South Florida Children

Miami Baby Mama: Top Five Miami Kids Activities To Do Before School Starts!

School starts in Miami-Dade on the 18th of August, so we are trying to squeeze in all the Miami summer fun that we can before the Big Day for Big Sis. Elle, who is two, does not go to school, but will be traveling to and from with me and Big Sis every morning, so her schedule will change too. Here are our top five activities that we want to do before school starts!

1. Grapeland Water Park: Elle has actually been to the park already with her babysitter, but Skyler and I have had “scheduling conflicts”. Anyway, we heard it was a great time, and to go in the morning to beat the crowds and the really intense heat.

2. Pinecrest Gardens Splash N Play: Can you tell we’re fans of water fun? The Splash N Play at Pinecrest Gardens is fun for both Elle (2) and Skyler (9), and there is lots of other stuff to do before and after. Gardens entry is free, Splash N Play $3 per child.

3. Jungle Island Hippo Slide: We see this from the 395 all the time, and have never been. Free with admission to Jungle Island, and the great thing about Jungle Island is that for a not too elevated ticket price, you get an Annual Passport, good for admission and discounts for a year.

4. Venetian Pool: Also known as “the coldest pool in Miami.” The pool is spring-fed daily, and has all sorts of cool stuff, like a grotto, a little beach, an island, and more. This pool isn’t for the faint of heart, or weak swimmers–in fact, you aren’t even allowed into the Venetian Pool if you are under 3 years of age and 38 inches tall. That’s why we haven’t been this year–Elle is too young (though probably not too short!). But I’d like to go with Skyler before summer’s over, because it is really fun and full of history.

5. IKEA: I know, it might seem strange to include a giant–and I do mean GIANT–retail store on this list, but…have you been yet? IKEA has cool, affordable everything on display, which we all know is great for parents buying for kids whose tastes change as rapidly as their shoe size. Erik has been a few times, and has come home with kids chairs, nightlights, plastic cutlery and assorted grownup stuff. IKEA has a daycare area (for potty trained kiddies), play areas throughout the store, an on-site cafeteria, and the display children’s rooms are almost as fun for most kiddies as the daycare.