April 22nd, 2010 by admin

Miami may be famous for its thriving party scene, trendy bars and lounges, but it’s also a great destination for a family vacation. Even during the peak of Spring Break season, families head to South Florida for sun-drenched fun and even a few educational experiences, and all without

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Miami may be famous for its thriving party scene, trendy bars and lounges, but it’s also a great destination for family vacations. Even during the peak of Spring Break season, families can head to South Florida for sun-drenched fun and even a few educational experiences—all without overextending a travel budget. From downtown Miami to South Beach, we’ve rounded up fun budget-friendly activities to add to your family’s Miami travel itinerary.

Barnacle Historic State Park

Barnacle Historic State Park captures the lifestyle of Old Florida during the late 19th Century and is a charming, scenic destination that’s perfect for a family picnic or nature walk. You can explore The Barnacle Home, the oldest remaining residence in Miami-Dade County, enjoy a picnic at the Micco Pavilion, view exhibits about the pioneer period and take a guided tour of the museum. Admission fees are .00 per visitor ages six and older, and children younger than six are admitted for free.

Barnacle Historic State Park is located at 3485 Main Highway in Coconut Grove; 305/442-6866.

Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium

Take kids and teens out for a day of interactive exhibits and educational entertainment at the Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium. The 65-foot domed Planetarium is home to the SPITZ star projector and features a show every day. You can also head here to enjoy a laser light show about the stars and planets for the ultimate sensory experience. Head to the Weintraub Observatory in the evening to stargaze and learn about other objects across the galaxy. Admission is .95 for adults and .95 for children.

The Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium is located at 3280 South Miami Avenue; 305/646-4200.

Fairchild Tropical Garden

The Fairchild Tropical Garden houses an extensive collection of tropical and exotic plants including cycads, tropical fruit trees, vines and palms, and the 83-acre garden serves as the site of the International Mango Festival. Take the kids here for a self-guided tour of the William F. Whitman Tropical Fruit Pavilion, the Richard H. Simons Rainforest and the Lisa D. Anness Butterfly Garden to learn about native plant and insects and explore colorful exhibits. Admission is for adults, for children between six and 17 years of age, and children five and under are admitted for free.

The Fairchild Tropical Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables. 305/667-1651.

Bowlmor Lanes & Strike

If you want to take a break from tourist attractions and city sights, don’t miss out on the ultimate bowling experience at Bowlmor Lanes & Strike. The high-energy bowling alley offers glow-in-the-dark games, upbeat music and an all-around fun atmosphere for kids of all ages. It is also a great place for children’s birthday parties. The venue is open past midnight on weekdays, so you can squeeze in a late-night bowling session with the family after a day of sightseeing.

Bowlmor Lanes & Strike is located at 11401 Northwest 12th Street in Miami; (305) 594-0200.

Ichimura Miami Japanese Garden

The Ichimura Japanese Gardens are maintained by the City of Miami and feature an extensive collection of Japanese sculptures, artifacts and exotic features. The gardens are open year round and are free to the public. You can spend the day enjoying Miami sunshine and see dozens of unique pieces of artwork in a tranquil and peaceful setting. The venue also hosts seasonal programs and cultural celebrations throughout the year. Don’t forget your camera!

The gardens are located at 1101 MacArthur Causeway on Watson Island. 305/960-4639.

LowFares.com is giving away a free iPod Nano and iTunes gift card to two lucky Sweepstakes winners in our Fantasy Spring Vacation contest. If you’re a fan of LowFares on Facebook, you are already entered to win. If not, become a fan of LowFares on Facebook to enter for a chance to win. Don’t forget to comment on our page and let us know what your Fantasy Spring Getaway is!

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Chihuly Lake: Alexdecarvalho
The Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium

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