Sports & Recreation

Taking your out-of-town friends and family to the beach is so basic. Instead, let them get up close and personal with the Sunshine State’s other famous attraction: alligators. The toothy beast is the state’s official reptile, but it might as well be its mascot. There are more than a million — so many that the state publishes a guide on how to coexist with them. And, of course, almost every Florida Man story includes a gator sidekick. You’ll find few places that offer a closer look at the famed creatures than Shark Valley. Despite the name, there are no sharks here. But the area, which features a 15-mile paved loop inside Everglades National Park, teems with birds, turtles, and plenty of alligators that make it well worth the $30 admission per car. You can rent a bike for $9 an hour or bring your own; there’s also a tram tour that costs $25 for adults, $19 for seniors, and $12.75 for children. Whatever your mode of transportation, you’ll get a kick out of seeing your visitors’ reactions — whether delight or terror — to Florida’s favorite predator. Gators are sure to be lounging in the water alongside the loop. If you’re lucky, they might even be on the loop. Just remember: Don’t get too close. Park hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Readers’ choice: Wynwood Walls

As endearing as Miami can be, some days you just need to get the eff out of town. Luckily, anyone with a car can make the trek to Big Cypress National Preserve. Big Cypress is approximately 80 miles west of downtown Miami and an easy jaunt on U.S. 41. Big Cypress boasts more than 700,000 acres of tropical wonderland. How adventuresome you want to get is totally up to you: You can take a scenic drive and watch wading birds feed; embark on a free ranger-led swamp canoe trip (private canoe rentals are available from about late November to April for $60 to $100 per trip); give your off-road vehicle a spin ($100 per year with a proper permit); or hike miles upon miles of lush trails. If you want more than a simple day trip, Big Cypress offers eight campgrounds for $10 to $30 per night. You’ll be hesitant to return to the gridlock after a day out west.

Party your ass off until 10 a.m. or get the party started at 10 in the morning: Both are acceptable at E11even. The 24/7 entertainment hot spot celebrated its fifth anniversary earlier this year, and it’s showing absolutely no signs of slowing. On any given night, you can catch superstar DJs such as the Chainsmokers and Zedd on the decks, and celebs such as Drake and Daddy Yankee getting their party on. Throw in heaps of booze, a 20,000-square-foot space, premium bottle service, a full-service kitchen, and trapeze artists, and you’re in for a good night (or day, whatever). Whether you’re strolling out when the sun comes up or watching people enter the club in broad daylight, E11even is a prime people-watching spot in Miami. So kick back and enjoy the spectacle — any time of day.

Readers’ choice: Lincoln Road

Running blows. But when you throw in sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the epic Miami skyline, it really isn’t all that bad. Located smack in the middle of downtown Miami, Maurice A. Ferré Park, formerly Museum Park, is a serene reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city and a perfect place to jog. The 28-acre waterfront park includes winding walkways, bathrooms, benches, pedestrian access to museums, plenty of trees for shade, and a couple of sculptures for those sweaty postworkout selfies.

It’s a good problem to live in a place with too many quality beaches. Every shore in Miami-Dade offers something unique, from party vibes to family fun. But if you’re looking for a relaxing and uncrowded day on the sand, head to the peaceful oceanfront haven known as “Miami’s Uptown Beachtown”: Surfside. The unspoiled one-mile stretch from 88th Terrace to 96th Street is a slice of paradise that’s clean and serene with a locals-only aesthetic. Rest assured, you won’t see an “I’m in Miami Bitch” T-shirt here.

Readers’ choice: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Miami offers plenty of beaches, but if you’re looking for a real escape, head north on I-95 for four hours and pull off at the exit for New Smyrna Beach. It’s one of the few Florida beaches where you can park your car on the sand, making it easy to stake out a spot for your umbrella, chairs, and cooler. Because the surf is unquestionably better in New Smyrna than Miami Beach, take advantage with a lesson from the Jimmy Lane Surfing Academy, which offers private classes for $60 per person or classes for groups of three or more for $40 per person every Saturday from May through September. Then take a stroll along Flagler Ave, dotted with charming surf shops, ice-cream spots, and the city’s famed Coronado/Mainland Shuffleboard Club. For dinner, grab a blue cheese burger from the Breakers, a casual oceanfront dining spot that’s similar to the West Palm Beach resort in name only. Cap off your day by completing the Flagler Stagger, a do-it-yourself bar crawl on the main strip.

