Things To Do

Miami weather is unpredictable. These places offer indoor fun for the family

Looking at the Oculus, the very bottom of the Frost Science Museum’s enormous salt water aquarium.
Looking at the Oculus, the very bottom of the Frost Science Museum’s enormous salt water aquarium.

Despite its reputation for endless sunshine, South Florida can never entirely be counted on for providing perfect weather. Sometimes you’re hit with sweltering heat. Sometimes with monsoon rains.

Either way, you’ll need some ideas on what to do with the family that involves a roof over your head and plenty of air conditioning, because how many movies can you watch, really?

Here are your best bets for indoor fun for the kids.

Frost Science Museum

Looking at the Oculus, the very bottom of the Frost Science Museum’s enormous salt water aquarium.
Looking at the Oculus, the very bottom of the Frost Science Museum’s enormous salt water aquarium.

The Frost Science Museum features innovative and investigative technologies to discover and uncover all facets of science and life. Your little dreamer is sure to be mesmerized by the planetarium show, with its surround sound and captivating storytelling. Or check out sea life from hammerhead sharks to indigenous tropical fish in the museum’s aquarium. The Feathers to the Stars exhibition allows guest to experience the journey of flight- from dinosaurs to modern aviation. There’s even an Everglades experience that teaches kids about environmental science and biodiversity.

1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; 305-434-9600; www.frostscience.org

Miami Children’s Museum

Mason Dudash, left, and Paula Gonzalez play at the Miami Children’s Museum, which has reopened after closing during the pandemic.
Mason Dudash, left, and Paula Gonzalez play at the Miami Children’s Museum, which has reopened after closing during the pandemic. Pedro Portal pportal@miamiherald.com

Permanent exhibits like the Construction Zone, Super Market and Music Makers Studio encourage kids to interact with and explore different aspects of art, culture, and history in a family-friendly environment. Pop in for Mini Mondays, where kids age five and under can partake in play-based activities in a safe and quiet environment. Tuesdays through Sundays are filled things to do like sand play construction with kinetic sand, arts and crafts at the art studio.

980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami Beach; 305-373-5437; www.miamichildrensmuseum.org

Fun Dimension

FunDimension in Wynwood has laser tag, bumper cars, playscapes, and mimosas.
FunDimension in Wynwood has laser tag, bumper cars, playscapes, and mimosas.

Take the kids to this mini amusement park in Wynwood, and they will disappear for a few hours of play and adventure while you grab a seat to work on your laptop or enjoy a cold beverage. Fun Dimension offers everything from laser tag to rock climbing to bumper cars, a 7D theater and a massive indoor playground. You can pay per game or activity or purchase game play on the Fun Dimension card.

2129 NW First Ct., Miami ; 786-360-1766; fundimensionusa.com

Dezerland Park

Ninja Lounge is where you can literally bounce off the walls at Dezerland Park.
Ninja Lounge is where you can literally bounce off the walls at Dezerland Park.

Florida’s largest indoor attraction boasts a climbing wall, virtual reality and arcade games, bumper cars, miniature golf and a trampoline room that includes obstacle courses and fitness classes (think martial arts, gymnastics, and dance).

14401 NE 19th Ave., North Miami; 786-590-5000; dezerlandpark.com/miami

Pod 22

Pod 22 is the place to be to keep your little ones busy while you get your nails did.
Pod 22 is the place to be to keep your little ones busy while you get your nails did.

Here’s a solution for busy parents whose kids would rather be on an adventure than home on the couch. Let them loose at Pod 22, an urban break room featuring slides, climbing nets, and a modernized obstacle course for all ages. The concept, which includes private parties and open play as well as intensive child therapies, was created by a mother, who felt that the neighborhood was lacking in play areas.

8101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; 305-456-4791; www.thepod22.com

King’s Entertainment

Kings Dining & Entertainment is located at CityPlace Doral.
Kings Dining & Entertainment is located at CityPlace Doral.

Not only are there 14 bowling lanes, but Kings also has gaming options like foosball, air hockey, shuffle board, and billiard tables. Enjoy music, a full kitchen with tasty goodies like Loaded Sweet Potatoes Waffle Fries and Buffalo Chicken Wontons (there’s also a kid’s menu available) all in the comfort of your own lane.

3450 NW 83rd Ave., Miami; 844-494-9400; www.kings-de.com/location/doral

The Poppet Project

The Poppet Project
The Poppet Project

Arts and crafts and science are all rolled into one at the Poppet Project, and the best part? Parents can just pop in whenever they like for their kids. Projects change daily so kids get the chance to explore and create a variety of work at the craft tables, tinkering stations and the on-site science lab. Feel free to make a mess with the endless art supplies available for budding artists. Group classes and Party Studios also available.

8650 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 786-773-1750; thepoppetproject.com

Just 4 Fun

Just 4 Fun in South Miami
Just 4 Fun in South Miami

Just 4 Fun at the Shops at Sunset Place boasts nine slides, a trampoline pen, a ball pit and even art studio. Toddlers have their own separate area that includes lollipop-like wrecking balls and a colorful kid-friendly hamster wheel. It’s unlimited fun for kids and parents can also sit and enjoy with a glass of wine or a cup of tea while kids play. Expect a menu beyond chicken tenders and pizza. At Just 4 Fun, the kitchen offers everything from salmon with jasmine rice to meatballs linguine.

5701 Sunset Dr., 3rd Level, South Miami; 305-763-8249; www.just4funparks.com/copy-of-parties-events

This story was originally published June 21, 2018 at 10:06 PM.

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