- I’ve come across yet another beautiful Coral Gables Park. The park is located at the Coral Gables War Memorial and Youth Center. I highly recommend taking your children to this park. It’s clean, gated in and has a soft grass-like flooring. The Youth Center offers a wide range of programs, activities, camps and special events.

405 University Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33134

www.coralgables.com

The park features :

• Shaded playground
• Outdoor lighted basketball courts
• Youth Center
• Restrooms
• Offers a variety of programs & classes ( see website for prices)
• Birthday party packages ( see website for details & prices)

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- When you hear “Coral Gables” you automatically think of beautiful shade trees and it’s many green open spaces. With that said, Salvadore Park in Coral Gables met my expectations and more. The playgrounds are clean and there is plenty of shade, which are two things that I look for when visiting a park. I was already envisioning my sons first birthday and how I would decorate the pavilion and pergola. Unfortunately, the City of Coral Gables does not allow any bounce houses. This just gives me the opportunity to get creative and think outside of the typical birthday “box”. What ever happened to a day at the park; blowing bubbles, drawing with sidewalk chalk and playing hide and seek?

I love the way the park is spread out into sections. The bigger kids playground and swing set are separated by a small retaining wall which also serves as a bench.  Then there is the smaller size playground and baby swings which are geared towards younger children. Not only is this park beautiful, but it also offers the basic needs such as bathrooms. Every parent knows that the minute you get them out of the car seat and onto the playground, the first thing they need to do is go to the bathroom. This has happened to me many of times at parks which don’t have restrooms.

Hopefully after reading this you will visit Salvadore Park in Coral Gables, if you haven’t already.

1120 Andalusia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134

(305) 460-5620

www.coralgables.com

The park features:

• Scenic view
• Picnic tables
• Benches
• Walking path
• Playground
• Restrooms
• Parking
• Tennis courts

Open everyday sunset to sunrise

Salvadore Park Pavilion Rental Fee’s:

Up to 30 only
$46 + Tax/hour
$100 deposit
$100 insurance fee
A permit from the City of Coral Gables is required for the rental of the pavilion. See their website for more details.

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- Hammocks Community Park has always been a very popular park in the West Kendall area. Many T-ball, baseball and football practices are held here. Within the last month they renovated the playground and it’s finally open.

9885 Hammocks Blvd, Miami FL 33186
305-380-6917

The park features:

• Lighted Baseball Fields
• Camps
• After-School Program
• Tot-lot
• Recreation Center
• Racquetball

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- Yet another one of Pinecrest’s beautiful parks! Suniland Park was completely renovated in 2003 and it shows. There is a beautiful coral gazebo which has tables and offers wireless internet access. The covered playground is surrounded by many large trees which also offer shade. I would have to say this is on my list of favorite parks.

12855 Pinecrest Parkway , Pinecrest FL 33156
305-234-2120

www.pinecrest-fl.gov

The park features:

• An active ten acre park with multipurpose athletic fields (baseball and football)
• Batting cages
• Recreation center
• Basketball courts
• Wi-Fi Spot in the gazebo
• Covered playground

Hours of Operation:

• 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Mondays – Thursdays)
• 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Fridays)
• 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Saturdays – Sundays)

Suniland Park Rental Fee’s

$300/ 3 hours
$35 each additional hour
$200 Security Deposit
100% penalty for <30 days cancellation notice

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-Pinecrest Gardens has many elements of fun: water, playground and animals! The petting zoo is something you definitely want to take the kids to. I love this Splash n’ play because it allows the little kids who can’t swim yet to enjoy the water in a safe environment.

11000 Red Road, Pinecrest FL 33156

www.pinecrest-fl.gov

The park features:

• Playground
• Petting zoo
• Splash n’ play – water play area
• Botanical garden

Park admission:

Effective October 4, 2010

Admission price includes all day usage of the facility including playground, petting zoo, picnic areas and, of course, one of the most beautiful and exotic botanical gardens in South Florida.

Admissions Fees:

Groups:  Reservations are required for fieldtrips and groups of 10 or more.

Parking:   Parking is free at Pinecrest Gardens.  Reservations are required for all groups arriving in school or tour buses.  Reservations may be made by calling 305.669.6990.

Petting Zoo:  open daily at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm & 4:00pm

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-The small town of Miami Springs happens to be my hometown growing up and I have many memories of playing at Prince Field’s playground. The playground is constructed of all wood and is built like a castle. Your kids will have hours of fun playing hide and seek in this playground. There is a separate section for younger children which ensures they won’t get knocked down by the big kids playing hide and seek.