First dates can be awkward: If the conversation comes to a halt, you’ll need something to talk about. Watching the sun set over Biscayne Bay is a great icebreaker, and there’s no better place to do that than at the Wetlab, part of Salt Waterfront Restaurant at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science. This campus watering hole offers spectacular views from its waterfront veranda. Head there after work on a Friday, when there’s usually a live band playing until things wrap up at 9 p.m. The Wetlab deserves major kudos for its wide variety of beers, including 17 local craft brews on tap, but its best selling point is the price: For just $20, you can make a mix-and-match bucket of five craft beers. It’s a spot that hits all the marks of a good first date: inexpensive, easygoing, and memorable.

After opening less than three years ago in Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour neighborhood, Tropical Vinyasa has quickly established itself as the go-to spot for South Florida yogis. Community vibe is front-of-mind for this small but welcoming studio, which offers special events throughout the year for couples, kids, and moms-to-be. Prices start at $24 for one class, but new students can buy a three-class package for $50 or try 30 days of unlimited yoga for $79. The instructors at Tropical Vinyasa are warm, engaging, and helpful without being too corrective. And it’s a great workout too: Prepare to leave the studio drenched in sweat and feeling satisfied. For an extra treat, book a class with a sound bath ($24), where you’ll sink into savasana under the spell of deeply meditative noise vibrations from Tibetan singing bowls and gongs.

Readers’ choice: Yoga Joint

Not long ago, Sunset Harbour was primarily an industrial area made up mostly of gas stations and tow yards. Now it’s one of Miami Beach’s hippest neighborhoods, packed with restaurants, boutiques, and, of course, beloved local bar Purdy Lounge. The Sunset Harbour Yacht Club, with 125 slips for boats from 45 to 150 feet long, puts you right in the middle of it all. Set on two acres that overlook Biscayne Bay, the private club offers a fitness center, Olympic-sized pool, and barbecue area. If all of that isn’t enough, it’s also designated a clean marina by the state, meaning it has voluntarily implemented measures designed to protect Florida’s waterways. So you can enjoy the views and feel good about tying your boat up here.

On your vacation or staycation in the Magic City, maybe you never want to leave Miami Beach and have all of your meals sent to your suite at the Fontainebleau or Setai. Maybe you want to take a walking tour through Little Havana and eat every single empanada you see. Or maybe you want to learn how the city ticks by understanding what goes on in its kitchens. There’s no better place to do that than in Romi Naparstek’s kitchen. Naparstek grew up in Argentina and attended the Argentine Institute of Gastronomy. Since opening her kitchen, she’s partnered with the Wolfsonian and the Jewish Museum of Florida. But the heart of what Naparstek does is simple: She teaches you how to make a mean churro, pastelito, alfajor, or any other Latin American staple you can imagine. Individual classes start at $75 per person.

Readers’ choice: Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science

The beauty of a picnic is that you can have one almost anywhere. The beach? Sure! At the edge of a bike trail? Absolutely! But if you want to take your picnic to the next level, you’ll want to set up somewhere with tables, grills, and restrooms. A.D. Barnes Park fits the bill. Since 1977, the 65-acre park has been an oasis for busy Miamians looking to reconnect with nature. Located on the corner of Bird Road and SW 72nd Avenue, the park includes a nature trail through a pine forest, a pond for fishing, a children’s playground, and, of course, multiple picnic areas. Picnic tables are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis, but if you’d like to reserve a pavilion for your group, you can do that too. All-day rates for picnic shelters range from $100 for a 50-person pavilion to $225 for the largest, which can accommodate up to 200 people. The only thing left to decide is what you’ll pack in your picnic basket.

Ever wanted to run away to your own private island? Even in overpopulated South Florida, you’ve got options. Not to be confused with Boca Chica Key, its Florida Keys neighbor more than 100 miles to the southwest, Boca Chita Key is an island getaway in Biscayne National Park. Guests who plan to camp overnight can access the island only via private vessel and must adhere to the rules. Pets are not allowed on Boca Chita or on the boats docking on the island because they could cause harm to the plover population there. Mosquitoes are out for blood from June through September, so the park waives its docking and camping fee ($15) those months. Toilets are available to campers, but the island has no running water. This is camping, after all. If that all sounds a little too Survivor, test the waters on Biscayne National Park Institutes’s guided tour of Boca Chita. Guests depart from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead and return three hours later. Be sure to visit the observation deck at the island’s 65-foot-tall lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the national park.

