Downtown
Once a pineapple plantation, downtown's Design District—the area just north of where Interstate 195 hits Biscayne Boulevard—is now hailed as the city's coolest quarter for its innovative galleries and shops (like Genius Jones, one of the country's first design-oriented children's stores). A few blocks north is the Upper East Side, where a budding stretch of Biscayne Boulevard offers an indie collection of boutiques and eateries, including a modern hot-dog stand opened by a Los Angeles expat. Jump on the free Metromover, an elevated train that swoops over central downtown, and look for the art installations at featured stops. Finally, introduce your kids to the authentic Latin flavors of Little Havana, where street signs are in Spanish and the ropa vieja (mild or spicy shredded beef) is delicious.
restaurants
Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market
Order just-caught-fish sandwiches at this local favorite.
398 NW N. River Dr., (305) 375-0765
Choose from more than 15 hot-dog creations made with beef, turkey, or veggie franks. Try the Cali (avocado, bacon, and sour cream) with a mint lemonade.
7030 Biscayne Blvd., (305) 759-3433
Start your tour of Little Havana with a café con leche, a Cuban sandwich, and fried plantains.
3555 SW Eighth St., (305) 444-0240
shops
Genius Jones
This Design District pioneer is the ultimate source for special toys and gear, such as Murakami flower balls, Netto rockers, and L.A.M.B. sneakers.
49 NE 39th St., (866) 436-4875 or (305) 571-2000; closed Sundays
The hand-dyed tees are painted with colorful giraffes, sand castles, and dragons.
6925 Biscayne Blvd., (305) 754-8890
activities
Miami Children's Museum
The exhibits are bilingual and Miami-inspired: Kids can board a miniature cruise ship and harvest Florida fruits.
980 MacArthur Causeway, (305) 373-5437
This exotic-bird park has the largest saltwater crocodile in human care and a giant inflatable-hippo water slide.
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, (305) 400-7000
Kids can take trapeze lessons at this Isamu Noguchi–designed green space and rock garden.
301 Biscayne Blvd., (305) 358-7550
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