offers an exciting interactive learning experience for kids and families. With a variety of exhibits, including an IMAX theater, a mock-up airboat ride, and a hurricane simulator, there’s plenty to explore.

The museum’s permanent exhibits are a big hit. Check out The Discovery Center, Everglades Airboat Adventure, and Otters at Play for some fun and educational activities. Don’t miss the Grand Atrium, where you can see the 52-foot Great Gravity Clock. It’s the largest kinetic energy sculpture in Florida and one of only three in the world.

If you’re into space, the IMAX Theater shows space movies every day. It’s a cool way to learn about the universe from a comfy seat. With so many things to do, including exploring the gallery space, the Museum of Discovery and Science is a must-visit for curious families.

The Young At Art Museum

The Young At Art Museum in Davie is all about creativity and critical thinking. This modern art museum has interactive art activities and exhibits that let kids use their imaginations.

One of the coolest spots is the ECO THEATER, where kids can turn recycled materials into unique art pieces. It’s a fun way to get creative and learn about sustainability.

Young At Art also has educational programs like field trips, classroom outreaches for different grade levels, and themed art camps during the summer. Kids can try out different media like ceramics, painting, and mixed media.

The Frost Museum of Science

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami is one of the premier science museums, perfect for science and nature lovers. It has an awesome aquarium and a cutting-edge planetarium that will captivate visitors of all ages.

The Frost Museum of Science features interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and live shows that explore the mysteries of the natural world. Advanced technology demonstrations add to the excitement.

Be sure to check out the museum’s monthly ‘Laser Evenings,’ where music-themed laser light shows create a dazzling spectacle. For a more immersive experience, the HYPERDECK VR offers a dynamic virtual world with a full-motion floor and multi-sensory effects.

Fort Lauderdale Historical Society

The Fort Lauderdale Historical Society is a hidden gem for young history enthusiasts. It offers free admission for children under six, making it a budget-friendly option for families. Daily guided tours at 1, 2, and 3 PM provide detailed insights into the region’s rich history.

The society’s goal is to bring local history to life for young visitors through various programs and exhibits. Whether you’re joining a guided tour or taking a walking tour, this museum offers an interesting look into Fort Lauderdale’s past.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Step into a peaceful and cultural experience at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. This unique place has six historical gardens, called Roji-en, each showing a different part of Japan’s gardening traditions.

Inside the museum, changing exhibits highlight various aspects of Japanese culture, from traditional art to modern expressions, including a section about World War II. These exhibits offer a fresh perspective on Japan’s diverse heritage with every visit.

For some hands-on fun, Family Fun Days at Morikami include craft activities for kids of all ages. There are also tea ceremony classes for beginners on Thursdays and Sundays, offering a calm and educational activity for families to enjoy together.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

If your family is interested in marine conservation, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach is a must-visit. This center is dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles and has interactive exhibits that teach kids about marine life and the importance of conservation.

One of the highlights is the outdoor sculpture garden, which features marine-themed art that also serves as educational tools. Kids can also watch the rehabilitation process of injured sea turtles, giving them a close-up look at the center’s important work.

With its engaging exhibits and focus on marine preservation, Loggerhead Marinelife Center offers a unique and meaningful experience for families.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is perfect for future astronauts. One of the main attractions is the Planet Play area, where kids can pretend to climb through a wormhole and walk on Saturn’s rings. This fun indoor play zone is a great introduction to the wonders of space.

The ‘Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted’ exhibit has life-sized Mars rover replicas, giving visitors a peek into the future of space exploration. The ‘Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex’ features real spacecraft and prototypes, showing how space exploration is a team effort.

For a more interactive experience, visitors can try the Astronaut Training Simulators to feel what it’s like to be in space. The Rocket Garden, with rockets from NASA’s Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, lets families walk among the giants of space history.

The Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour gives access to restricted areas, including operational NASA facilities, while the Apollo Firing Room Theater brings history to life with the launch of Apollo 8. The Hubble Space Telescope exhibit offers insights into one of the most important observatories in history, showcasing its successes, challenges, and contributions.

NSU Art Museum

The NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale is a great place to see contemporary art. The museum has a diverse collection that features works from new and upcoming artists from Florida and the Caribbean. This gives visitors a unique look at the region’s art scene.

Admission is affordable, and there are discounts for seniors, military, and students. Plus, the museum offers free admission on the first Thursday of each month. This makes it easier for families to visit without spending a lot of money.

Flamingo Gardens

If you love nature, Flamingo Gardens in Davie is a must-visit. The gardens have over 3,000 species of rare and exotic plants. It’s a beautiful and colorful place to explore.

The wildlife sanctuary at Flamingo Gardens is home to many animals, including alligators, bobcats, and, of course, flamingos. These animals make the visit exciting and educational for both kids and adults.

There are also interactive exhibits and tram tours that provide more information about the plants and animals in the gardens. It’s a perfect spot for families to enjoy nature and learn about Florida’s unique ecosystem.

Special Events and Programs

Many of the museums on this list host special events and programs that mix art and education. These activities help extend learning beyond a typical museum visit. Museum admission can include special events and programs, enhancing the overall experience.

For example, the Young At Art Museum has events that combine creativity with educational activities, making learning both fun and effective. Be sure to check out upcoming events and temporary exhibits at all these venues to get the most out of your visit.

Final Thoughts

Museums in South Florida offer a lot of educational and fun experiences for families. From the interactive exhibits at the Miami Children’s Museum to the historical insights at the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, there’s something for everyone.

We encourage you to visit these amazing places and create lasting memories with your kids. Whether you’re learning about marine life, exploring space, or getting creative, South Florida’s museums have endless opportunities for discovery and learning.

FAQs

What is the best museum for young children?

The Miami Children’s Museum is the top pick for young children. It has interactive and bilingual exhibits that are both fun and educational.

Are there any free admission days?

Yes, you can visit the NSU Art Museum for free on the first Thursday of every month. Also, children under 6 get free admission at the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society.

What interactive exhibits are available?

There are many interactive exhibits to enjoy, like the Glass Lab at Miami Children’s Museum, the hurricane simulator at the Museum of Discovery and Science, and the Planet Play area at Kennedy Space Center.

Are there educational programs available?

Yes, museums like Young At Art and Frost Museum of Science offer educational programs.

Do these museums host special events?

Yes, many museums have special events and temporary exhibits. These offer unique learning experiences. Check their websites for the latest updates.