Fun for Kids In and Around Surfside
Greater Miami’s Fun Family Offerings
When you think about Miami, images of pool parties, beautiful white sand beaches and neon lights typically come to mind, but the reality is that South Florida, and Surfside in particular, is a family-oriented paradise in the sun. From great museums to scenic picnic spots, the area offers plenty of activities that appeal to both adults and kids.
Surfside’s Best Kids Activities
Don’t want to venture far? Surfside has a plethora of places that kids will enjoy right in town. From splash pads and parks, to shops for strolling, Surfside is the perfect place for a family getaway.
THE BEACH
Surfside is home to a pristine mile-long stretch of tranquil beach and turquoise waters. Gather the kids and some beach toys and head out for a playful day on the sand making sandcastles, playing in the water and combing the beach for seashells. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
SURFY'S PASSPORT ADVENTURE BOOKLET
Surfside's youngest visitors are now able to learn about our charming destination from none other than Surfy herself! In Surfy's Passport Adventure, the Town's most popular sea turtle leads young visitors through a historic tour of Surfside, highlighting sustainable initiatives and key spots to check out in the Business District. Download the digital version, or pick up a copy at Surfside Town Hall, the Community Center, or Surfside hotels.
SPLASH PAD AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER
For the littlest ones, the children’s activity pool and splash pad at the Surfside Community Center is a great place to have some poolside fun. A shallow pool perfect for splashing, there are also water fountains, rope pulls for dumping buckets of water, a ship’s wheel and a slide. And, if you’re staying at a Surfside hotel, access to the Community Center is complimentary with proof of stay!
FOUR SEASONS AT THE SURF CLUB FOR FAMILY
If you’re looking for a luxe place to relax with the family, the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club has a program set up just for that purpose. Spend the day at the family pool, enjoy a picnic at the beach or let the kids have some free time in the kids’ lounge brimming with toys, games, books and much, much more. Plus, kids can also request the new “The Adventures of Surfy the Surfside Turtle” educational coloring book to learn all about the Town’s favorite residents. For parents who want some extra help creating memories that will last a lifetime, the concierge is able to offer suggestions for a family day out, arrange reservations for a family dinner or source a trusted babysitter. (In the rooms, kids also get their own toiletries and kid-size bathrobes, so they too, can live that #spalife.)
THE PLAYGROUND
Vibrant, mesmerizing, engaging; these are all words used to describe the mural by Miami-based artist, Hoxxoh at the 96th street playground. Take the kids for a jaunt on the swings and combine arts appreciation with athletic activity. Pro tip: the mural also makes for a memorable family photo.
SHOPPING AT SUNNY TOYS & GIFTS
Surfside's local toy store, Sunny Toys & Gifts, will have you feeling like a kid at heart! This quaint, botique toy store is a labor of love for owner Alon Dehan. You'll find a broad range of toys for kids of all ages including educational books, plushies, Lego sets, Marvel items, Barbie, and much more!
TURTLE HUNT
Surfside takes sea turtle conservation seriously and has several initiatives in place to bring awareness to these majestic animals. Head to ‘Turtle Walk’ between Collins and Harding Avenues to interact with the 13 turtle sculptures painted by South Florida artists and learn about these gentle creatures. The sculptures are a great reminder of the importance of turtle conservation and make a for a great family photo - or two.
TREATS AT SERENDIPITY CREAMERY
Surfside’s very own scoop shop, Serendipity Creamery & Yogurt Cafe is the perfect place for an afternoon treat for the kiddos. All of the ice cream and sorbet is made from scratch, using organic ingredients and local purveyors. Go wild with a creamy scoop of Breakfast Cereal or the refreshing homemade Arnold Palmer, great for a hot summer day. Don’t miss out on their latest offering: Peekaboo Ice Cream, indulgent ice cream with hidden veggies you can’t see or taste – only available in Surfside!
3 Fun Things to Do in Miami with Kids
Beyond Surfside, Miami has activities galore to keep kids entertained for hours. Read on for our favorite things to do with kids around Surfside.
OLETA STATE PARK
Looking for an outdoor adventure? Get a sense of the Florida wetlands at Oleta State Park without the trek further afield to the Everglades. Just 10 minutes from Surfside, this 1,000 acre Florida State Park on Biscayne Bay has miles of biking trails and streams of calm waters and sandy beaches ideal for an easy canoe trip and a picnic.
FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science lets kids get up-close and personal with science through hands-on exhibits that animate all the senses. Taste, touch, smell, and play with exhibits on health and bodies, physics, and the environment, or listen to one of three narrated shows about the Earth in the 250-seat planetarium. For nature lovers, there is a three-level aquarium that simulates the Florida Gulf Stream and is home to several sharks and other creatures of the deep.
MIAMI CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
It’s all about the kids at the Miami Children's Museum. Almost all of the exhibitions are hands-on, letting little ones play with exhibits such as an interactive piggy bank, a makers space, a grocery store, and playful marine tanks showcasing South Florida wildlife, for that fun and educative local touch.
Whether you’re traveling with kids or a local looking for some family fun, Surfside has numerous family-friendly activities everyone in the family can enjoy!