When you think of Miami, Florida, its vibrant nightlife immediately comes to mind. However, there are various attractions in the “Magic City” other than the hip-and-happening party spots. Apart from beautiful white-sand beaches and a thriving sports-loving community, the city offers a number of family-friendly destinations that should be included in your travel schedule.

Here are five sites you shouldn’t miss out on in your next family holiday to Miami.

Zoo Miami

Also known as the Miami Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, the Zoo Miami is known to be the largest and oldest zoological facility in all of Florida. As the only tropical zoo in the U.S., the zoo has over 3,000 types of animals. The zoo’s exhibits are divided into five main areas: Africa, Amazon and Beyond, Australia, Asia, and Florida: Mission Everglades. Each area features animals that are native to the specific part of the world they come from. So, in the zoo’s Africa area, you’ll have the opportunity to feed giraffes, while over in the Asia-section, you can learn about orangutans and meerkats, and also enjoy camel rides.

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Families can have a blast exploring attractions in a facility that’s a science museum, planetarium, and aquarium rolled into one. Formerly the Miami Science Museum, this tourist destination is open every day of the year and is perfect for visitors of any age. For the kids, one of the must-experience attractions is the MeLab. Timeout reports that this interactive exhibit allows them to learn about their health and body through various experiments. For adults looking for an evening alone, the museum introduced a monthly party series called LATE. The event is an evening show where visitors can listen to lectures and enjoy special programmes. There is also a laser-show in the 67-foot planetarium dome, where guests can listen to anthems from the likes of The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Jimi Hendrix, while sipping cocktails.

Azucar Ice Cream Company

The Miami heat can wear you down during the day. For those in need of a quick break there’s nothing better than a delicious ice cream to cool you down, and we are certain the kids will agree. The Food Network suggests that the Azucar Ice Cream Company’s specialty is an array of tropical ice cream flavours that include avocado, coconut flan, and guava, among others. The kids can check authentic Cuban ice cream off their bucket list. For adults looking for a pick-me-up, you can order the Knaus Berry Farm cinnamon buns soaked in bourbon.

South Beach

South Beach is beautiful in the day, and even more so during the night. According to Discover Homes Miami, South Beach is lined with an amazing assortment of shopping and dining options. Furthermore, you can make your way down to Lincoln Road, which is a pedestrian-only shopping street, and pick up some local souvenirs. After the shopping experience, you can walk and experience the neighbourhood’s stunning beaches.

Art Deco District

It’s always good to teach your children about a country’s history while on holiday, and the Art Deco District provides a glimpse of early 20th century Miami. The renovated 1930s pastel coloured historic buildings are pieces of art in their own right. The Celino South Hotel is one to look out for, especially if you are a fan of movies, as Hollywood giants Clark Gable and Rita Hayworth used to frequent it. Learning about a little art and history while enjoying the relaxing sea breeze will certainly be a holiday highlight for everyone in the family.