Activities for Children in Coral Gables, Florida

Kids can have lots of outdoor time in Coral Gables.

Just minutes from downtown Miami is the upscale city of Coral Gables, Florida. With the University of Miami making its home in the "City Beautiful," and its population at around 47,783, according to the 2011 U.S. Census estimate, you are sure to keep the kids active in Coral Gables.

Museums and Gardens

The Coral Gables Museum (coralgablesmuseum.org) seeks to educate and foster an appreciation for the history and culture of Coral Gables. It gears certain programs to kids, including the Family Day on Aragon, in which kids can hear stories, make crafts and art projects, watch movies and enjoy music. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (fairchildgarden.org) has plants, trees, gardens and places for kids to explore. Kids will enjoy the butterfly garden, where more than 30 species fly around while you walk through the flower gardens. The edible garden might be of interest, too, because visitors can sample edible herbs, vegetables and fruits.

Sports Activities

The city of Coral Gables (coralgables.com) runs many sports programs for kids. Girls volleyball is open to 8- to 14-year-olds, flag football is available to boys 7 to 13 years old and boys and girls can participate in the soccer league for 8- to 17-year-olds. Swimming lessons are offered for children 5 years and older. The lessons take place in the Venetian Pool, which is an historical landmark. It was built in 1923 using coral rock quarry. Waterfalls and cave-like grottos are featured in this one-of-a-kind aquatic facility.

Parks

Coral Gables maintains several parks and open spaces excellent for kids to find fun things to do. Jaycee Park (no website; 1230 Hardee Road; 305-460-5600) has a playground, basketball courts, benches, open fields, tennis courts and pincicking pavilions. Riviera Park (no website; 6611 Yumuri St.; 305-460-5600) has climbing structures for the kids along with scenic views and walking paths. Coral Bay Park (no website; 1590 Campamento Ave.; 305-460-5600) provides playground equipment, basketball courts, walking paths and picnic tables.

Dance and Gymnastics Classes

The Living Dolls Dance Factory (thelivingdollsdancefactory.com) provides dance classes starting with "Kinderdance," which introduces young children to the basics of dance and creative movement. For older children, classes in various styles are available such as jazz, tap and ballet. My Gym (mygym.com) aims to build self-esteem in children offering classes for 1- to 13-year-olds focusing on fitness, gymnastics and tumbling. Creativo Dance Studio (creativodancestudios.com) features several dance classes for kids including ballet for toddlers, lyrical, jazz, belly dancing and Latin dance.

References

• Coral Gables Museum: Family Day on Aragon
• Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: Visitiing Fairchild
• City of Coral Gables: Athletics
• City of Coral Gables: The Venetian Pool
• City of Coral Gables: Parks and Open Spaces
• The Living Dolls Dance Factory: Dance Classes
• My Gym: Coral Gables Classes
• Creativo Dance Studios: About Us

Resources

• U.S. Census Bureau: Coral Gables, Florida