Miami: Not All Glitter and Nightlife
by Lourdes Diaz



Although much of the recent attention lavished on Miami has centered on its South Beach nightlife and notorious hotspots, there is another side to this city by the bay, one that embraces family ties.

Its neighbor, Orlando, may get all the tourist attention, but, from accommodations and restaurants to beaches and attractions, Miami is no slouch and provides a myriad of family activities.

Start your journey at the Bayside Marketplace located directly on Biscayne Bay. This entertainment and shopping complex attracts both tourists and locals with its blend of live music, restaurants, national retailers, small shops and a Hard Rock Cafe. Make sure to take a tour on one of the sightseeing boats that cruise celebrities' homes.

Prefer to take a walk on the wild side? Visit Florida's Everglades National Park. Situated 20 minutes west of Miami, the park offers the largest protected sub-tropical wilderness in the continental United States. Watch crocodiles and alligators in their natural habitat while airboats cut through thick mangroves. Exotic wildlife and other endangered species inhabit its creeks and sawgrass.

While you're there, don't miss the Miccosukee Indian Village. The original inhabitants of Florida, the Miccosukees, now reside in this narrow stretch of land. Buy homespun crafts, patchwork and basketry, and watch hand-to-hand alligator wrestling.

No trip to Miami would be complete without a stopover at the world famous home of Flipper, Lolita, the Killer Whale, and 10,000 of their aquatic friends. The Miami Seaquarium is still one of Miami's most popular attractions. Where else can you explore the wonder of dolphins, whales and manatees?

Roller-skating cockatoos and opera-singing parrots? Sound crazy? Not at the Parrot Jungle and Gardens, where bird sanctuaries, botanical gardens, flamingos and more than 1,100 species of birds and plants bide for attention. Come see bird and wildlife shows, ape exhibits, alligators and giant tortoises. Hand-feed a bird, hold a parrot, stop in at the petting zoo and frolic at the children's playground.

Then there's Metrozoo. One of the United State's preeminent zoos, this 250-acre site features more than 900 animals, a children's playground, tram tours, gift shops and food.

One of the finest beaches in the world, Crandon Park Beach is also a wonderland for kids. Relax in the children's playground and outdoor roller rink; delight in its splash fountain and old-fashioned carousel.

Located west of Miami, the Malibu Grand Prix has something for everyone - racecars, go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, mini-golf, video games and a kiddy train. You (and especially your kids) could spend the whole day here.

One of Miami's most historical landmarks, the Venetian Pool in suburban Coral Gables is listed in the Register of Historic Places. No ordinary swimming hole, it features beautiful Spanish fountains, an observation tower, cascading waterfalls and coral rock caves.

If you want to catch a movie, head over to the Shops at Sunset Place. There's also a 3-D IMAX, a GAMEWORKS with state-of-the-art video games, Sweet Donna's for mouth-watering country cooking and national retailers and shops.

But it doesn't stop at attractions. Many of Miami's hotels and resorts are also family friendly.

The internationally acclaimed Fontainbleau Hilton Resort and Towers offers a Kid's Korner for ages 5-12 with theme activities like Superstar Saturday and Gold Metal Crafts. Teens between the ages of 13-17 have their choice of workout facilities, billiards and a video arcade.

The Sonesta Beach Resort in Key Biscayne offers diversions for children of all ages. Arts and crafts, jewelry making, story-time, field trips, planned dinner parties and outings for older children are but a few of the treats.

The Sheraton Bal Harbour Beach Resort's Harbour Kid's Club offers the little ones kite flying, pool games, scavenger hunts and castle building.

There is so much to see, do, and discover in Miami, the best part is you can bring the whole family!