When my father was down there on business, my favorite two haunts from the age of 2-4 were Lion Country Safari – where you get to ride through the animals like a real “mini-safari,” and Monkey Jungle. I SO wanted to bring an animal home with me. My sister who lived down there for many years said that she would include the zoo, and if you want to lather Anya up in sunscreen, then possibly the beach under an umbrella. (Personally, I get burned more in South Beach than I do on any of the Hawaiian islands which I just returned from.) There is always the Everglades, but considering how high alligators jump and the fact that I have forgotten when mating season is, that might be a good trip when she is about 8-9…lol Have a blast! And I hope you decide to do Disney one day. I don’t know any child from the age of two on that has not enjoyed a trip down there. My nephew who just turned 3 LOVES Disney and can’t wait to go back – then again he lives 2 hours away and has a season pass. Welcome to Sunny Florida!

I was in Miami last January! Whenever I visit my family in the Boca area I go to the Gumbo Limbo environmental complex. It’s a nature center geared towards kids and families. If you’re willing to take a drive (during naptime perhaps) it’s definitely worth it. It’s like a little jungle right on the water. There’s a tower that just clears the tree line and the view of the ocean from up there is stunning. Check out their website- http://gumbolimbo.org/

I live in Pembroke Pines which is 5 minutes from Miramar, in a neighborhood brimming with kids!! I asked a couple of the moms if they had any cheap and interesting ideas and this is what I got:
If you’re looking for something outdoors, fun, and extremely inexpensive there is always CB Smith park, on the corner of Pines Blvd and Flamingo Road. Lots of playground space and open air to enjoy, since the weather is especially nice right now!
For a movie night out, with or without Anya, there’s always Muvico Paradise 24 (Sheridan Street West and 1-75). Its Egyptian themed with a special daycare area if mom and dad want to see a more mature film. The care area has computers, tvs, and loads of activities.
If you’re interested in the outdoors, Flamingo Gardens is beautiful. Lots of trees and sweeping landscapes as well as animals. (www.flamingogardens.com)
The beach can be a little overrated, unless you’re a fan (I’m not, so of course I live here!!)
I would also recommend the Young at Art museum (http://www.youngatartmuseum.org/)
These are all in Broward County. While Miami has its draws, I know that travellers often don’t like to travel much further than where they are.
Also, the local libraries have lots of individual events. The one closest to Miramar is likely the Walter C. Young branch in Pembroke Pines. You can call them at 954-437-2635 to see if they have any special reading/storybook events going on.
Hope this helps and enjoy sunny South Florida!!
PS – If you’re planning on seeing the Everglades I HIGHLY recommend taking 1-75 N (Alligator Alley) to Billie Swamp Safari. I’ve been going there since I was nine-years-old and I still love the place soooo much! Plus, not many other places offer gator on their menu!!

If you head up to the West Palm area there is a Playmobil Fun Park. All the Playmobil you can think of and very cheap to get in. My son had a good time there when he was eighteen months. Also, Royal Palm Beach has a small water park that’s a good fit for a toddler.

I suggest the Miami Children’s Museum and Parrot Jungle.As someone mentioned before, the circus is in town.

If ur going to miami, please please please go to the Miami Seaquarium! I grew up in fort lauderdale and when i was little, we had tons of field trips to the Seaquarium! I loved it! They even had a meet and greet at the time so u could touch dolphins and manatees… It’s in key Biscayne but it is def worth the drive! And alot to see! I see others have posted this too! fun people think alike!

I agree with the previous posts. However, Miramar is not in Miami – it’s in Broward county and about 30 minutes away from Miami. Bring a map!

The Miami Seaquarium is my favorite place down there!

My Husband, two year old, and I just got back yesterday from a two week vacation to Ft. Lauderdale to visit family. We were told by many that Wannado City was a little too old for a two year old so we skipped that one. We went to the Miami Seaqaurium (which is very far south, however, on I-95 it does go by quite fast). We also went to Young at Art, a fantastic children’s museum in Plantation. My son’s favorite was Lion Country Safari, which is quite aways north, but we thought definitely worth it! You get to drive through a zoo as if it was a safari and then there is a small amusement park wirh several rides suitable for a toddler.
There is also an excellent park called Sugar Sand park off of Palmetto Park Road and Military trail ( in Boca Raton) that we loved! Have a great time!

The Ringling Bros circus is in town (Miami) right now thru next week at the American Airlines Arena. I just saw it yesterday with the kids and it was fantastic!
Sawgrass mills is a wonderful outlet mall that also has a place called Wanado city where the kids can dress up and pretend to have real jobs as whatever, different months are different themes.
If you’re going to drive the hour and half north to West Palm Beach make sure your friend has a SunPass as the tolls can get quite expensive. Lion Country Safari is a great animal park, however it gets HOT!
The Miami Seaquariam is like a smaller SeaWorld that the kids love. The dolphins are great!
Make sure to go to Joe’s Stone Crabs for dinner if you’re a seafood fan. The BEST seafood in the world, plus after you can walk it off on the beach.
Enjoy the beaches and relax, and yes if you want to have an adults night out, go to north miami (biscayne bay blvd) or a girls day out go to Bal Harbour shops – it’s the Rodeo of Miami.