A Teen-Approved Miami Escape: Art, Action and FIFA Thrills
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