Places to Go With Your Teens in Miami, Florida

Miami is an international and fast-paced city with something to offer almost everyone, and even the most finicky teenager is no exception. With the Everglades on one side, the Atlantic on the other, and a multicultural extravaganza of action in between, one vacation may not be enough to do it all. Consider starting with a guided tour to get your bearings.

  1. Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium

    • The Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium was founded in 1950 as the Junior Museum of Miami and has been expanding ever since. There is a planetarium, wildlife center and a constantly changing cornucopia of interactive exhibits covering such topics as space exploration, sustainable technology, the North and South Poles and modern medicine. Laser shows, films and demonstrations take place every day.

    Bayside Marketplace

    • Teens who love malls will be in heaven at the Bayside Marketplace. Vast and multi-storied, the marketplace showcases Miami's fast-paced and international spirit with a wide variety of shopping, from the exotic to the mundane, at both national chain and independent retailers. There are more than a dozen dining options and live entertainment. The waterfront location allows the marketplace to offer a wide variety of boat tours, fishing charters and even jet-ski rentals. Your kids may never want to go home.

    ZooMiami

    • Formerly known as the Miami MetroZoo, Miami-Dade County Zoological Park and Gardens features more than 2,000 animals and 1,200 plant species. As of 2011, a special exhibit was showcasing "Amazon and Beyond." Teens may especially enjoy the 90-minute "Behind the Scenes Tour," available in five different varieties that showcase different habitats and species. Overnight "Zoo-Ins," complete with pizza and personalized walking tours of selected exhibits, are another unusual option.

    Historical Museum of Southern Florida

    • Miami bayfront

      Miami is a complex city with many layers of rich history, and teens with an interest in art, architecture or archaeology will enjoy the offerings of the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. Collections and exhibits focus on the history of South Florida, Caribbean history and culture, and Native American history, while others showcase maritime history, aviation and other influences that have shaped the area. The museum also offers guided walking tours of Miami.

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