Planning a family getaway to Miami and wondering about things to do in Miami at night with kids? You’re not alone! Many parents find it challenging to find night-time activities in Miami that are suitable for kids.
Having frequently visited Miami since my childhood and now exploring it with my kids and nephews, I’ve found some fantastic, child-friendly evening adventures in this lively city.
From night beach walks to movie nights, this article will guide you to the best of Miami at night that’s both kid-friendly and adult-approved.
Table of Contents
1. Sunset to Twilight Attractions
Miami Night Boat Tour
Enjoy a 90-minute evening or sunset cruise around Biscayne Bay. The Miami lights make a magical backdrop for your family night. This unique cruise view shows the bright Miami skyline and lively South Beach.
During the sail, you can see Millionaire’s Row with its luxurious waterfront homes. The cruise also offers views of Bayside and the well-known South Beach beaches.
The comfortable cruise boat is perfect for families to enjoy scenic views of Miami’s waters. This cruise lets you see Miami’s landmarks lit up at night, perfect for family memories.
SkyViews Miami Observation Wheel
Visit Sky Views Miami, an impressive observation wheel in the Bayside marketplace. It lights up the Miami night, offering stunning views from 200 feet high.
The observation wheel is open until 10 pm, perfect for a sunset adventure. And great news for toddlers’ parents: kids under 4 ride free!
You can see Miami’s lights, beautiful waters, and impressive buildings from the air. This ride is exciting and enchanting for your family. Get ready to soar above the city and enjoy a memorable view of Miami at night.
Walk Ocean Drive: A Vibrant Evening Walk
Begin your night with a walk along the famous Ocean Drive. This street is busy at night and full of colorful lights, lively music, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Sidewalk cafes and bars provide good food and great ocean views. Or you can refresh with an ice cream.
Explore the unique mix of Art Deco buildings, beautiful beaches, and lively Miami culture. It’s an ideal setting for capturing memorable photographs.
Art Deco Night Walk: Miami’s Architectural Gem
Returning to the glamour of the 20th century with the Art Deco in Miami Beach. At night, the Art Deco District glows with colorful neon lights that shine on the buildings.
The Miami Design Preservation League has daily guided walking tours. They also have a self-guided option for night explorers.
The guide will talk about Miami’s architecture, Art Deco style, and famous people as you walk. You can explore South Beach to discover Miami’s history through art.
2. Arts, Culture, and Theater
Wynwood Walls
For an artistic adventure, take an evening walk at the Wynwood Walls. See large, colorful murals by artists worldwide at this open-air museum.
At night, the lights make the vibrant street art look magical. The area becomes a stunning gallery. At night, Wynwood is safe and lively. It has bright lights, busy shops, and restaurants.
Finish your visit by eating at one of the area’s many food trucks or relaxing in a café.
Wynwood Walls offers families an exciting and inspiring visit complete with artistic expression.
Miami Children’s Theater
Enjoy a magical evening at the Miami Children’s Theater. Watch as fairy tales and children’s stories come alive on stage, delighting everyone.
This theater in Miami offers music and dance performances for families. See the joy and wonder on your children’s faces as the show starts.
The theater features a mix of classic and modern favorites. It’s the perfect spot for a family night. Your kids might even discover a love for acting!
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
Experience Miami’s best live performances at the Adrienne Arsht Center. This is the hub of culture and entertainment in the Magic City. The Center offers Broadway hits, classical concerts, and ballets. Some shows are suitable for the whole family.
As the lights dim and the orchestra starts, prepare to be amazed by stunning performances.
The Center’s beautiful architecture and excellent acoustics ensure a truly immersive experience.
Visit their website to see the current schedule and find something for you and your family.
Visit Little Havana: A Little Slice of Cuba in Miami
Experience the Latin charm of Little Havana for an unforgettable night. Little Havana is a lively neighborhood in Miami. It has a vibrant culture, Cuban music, and tasty food.
Here, you can explore the Walkway of the Stars, a tribute to famous Latin artists.
Watch or join impromptu salsa dances on the sidewalks.
In Little Havana, food lovers can savor authentic Cuban flavors. Make sure to visit Versailles restaurant; it’s a must.
Make sure you go to Viernes Culturales, a Cuban street party in Little Havana. It happens on the third Friday of each month. Experience Cuban culture, Latin music, dance, art, and street food of Calle Ocho.
3. Science and Education After Dark
Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science: Laser Evenings
Come to the Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science for a unique Laser Evenings event. Experience this fantastic event at the museum’s planetarium.
At the event, laser lights are synchronized to different types of music, such as classical and electronic.
Every Laser Evening offers a unique lineup that changes throughout the year. You can visit the museum website for the latest Laser Evening schedule.
