A Stylish Summer Day Out: A Family-Friendly Guide to the Miami Design District

From Contemporary Play Spaces to Chef-Backed Dining and Curated Kids’ Fashion, Here’s How to Spend an Artful Day Out With the Family in One of Miami’s Most Design-Forward Neighborhoods

The Museum Garage Turns a Parking Lot Into Playful Public ArtPhoto Courtesy of Museum Garage

Summer in Miami often calls for a delicate balance—keeping kids entertained while still indulging in the kind of experiences adults actually enjoy. The Miami Design District manages that rare feat. It’s a place where art, architecture, food, and fashion come together in a way that feels imaginative but never overstimulating, culturally rich without being out of reach for families.

This thoughtfully curated guide maps out a day that’s as enjoyable for the grown-ups as it is engaging for little ones—no compromises necessary.

1. Start with Something Nourishing at Sadelle’s

Sadelle’s Delicious Pancakes Photo Courtesy of Sadelle’s at Kith

Bridging the energy of a family brunch with the polish of a Major Food Group experience, Sadelle’s at Kith is a design-savvy crowd-pleaser. The menu leans nostalgic, with indulgent options like pillowy pancakes, sky-high sandwiches, and the signature French toast. It’s lively, stylish, and reliably delicious—a winning formula for all ages.

Address: 69 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137

2. Make Play Meaningful at Museum Garage

Suspended Cars and Climbing Walls Turn Parking Into Art

Suspended Cars and Climbing Walls Turn Parking Into Public ArtPhoto Courtesy of Museum Garage

Few parking structures double as art installations, but Museum Garage is no ordinary structure. Designed by a collective of international architects using the surrealist concept of Exquisite Corpse, the garage is a riot of imagination—featuring tunnel slides, climbing netting, pink staircases, and even suspended cars that appear frozen mid-traffic jam. It’s a natural playground disguised as avant-garde architecture, and kids intuitively know what to do here.

Address: 90 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137

3. Explore Dozie Kanu’s “Support System”

Dozie Kanu with One of His Sculptures Photo Courtesy of Dozie Kanu

Throughout the neighborhood, Portugal-based artist Dozie Kanu has created large-scale climbing sculptures that invite participation, not just observation. Built from rebar and repurposed auto parts and finished in glittering candy paint, these playful forms are engraved with serial numbers from decommissioned weapons provided by The Caliber Foundation. Kids see colorful structures to climb. Adults may recognize a layered message about transformation and purpose. It’s a rare example of art that lives fully in both worlds.

Location: Various sites across the District

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4. Cool Off and Create at State of Kid

Enrichment Classes at State of KidPhoto Courtesy of State of Kid

As midday heat kicks in, State of Kid offers a chic indoor reprieve. This multi-use space blends curated retail with hands-on enrichment classes like Beginner’s Ballet, Petit Chefs, and Red Violet Sensory Art. Children up to age eight can explore while parents take a moment to browse the boutique’s selection of kids’ fashion, gifts, and homeware—or simply enjoy the air conditioning.

Address: 140 NE 39th St Suite 239, Miami, FL 33137

5. Grab an Afternoon Snack at Pura Vida Miami

Apple Juice, Ham and Cheese Sandwich, and a Little Lunchbox

Little Lunch Boxes From Pura Vida Make Healthy Eating Easy for KidsPhoto Courtesy of Pura Vida Miami

Health-minded and kid-approved, Pura Vida Miami is a relaxed yet refined spot that takes the stress out of family dining. Their Little Lunch Boxes offer thoughtful options like Tiny Toasted Chicken or The Little Bowl, paired with cold-pressed juices and fresh mandarin oranges. The setting is bright and unfussy—ideal for post-activity fuel.

Address: 3818 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33137

6. Discover Miniature Couture at Kids Atelier

Designer Looks for Little Ones at Kids Atelier in the Design DistrictPhoto Courtesy of Kids Atelier

If your afternoon calls for a little retail therapy, Kids Atelier transforms shopping into an aesthetic experience. This boutique stocks designer children’s fashion from houses like Fendi, Balmain, and Monnalisa. Whether browsing for a special occasion or simply appreciating craftsmanship at a smaller scale, it’s a reminder that style can be both playful and aspirational.

Address: 140 NE 39th St Suite 207, Miami, FL 33137

The Miami Design District continues to evolve as a cultural destination—and its appeal now reaches well beyond art collectors and design aficionados. With thoughtful family programming, unexpected creative spaces, and dining that doesn’t talk down to kids or bore adults, it’s become a rewarding place to explore as a family. Summer, it turns out, looks a lot like this.

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