Deep in the heart of condo-laden Brickell lies a hidden monument harking back to an equally bustling civilization that occupied Miami tens of thousands of years before it became the city we know today. The Miami Circle was discovered in 1998. The sacred site was built by the Tequesta several millennia ago, though estimates of its time of origin vary greatly. The 38-foot Miami Circle was unearthed during the building process for — what else? — a luxury condo. Public outcry halted construction. After plans to relocate the site fell through, Miami-Dade County paid $26.7 million for the property in 1999. Today the Miami Circle remains buried in an effort to preserve it. But markers around the site delineate the vibrant culture that once flourished where modern Miami stands today.

Readers’ choice: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

The Surf Club opened on New Year’s Eve 1930 with help from business tycoon Harvey Firestone and became an oceanside retreat for the rich and famous. Tennessee Williams, Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor, and Frank Sinatra all walked through its doors. But by the turn of the millennium, the club lost its cachet and fell into disrepair. That’s until it underwent an extensive five-year renovation and reopened in 2017. The Surf Club still operates as a private club, with membership fees undisclosed but no doubt exorbitant. However, the best way to enjoy the remodeled property is by staying at the 77-room Four Seasons Hotel. The Studio Cabanas, which are part of the original Surf Club building designed by Russell Pancoast, are a must if you want to experience the property the way it was originally intended. These rooms come at a premium, going for more than $1,000 per night depending upon the season. You can also stay in the Surf Club Rooms, the least expensive accommodations, starting at $500 if you’re able to score a deal. Also not to be missed is the resort’s restaurant, Le Sirenuse Miami. The staff is handsomely dressed and provides white-glove service that’s surprisingly rare in Miami.

Readers’ choice: 1 Hotel South Beach

FunDimension is a 15,000-square-foot boutique family game center that includes a laser tag arena, bumper cars, a 7D theater, and two virtual-reality attractions. There are 30 arcade games and even a restaurant where you can grab great food, craft beer, and even a bottle of Veuve Clicquot for $77. FunDimension, which opened in 2017, “is smaller than Dave & Buster’s and a bit more upscale,” owner Joyce Alarcon-Frohman says. It hosted the cast of the movie Tag and was chosen as the location for the filming of “Zero,” Imagine Dragons’ music video for their song that appears in the Disney movie Ralph Breaks the Internet. Prices vary per attraction: $11 for laser tag and $8 for bumper cars and virtual reality. Discount packages are available.

This one is a no-brainer. Miami is famous for one thing and one location: South Beach. We aren’t talking Ocean Drive. Nor are we discussing Washington Avenue or Collins Avenue. Everything on the sand — from the shore to the volleyball courts to the very cool lifeguard stands — makes this the most sought-after real estate in America. Forget the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Golden Gate Bridge. They don’t hold a candle to SoBe.

Soccer is Miami’s sport. Though you might think mostly of the soon-to-be professional team owned by pretty boy David Beckham, the fact is the giant suburb split by SW 88th Street is Miami’s real fútbol mecca. Kendall Soccer Park is an amazing collection of public and private fields that churns out stars and goals in equal measure. The public part of the complex includes five fields where kids and adults kick around from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. by reservation. One of these five is generally open to the public. The rest are used by local soccer clubs, leagues, and youth organizations. To rent them, call or stop by the field office from 12:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. For the past seven years, Soccer 5, a private firm, has also rented out six mini-fields on the property. All of them are caged. There are four 5v5 fields, one 6v6, and one 7v7. Prices for the mini-fields range from $100 to $140 per hour.

Readers’ choice: Kendall Soccer Park

In baseball, the pitcher is the most important man on the diamond. This season, José Ureña was the Marlins’ Opening Day starter. Though he didn’t start the 2019 season as hot as he ended the last, his 2018 record was impressive: Ureña compiled a 3.98 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 174 innings pitched. At 27 years old, he’s in his prime, and if the Marlins rebuild goes as planned, he could be a frontline starter for a World Series contender.

The man who calls himself “JonnyHuby11” on Twitter kills it on the ice. The Florida Panthers’ 2011 third-overall pick was expected to be pretty good at playing hockey, but Huberdeau is putting in elite-level work. The Panthers forward tallied 92 points last season on 30 goals and 62 assists — all career highs. Though the Panthers as a team didn’t achieve the success they’d hoped for, Huberdeau is the sort of player who keeps fans and the front office confident that the Cats are on the cusp of something great.

