Tips for traveling to Miami with kids

Taking the kids to Miami? Awesome! This is a family-friendly destination and it’s likely that you won’t want to leave. However, just like anywhere else you travel with kids, there are a few tips to take on board if you’re hoping to reduce the stress and get the most out of your trip.

Here are some tips for traveling to Miami with kids:

Hire a car

If there’s one thing you can do that will massively reduce the chance of missed naps, overheated kids, and grumpy parents, this is it. If you rent a car in Miami, you’ll be able to get from point A to point B without all the stress involved with sorting out public transport, paying for Uber or Lyft, or taking a taxi. Car hire gives you freedom and flexibility, and it’s also often the most cost-effective way to get around- especially with kids.

Be flexible

The more flexible you can be, the more you’ll save on accommodation and flights when you’re traveling with kids. If your kids are young, try to travel outside of school holidays so you can get the best bang for your buck. Websites like Skyscanner and Kayak can be great to help you find the best deals so you can then choose your departure date.

Set a budget

Traveling with kids doesn’t need to be expensive- as long as you set a budget (and stick to it). Make sure you save in advance so you don’t need to deal with the stress of paying off a credit card after you get back from your vacation.

Include accommodation, flights, entertainment, car hire, souvenirs, entrance to attractions, snacks, meals, and a few unexpected expenses. Then, divide the budget up so you know how much you can spend each day. If you’re traveling with older kids, consider giving them a few dollars each day so they can choose to either save it and buy something they like a few days later, or choose to spend it that day.

Plan in advance

While you should definitely include some downtime throughout your trip so you can be spontaneous, it’s also a good idea to make sure you plan in advance as well. Look up free activities online, research kid-friendly restaurants and hotels, and make a plan of the best activities for your family. If your kids are old enough to choose, let them pick one activity each so everyone feels like they got to do something they wanted to do.

Take a road trip

Miami is a great place to take a road trip, and this is something you’ll only be able to do if you book a rental car in Miami. This is a great way to travel with kids, since you can easily pull over and explore whenever you see something interesting, and you can also take plenty of breaks. Look for a route with lots of landmarks, or take a road trip to a specific destination- like Fort Lauderdale or the Everglades.

Road trips can be a great way to create memories as a family, and you can easily keep the kids entertained with car games on the way.

Build in play time

Miami is packed with awesome museums, beaches, and more. That’s why it’s a good idea to make sure your kids have some time to play each day. Look for a hotel with a pool and/or playground, find playgrounds when you’re out exploring, and go to children’s museums with interactive exhibits. This will help your kids stay engaged, prevent boredom, and maybe even allow mom and dad to have a coffee and take a breather.