Miami Indoors: Finding Fun Out of the Sun

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Located on the southeastern most part of Florida, Miami Dade is the most populous county in the state, with almost 2.5 million residents. Home to 35 incorporated cities, and several unincorporated areas, the Miami Dade County is heavily urbanized, especially along the coastline. With city of Miami as its county seat, the Miami Dade county is home to thriving and modern urban spaces, and attracts millions of tourists every year.

All of this means that, whether you are a resident of the county or a visitor, you will have a smorgasbord of choices when it comes to fun activities for the whole family. While the tourist brochures may feature the county's countless world class beaches, you will discover that Miami Dade also offers plenty of indoor options, for those hot and muggy days. 

Let us, then, take you through the very best INDOOR OPTIONS that Miami Dade has to offer for you and your family. 
 

Malls

Intense urbanization and tourism has made sure that Miami Dade county is home to some of the most luxurious shopping malls anywhere in the country. Ensconced in their air conditioned environment, you can spend a whole day browsing the latest in fashion, experiment diverse cuisine from around the world, enjoy cinema including IMAX movies, while your kids rejoice in dedicated play areas with a host of fun activities lined up for them. All of it is inside some of the most architecturally impressive buildings. 

If pure and uncomplicated fun with the whole family is your idea of a perfect day, then let us help you with a list of the top 10 malls in Miami Dade county.

1) Aventura Mall, located at Biscayne Boulevard 
2) Dolphin Mall, located at 12th Street, in Sweetwater
3) Mall of the Americas, located at West Flagler Street, in Miami
4) Miami International Mall, located at 107th Avenue, in Doral
5) Dadeland Mall, located at N Kendall Drive, in Miami
6) Village of Merrick Park, located at San Lorenzo Avenue, in Coral Gables
7) Westland Mall, located at West 49th Street, in Hialeah
8) Southland Mall, located at South Dixie Highway, in Cutler Bay
9) Mary Brickell Village, located at South Miami Avenue, in Brickell
10) CocoWalk, located at Grand Avenue, in Coconut Grove

Nature Centers


For those with a love of nature, especially the unique flora and fauna of South Florida, there are a number of nature centers in Miami Dade county. The nature centers are a great place to learn about endangered species in the region and elsewhere, and the threats facing the fragile local ecology, while the kids can participate in a range of feeding, petting and other activities. Here is a list of prominent nature centers in Miami Dade county with an indoor facility. 

1) Arch Creek Park Museum and Nature Center, located at NE 135 Street, Biscayne Boulevard
2) Bill Sadowski Park and Nature Center, located at SW 79 Avenue, Miami
3) Castellow Hammock Preserve and Nature Center, located at SW 162 Avenue, Miami
4) Environment Center at Miami Dade College, located at MDC Kendall Campus
5) Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, located in Key Biscayne
6) Tropical Audubon Society, located at Sunset Drive, Miami

 

Bowling & Indoor Rinks


If you want to blow off some energy but not sweat to death while you're at it, then take the family to an indoor skate rink or go bowling!  Don't forget your socks and just plan to rent the shoes when you arrive.  There are plenty of great indoor options across the county.

1. Splitsville Bowling,  Sunset Place, 5701 Sunset Dr., Miami

2. Bird Bowl, 9275 SW 40th St, Miami

3. Ice Rink at Scott Rakow Youth Center in Miami Beach

4. Kendall Ice Arena 

5. Super Wheels Miami Skating Center

 

UP NEXT: SCIENCE/CHILDREN'S/ART/HISTORY MUSEUMS to explore in MIAMI DADE!

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