Davie Golf Club, just off I-595, is about a half-hour drive from downtown Miami. It’s a long course — 6,347 yards — with water at every hole. The fairways are well groomed, and the greens are fast. There’s also an aqua driving range, and two Class A PGA pros are available to correct that lousy swing of yours. The course is comparatively cheap during the summer, when it costs $35 for residents and $40 for nonresidents during weekend mornings. Best of all, it’s close to the Miami Dolphins training facility, so while you are swinging away in the rough, you just might get to see some real athletes. Hurry up, though — the Fins plan to move their practice facility to Miami Gardens soon.

South Florida’s largest gathering of geeks is coming home to Miami. Florida Supercon, the largest convention of comics, cosplay, anime, and beyond in the state, is set to return to the Miami Beach Convention Center after a two-year stint in Fort Lauderdale. That’s good news for Miami fans of anything from Marvel movies to manga. Supercon draws big names and crowds to match. This summer, fans can look forward to mingling with George Takei, who these days is almost as famous for his social media prowess as he is for Star Trek. At least four representatives of the Star Wars universe will also be in attendance, including actors Jason Isaacs and Terence McGovern. Performance troupe Fantasy Super Cosplay Wrestling will stage battles between popular characters, including Deadpool and Skeletor, inside a wrestling ring all weekend. And if this year is anything like years past, know this: Cosplay is coming — so much cosplay, much of it executed at a near-professional level. So raise a sword, lightsaber, or dragonglass dagger and celebrate the return of the king of cons.

The last Dolphins season ended in a losing record, but there was one moment that reminded us why we love sports: the “Miami Miracle.” The last-second hook-and-ladder, come-from-behind victory began with a catch from wide receiver Kenny Stills, who caught the 17-yard pass and had the wherewithal to lateral it to another wide receiver before he got tackled. Stills was lying on the ground when another lateral, to running back Kenyon Drake, prompted the team, the stadium, and all of Miami to erupt in jubilation. The play was even more impressive after Stills scored a touchdown to go with eight catches for 135 yards in that game, and the Dolphins shocked their Super Bowl-winning opponents, the New England Patriots. Stills also led the Dolphins in receiving touchdowns in 2018 and was second in receiving yards. Stills is also admirable off the field. He’s made his political stances known by taking a knee during the National Anthem to protest police violence and by supporting organizations such as Empowered Youth, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Dream Defenders, and Justice League NYC.

Readers’ choice: Kiko Alonso

It can be hard to keep your eyes on the ball at the Biltmore Tennis Center. The ten public courts, run by the City of Coral Gables, are situated within spying distance of the historic Biltmore Hotel and the manicured lawns of its golf course. Amid the glamorous 1920s architecture, guests can feel a bit like the Great Gatsby and Daisy as they trade serves and groundstrokes. The site’s hard courts are well maintained, with shaded spots for changeovers and lights for when the sun starts to set. Courts are available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends. Hourly rates range from $4.60 to $8 per person for Miami-Dade residents and $8 to $11 per person for nonresidents.

Readers’ choice: Crandon Park Tennis Center

Getting around Miami Beach can be a drag. Parking is expensive (if you can even find it), and rideshare services can put a sizable dent in your wallet. But the city offers a worthy alternative. The Miami Beach Trolley allows passengers to ride across the entire city for free. Running from Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 8 a.m. to midnight, the retro-looking blue trolleys travel four routes that can connect passengers from South Pointe Park all the way to the North Beach Bandshell without spending a dime. Depending upon the route, trolley frequency can range from about every 15 to 40 minutes. If you’re heading to a business meeting or a hot date, you’ll want to download the TSO Miami Beach Trolley app or follow Miami Beach’s Live Trolley Tracking website to see how close (or far) your ride might be. But the best use of the city’s trolley system is to sit in the air-conditioned vehicle on a lazy day as you take in the art deco scenery.

Not far from the urban sprawl of Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami offers a 22-acre jewel of a park called the Enchanted Forest. Unlike the annual attraction at Tropical Park you might be thinking of, this park isn’t just around for the holidays. Open 365 days a year, Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park is an urban escape with picnic areas, paved trails, and the calmly flowing Arch Creek. The park’s private M&M Equestrian Farm offers pony and horse rides from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the weekends ($5 to $10), horseback riding lessons throughout the week by appointment ($65 to $95), and access to a small petting zoo. The park opens one hour after sunrise and closes at sunset.

