Here’s how to keep the kids entertained in Miami during the long winter break
The kids will be out of school for holiday break soon enough. Start your planning because you will not want to leave these energy-filled people unattended in your house for two weeks plus. We scoped out some places for you to take them. Read: entertain them so they are so tired they will not destroy all of your personal possessions.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Like death and taxes, Santa’s Enchanted Forest is inevitable, so just suck it up and take them. Kids will love this holiday themed paradise at Tropical Park and think you’re the best parent ever.
Slime City
Your ’90s childhood dreams can be realized at this Aventura Mall installation, inspired by the Nickelodeon show, “You Can’t Do That on Television.” Kids will go nuts over all the interactive stuff, like a neon-colored sandbox, graffiti wall and bubble playground. The real reason you’re there, though, is to get slimed. All ages can partake in the messy fun. Through Jan. 20.
Candytopia
Free boxes of candy everywhere. A giant “marshmallow” pit. A confetti cannon. Artwork made out of jellybeans. What’s not to love? At Candytopia, another Aventura Mall popup, you will feel like Charlie Bucket entering Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Did we mention the free candy? Through Jan. 26.
Paranoia Horror Maze
The fear factor is always a draw, not just on Halloween. That’s where this ghoulish Wynwood spot comes in. While those under 12 might not make it through the (fake) blood-soaked haunted house, they will get to take a selfie with a sign that reads, “I Chickened Out!” You can all laugh about the scares over ice cream later.
The NightGarden
After oohing and aahing over the fairy hologram, disappearing images and multitude of lights, go have a chat with the most famous feature of The NightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: the Talking Tree. We heard Kanye West had a great conversation. Through Jan. 6.
Luminosa
Your children will be not only be amazed by the dazzling light displays at Jungle Island’s Luminosa Chinese Lantern Festival, but have a blast being at the zoo after hours when the animals are asleep. “Did I hear a lion snoring, mommy?” Through Jan. 8.
Mirror Maze
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The Mirror Maze interactive installation at Frost Science is meant to educate visitors about symmetry and patterns but ends up being a laugh riot because you keep smashing into your twin reflection. Pro tip: Put the phone down while you navigate this mystery wrapped inside an enigma. Through April 12, 2020.
Go Karts
Karting Miami offers the “latest in cutting edge electric racing technology” on two separate tracks, one for the big folks and one for the littles. The sprawling, art adorned space also features bumper cars, racing simulators, a mini arcade, cafe, and three party rooms with windows that overlook the action.
Go see the snowfall
LOL, right? Well, there are various locations throughout South Florida making it “snow,” so you can kind of, sort of experience those magical ice crystals that other folks around the country talk about.
Museum of Illusions
Find room after room filled with weird meets wacky stuff to trick the eye — a hall of mirrors that appears infinite; an anti-gravity area, where balls roll up and oh so colorful 3D murals. The kids can pose their lives away for the ‘gram.
This story was originally published December 12, 2019 at 12:26 PM.
