Originally founded in 1983, the Miami Children's Museum has expanded its reach in the last few decades in a tireless attempt to continue spreading creativity and social awareness among Miami's little ones. Today it is located in a magnificent location in Watson Island near downtown Miami in South Florida. The museum records an annual footfall of more than 4 million visitors and has taken in its fold various sessional camps, charter schools and a state of the art pre-school. The MCM can be accessed by the Metrobus S line. 

The history of the museum itself is quite fascinating. It started off as the Miami Youth Museum that operated out of a mall on Sunset drive. It later moved to the Bakery Centre in South Miami before the current building opened its gates to the public in September, 2003. Designed by Arquitectonica, the current building houses fourteen permanent galleries, an auditorium, pre-school facilities, a gift shop, Subway, recreation options and parent-teacher resources. Travelling exhibits and seasonal events aimed at promoting social interaction among kids are huge draws for the museum. The exhibits are highly interactive, fun and include everything ranging from sandcastles and piggy banks to an emulated constriction zone. Don't miss the newly renovated (2016) Publix shopping experience where kids can shop and check out the grocerys/

Take the Castle of Dreams for example. It is a real two storeyed castle your child can explore and learn about sands from around the world on the way. There is an actual cruise ship (well, as real as it gets) that lets your little one enjoy the life of a sailor. An entire section is dedicated to the history of the huge cultural potboiler that is Miami. Entire sections dedicated to the secrets of the deep blue sea are huge crowd pleasers.

However the most popular attractions are the walk-in piggy banks and the builders zone. You can walk about a six foot tall piggy bank while you learn the ins and outs of the art of saving money and also get to design your own currency notes. Hands on learning, folks. The building zone lets your child lead the life of Bob the Builder with bulldozers and tools. One can learn all about pets at the pet central and can even pick out a perfect pet for that matter.

Keep an eye out for the different seasonal events that cover everything from the secrets of outer space to cuisines from around the world. What makes the Miami Children's Museum truly unique is the effortless way in which it makes learning truly fun. A day in the museum is highly rewarding not just for a kid but also the entire family. Happy learning!

MCM is best suited to children ages 2-8.

***This facilty can also host birthday parties. The Museum is located on Macarthur Causeway between Miami and Miami Beach. Parking at the Museum is operated by the Miami Parking Authority and costs $1 per hour.***