Readers’ choice: Oleta River State Park

From an Olympic-sized pool to kayaking tours and the occasional open-water event on Biscayne Bay, Florida International University’s waterfront campus offers several outdoor attractions to its sun-kissed student body. But it’s the nature trail that best shows off the university’s tropical setting. Beginning at the Glenn Hubert Library, wrapping around the campus, and running partly alongside Biscayne Bay, this three-mile trek is a master class in plant and wildlife native to Florida. Not only are birds such as the belted kingfisher and roseate spoonbill often visible from the trail, but also the damp surroundings attract Instagram-worthy butterfly species such as monarchs and sulphurs. Check out the mangroves, which not only serve as a barrier from the whipping sea breeze but also make for a prime nesting place for some of these incredible creatures. You won’t need to worry about cutting class to take a stroll down the trail: It’s open to the non-Panther public.

You don’t need to be a part of the Brickell elite to relax on the coastal terrace that overlooks Biscayne Bay. Head east on SW 13th Street in Brickell until you reach the water. If the Mark on Brickell condos tower overhead, you’re in the right place. At this Intracoastal hideaway, the view from any angle could be an establishing shot from a classic movie or TV show set in the Magic City — from the Rickenbacker Causeway as it has appeared in countless Miami Vice rip-offs, to the industrial shipping containers you might remember from watching Dexter. Save for hopping onto a luxury yacht and cruising on the bay, this location is the ideal vantage point for a quick photo shoot in the 305. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of dolphins wandering through the Intracoastal Waterway.

The only thing cuter than a dog is a swimming dog. And you’ll find lots of them at Snyder Park, one of the few local dog parks with a swimming hole just for pups. When Spot is panting on a muggy Miami day, it’s worth the drive to Fort Lauderdale (and the $1 hourly parking fee) to see him splash with all the other good boys and girls. Plus, this place is weirdly beautiful, with tons of towering trees and water the color of a natural spring. There’s plenty of shade where you can kick back and relax while your pooch romps around with all of his new friends — although you might be tempted to jump in yourself. Just remember: The swimming hole is closed the first Tuesday and Wednesday of each month, as well as 8 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday.

Readers’ choice: Haulover Beach Dog Park

The winner of this category is usually a chic place on the beach where margaritas go for $20. Not this year. If you’re a real swimmer, try this centrally located spot just off I-95 where people from all walks of life gather, soak a little, and chat. It’s cheap: Entry costs just $3 unless you are 17 or younger, in which case it’s free. The pool is great for lap swimming, particularly on weekdays, when it opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 8:50 p.m. The staff suggests guests come early or late because the middle of the day is busier. Saturday and Sunday, the hours are shorter — 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. — and the place is packed during open swim, when children are allowed in the pool.

Readers’ choice: Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Biking around South Beach is fun. You get to see art deco buildings and maybe run into DJ Khaled. And, of course, it’s worth biking through the Everglades at least once in your life. But for a real Miami experience, hit the Commodore Trail. This paved, five-mile route takes you through the heart of some of Miami’s mainland landmarks, from Vizcaya Museum & Gardens to Miami City Hall to Peacock Park. You’ll cut through thickets of tropical plants and see fantastic views of the bay. And unlike that bike tour around South Beach, the Commodore Trail gives glimpses of wildlife. But beware: Coconut Grove peacocks can be ornery and have been known to even scratch up cars.

It’s been a long, winding road to the top for Justise Winslow. Since being drafted with the tenth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Miami Heat fans have been waiting to see him put together an entire season of greatness. They’ve waited to see if Winslow is worthy of carrying the torch Dwyane Wade passed to him. That wait officially ended in 2019. Since filling in for an injured Goran Dragic at point guard, Winslow has skyrocketed from hopeful prospect to genuine stud NBA player. Winslow averaged a career high in points, steals, and assists last season. He’s more than just a role player. Justise Winslow is the Heat’s best player.

Readers’ choice: Dwyane Wade

Shaq Quarterman, Miami’s First Team All-ACC starting middle linebacker, doesn’t have to be here. He could be making money playing football in any one of 30 cities right now. That’s been the case since he burst onto the scene as a difference-making freshman for the Miami Hurricanes 39 straight starts ago. He’s here to finish what he started — to win a National Championship. By returning for his senior season, the Canes’ steadiest player is in a position to accomplish that goal under new head coach Manny Diaz and an entirely revamped program. Whatever happens in 2019, the Canes are a much better squad with their best player and team leader in the fold. The NFL can wait.