Note that Laser Evening tickets are sold separately from the museum entry. If you plan to come, keep in mind that there will be bright, flashing lights. These lights may bother sensitive individuals and children.
4. Exciting Nights of Adventure
Fun Dimension: Where Every Family Finds Fun
Fun Dimension is located in the middle of Wynwood’s streets. It offers games and rides for all ages.
They have a big arcade games area with a diverse range of games. Try the 3,500 square feet Laser Tag area, the Bumper Cars, and more.
You can also try Duckpin bowling. It’s a unique version that uses a smaller ball than regular bowling. They recommend making a reservation in advance for bowling.
Catch a Marlins Game: A Family Hit in Miami
For families who love sports, a night at Marlins Park watching the Miami Marlins is a must-do. It’s a classic American fun time with excitement and a great community feel.
Join the crowd to cheer on Miami’s own Major League Baseball team. From the first pitch to the final run, prepare for an exciting game full of strategy, skill, and team spirit.
The fun isn’t just on the field. Enjoy special events and kid-friendly activities before and during the game. And don’t miss out on the yummy ballpark food. They have a “Cubano Gigante” sandwich that can feed your whole family.
Even if you’re not the biggest baseball fan, watching a Marlins game is the best way to spend an evening in Miami. As a Venezuelan, I enjoy Baseball. But I know my European friends might find it too long. Don’t worry, you can go and experience it without staying until the end.
Miami Heat Game at Kaseya Arena: A Slam Dunk for Family Fun
If your family likes sports, you should go to a Miami Heat basketball game at the Kaseya Center. The Kaseya Center used to be called the American Airlines Arena. It’s an electrifying evening of sports and spirit in the heart of Miami.
Cheer for the Heat, Miami’s proud NBA team, as they display their skills on the court. The energy is contagious, from the opening play to the final buzzer. But the excitement extends beyond basketball.
The arena is close to Bayside Marketplace, so you can enjoy food, shopping, and views before the game.
Also, you can use the Metromover to travel to the arena and have a smooth and enjoyable family outing.
Miami Dolphins Game
A Miami Dolphins football game is a thrill for families who love sports. Dolphins games at the Hard Rock Stadium are a great mix of athleticism, strategies, and competition.
Feel the electric energy as fans unite to cheer on the Dolphins. While you’re there, you can enjoy great halftime shows, fan contests, and stadium food.
You’ll be part of the action from start to finish, riding the waves of emotion with each play.
Inter Miami CF: Score a Goal with Family Fun
Families who love soccer can have an exciting time at an Inter Miami CF game. The game takes place at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, not far from downtown Miami.
The stadium’s energy is unforgettable as fans of all ages cheer for every skillful play and goal. Watching Messi, known for his incredible talent, adds an extra layer of excitement to the game. It’s a unique experience and an excellent opportunity to see a soccer superstar in action.
You can enjoy classic stadium food and fun activities for kids. Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet other soccer fans. There is no better way to share the passion and excitement of soccer with your children.
5. Relaxed Outdoor Nights
Outdoor Movie Nights: A Starry Miami Evening
How does it sound an Outdoor Movie Night? If this can be fun for you and your family, keep reading.
Miami’s night sky creates a magical setting for these movie nights. After an exciting day, you can unwind by having a picnic in cozy areas and watching favorite movies.
Miami offers different alternatives for a Movie night outdoors.
SoundScape Park
Every Wednesday at 8 p.m., SoundScape Park shows free outdoor movies on a 7,000-square-foot wall. No tickets are required.
Films are shown with English subtitles, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all. The venue is cozy yet spacious and can fit 200 to 300 guests.
Arriving a bit early is a good idea to get a great spot. Get ready for an amazing movie night outdoors at SoundScape Park. Bring a blanket, chair, and snacks.
For information about the schedule, you can check their website.
Nite Owl Drive-In
Step back in time with a visit to Nite Owl Drive-In in Downtown Miami. This drive-in theater brings a touch of vintage charm. It’s a nostalgic journey to the past, all from the comfort of your own car.
Feel free to bring folding chairs, but please set them up in front of your vehicle only. Note that the drive-in is not accessible for walk-ins or pedestrians.
Tickets must be purchased online as they are not available on-site. Visit their website to grab your tickets for a unique movie night.
ArtsPark at Young Circle in Hollywood
You can watch free, family-friendly movies at ArtsPark in Downtown Hollywood every Friday. You can bring a blanket or beach chair and watch a movie outside on the lawn.
As you plan your visit, remember that the park is committed to being plastic and foam-free. Please don’t bring disposable items like plastic bottles and utensils to the park. Pack your snacks in reusable containers and enjoy a delightful movie experience outdoors.
