Activities for Children in Coral Gables, Florida

Just minutes from downtown Miami is the upscale city of Coral Gables, Florida. With the University of Miami making its home in the "City Beautiful," and its population at around 47,783, according to the 2011 U.S. Census estimate, you are sure to keep the kids active in Coral Gables.

  1. Museums and Gardens

    • The Coral Gables Museum (coralgablesmuseum.org) seeks to educate and foster an appreciation for the history and culture of Coral Gables. It gears certain programs to kids, including the Family Day on Aragon, in which kids can hear stories, make crafts and art projects, watch movies and enjoy music. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (fairchildgarden.org) has plants, trees, gardens and places for kids to explore. Kids will enjoy the butterfly garden, where more than 30 species fly around while you walk through the flower gardens. The edible garden might be of interest, too, because visitors can sample edible herbs, vegetables and fruits.

    Sports Activities

    • The city of Coral Gables (coralgables.com) runs many sports programs for kids. Girls volleyball is open to 8- to 14-year-olds, flag football is available to boys 7 to 13 years old and boys and girls can participate in the soccer league for 8- to 17-year-olds. Swimming lessons are offered for children 5 years and older. The lessons take place in the Venetian Pool, which is an historical landmark. It was built in 1923 using coral rock quarry. Waterfalls and cave-like grottos are featured in this one-of-a-kind aquatic facility.

    Parks

    • Coral Gables maintains several parks and open spaces excellent for kids to find fun things to do. Jaycee Park (no website; 1230 Hardee Road; 305-460-5600) has a playground, basketball courts, benches, open fields, tennis courts and pincicking pavilions. Riviera Park (no website; 6611 Yumuri St.; 305-460-5600) has climbing structures for the kids along with scenic views and walking paths. Coral Bay Park (no website; 1590 Campamento Ave.; 305-460-5600) provides playground equipment, basketball courts, walking paths and picnic tables.

    Dance and Gymnastics Classes

    • The Living Dolls Dance Factory (thelivingdollsdancefactory.com) provides dance classes starting with "Kinderdance," which introduces young children to the basics of dance and creative movement. For older children, classes in various styles are available such as jazz, tap and ballet. My Gym (mygym.com) aims to build self-esteem in children offering classes for 1- to 13-year-olds focusing on fitness, gymnastics and tumbling. Creativo Dance Studio (creativodancestudios.com) features several dance classes for kids including ballet for toddlers, lyrical, jazz, belly dancing and Latin dance.

    • Cosco specializes in low-end and portable infant cribs. While the cribs do the job they are intended to do, many parents find that crib parts are easily lost when the item is put into storage. All hope is not lost for those who have lost hardware, th
    • Parents can find a wide variety of activities for their children in Omaha, Nebraska. Most centers offer special admission days and events, so remember to call ahead. Also ask for a group discount or day pass if it will to save a few dollars.
    • Its natural for you to assume that summer is the ideal time to teach your children the value of helping out with household chores. You may even entertain ideas of happy children working together to accomplish common tasks. Your children, however, may