Paradise Cove at C.B. Smith Park Kids Edited by Virginia Gil
Surfside Community Center Bring on the waterworks!
We’re burning up for these kid-friendly community pools and super-fun water parks. By Andrea Carneiro
IT’S NO SECRET that Miami summers are H-O-T hot—it’s no wonder we spend half the year in the water! Are you too far from the beach and without a private pool to cool off in? Plenty of amazing public options cater to the younger set by taking waterworks to the next level. Here are five to try when the heat is on.
Surfside Community Center The aquatics area here is far from your
average neighborhood pool, boasting zero-depth entry, a kids’ play area (the Tot Lot) and multiple waterslides, as well as a facility for recreational and lap swimming. You need to find a friend in Surfside, however; the center is open only to residents and their guests. à 9301 Harding Ave, Surfside (305-866-3635,
townofsurfsidefl.gov). Daily 9am–7pm; residents and guests free.
Grapeland Water Park The ultimate playdate spot for kids of all
ages, Grapeland is equipped with two speedy slides, a shallow-water play area, water-shooting cannons, splash fountains and Buccaneer Falls, which unleashes a wave of water on unsuspecting visitors.
Time Out Miami May 18–August 16, 2017
(Hint: Listen for the horn.) Water-shy kiddos can take comfort in free life vests, and special-needs families can find an accommodating and friendly staff eager to help. à 1550 NW 37th Ave (305-960-2950, miamigov .com/grapeland). May 20–Aug 19: various dates 10am–4:45pm; $7–$15.
Paradise Cove at C.B. Smith Park Five-story-tall corkscrew waterslides, an
interactive lagoon and a 410-foot-long “crazy creek”—plus a water playground for the 5-and-under set—have made this Broward County park a top spot for families. Rentable umbrellas and picnic tables help make for a great day trip. à 900 N Flamingo Rd, Pembroke Pines, FL (954-357- 5170,
broward.org). May 19–Aug 17: various dates 10am–5:20pm; $6.75–$10.
Pinecrest Gardens Splash ’n Play Perfect for little ones, Pinecrest Gardens’
mini splash pad offers water features galore and shaded benches for parents who chaperone. When the water play is tapped out, take a stroll through the gorgeous gardens or head to the on-site petting zoo, snack bar or playground.
44 Zoo Miami
à 11000 Red Rd, Pinecrest (305-669-6990,
pinecrest.fl.gov). Mon–Fri 10am–6pm; Sat, Sun 9am–6pm. $5.
Zoo Miami It may not be the first place that comes to
mind, but this is a great choice to keep kids cool and busy during the summer months. The local favorite has multiple water-play areas, the biggest of which is Playworld Playground: a one-and-a-half-acre facility with two play areas and 28 water features (including touch-activated spray rods) for kids age 12 and under. à 12400 SW 152 St (305-251-0400,
zoomiami.org). Daily 10am–5pm; $17.95–$21.95, children under 2 free.
PHOTOGRAPH (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT): FABIO RODRIGUEZ; COURTESY C.B. SMITH PARK; COURTESY ZOO MIAMI
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