Miami Theme Parks Guide: Adventure Meets Entertainment

Brimming with blue water beaches, wild sports events, natural splendor, and an intriguing mix of modern culture, Miami is a location that's got it all. Among the awe-worthy attractions and endless activities, sometimes sightseeing can get slightly overwhelming.

If you want to shake things up on your trip to Miami, you're in luck. This hot spot is teeming with top-notch theme parks, and surprisingly, there's a lot on offer here.

Whether it's a jungle-themed park or a movie-themed adventure, there is something for everyone. But which one is more of your style?

To help you decide, here's an in-depth guide to the best theme parks in Miami. Take your mind off your itinerary, and let the thrill take you over!

Top 5 Miami Theme Parks

5. Uncle Bernie's Amusement Park

Located in Lauderhill, Uncle Bernie's Amusement Park is an all-time classic amusement park in Miami. Although it's not as flashy as its neighbors, this gem offers fun for competitive pricing. With free admission, you only need to buy a "Play Card," a pack, or a ride pass.

If you're a budget traveler, Saturdays and Sundays are the best times. You can score an affordable ride pass with unlimited access to all the rides. Talk about a better bang for your buck!

4. Miami Seaquarium

Although not typically considered a theme park, Miami's Seaquarium provides a similarly incredible experience.

Miami Seaquarium is a famous aquarium boasting a range of experiences, exhibits, shows, and attractions. If you're interested in the rich underwater life, you can find dolphins, sea lions, killer whales, and lots more.

On top of highlights like dolphin interactions, you can dive deep into conservation and care. If you're an animal lover, this is a fascinating place to learn about environmental initiatives, such as beach cleanups and animal rescue.

Three woman observing a dolphin in a piscine — Photo by Miami Seaquarium

3. Dezerland Park

Dezerland Park is the place to do it if you're looking to break a sweat. Active travelers can enjoy attractions like rock climbing, mini-golfing, trampolining, and ropes courses. Don't miss the bumper cars if you want to release some rage. Toot toot!

This massive indoor theme park in Miami has hundreds of entertainment options. If you need diversity, Dezerland Park is the ideal option.

2. Universal Studios Florida

Although this amusement park isn't technically located in Miami, Universal Studios Florida should be at the top of your bucket list.

If you're traveling to Miami, you can't miss a day at this gem. If you want to get the thrill of a theme park experience, this is the best place to do it.

Universal Studios Florida offers an impressive range of rides, attractions, and shows. Each with its own movie or TV show theme.

Rest assured... You're guaranteed to find something that rings a bell. For instance, the Harry Potter roller coaster and the Simpson ride are the most popular.

Compared to other theme parks in Miami, Universal Studios Florida can dent your wallet. If you're traveling here from Miami, a budget trick is buying the multi-park pass to get more value.

With this pass, you can also see ‘‘Islands of Adventure’’ and ‘‘Volcano Bay.’’

Focus on the fun, get your adrenaline pumping, and don't miss the highlights. Take the hassle out of your trip with thistransport to the Orlando theme parks.

Universal studio globe next to a body of water and palms — Photo by Aditya Vyas on Unsplash

1. Jungle Island

Spanning the stretch of South Florida, Jungle Island is arguably the top theme park in Miami. With a strong focus on wildlife and nature, this is the ultimate choice for any eco-inclined traveler.

Located between South Beach and Downtown Miami, this is the perfect place to come if you want to stay central.

Get your heart racing on the high zip line, be gobsmacked by the giant tortoise exhibit, and admire the pink flamingo habitat. Don't miss the entertaining animal shows—get close up and personal at the Petting Barn!

Head to the waterpark if you want to cool off from the scorching Miami heat. You can shred some rapids, ditch the riptides, and scream your lungs out on the slides. Who says only kids get to have all the fun, right?

More Fun in Miami

Aside from these significant theme parks in Miami, you can also step into the more local scene.

Whether you're looking for indoor go-karting, wildlife adventure, or terrifying haunted houses, there's more to see.

Spring into action with some of the city's top amusement and water parks:

Grapeland Water Park
Blue Lagoon
Santa's Enchanted Forest
Super Flight
Park Everglades
Virtual Reality Park
Miami GP Raceway
House of Horror Haunted Carnival
K1 Speed

Suppose you don't have enough time in your Miami itinerary. In that case, you can get your heart racing on a speedboat sightseeing tour. While you learn about Miami's rich culture, you'll feel the breeze in your hair as you zip around the shoreline.

This budget-friendly activity is the ideal option to squeeze into your trip. Why not get behind the wheel if you want to take it further? Hop on a jet ski rental and take matters into your own hands!

Miami's Art Deco Weekend

If you're planning a trip to Miami, but want to sprinkle in a bit of class and culture, then the Art Deco Weekend is exactly what you're looking for. You're in luck if anything about 1920s fashion, cars, art, or jazz music strikes a chord.

Acknowledging the Art Deco buildings that are dotted throughout the city, this 3-day event hones in on all the highlights. Don't miss this in-depth guide on Art Deco Weekend in Miami to find out all the details.

Why Visit Miami?

Whether you're drawn to the turquoise beaches, rich culture, or vibrant street life, Miami's a city that will set your soul on fire. From the countless attractions and hidden gems, this destination is full of things to do.

Mixing museums, street art, and food tastings have never been more accessible, thanks to the array of options. You can scatter some fun into your Miami itinerary with a day spent at a thrilling theme park and make memories that will last a lifetime!