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Winter break is here, and if you’re wondering how to keep the kids busy without stressing while still enjoying the holiday break, you’re in the right place.
Consider this your parent-tested survival guide to winter break: packed with free options, low-cost fun, indoor and outdoor ideas, and plenty of flexibility for sunny beach days or those surprise rainy afternoons. Whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to splurge a little, these ideas will help you fill the days with fun, minus the overwhelm.
Miami-Dade Public Libraries
Miami-Dade Public Libraries
Miami-Dade Public Libraries are an underrated winter break lifesaver. Many branches offer free programs, crafts, story times, STEM activities, movie days, and teen workshops all in air-conditioned comfort.
Perfect for:
Rainy or chilly days
Quiet resets between high-energy activities
Free enrichment that still feels fun
👉 Library event calendars & branch locations:
https://mdpls.org/events?
Free Events & Activities
Free Events & Activities
Winter break in Miami usually means an abundance of free family-friendly events, from outdoor movie nights to pop-up performances, holiday-themed crafts, and community celebrations.
Look for:
City-sponsored events
Park activities
Cultural celebrations
Family festivals
👉 Free event roundups & calendars:
https://www.momapprovedmiami.com/south-florida-holiday-event-guide-2025
https://www.momapprovedmiami.com/best-holiday-events-activities-for-kids-under-5-in-south-florida-2025
Museums (Indoor Fun That Still Feels Like an Adventure)
Museums (Indoor Fun That Still Feels Like an Adventure)
Museums are a winter break win, educational, engaging, and perfect for escaping the heat or the rain.
Pro tip: Check for resident discounts, free days, or holiday hours before you go.
👉 Miami family-friendly museums:
https://www.momapprovedmiami.com/how-to-get-free-museum-tickets-in-miami
https://www.momapprovedmiami.com/miamis-ultimate-family-museum-guide
Playgrounds & Play Spaces
Playgrounds & Play Spaces
Outdoor Playgrounds
Outdoor Playgrounds
Miami’s outdoor playgrounds are ideal for burning energy between holiday events. Look for shaded parks, splash areas (weather permitting), and waterfront playgrounds for a change of scenery.
👉 Outdoor playground guides & park lists:
https://www.momapprovedmiami.com/best-playgrounds-parks-in-south-florida-for-families
Indoor Playgrounds
Indoor Playgrounds
When the weather doesn’t cooperate or you just need a contained space, indoor play centers are my fave. Think climbing, pretend play, soft zones, and toddler-safe areas.
👉 Indoor playgrounds & play cafés:
https://www.momapprovedmiami.com/miami-indoor-playground-guide
Farms & Outdoor Fun
Farms & Outdoor Fun
Winter break is the perfect time to head to Miami-area farms, where kids can enjoy fresh air, animals, and festive seasonal activities without leaving South Florida. These spots are especially great for cooler days and when you want a break from screens.
Berry Farms Winter Festival
Berry Farms Winter Festival
The Berry Farms — 13720 SW 216th Street, Miami, FL 33170
A family-friendly winter festival filled with holiday-themed activities, farm fun, and seasonal attractions.
Dates: Nov 21 – Jan 4
Best for: All ages
Christmas at the Farm — Tinez Farm
Tinez Farm — 16405 SW 177th Ave, Miami, FL 33187
A festive farm experience featuring holiday décor, family activities, and plenty of space for kids to explore.
Hours: Tue–Fri 10 AM–5 PM | Sat–Sun 10 AM–5 PM
Best for: Babies- School age kids
Pintos Farm — 14890 SW 216 St, Miami, FL 33170
A longtime Miami favorite offering farm animals, rides, play areas, and seasonal events throughout the year.
Best for: All ages
NightGarden at Fairchild
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Miami, FL 33156
Evening walk-through experience with lights, holograms & music, Nov 7 – Jan 11
Adults (11+) $46 | Children (up to 10) $41
Use code MOMAPPROVED10 for a discount.
Buy tickets
Luminosa: A Festival of Lights
Jungle Island, 111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132
Outdoor festival of lights, music & displays, Nov 14 – Jan 4
Tickets: BucketListers.com
Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park
Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155
Holiday festival with décor, activities & shows, Nov 13 – Jan 4
Tickets start at $39 adults | $29 children (3–12) | 2 & under free
More info
Lantern & Lights Safari Nights
Lion Country Safari, 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd
60+ illuminated displays, swings, tunnels, Nov 1 – Jan 18
More info
Zoo Lights Miami
Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St
Walk-through lights & themed nights, select nights Nov 21 – Dec 30
More info
Holiday Fantasy of Lights
Tradewinds Park
3-mile drive-through animated light show, Nov 14 – Jan 23
More info
Seminole Hard Rock – Hard Rock the Holidays
Nov 29 – Jan 3
Merry Hours: Sun–Thu 6:30–10:30 PM | Fri–Sat 6:30–11:30 PM
Tickets here
Pinecrest Gardens Nights of Lights – 12/5–28/2025 | 6:30 PM – 10 PM
11000 SW 57th Ave, Pinecrest, FL
Tickets Here https://www.pinecrestgardens.org/Arts-Events/Festivals-Special-Events/Nights-of-Lights
A Very Merry Garden at Fairchild Now–Jan 5, 2025 | 10 AM–5 PM
A Very Merry Garden at Fairchild Now–Jan 5, 2025 | 10 AM–5 PM
Celebrate the holidays at Fairchild with festive family fun, including reindeer games, writing letters to Santa, and holiday storytime with Mrs. Claus—all set inside the gardens.
Winter Break Camps for Miami Kids
Winter Break Camps for Miami Kids
If you need childcare support or want to mix structured activities into your winter break plans, winter camps can be a great option—even for just a few days. Below are popular Miami-area winter camps offering everything from sports and art to STEM and museum-based programs.
Miami Dade county : https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1540496897360659
Miami Beach: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/parks-and-recreation/park-programs-classes/winter-spring-break-camps/
Zoo Miami: https://www.zoomiami.org/upcoming-events/event/winter-camp
Miami Childrens : https://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org/camps/winter-camp
Doral: https://www.cityofdoral.com/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Camps#section-2
Deerign Estate: https://deeringestate.org/events/winter-camp/
Final Survival Tip for Parents
Final Survival Tip for Parents
You don’t need to plan every single day to make winter break magical. A mix of free outings, one or two special experiences, library days, and playground time is more than enough to keep kids happy and parents sane.
Save this guide, bookmark your favorite links, and give yourself permission to enjoy the season too. You’ve got this. 💙
Happy winter break!
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