Sometimes big things come in small packages. Hurricanes guard Chris Lykes, who stood out in an otherwise unremarkable 2018-19 Canes basketball season, has likely heard this his entire life. Lykes averaged 16.2 points on 40.6 percent shooting during the season. Against stiff ACC competition, the five-foot-seven Lykes was able to stand out even as the team cemented its 14-18 record. Despite the setbacks, Lykes did his part to keep the Canes within striking distance during each game. He routinely scored more than 25 points per game last season, including a 27-point effort against the mighty Tar Heels in North Carolina.

Steve Goldstein — the play-by-play broadcaster for the Florida Panthers on Fox Sports Florida — gets better with age, even if you’re not checking in with him every night. In addition to making calls, Goldstein anchors the sports and news for CBS Miami, but his voice is best known for tracking the movement of the puck for Panthers fans. That Goldstein can make even the least amusing Panthers game watchable, and even thrilling, is a testament to his talent as a broadcaster.

Readers’ choice: Steve Shapiro

It’s been a rocky road for Stephen Ross on his journey as the Miami Dolphins’ majority owner. He’s endured TMZ-level scandals, controversial decisions, and an incredible number of terrible on-the-field products. Much of the headaches and downfalls have been due to unforced errors on his part, but over the course of the past year or so, Ross seems to have turned things around for the team. For starters, he poured more than a half-billion dollars into renovating Hard Rock Stadium, which is now the crown jewel of sports venues in Miami-Dade. The past 12 months have been promising, even as the team is in the midst of an overhaul. Ross recognized it was finally time to renovate his roster and coaching staff the same way he recently refurbished the stadium. He cleaned house by trading longtime quarterback Ryan Tannehill and firing head coach Adam Gase after a disappointing three seasons. Most fans recognized long ago that the Dolphins were in need of a rebuild, and it’s encouraging to watch Ross take steps in that direction.

Being stoned in public can be overwhelming. Maybe you’re trying to sit on a beach but someone near you is playing dubstep on a boombox. Maybe you’re too stoned to understand a restaurant menu. These things happen. But if you’re trying to really get out of your head in a safe, enclosed, welcoming space, look no further than Artechouse, a South Beach digital gallery where gigantic masses of swirls, lights, and colors are projected on the walls. Artechouse — a portmanteau of “art,” “tech,” and “house” — lets you bathe in gigantic oceans of color and play in interactive light exhibits that make you feel like a cross between a wizard and Neo from The Matrix. (It’s also cool and dark inside in case you need to get out of the Miami sun for a bit.) Adult tickets cost $24 each, which is a surprisingly cheap price to pay to feel like you can control the very concepts of light and space-time.

Virginia Key is always a great place to kayak — the water is calm and you can duck between all sorts of tiny sandbars and pockets of mangroves. The key is also historic: In segregated Miami, Virginia Key served as the only “colored” beach in town, and it’s worth taking the time to reflect on the area’s history as you paddle through the water. Like many outdoor renters around Miami, the Virginia Key Outdoor Center offers nighttime full-moon paddling for the adventuresome. The bioluminescent paddles that occur occasionally from June through September are by far the best option. During these events, you leave shore as the sun dips below the horizon. As the sky darkens, plankton and other sea creatures naturally set themselves aglow, transforming the water into a sparkling show beneath your boat. Individual kayak rentals range from $25 for the first hour ($10 for each hour after that) to $85 for a full day.

Tucked alongside I-595 in Davie is the best-kept secret of parents across South Florida. Young at Art bills itself as a hands-on art museum for children, and its expansive 55,000-square-foot facility houses works by some of South Florida’s biggest names in art: Edouard Duval-Carrié, Jillian Mayer, Pablo Cano, and others. A recent mural exhibit tapped the talents of famed creatives including Kenny Scharf, Tati Suarez, and AholSniffsGlue (though here he goes by his more child-friendly given name, David Anasagasti). But “hands-on” doesn’t do this place justice. This is a collection of climb-on, draw-on, dance-on exploration exhibits that shows kids and parents alike just how much the term “art” can encompass. It’s adjacent to a Broward County Library branch, so you can pick up some artsy picture books on your way out. And even if you don’t really care about exposing your child to the best culture in South Florida, Young at Art still functions as the coolest indoor playground, where kids can climb through a tsunami of ocean waves, bang on drums as loud as they please, and slide feet-first into a teacup that looks straight out of Alice in Wonderland.