By Rosalind Stefanac
If you’re hunting for a getaway that blends sunshine, culture, adrenaline and teen-approved fun, Miami is having its moment. Beyond its vibrant neighbourhoods and iconic beaches, the recently renovated Freedom Tower now houses a new FIFA-themed exhibition just in time for World Cup fever—and a definite score for families with soccer-obsessed kids like mine. And that’s just the beginning!
Here are some suggestions for what to do with your teen in Miami, including notable food stops and family-friendly places to stay along the way.
Kick off at the Freedom Tower’s FIFA exhibit
Soccer fans will find themselves awe-struck by this museum-meets-experience dedicated to the history and impact of the world’s most popular sport. Teens and tweens can trace the sport from its origins to modern-day legends (including Lionel Messi, of course), interact with digital installations, and take in all the jerseys, trophies and artifacts from World Cup history.
That the exhibit is housed in the Freedom Tower, which underwent a massive renovation and reopened for its centennial this year, is a big bonus. The Tower has long been a symbol of hope for Cuban refugees and immigrants who passed through its doors during the 1960s and ’70s. Inside, multimedia installations honour this history through moving photographs and audio recordings of Cuban families recounting their often-treacherous journeys to freedom. (Go early to avoid crowds and to give your teen enough time in the interactive zones. You’ll leave energized for a full day of exploring.)
Explore Miami’s Most Colourful Neighbourhoods
Photo by Miami Culinary Tours
Once you’ve kicked things off downtown, head for some of Miami’s most interesting neighbourhoods beyond the beach.
Wynwood
Wynwood is the ultimate street-art playground—an open-air museum where massive murals by world-renowned graffiti and urban artists tower above indie boutiques, cafés and ice-cream shops. We tucked in for a delicious meal at Dunkaroo Jamaican Kitchen, where everything was made fresh and the vibe felt like we’d made a pit stop in the Caribbean itself.
Little Haiti & Little Havana
We also enjoyed exploring the vibrant neighbourhoods of Little Haiti and Little Havana. In the latter, we joined a walking tour with Miami Culinary Tours, led by our guide Mirka Roch Harris who wove engaging historical details into every food stop. Along the way, we sampled a delicious lineup of sweet and savoury bites—including an authentic Cuban sandwich I’m still dreaming about.
We capped it off at Domino Park, a beloved Little Havana gathering spot where senior locals gather daily for strategic domino and chess matches. Teens will appreciate the vibe and a real peek into Little Havana life.
Take a Segway or Bike Tour of South Beach
For an activity that checks both the fun and active boxes for teens, a Segway or bike tour is a must. We booked ours with Bike and Roll Miami and spent the afternoon gliding down Ocean Drive, taking in its iconic Art Deco architecture and neon lights, recognizable as the backdrop for many TV shows and classic films, including Scarface and The Birdcage.
Our tour continued to South Pointe Park, the southernmost tip of Miami Beach, where you can watch cruise ships depart, take in panoramic views of the coastline, and catch a glimpse of the exclusive Fisher Island. We also stopped at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, an oasis in the middle of the city and a perfect place to sit and grab a cold drink. The historic, pedestrian-only Espanola Way is also a great spot for lunch en route. We opted for a delicious Mexican food feast at Oh! Mexico and weren’t disappointed.
Where to Stay
The Gates Hotel South Beach
Located in the heart of South Beach, The Gates offers amazing access to everything this iconic area has to offer. You can stroll to Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road (an outdoor shopping mall mecca) and a bevy of shops and restaurants. We loved the rotating digital art exhibits throughout the hotel, too.
Mayfair House Hotel & Garden
Tucked into Miami’s leafy Coconut Grove neighborhood, the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden brings a totally different energy—architecturally bold yet wonderfully relaxed. Its open-air atrium feels like stepping into a tropical greenhouse, with palms, orchids and climbing greenery. Add a rooftop pool and plenty of quiet corners, and it becomes the perfect wind-down spot for teens and parents after hours of buzzing around the city.
In the end, Miami gave me what I didn’t realize made a teen trip unforgettable: culture that ignites curiosity, activities that actually keep them tuned in, and those pockets of calm that make the whole experience land just right.
For more ideas on things to do in Miami, visit miamiandbeaches.com.