Free Things To Do In Miami With Teenagers

Any teenage girl or guy would be stoked to go to Miami. With beautiful celebrity-populated beaches, interesting hands-on exhibits, outdoor shopping plazas and more, there's plenty do in this bustling beach town, with or without the parents. Best of all, most of these ideas don't even require a credit card (or cash, if you prefer). So get everyone in your family excited about the next vacation, and enjoy these cheap and mostly free things to do with teenagers in Miami.

Miami's mild temperatures make going to the park an idea everyone, even your "too cool for school" teen, can get behind. The city and surrounding area contain a multitude of parks and outdoor recreational facilities to explore. Each park is designed differently, offer a completely new experience for your family. Go rollerblading at the rink at Crandon Beach Park, check out the hundreds of rare fruit, herbs and spice at the Fruit and Spice Park, or challenge your athletic teen to a match of tennis at Dante Fascal Park. From playgrounds and basketball courts, to picnic landings and hiking trails, there's a Miami area park just for you!

Check out one of Miami's exciting museums. You won't find boring artifacts and items that your inquisitive teenager isn't allowed to touch here. Miami's museums offer a more hands-on approach. Let your teen go swimming with dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium, look for gators at Jungle Island, or try snorkeling at Biscayne National Park. While most of these adventures will cost you some money, many of Miami's museums offer half off admission and ever free admission days. Check schedules for times and prices.

Spend a day (or two) at Coconut Grove with your teen. This little village is fun for both tourists and locals to visit, and boasts numerous storefronts, restaurants and late-night establishments. Radiating with culture and activity, Coconut Grove hosts special events all year long to entertain the masses. Particularly interesting to teenagers is the Coconut Grove Farmers Market. Located at 3300 Grand Avenue, the market welcomes local organic growers to sell their fresh goods to the public.

While you're in the Coconut Grove area, stop by the Barnacle State Historic Site. Just off the main highway, this is the oldest home in Dade County. The historic home delights visitors of all ages (it's actually pretty cool to see how people lived at the turn of the 20th century). The house itself is stationed at its original location from when it was first built in 1891. It was the home of Ralph Middleton Munroe, one of Coconut Grove's most prominent pioneers, who was known for his fabulous yacht designs.

Finally, your teenager won't be satisfied visiting Miami without a trip to the beach (we recommend spending multiple days checking out the many beautiful beaches suitable for families during your stay). If your teen is star-struck and always keeping up with the latest from the rich and famous, take them to Bal Harbour Beach in the north, or keep your eyes peeled for a fashion shoot on the very popular Miami Beach. For a more scenic (think of a picture-perfect nature backdrop) beach experience, go to Cradon Park. This beach has been consistently named one of the best top beaches in the nation, and is a favorite among locals and tourists.