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For all the fun things to do in south Florida with any age group in every season, check out this comprehensive Miami attractions guide.

Miami, Florida -- once the playground of grandparents and later, European super models -- is also a great family destination. See what there is to do in the sunny city of Miami with kids of any age. For general information on the Miami area, contact the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (305/539-3094).

Great Fun for the Kids

(Toddler to Age 8)

Parrot Jungle and Gardens
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami, FL 33132
305/400-7000
Home to over 2,000 exotic birds, alligators, a petting zoo, a children's playground and a Miccosukee Indian display, this nature park is a great choice for little ones. The staff makes low feeding stations available for some "hands-on" action and special photo opportunities. There are also wildlife shows and interactive exhibits scheduled frequently. Beautiful botanical gardens stretching over 12 acres (the gardens are wheelchair accessible) serve as a gorgeous backdrop for a half-day visit.

Miami MetroZoo
12400 S.W. 152 Street
Miami, FL 33177
305/251-0400
Rated by experts as one of the best zoos in the world; totally cage-less so that gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, bears, a Bengal tiger and other exotic animals are able to roam around relatively freely. In all, the zoo is home to over 260 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. Also offered are tram tours that take guests behind the scenes to see things like the zoo hospital. The best time to visit is morning or late afternoon.

Butterfly World
3600 W. Sample Road, in Tradewinds Park
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
954/977-4400
Butterfly World opened its doors in 1988, making it the first and largest butterfly house in the United States. A mammoth 8000-square-foot, screened enclosure houses thousands of butterflies in a natural rain forest environment, complete with flowers, trees, a waterfall, a cave, and cooling tropical mist. Extensive outdoor gardens surrounding the enclosure round out the grounds. Young kids will no doubt love being in the midst of these beautiful creatures.