Miami Parks. Aside from the (nearly) ideal weather, one of the best things about living and working in Miami is the abundance of wonderful parks to visit with children. Miami and its environs have some of the most beautiful and inventive play spaces in the country, with something for every child. We spoke with Jody Silverstein, a longtime nanny and self-proclaimed Miami park expert, to help you narrow down which park to visit on your next expedition. Silverstein´s recommendations for the greatest parks to visit for kids of all ages, abilities, and play styles are as follows:
For toddlers: Coral Way Community Center Playground
This is one of the best outdoor playgrounds in Miami! This playground is designed for children and tots featuring spinners, slides, climbing structures, balance beams, swings and musical instruments; all fully accessible. Three separate age based areas, including climbing structures and slides. Multiple Ropes and climbing structures. Synthetic turf
For elementary-aged children: Palmetto Bay Park
Palmetto Bay Park features the largest boundless playground in South Florida and is fully accessible for kids of all abilities. The long, gated play zone features two large playgrounds with shade covers. One of the play zones is geared for babies and toddlers and the other lay zone for older kids. Other attractions at the park include a skate park, walking path, basketball courts, concession building and picnic pavilions.
For an accessible play experience: Allison Park
Age Design: 5 – 12 years old. Playground features: Small shaded canopies, poured in place rubber surfacing with ADA accessible play components, panels, slides and more. Swings: “Sway Fun”, ADA, tot and youth
Fitness area is by “HealthBeat” and offers seven stations: assisted row, assisted push up; balance steps; cardio stepper; elliptical, hand cycler and Tai Chi wheels for ages 12 and older. Special features: Turtle educational exhibits, leisure grassed area and dog area. Seating: Picnic table and bench. Parking: Metered public parking lot. Accessible: Yes
For children who love to climb: Flamingo Park
Age Designs: 2-5 year old and 5-12 year old play structures
Special Feature(s): The playground area features: a free standing rock wall, upper body “Fit Kid” elementary equipment for ages 5-12 and spring riders for ages 2-5. Swings: ADA, Tot and Youth. The park amenities include(s): a lap pool with a separate children’s area (fee may apply for pool area), running track, football, baseball and soccer athletic fields, outdoor basketball courts, handball courts with an outdoor clay tennis court complex. The park boasts a shaded outdoor fitness zone created for people of all ages and abilities.
For the perfect playdate: Alice C. Wainwright Park
What sets this Coconut Grove park apart is the gorgeous views of the bay. Featuring two semi-covered play areas, one for toddlers and one for bigger kids, there is plenty of climbing, swinging and sliding activities. There’s also a basketball court, grassy area for hanging out and picnic shelters. This would be a great playground to play and stay for the sunset.
For the ultimate splash pad experience: South Pointe Park Splash Pad, Miami Beach
Fitting with the Art Deco motif of its surrounding park and South Beach neighborhood, the splash pad at South Pointe Park looks more like a sculpture than a water feature. Located in the picnic and BBQ area, the splash pad is motion-activated, shooting water like water cannons as people of all ages run through it. Both the splash pad and the park are free and open to the public.
Top Miami parks. NOTE: as hours and rules may vary due to COVID-19 restrictions, we encourage you to check your destination’s website for the most up-to-date info!
