Miami

Aside from providing a beautiful sample of Florida's famed sand and sea, Crandon Park Beach also has an Amusement Center with a carousel, a roller rink, a splash fountain, and a playground for kids to enjoy, making it a very good option for families on holiday. The Crandon Park Gardens are a haven for indigneous plants and animals, with a few picnic spots to enjoy as well. The beach itself is long and spacious, ensuring that it seldom feels crowded, and there are plenty of picturesque palm trees providing shade. The water deepens very gradually so that the shallows are extensive and safe for kids.

Address : 4000 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne

Telephone : (305) 361 5421

Opening times : Daily from 7am-6pm

Kids will be delighted by the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, which offers train rides, toy trains to play with, and interesting model train exhibits. The museum's railroad car collection includes President Roosevelt's historic Ferdinand Magellan carriage. In March each year there are Thomas the Tank Engine rides for children. Model train building sessions take place between 10am and 2pm on weekdays, and between 11am and 4pm on weekends. Tours are conducted at specific times each day and cost a small additional fee - check the official website listed below for details.

Address : 12450 S.W. 152nd Street

Website : www.gcrm.org

Telephone : (305) 253 0063

Opening times : Monday to Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday to Sunday 11am-4pm.

Admission : $8 general admission, other concessions available.

An offshoot of Parrot Jungle, Jungle Island is a new complex offering an exciting array of wildlife from parrots and macaws to crocodiles and penguins. You can witness over 200 parrots at the Manu Encounter, the world's only aviary replicating the clay cliffs of Manu, Peru. At the Parrot Bowl, a gaping amphitheatre, you can be entertained by the clever antics of cockatoos, parrots, and macaws. Look out for the rare albino alligator and 21-foot crocodile at the Serpentarium. The waterpark featuring the 168-foot Hippo Slide, with an exhilarating 40-degree drop is also a favourite. The theme park is full of fun and interesting animals to marvel and interact with.

Address : 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail

Website : www.jungleisland.com

Telephone : (305) 400 7000

Opening times : Daily 10am-5pm.

Admission : $40 adults, $33 children

The child-sized exhibits at the Miami Children's Museum are both colourful and interactive. Kids can explore the museum's simulated hospital, supermarket, or fire station, playing and moving anything they like. The Mount Michimu rock-climbing wall offers a fun physical challenge for older children, while the Music Makers Studio allows children of all ages an interactive auditory experience. The museum ensures that there's always something going on to entertain visitors and many fun activities and play areas are always available. For safety reasons, children are not allowed into the museum unaccompanied by an adult, and adults are not allowed into the museum unaccompanied by a child. The Miami Children's Museum is the perfect family attraction for a rainy day in the city!

Address : 980 MacArthur Causeway Miami, FL

Website : www.miamichildrensmuseum.org

Telephone : (305) 373 5437

Opening times : Daily 10am-6pm

Admission : $22 general admission, other concessions apply

At least half a day is required to fully enjoy south Florida's premier attraction. The Seaquarium is world-renowned for its marine life shows and attractions. Another favourite star is the sea lion Salty and his colleagues, who amuse and amaze with their antics. It is even possible to arrange close encounters with some of the animals. The Miami Seaquarium is set in a tropical paradise boasting wonderful views of the city, an extra perk for those who can drag their eyes from the animal shows. Visitors should be sure to check the official website for a schedule of show times before planning their day.

Address : 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway

Website : www.miamiseaquarium.com

Telephone : (305) 361 5705

Transport : CitySightSeeing Miami has a new route from Brickwell to the Miami Seaqurium. Miami-Dades bus service route B provides bus service from Brickell Station to Miami Seaquarium.

Opening times : Daily 10am-6pm (box office closes at 4:30pm).

Admission : $46 adults, $36 children