Miami Seaquarium
A world-class marine-life entertainment park features eight marine animal shows and presentations. It is home to Lolita, the Killer Whale and TV superstar Flipper. Guests will discover the grace of bottlenose dolphins, and laugh with the adventures of Salty the Sea Lion. Other exhibits include Crocodiles, Salty’s Pirate Playground, stingray touch pool, and friendly Manatees. Visitors can get up-close to these friendly mammals through dolphin interaction programs at Dolphin Harbor or walk underwater among tropical fish during a Sea Trek Reef Encounter. www.miamiseaquarium.com
Jungle Island
Family attraction located in the heart of the city, between Downtown Miami and South Beach. Building upon the rich tradition Parrot Jungle began in 1936, it is home to some of the world’s rarest and most incredible animals, including Mama Cass, the only tame Cassowary on the planet; the liger, who holds the Guinness Book of World Records title as the World’s Largest Cat; and Peanut and Pumpkin, only the third set of Orangutan twins to be born in captivity. Guests can participate in hands-on interactions with some of the animals, marvel at the engaging animal shows and are amazed by the park’s breathtaking landscapes and vistas. www.jungleisland.com
Miami Children’s Museum
Play, learn, imagine and create on Watson Island with the museum’s 14 interactive and bilingual exhibit galleries, as well as daily programming for the whole family. The museum also offers seasonal camps and classes, custom birthday party packages and more. Pick up a unique souvenir from Kid Smart Educational Gift Shop, and lunch at Subway. www.miamichildrensmuseum.org
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
The 2.6-acre urban green space at the heart of South Beach was transformed in 2011 with a $1.2 million landscape renovation designed by South Florida landscape architect Raymond Jungles. The new landscape showcases Florida native plants and trees, significant new water gardens and cascading fountains, a welcoming entrance.
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