If you have spent even one summer day in Miami, you know the heat and humidity are no joke. There are many days where we can do outdoor activities, but there are often days where we need to escape the heat for a little bit. This summer, we have been in and out of town, the kids have had a couple of weeks of camp, but we have also had a couple days and weeks where we have been able to choose activities to do.

Here are some of our favorite activities we’ve done this summer (or in the recent past).

Indoor Summer Activities in Miami

Perez Art Museum Miami

On career day, the kids got a free family pass to Perez Art Museum, so I held onto it because I figured we could use it over the summer. The exhibits are always changing, and there were some the kids really enjoyed! We were all excited to see the Love is Calling installation by Yayoi Kusama, which is so popular that you need to get a time slot for it when you arrive at the museum. We had lunch at Verde, located at the back of the museum, overlooking the water. They had good options for kids and the moms alike.

Frost Science Museum

This is always a favorite for my kids and we can easily spend 3-4 hours here. It’s not completely indoors, but there are plenty of indoor areas to catch a break from the heat. The cafe has some pretty good options and there are always new and interesting exhibits. I’m always surprised at how much the kids love them and how much they learn. Your entry includes a viewing in the planetarium, which is also a highlight for them.

Museum of Discovery & Science (Fort Lauderdale)

While technically not in Miami, it’s worth noting. This is another great museum that my kids always enjoy visiting. If you want to make a full day out of it, hop on the Brightline and give them a cool train experience, too.

Color Me Mine

Chloe and I went here one afternoon with another friend and we had such a nice time. I used to love doing this when I was younger. Now as an adult, it felt so nice to do something nostalgic that my daughter also enjoyed. We painted our pieces (check the prices on the pieces beforehand so you don’t have sticker shock) and we were able to pick them up a week later. They charge a minimal studio fee in addition to the cost of the piece you paint.

Cooking Lessons with Chef Alex (requires advance reservation)

We have done lessons with Chef Alex for a few years now, and she is always so engaging with my kids. They love her! She always makes several courses with them, and she brings all the ingredients with her. The kids learned things like knife skills, sifting for baking, and making ganache. They also learned to chop and peel vegetables, sear chicken, and zest lemons. If she isn’t available, check out TasteBuds Kitchen or Sur La Table (this one is for older kids) – both have cooking classes for kids (we haven’t been to either one, though).

Bowling and/or Laser Tag

We did this for Caleb’s birthday this year and it was such a fun time for the kids. Bowlero at Dolphin Mall has laser tag, too. Bird Bowl is another option and one that has been around for ages!

Puttshack

We had a chance to visit Puttshack right after it opened. It is fun and easy to do for the kids (it’s also designed to be fun for adults and has great food and drink options).

Urban Air Kendall

We’ve been to two birthday parties here in the last few months, and the kids had a great time. It’s an indoor trampoline park but it also has American Ninja Warrior-type obstacle courses for the kids. I’d probably say this is best for 6 or 7 years old and up. Chloe enjoyed it, but there were a few things she couldn’t do.

Visit the library

Our local library was closed for renovations for a long time and they finally reopened at the beginning of summer. The kids really enjoyed visiting and picking out books. We’ll definitely be making another visit when we have a few free days.

Miami Children’s Museum

I think my kids (at 8 and 5) are just starting to be a tiny bit too old for this, but they have always loved going here. It’s definitely a good way to spend a day!

Movies

Self-explanatory, but there are always new releases over the summer, and we enjoy going to the movies – it’s a great break (and one where I don’t really have to do much once we’re sitting down!).

Did I miss anything? What are some of your favorite ways to spend time indoors during the summer months in Miami?

xoxo