Check the calendar here to see the schedule and movies.
Candlelight Concerts in Miami: A Musical Escape
Miami’s Candlelight Concerts are a must-see for families who love music. This Concert series brings a new twist to classical music with tributes to pop and rock icons.
Imagine listening to popular songs by famous singers like Taylor Swift, Linkin Park, Bad Bunny, and Metallica. The twist is that these songs are played with a piano and string quartets. These concerts offer a unique and great way to experience iconic music like never before.
You can watch these shows at different locations such as Hotel Colonnade, Jungle Island, or Scottish Rite Temple MIA. Hundreds of candles light each concert.
Children must be at least 8 years old to attend the concerts. More information can be found here.
6. Festive Christmas in Miami
When the holiday season comes, Miami lights up. The city gets festive with bright lights and decorations.
It’s a great time for families to enjoy together. Walk around, see the lights, and feel the holiday cheer in the air. Miami’s holiday season is a simple, good time you and your family will love.
NightGarden Miami: A Magical Light Experience
Ready for some evening magic? Head over to the NightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. The garden lights up when the sun goes down with unique displays, interactive exhibits, and cool effects.
Walk through glowing paths and bright mazes and check out sculptures. Night Garden is a great place for family photos, too. It’s all about lights and cool sights, perfect for a family night out.
You can go from November until the beginning of January. Read more about the event here.
Symphony in Lights at Gulfstream Park Village
The Gulfstream Park Village hosts its annual “Symphony in Lights”. The open-air lifestyle center becomes a winter wonderland from Nov. 11 to Dec. 31, 2023.
From 6-11 p.m., there’s a 10-minute light show every hour. It features 250,000 LED lights that dance to holiday songs and popular music.
The decorations are amazing. There’s a new tree, a Santa chair, an archway, and a beautiful tree topper. They’ve also added remixes of holiday classics to the music, making it extra fun.
Gulfstream Park Village is also an excellent place for holiday shopping and dining. Find festive decorations and gifts at Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn stores. Indulge in delicious treats at Yard House and Häagen-Dazs.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Come to Santa’s Enchanted Forest at Tropical Park, one of the best things to do with kids during Christmas in Miami. It’s the biggest holiday theme park and carnival. It has more than 100 rides, games, shows and attractions.
The park is full of holiday decorations, lights, and Christmas trees. You can enjoy thrilling rides, tasty treats, and Christmas songs.
You can save time and buy your tickets online. More information can be found on their website.
7. Eat, Shop, Repeat
Bayside Marketplace: A Nighttime Shopping Fiesta
Head to Bayside Marketplace for a night of shopping and tasty food. When it gets dark, Bayside Marketplace buzzes with even more life. Find your favorite shops and eateries at Bayside Marketplace. There are many options to choose from.
Street performers and live bands fill the marketplace with a festive, carnival feel. Take advantage of the entertainment at Bayside Marketplace for your evening out.
Lincoln Road: Shopping Under the Stars
End your evening with a trip to Lincoln Road, the heart of shopping in South Beach. The area is great for a relaxing walk outside, with fancy and cute stores and art galleries.
When it’s time for a break, you have plenty of choices for a bite to eat or a sweet ice cream treat.
Safety Tips for Family Nights in Miami
- 🌟 Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
- Always pay attention to your environment.
- Stick to well-lit, busy areas.
- Avoid isolated spots for safety.
- 🚕 Use Reliable Transportation
- Plan your travel in advance.
- Use well-known taxi services or trusted ride-sharing apps.
- Check the driver’s details against the app before getting in.
- 🍹 Limit Alcohol Consumption
- Drink responsibly if consuming alcohol.
- Ensure one adult stays sober to make decisions.
- 📱Stay Connected
- Keep your phones charged and with you.
- Share your location with someone trustworthy.
- Save local emergency numbers on your phones.
Map with the best things to do in Miami with kids at night
If you’re traveling to Miami, here are some posts that you should check out as well:
- 20 Must-Do Things in Miami with Toddlers & Kids
- Free Fun Activities for Kids in Miami
- The Best Family-Friendly Miami Packing List for Your Next Trip
TRAVEL RESOURCES
✈️ Buy flight tickets in advance
Always buy flight tickets in advance! The place to find the best prices for flight tickets is Skyscanner.com
🏠 Book your accommodation
Booking.com is easy to use and has many options and filters you can use to book in advance and check availability.
🚙 Renting a Car
I recommend Discover Cars because they always have the best rates and great customer service.
🎡 Plan tours and activities
Viator is an excellent place to start looking for activities. They provide a huge selection and great prices.