1401 Westward Dr, Miami FL 33166

www.miamisprings.com

The park features:

• Covered playground
• Picnic pavilion
• Baseball field
• Restrooms

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-Tropical Park is perfect for those of us who don’t have trucks or SUV’s to bring our bikes. They rent all kinds from low rider bikes to 4 person bikes! With the new addition of the dog park you can bring your whole family and enjoy a nice day outside. The bike rentals are only on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am to 6:00pm so make sure you get there early. I suggest using the entrance on Miller Drive (located right by the 874 -Don Shula Expressway).

7900 SW 40th Street, Miami FL 33155

www.miamidade.gov/Parks

The park features:

• Covered playground
• Bicycle rentals:Prices from $5 – $20 per hour , cash only
• Basketball courts
• Tennis courts
• Equestrian Center
• Canoe & paddle boat rentals
• Fishing
• Dog park

Tropical Park: Dog Park

The dog park features:

• Equipment for dogs to play with and perform stunts
• Shaded structures
• 2 fenced in areas designated for small dogs and another for large dogs
• Bag dispensers and waste baskets, so owners can pick up after their dogs

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- Have you ever wanted to take the kids to the beach but don’t want to deal with the far drive,  lack of parking and rough waves? If so, you should try Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables. The water is shallow and isn’t choppy, which makes it perfect for young children.

9610 Old Cutler Rd, Miami  FL 33156

www.miamidade.gov/parks

The park features:

• Beach
• Picnic pavilions
• Nature trails
• Full service marina
• Restaurant – Red Fish Grill
• Entrance fee: $5 per car – cash only

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- You have probably never heard of Continental Park because it is in a residential area of South Miami. The covered playground is quite large and has fun animal designs throughout the structure.

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-Large trees provide shade throughout the whole park and make it possible to stay outside for more than 15 minutes. Our Florida sunshine can be too much at times and sometimes makes it impossible to do outdoor activities. So, for those days come to Coral Pine Park  and bring your water.

6955 SW 104th St, Pinecrest FL 33156
305-668-7258

ci.pinecrest.fl.us/villageparks

The park features:

• Six lighted tennis courts
• Playground
• Recreation room
• All purpose field
• Restrooms

Coral Pine Rental Fee’s

$300/ 3 hour
$35 each additional hour
$200 Security Deposit
100% penalty for <30 days cancellation notice

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- This park is a little bit smaller than your usual park but it is extremely clean and is the perfect size for a toddler. It’s location is right off of South Dixie highway which makes it easy to find.

7551 SW 104th St, Pinecrest FL 33156

ci.pinecrest.fl.us/villageparks

The park features:

• Lighted youth soccer fields
• Covered playground
• Restrooms

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- This is a well-maintained park which I love and the playground and benches are covered. Overall I would say this is a great park. There are restrooms and water fountains which are a deal breaker for me when I’m taking my daughter to a park. It would also make a great birthday location.

15151 NW 82nd Ave, Miami Lakes FL 33016

www.miamilakes-fl.gov

The park features:

• Covered Playground
• 1 covered Pavilion
• Walking path with fitness spots
• Restrooms

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- With trees throughout the park this is the perfect place to enjoy a family bike ride or just have a nice picnic. The playgrounds are nice but they seem to be the only place that is not shaded, so be careful on those scorching hot days! This is also a popular spot for birthday parties.

11395 SW 79th St, Miami  FL 33173

www.miamidade.gov/parks

The park features:

• Playgrounds
• Covered Pavilions
• Sand volleyball courts
• Baseball field

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- Palmetto Bay park has a lot to offer on a sunny Miami day. Although I did get a little lost trying to find it, I would still go again. The playground area is extremely large and has two playgrounds one for older kids and one for toddler age kids.  I love the fact that the actual playground area is shaded but it seems like there is no shade for the parents on the benches throughout the park.

17535 SW 95th Avenue Palmetto Bay, FL 33157

www.palmettobay-fl.gov/parks-perrine.htm

The park has the following features:

• Covered playgrounds
• Skate park
• Basketball Courts
• Walking path

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- This is another beautiful park in Coral Gables located right off of South Dixie highway. When  you leave the park be sure to stop by Misha’s Cupcakes and try one of their delicious cupcakes (that is if the kids were good!)

1230 Hardee Road, Coral Gables FL 33146

www.coralgables.com

The park features:

• Playground
• Tennis courts
• Basketball courts
• Covered pavilion
• Walking path
• Picnic tables

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